Studies & Sports

Student gives speech on 2nd Amendment

Press Publications recently interviewed Ella May Wanschura, of Forest Lake, about her participation in the Speaking Proudly oratory competition, where girls from around the state spoke on the 2021 topic: “A More Perfect Union, Rising to the Challenge.”

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: I’m a freshman at Liberty Classical Academy, and I swim on Great Wolf swim team. I’ve been swimming for about fi ve years. I have two sisters and live with my Mom, Dad and my dog, Reign (she’s a Belgian Malinois). I play the ukulele and have taught myself a couple of songs on the piano. I love reading books; some of my favorites are the “Hunger Games” series and “To Kill a Mockingbird.” I love hanging out with my friends and spending time with my family.

Q: What made you decide to write a speech for Speaking Proudly?

A: There were some volunteers from the organization that came to my school to talk about speaking proudly and what a wonderful experience it is. I have been doing public speaking since kindergarten because it is a part of our school’s curriculum. I enjoy speaking, and to be able to write a speech on a political topic sounded like something I would love to do.

Q: What was your speech about, and why did you choose that topic?

A: There was a topic that we had to base our speeches on, which was “A More Perfect Union, Rising to the Challenge.” So I met with one of my teachers to help me get started, we sat down and went through the Constitution, and the one thing that stuck out to me was the 2nd Amendment and how gun control would affect our country. I thought that it was important people know how taking away American citizens’ guns would affect Americans and if we want to create a more perfect union, we must protect the rights of legal American gun owners and prosecute those who illegally carry a gun to the fullest extent of the law.

Q: What did you learn from the experience?

A: I defi nitely learned more about public speaking and how to better my technique. I learned a lot about what the other girls thought was a way to create a better union. It was really interesting to read all of the judge’s thoughts on my speech, especially because these are very skilled and experienced speakers.

Q: Any plans for college and what are your interests?

A: I love editing and fi lming videos, and taking pictures. My absolute

Ella May Wanschura

CONTRIBUTED

dream job would be working with babies in some capacity, but I have an interest in politics. My dream college is Liberty University in Virginia. They have a Division I swimming program and they are Christian-based.

Q: What are your goals for the future?

A: I hope to make it through high school with straight A’s. I want to swim in college and go as far as I can in swimming. There is a scholarship at my school called the Lisa Treelevin Scholarship that I will be applying for, and it is one of my goals to win the scholarship. I am not decided if I will apply for the Speaking Proudly competition again, but it is defi nitely one of the things I am thinking about. Compiled by Noelle Olson

SCHOOL BRIEF

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A custom river or lake table, one of the auction items designed and built by Pathways students at Stillwater Area High School. Online fundraiser ponies up for kids

The Partnership Plan’s second annual virtual fundraiser, Pony Up for Kids, raised nearly $63,000 for Stillwater Area Public Schools and included an online auction of 23 items. All auction items had a direct relationship with the school system. There were several custom items sold, designed and built by Stillwater High School Pathways program students. Donations and gifts were solicited via a competition between 26 peer-to-peer fundraising pages and by donation matches from 10 local businesses. Since 1989, the Partnership Plan has provided learning opportunities to every classroom in the district. Recent projects include teacher grants for all 37 new teachers to District 834 this past fall, Books for Reading Recovery During COVID-19, a multiyear mental health initiative, and the Pathways program. For more information, go to partnershipplan.org.

ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

*Athletes chosen by press staff

Katie Brandl

Forest Lake Volleyball

Katie Brandl, 5-foot-10 sophomore setter, was the fl oor leader for the Forest Lake volleyball team that reached the state tournament and fi nished 21-12. Triggering the Rangers’ 5-1 offense, she had 931 assists, served at 92 percent with 22 aces, and logged 188 digs and 40 blocks. She served one string of 10 straight points in the sectionals. Brandl was in a 6-2 offense last year and is now the lone setter. “Katie is an excellent leader of our offense, who continues to improve each match,” coach Sherri Alm said. “It is so exciting to have her for two more seasons. She is a huge contributor to our success.”

