Features
Hi, I'm Stacy. I freelance regularly for various outlets, such as the Monticello Times, Sun Sailor, Crow River News and Stillwater Gazette.
Below, you'll find a small sampling of my work, organized by category.
I’m a writer and editor specializing in features, travel, news, personal essays and more. My writing has been published in various publications in the USA, China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Australia and more.
My writing has also appeared in places such as the Star Tribune, Twin Cities Daily Planet, Thought Catalog, The Nanjinger, SupCZ, Sivana East, We Are Travel Girls, Dame Traveler, Hello Teacher! and ThreeSixty Journalism.
You can contact me at [email protected] regarding work-related topics — or just to say hi. :)
Features
Karl Erickson, a 2003 graduate from Osseo High School, and Bryan Henke a 2007 graduate from Osseo High School, are collaborating to help 1,000 fourth-graders learn woodworking in the Osseo
On July 1, Dr. Kim Hiel assumed her new position as Superintendent of Osseo Area Schools. After serving as Superintendent of Fridley Public Schools for the past five years, Dr.
Dominick Tamburo, a freshman at Stillwater Area High School, was crowned King Frost LXXIII Jan. 7 for the 2023 Winter Carnival. The event took place at Rice Park and featured an array of winter activities, food, beverages, and entertainment. Dominick's family has been very active in the St.
Perception is everything. Making sure Native American history and culture are accurately presented in society will help improve our understanding of that period and shed more light on the experience of a people who once dominated this landscape.
This past July, Monticello school district welcomed with open arms two new elementary school principals with a combined wealth of knowledge and hunger to make a difference.
Kelly Lillback will be retiring and passing down the LLB flower shop keys after 11 years After 11 successful years in Monticello, business owner Kelly Lillback will be retiring and passing down the family flower shop to close friends. The new owners will take over the business on September 1.
Garrison Play Days will be hosting their 26th event on the west shore of Mille Lacs Lake from July 22 to July 24. The annual festival features local food and craft vendors for community members to enjoy with their family and friends, as well as various games and activities.
Each year the Isle Days festival celebrates the town located in the southeast corner of Mille Lacs Lake. The celebration offers family friendly activities such as inflatables, a Fun Run, parade and a variety of food and beer vendors. This year's festival will take place from July 8 to July 10.
After 38 years of hard work and service, Dave Jurek, the owner of Anoka Meat and Sausage, has passed the business keys to Teena Matson, the new owner on March 31
Paige Klemenhagen, a senior at Stillwater Area High School, is taking her passion for acting and putting into her lead role as Ariel in Open Door Community Theatre upcoming production of "The Little Mermaid." "I truly believe that this is going to be an unbelievable show.
As proms and high school graduations approach, a potential increase in the use of drugs and alcohol among youth is a high possibility in large group settings such as these. The Mille Lacs Area Partners for Prevention (MAPP) strives to create awareness about the issue, increase knowledge and reduce youth substance use.
On April 11, 2022, 11 teachers across the state of Minnesota were chosen as Teacher of the Year Finalists. Education Minnesota, the statewide educator's union, organizes and underwrites the Teacher of the Year program. The Minnesota Teacher of the Year program, now in its 58th year, is the oldest and most prestigious recognition program in Minnesota to honor excellence in education.
On Satuday, April 30, Just Drive Inc. will be hosting its 7th annual Just Drive Day event at Monticello Middle School from 9am to 12pm. The event is sponsored by Just Drive Inc. and current Monticello residents, Greg and Amy LaVallee, with a mission to end the epidemic of distracted driving.
As summer approached and the melting of ice and snow falls upon us, the Keep it Clean campaign gives recommendations to help with the transition on how to keep our Minnesota lakes free of pollution.
Megan Andrews, a St. Kate's alumnae who graduate in 2006 takes us on her journey from achieving her MAED to becoming a Montessori teacher. Andrews goes in-depth on how her education from an all-women's college inspires her teaching style on a daily basis.
Mike Garland, a former heavy equipment operator and supervisor at Xcel Energy now spends his retirement days raising funds and creating awareness for the American Cancer Society in ways that one wouldn't imagine. Shortly after retiring in 2014, Mike set off on a 32-day day bike ride from Becker, Minnesota to Ashland, Oregon with the goal of raising $5,000 for the American Cancer Society.