Charlie Peterson CJ Fredkove

Stillwater Soccer

CJ Fredkove was a key player in Stillwater’s drive to the state soccer championship. At state, the senior midfi elder scored late in overtime to beat Lakeville North 1-0; tallied the tying goal and assisted on the go-ahead goal (by Marissa Bonilla) in a 3-2 upset of top-ranked Edina; and, in the fi nals, a 1-0 win over Centennial, assisted on Neil Smith’s goal. Fredkove totaled 12 goals and 11 assists for the Ponies (16-3-2) and handled most of the free kicks. “CJ is a tenacious defensive player, and can score and set up her teammates on the offensive end,” coach Mike Huber said. “She can strike a ball with power and distance.” In her three years as a starter, the Ponies were 45-7-4 with three section titles. She plans to play at St. Thomas.

Dylan Magistad

Forest Lake Football

Charlie Peterson, a three-year starter at safety for the Forest Lake football team, had an excellent senior season with 58 tackles (40 solo), three pass breakups and one interception. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound athlete also returned kicks and punts but was held from offense due to a shoulder injury; “One of the best safeties I have coached,” said Sam Ferrarro, who’s coached 19 seasons. “He is a fast and physical player with great instincts for the ball. Overall a great person of character and a great football player.” In his fi ve-game junior season, he had 38 tackles (21 solo, three for losses) with four pass breakups, two interceptions, and one forced fumble and recovery. Dylan Magistad, senior central defender, was a spark on the Stillwater soccer team (15-3-2) that reached state for the third time in his four-year career. Magistad logged seven goals and eight assists. “He was often our best defensive and attacking player in the same game,” coach Jake Smothers said. “He scored important goals and contributed assists all season, while often defending our opponents best attacking player.” Magistad played on a state championship team as a freshman and helped the Ponies compile a 28-4-6 conference record and two titles in his career. “His leadership and passion led our team in its toughest moments,” Smothers said.

Stillwater Soccer

Hugo author’s message of hope and triumph

Press Publications recently interviewed Hugo resident Melissa Steussy about the publication of her fi rst book, “Let Your Privates Breathe.”

Steussy has been working on writing a memoir for the last decade. Once the pandemic hit, she had some extra time on her hands and decided to hire an editor to look over the 60,0000-plus words she had written so far. Ultimately, they decided to start over.

Her memoir, titled, “Let Your Privates Breathe,” is a young woman's message of hope and triumph after breaking a long cycle of addiction and unhealthy habits. Steussy tells of her struggles to fi nd freedom after being raised in an unpredictable home environment, and trying to fi nd love and stability in all the wrong places.

When she is courtordered to Alcoholics Anonymous after a DUI, Steussy is forced to take responsibility for her actions and her journey of self-love and healing begins. Melissa not only shares her trials and struggles throughout her recovery and active addiction, but celebrates her breakthroughs and the beautiful connection she develops with herself, her family and her community.

Q. Tell us a little about yourself.

A. I currently reside in Hugo with my husband and 12-year-old son. I have an older son who attends college in Washington State, where we are from. We relocated to Minnesota in 2017 to be closer to my husband's family. My husband works in Hugo/Columbus and I work in the White Bear Lake Area School District.

Q. Is “Let Your Privates Breathe” the fi rst book you’ve written?

A. I had been working on writing a memoir for the last decade. I had about 60,000 words written, and so with my extra time during COVID, I decided to hire an editor and turn it into a book. Upon looking at what I had written, we decided to start over from scratch as my writing had improved over the last couple of years.

Together, we created an outline and I wrote the book, “Let Your Privates Breathe,” which is something my grandma (pictured on the front cover) used to say to me.

Q. What inspired you to write this book?

A. I grew up near Seattle, Washington, and had a pretty tumultuous upbringing. I write about being an only child to an alcoholic parent and having a father in prison.

Q. Provide a brief overview of the main characters and plot.

A. I write about my own deep dive into addiction as young as 12 and how I scraped my way out at 21. I have been sober for 23 years and share my experience to light the way for others.

Q. What do you hope readers will gain from the story?

A. This is a book for anyone who loves a great memoir or story about overcoming adversity. I hope for this to be a story of inspiration and hope.

Q. Who are your favorite authors?

A. A few of my favorite authors are Augusten Burroughs, Glennon Doyle and local author Nora McInerny.

Q. Where can Press readers fi nd the book?

A. Press readers can fi nd this book in a few different places. Copies can be purchased online through The Black Hat Press (a local publisher here in Isanti, Minnesota). You can also fi nd out more about the book at theblackhatpress.com/ bookshop/p/let-yourprivates-breathe.