The city of Stillwater celebrates the 100th birthday of Dorothy Schnell-Gerson, an almost lifelong resident who has been a dedicated worker and volunteer of St. Michael's Catholic Church.
On Saturday, Nov. 6, Heavenly Fresh, a local health restaurant located minutes from Rum River, opened its doors to the Princeton community. Longtime residents David and Lisa Shilo served more than 100 customers in 10 hours. The newly established restaurant offers organic smoothies, fresh-made soups and paninis, crushed fruit bowls, power toast and many more grab 'n' go options.
On Saturday, November 13, the fourth Coffee with the Mayor series event took place at Coborn’s Deli in Big Lake. The event gives Big Lake residents an opportunity to have an open conversation with the Mayor about the city happenings and enjoy free coffee.
On Saturday, October 23rd, the American Legion Auxiliary-Unit 147 hosted its 2nd annual Soup-N-Sip Cook Off at Lupulin Brewing Company. The event opened its doors to community members who wanted to get involved by either participating as soup makers or tasters. The initial idea of the Soup-N-Sip Cook Off was conceived by Christa Vogel, the Auxiliary's Secretary and Treasurer.
Tommy’s Tonka Trolley, a wellknown ice cream establishment in downtown Excelsior, hosted a to benefi t the MN Fire Initiative. With an estimated 400-500 people attending the Aug. 12 event, the total amount raised was still being determined at press deadline.
Mary Ellen Nelson has just reunited with her best friend, Olly, a 30-year-old horse boarding at the Green Creek Stables in Loretto. Due to medical issues and long distance, Mary Ellen had not seen her beloved horse for 2.5 years.
A new program to help out firefighters and their families with resources was recently passed by the Minnesota Legislature. On Thursday, July 15, the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) held a press conference at the Albertville Fire Department to announce the newly passed Hometown Heroes Assistance Program.
Since its inception in 2016, Main Street Farmer Eatery has been notorious for its use of fresh, made-from-scratch ingredients purchased from community businesses and farmers. The support of the community's resources was unexpectedly returned when the pandemic hit and Jonathan Campion, the restaurant's owner, faced a trying time.
Three volunteers of the Monticello Help Center will share the titles of Monticello Citizens of the Year in 2021. Tom Kehoe and Russ and Mary VanDell will be honored as part of the 2021 RiverFest celebration, to be held in Monticello from June 8-11. The three honorees will have a special place in the 2021 RiverFest parade on Sunday, July 11.
Three volunteers of the Monticello Help Center will share the titles of Monticello Citizens of the Year in 2021. Tom Kehoe and Russ and Mary VanDell will be honored as part of the 2021 RiverFest celebration, to be held in Monticello from June 8-11. The three honorees will have a special place in the 2021 RiverFest parade on Sunday, July 11.
Marianna Khauv, a Taiwanese native and current owner of the Best Western Plus Chelsea Hotel in Monticello migrated to California in 1980 with her family. At the time, her father was ill and the family came to the US with hopes of receiving better medical attention.
Although she’s well known to many in town as “your long-time Mortgage Lender serving the Monticello and Big Lake communities for over 35 years,” the irony is that Mari Lou McCormic neither grew up here in Minnesota nor had any background, or interest, in banking.
With COVID-19 unexpectedly falling upon us this year, many families may have wondered what their options are for Halloween. On October 30, the Monticello Fleet Farmheld its first-ever trunk o treat event for families in the community.
The 7th Annual Aaron Conzet Memorial Scrambowl was held on Sept. 26 Each year, River City Extreme and Whispering Pines Golf Course hosts the Annual Aaron Conzet Memorial in memory of Aaron Conzet and to raise money for scholarships for junior bowlers. On Sept. 26, the 7th annual event was held in Annandale and Monticello.
This past September Free Grace United Church had a grand opening at The Nordic Brewery Co. in Monticello. The opening itself may be viewed by some as controversial being that the service takes place Sunday evenings in the event room of the brewery.
During his first trip back to Somalia in summer 2010, Mohamed Samatar, 19, of Minneapolis, expected there to be no electricity and to be in a desert. "Everything I had in America was there. The only difference is that the weather in Somalia is nicer," Samatar said.