They can also be found on my website Melissasteussy.com.

Compiled by Shannon Granholm

Melissa Steussy

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Ribbon cutting celebrations in Stillwater

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Top left: The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce welcomed local business, The Hive House and Rachel DesJardins Photography, to the Chamber and the community with a ribbon cutting celebration at 401 Main Street N. in Stillwater. Founder Rachel DesJardins and Manager Danie Powell are photographers themselves, but created “The Hive” to lease space to other photographers who may work from home, or need a place for indoor photos.

Bottom left: The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce welcomed the refresh of local business, Mad Capper, to the Chamber and the community with a ribbon cutting celebration at 224 South Main Street, in Stillwater. Mad Capper owner Sara Jespersen, her family, elected offi cials, city administrators, Greater Stillwater Chamber ambassadors, and staff joined in the celebration.

Top right: Nate Gottsacker, owner of of Goosehead Insurance - The Gottsacker Agency, cut the ribbon at a Chamber welcome celebration at 209 Churchill Street W. in Stillwater. Nate, his wife Shay, Greater Stillwater Chamber ambassadors and staff were there to join in the celebration.

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An Ole and Lena Christmas

When: Fridays and Saturdays until Dec. 18 Where: Scandia Creamery, 21279 Olinda Trail N. in Scandia. Details: Silly Goose Comedy Productions presents “An Ole and Lena Christmas.” Doors open at 6 p.m. A buffet dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. This production includes festive fare, a Scandhoovian costume contest, and interactive shenanigans. Recommended for ages 10+. Single tickets are $65 (tax, drinks, desserts not included). Contact: 612-384-8859 or sillygoosecomedyproductions.com.

WINTERTIME LED LIGHT SHOW

When: 5 to 10 p.m. until March 20. Where: Downtown Stillwater, 1010 Main St. Details: Experience a winter wonderland of lights in downtown Stillwater on Chestnut St. from Main Street to the Historic Lift Bridge.

VICTORIAN CAROLING ON THE CORNERS

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays; noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays until Dec. 18 (10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 4). Where: Main Street in Stillwater. Details: Listing to holiday melodies of strolling costumed carolers on Main Street. Free. Contact: stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

When: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday Dec. 2 at Faith Lutheran Church, 886 N. Shore Drive in Forest Lake; 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday Dec. 2 at Oak Hill Campus, 9050 60th St. N. in Stillwater; 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6 at the Community and Senior Center,14727 209th St. N. in Scandia; 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6 at River Valley Christian, 5900 Lake Elmo Ave. N. in Lake Elmo; 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7 at First United Methodist Church, 813 W Myrtle St. in Stillwater. Details: The American Red Cross continues to experience a severe blood shortage that is negatively affecting blood product availability across the country. Donors of all blood types – especially type O and those giving platelets are needed. Make an appointment online or by phone. Contact: 1-800-RED-CROSS or redcrossblood.org.

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

When: 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 (tree lighting at 5 p.m.). Where: Lakeside Memorial Park, 95 East Broadway in Forest Lake. Details: Visit with Santa, fi ll the fi re truck, holiday musical performances and presentation of colors. There will be a collection of new unwrapped toys, non-perishable goods and cash donations. All donations will be given to Community Helping Hands in Forest Lake for those in need.

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP CRAFT SHOW

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. Where: American Legion Post 225, 355 W Broadway Ave. in Forest Lake. Details: 30 crafters, lunch and bake sale. Proceeds go to veteran programs and local schools. Contact: Dorothy at 651-308-3720.

TWINKLE PARTY AND TREE LIGHTING

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. Where: Lowell Park, Riverfront Gazebo in Downtown Stillwater. Details: Kids 12 and under can get twinkle lights and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on the fi re truck. Free. Contact: 651-342-1386.

CHRISTMAS AT THE COURTHOUSE

When: 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3; 4 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4; 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine St. W. in Stillwater. Details: The Valley Chamber Chorale performs an array of festive holiday favorites. Tickets from $30. Contact: valleychamberchorale.org.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. Where: Centennial Elementary, 4657 North Rd. in Circle Pines. Details: Light breakfast, crafts, cookie decorating and visit with Santa for kids ages 2-10 and their families.