During his first trip back to Somalia in summer 2010, Mohamed Samatar, 19, of Minneapolis, expected there to be no electricity and to be in a desert. "Everything I had in America was there. The only difference is that the weather in Somalia is nicer," Samatar said.
Molly Eagen, 26, from Minneapolis biked a total of 1,150 miles in 100 days. Eagan biked these miles because she decided to go 100 days without using oil to see how much oil she actually used in five major areas of her life: transportation, food, waste, water and electricity.
Molly Eagen, 26, from Minneapolis biked a total of 1,150 miles in 100 days. Eagan biked these miles because she decided to go 100 days without using oil to see how much oil she actually used in five major areas of her life: transportation, food, waste, water and electricity.
Girl Gone International (GGI), a non-profit international community, based in over 140 cities around the world and a community solely for women, has now made its way to Nanjing. GGI hosted its launch event at Finnegans Wake Irish Bar on 31 March. In a private room upstairs, cocktails flowed as did opportunities to become acquainted.
Homelessness
Compassion Coffee, an Anoka-based coffee cart, began roughly one year ago with a vision to empower people affected by homelessness. The coffee cart provides employment, skills training, and resources to
News
As Nanjing enters its second month of summer, it is also making way for the upcoming FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championship, in just T minus 4 days. This championship is a unique opportunity for youth beach volleyball players from around the world to compete and gain experience.
Whenever a person creates a social media profile, they are actively choosing to put themselves at risk of having their personal information viewed by strangers. Ultra short video app, Tik Tok, known as Douyin in China, is this month to buckle down on their privacy control options, due to recent child protection issues that have arisen.
For China expats, time, money and location are important determining factors that often make it difficult to step out and enjoy their adopted city. In Nanjing, it is also little wonder that many might think the city is becoming one big shopping mall. Enter the theme park.
Two female Irish teachers have received detention in a Beijing cell for 10 days, only to be released on Tuesday 15 May, for working two jobs illegally. The two are from counties Kildare and Offaly, and at the time of the arrest, were working for a registered English language school in Beijing, to which their legal working visas are linked.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the world's largest regional theme park company, has announced its plans for opening a water park, theme park, and adventure park in Nanjing. The amusement park operator has been offering hundreds of roller coasters, thrill rides and family attractions to guests in the United States, Canada and Mexico for the past 55 years.
In a story reminiscent of legendary criminal husband and wife team Bonnie and Clyde, on Saturday, 24 February, the Gulou Public Security Bureau received an almost unbelievable report from the Nanjing Police Department. According to the report, a man surnamed Ma from Henan province notified the police that he had recently swallowed 500 grams of heroin and was on the run from a drug dealer.
Keeping up appearances in China is important. This societal ideal gives rise to a plethora of interesting, if not, to the outside world, frankly odd, scenarios. Such has been playing out all over Nanjing of late, in the renovation of the facades of older buildings.
China is getting older, and the young don't care. They even less want a morgue on their back doorstep. Harsh words perhaps, but there is more than a ring of truth, as Nanjing's residents speak out against an elderly care home.
With 1 in 4 men suffering from erectile dysfunction in China, sales of viagra are on the up. Fearing the embarrassment of consulting a doctor in regards to such issues, Chinese men are increasingly turning to popular online retail sites, as well as local pharmacies, to purchase the pills.
The Saifu City Museum, located in the Jiangbei New Area of Nanjing, is introducing its first disaster preparedness program that offers participants real-life emergency rescue experience. Whether a person is stuck in an elevator, on a subway that has caught on fire, or wherever an earthquake has struck, this new facility simulates genuine emergency situations and prepares its visitors for it all.
A high standard of education and the opportunitys that the modern world has to offer are the main driving forces behind a new army of "full-time wives" that is sweeping Chinese society, and helping to enhance community life for many.
With the recent passing of World Consumer Rights Day on 15 March, the Nanjing Intermediate People's Court has withdrawn its lawsuit against Baidu, Inc., the operator of China's largest online search engine and mobile app.
City Council Meetings
Bids for the Chestnut Street Plaza Project were opened on Tuesday May 11. The city received three bids, with Pember Companies submitting the lowest bid in the amount of approximately $3.2 million given at the May 17 Stillwater City Council meeting The total estimated cost of the project, with engineering and design, is $3.6 million.
The Ramsey City Council did not approve a resident's request to operate a business from his home on Green Valley Road. Jeff Hillman applied for a Level II Home Occupation Permit for a container business in the home as well as a detached accessory structure located on the property at 6131 Green Valley Rd NW.
Highlights and approvals for Stillwater's most recent city council meeting that was held on April 7th.
At the July 19 Albertville City Council meeting, the council approved a special event permit for the seventh annual Open Street event hosted by Family Youth Community Connections (FYCC). The motion was made by council member Bob Zagorski and seconded by council member Aaron Cocking to approve the special event permit.
Personal Essays
My mother is Vietnamese and my father is American, yet I've always felt as though I was a tea bag submerged solely in American water. I was born and raised in Minnesota, I speak only English, and I know very little about Vietnamese culture.
At the beginning of April, I received the shock of my life when the pregnancy test I bought from the local store tested positive. I ended up taking four more tests that same week to be sure. It seemed the birth control I took had failed me. Was I surprised?
Growing up, I used to envy my girlfriends for the relationships that they had with their moms. My best friend and college roommate of four years was particularly close with her mom. The whole bringing chicken noodle soup when she was sick and running to her daughter's rescue when the bedroom door was broken - yeah that was her mom.
Travel
With all that has been happening in the past year or so due to COVID-19, I've taken a lot of time to reflect on my travel experiences, especially my very first international trip to Rome, Italy. In this article, you will learn about my first adventure to the tourist capital.
My almost month-long excursion through Europe has been nothing short of life-changing. In this story, you will read about the experiences I had and the people I encountered in my second-to-last stop, Prague.
From friends to co-workers to the doctor, it's a prominent belief throughout China that hot water is the solution to many problems. Read this blog if you want to find out why Chinese people drink hot water. Vending machines are known for having a cold drink or snack that you can get on the go.
After circling the globe several times, I decided to write an article about Minnesota, the place I call home. Read on to learn about new places and pehaps familiar places to visit in this midwestern state.
Part 2 of this two-part series dives deeper into my five day Berlin excursion. Read along to learn about the adventures I have with newfound friends and the historical sites I encounter.
As I continue my journey throughout Europe, I reach Berlin, Germany's historical and famous capital. On the very first day, I am surprised by how much adventure Germany has in store for me.
With only three days in Brussels, Belgiums, I tried to capture a detailed experience for readers including what to see, what to eat, and how to make the most of a short and sporadic trip.
With a small budget but a big desire for adventure, I decided to hit the infamous French city, Paris. In this article, you will experience the Parisian sights and French cuisine that one can only dream of.
Nothing prepared me for the hustle and bustle of England's capital city. In just five days, I explored the ins and outs of this city with the goal of becoming acquainted with the English.
As the weather in China cools down, expats and locals both may be looking for a weekend escape to a warmer place. Xiamen is the perfect getaway since it offers a gorgeous beach view and countless activities to keep tourists entertained.
For some, camping is the ideal activity for connecting with the great outdoors. For others, it may be a nightmare experience that entails bugs and cold showers. Luckily, glamping has taken trend in China and offers campers a luxurious adventurous outdoors.
With a weekend to spare, I made my way to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. On this adventure, I discovered the capital's best cultural sites, tasted the spicy Laotian cuisine and stayed in the city's best villa.
In just 30 hours, I discovered the best spots for trying Sanya dishes and what to see. I also met the PR person for The Sanya EDITION and was treated to a full tour of the five star hotel and drinks on the rooftop.
One woman embarks on a weekend in Tantou Island, a beach getaway off the coast of Shanghai. See how she fares among strangers and without any electricity for two days.
After spending a year in Jamaica as a volunteer, I can honestly say that Jamaica is one of the most spectacular places I have ever stepped foot on. Jamaica's hidden gems may require a little digging, but trust me they are worth it.
Whether you're living in or visiting Hong Kong, Shenzhen is too close to miss. A day trip might mean getting a much-needed massage or finding a good bargain in Lo Wu, but our neighbouring city offers much more than that.