MINNESOTA BOOK CLUB

When: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 8. Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N. in Forest Lake. Details: This book club reads and discusses books set in Minnesota or books written by Minnesota authors. Contact: Call Hardwood Creek Library at 651-275-7300 to get the book and more information. No registration required.

LITTLE LEARNERS HOUR

When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16. Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N. in Forest Lake. Details: Every Thursday join Hardwood Creek Library for open ended playtime, crafting, and more. This program is recommended for ages 2 to 5 years old. Registration is recommended. Register in person, online at WashCoLib.org/ Events, or call 651-275-7300.

CROSSING HOLIDAY CONCERT

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. Where: Chautauqua Fine Arts Center, Mahtomedi High School, 8000 75th St. N. Details: Wildwood Artist Series presents a holiday concert with a blend of bluegrass, gospel, and originals. Tickets $25/ adult; $20/seniors; $15/students. Contact: 651-605-1124 or wildwoodartistseries.com.

FRANK CAPRA’S “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE”

When: 7 p.m. various days Dec. 10 to 26. Where: Stillwater Zephyr Theatre, 601 North Main Street in Stillwater. Details: The Zephyr Theatre, Stillwater, presents an exquisite stage adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic holiday fi lm about dreams, sacrifi ce and redemption in small town America. Contact: 651-342-1542 or email boxoffi ce@stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org.

GUIDED BIRD HIKE

When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N. Details: Learn to identify birds that call the St. Croix Valley home and contribute to citizen science data by completing bird count surveys. Trail conditions vary. Free with parks permit. Contact: co.washington.mn.us/parks.

WARDEN’S HOUSE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND AUTHORS’ EVENT

When: noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Where: Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main St. N. in Stillwater. Details: See the Victorian house decorated for the holidays and sip on hot chocolate while visiting with local authors and vendors. Free. Contact: 651-439-5956 or wchsmn.org.

VIRTUAL BINGO

When: 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Where: Online via Zoom. Details: Have fun playing BINGO via Zoom. You’ll receive blank BINGO cards to print at home, then log on and play. If you don’t have a printer you can pick up BINGO cards at Hardwood Creek Library. Small prizes will be awarded to winners. Registration required. Register in person, online at WashCoLib.org/ events, or call 651-275-7300.

TEEN BOOK CLUB

When: 3 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14. Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N. in Forest Lake. Details: Welcome to the most low-pressure club you’ll ever join. This month’s book is “You Should See Me in a Crown” by Leah Johnson. Come discuss the book or chat about what you’re currently reading. For ages 11-18 only. No registration required.

HYBRID: THIRD WEDNESDAY NIGHT ADULT BOOK CLUB

When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15. Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N. in Forest Lake. Details: This month’s selection is “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles. In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal and is sentenced to house arrest in a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. This book club is held both in-person and virtually. No registration required.

ELF TAKEOVER ON MAIN STREET

When: 5 p.m to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Where: Main Street in Stillwater. Details: The streets of Stillwater get taken over by Santa’s elves. Laugh and marvel at the antics as you try to spot one – will they be hiding around a corner, up in a tree, or tap dancing on Main Street? Catch an elf, win a candy cane.

PETS IN THE PARK AND PARADE

When:11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18. Where: Starts at the Dock Cafe, 425 East Nelson Street and North Lowell Park at Sam Bloomer Way in Stillwater. Details: Families are invited to participate in a pet parade starting at noon, meeting at the Dock Cafe parking lot at 11:30 a.m. Follow the Grinch as he leads the pet parade from the Dock Cafe’ parking lot. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies and goodies afterwards along with a petting zoo in North Lowell Park.

KNITS AND KNOTS FIBER ARTS GROUP

When: 12 to 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20. Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Rd. N. in Forest Lake. Details: Knitters, quilters, crocheters, and spinners: join us the third Monday of every month for a fi ber arts meet-up. Bring your current project to work on, ask questions about next steps, and share your expertise with others. All crafts and abilities welcome. No registration required.

Waiting Child

Brayden,14, is polite, has a good sense of humor and can be helpful to others. He is also creative and curious. Brayden likes playing video games, playing with drones, learning about science, doing puzzles and being outside. Reading National Geographic magazines, fun fact and joke books are other favorite activities, along with Lego building and origami. Brayden would do best in a two-parent household that can provide him with lots of patience, structure and routine. He would benefi t from being the only child living in the home. Following adoption, Brayden would need to maintain contact with his sibling.

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