Whether you've become bored with your day-to-day routine or have been wanting to go on that dream vacation more than usual lately, time away has its benefits. Nothing says relaxation like a margarita-in-hand with a beach view or a yoga session in Bali.
With 72 hours to spare, I took a much needed trip to Xi'an, a city located in Shaanxi province that is known for its delicious cuisine and the Terracotta Warriors.
Although it is the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh is severely underrated in terms of what it has to offer. With three days to spare, I was on a mission to discover the city's best food and attractions.
With mainland China just across the border, there are plenty of travel opportunities right on our doorstep that we tend to overlook. As a city of 14 million people and the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is home to the adorable Giant Panda bear and the Sichuan peppercorn.
After 2 months of living in Nanjing, China I decided to take a solo-trip to Guilin, a beautiful tucked-away city featuring limestone mountains and serene rivers. During my three day getaway, I came face-to-face with my biggest fear, myself.
Walk along the Bund at night One of the most memorable views in Shanghai, and even all of China, is the Bund. Luckily for visitors, the attraction is free of cost to see. The best time to visit is before sunset, when you'll get a spectacular view of the Huangpu River and Shanghai's glowing skyscrapers.
Ten days, three countries, and one woman and her giant backpack. This is the crazy expedition I set out on last summer.
Many people come to China to visit its more famous cities Shanghai and Beijing, but perhaps they are missing out on one of China's most underrated cities. Located to the northwest of Shanghai is Changzhou, a hidden gem in China's Jiangsu province.
The Philippines' underrated capital of Manila is an eclectic mixture of old and new, rich and poor. A conglomeration of 12 cities and five municipalities creates what is known as Metro Manila. In this often overlooked gem, you will find one of the world's most contradicting cities.
With just 48 hours to spare before I had to be back to my full-time job in China, I made the crazy spontaneous decision to spend my short weekend in Manila, Philippines.
Jamaica is a beautiful little island located just south of Cuba in the Caribbean. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to see Jamaica for myself the summer after I graduated from college when I volunteered for a year. I went to Jamaica with the hope of making a change, but I was the one who was changed most of all.
Without empathy, we would be robots, merely existing without the ability to connect. Sure, parents would still take care of their children and we would go on with our day-to-day...
Nanjing's Sun Yat-sen Memorial Nanjing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. With options like a leisurely stroll around Xuanwu Lake, an adventurous hike at Purple Mountain, and many historical sights to see, the 'southern capital' city should be on your China bucket list.
The world, to me, is like a blank white canvas and every new color that I paint onto it is a new place that I have had the opportunity to explore. It doesn't matter how many colors I move from the palette to the canvas because the colors can never quite fill the page.
Education
Knowing what I do now, I don't think there is anything that could have really prepared me. Teaching in China for the past three years has taught me many things about being a teacher, Chinese culture and how to adapt to life abroad. Most importantly though, I've learned a lot about myself.
Reminiscing about my time in China, I find it difficult to believe that it's been almost three years since I first arrived. Sometimes, it feels like I've been here forever. Other times, it feels like I arrived just yesterday. There are many challenges you'll encounter in your first year working in China.
Nothing is more intimidating to a university student than speaking in front of the class, especially at a Chinese University. Although Chinese students tend to be on the shy and quieter side, this doesn't mean they don't have a lot to say.
Nothing is more daunting than your first week of teaching at a university, especially in a country whose language isn't your native tongue. From my personal experience, I had to do a lot of navigating and discovering on my own.
Dating & Relationships
The Party line calls for a harmonious filial unit. But the growing independence of China's modern women combined with less acceptance for straying husbands, as well as other factors, means divorce rates are twice what they used to be. The solution? Sit a divorce test.
For as little as ¥30, it is possible to buy a dating profile in China, one that includes accounts, passwords, and three photos of a real person. Often, these fake IDs are used to swindle not just love, but large amounts of money, from unsuspecting daters.
Online dating is all the rage. With websites like Match.com, eHarmony and OkCupid, many people are finding love on the World Wide Web. One matchmaking mobile app called Tinder has been popular among college students as of late. Tinder is a matchmaking app that can be downloaded on Androids and iPhones.
Home Improvement