Author: fernandt

February 10, 2022

Serial Story: Noah’s Dream Journal

October 23, 8:32 AM

I found myself in an unusual situation. In front of me was a plate of scrambled eggs, pan-fried bacon, toast, and freshly squeezed OJ. There wasn’t anything wrong with that, but it had no taste whatsoever. The dining room looked like something out of those family shows from the 1950’s, same with the people I was eating with. It was this big, happy family, and I didn’t know any of them.

The mother was standing over the sink whistling a song I never heard before, yet it felt familiar and comforting to hear it. The melody must’ve attracted some birds, as one came over to sing with her, only it had the head of a balding old man. I knew then it was a dream. I’ve had friends who’ve told me about the lucid dreams and how great they are, and now was my chance to try one out.

The man in front of me with only a newspaper and mug of coffee became a supermodel curving over to talk to me. So far a pretty good start. Then, out of nowhere the bird yelled, “HE KNOWS!!!” All of a sudden, dozens of men in black suits came in from every nook and cranny of the house and took everyone with them into these black cars. I struggled to break free, but everything went to black after that. Somehow, I didn’t wake up. I don’t know what happened to the family. I never saw them again after that. 

To be continued…

—Jake Puestow, Serial Fiction Editor

February 10, 2022

Flash Fiction: Dandelion

Mr. Jameson strolled along the familiar winding path to see his lover, despite the constant ache in his bones. Once he reached her, he lowered down to the morning dew-soaked grass, and he set to work. He tidied her plot, pulling weeds from the gravestone’s base, but left a single dandelion sprouting from the earth. He could see her dancing around the yard, tiny yellow suns stuck in her short, springy hair as she smiled in utter joy. Spinning her at arm’s length, the love of his life laughed in a voice that sounded like home. Just as he leaned to kiss her soft, dark cheek, she faded from view. Mr. Jameson rose from the ground with a tear in his eye and the words, “I’ll see you next week, dear” on his lips.

—Serenity Block, Flash Fiction Editor

February 10, 2022

A Flower

The reaches I would go for you be deep
From Hades’ pool to Zeus’ high perched view
But matter not how much you pray nor weep
No flower dare come close to match with you

A flower lives surrounded by the loam
At nature’s mercy, it lives small and meek
To live in solace, never free to roam
With breathbound pollen making great men weak

But you who makes the choice to step on stone
Who moves both wind and wave at her own will
Who makes her creatures sing with tender tone
Your value lies not a lone, green hill
And when the blossom ends and petals wilt
My love for thee shall be my temple built

—Jake Puestow, Poetry Editor

February 10, 2022

Travel Tales: Punta Langosta

As human beings, each and every one of us has a cherished real-life experience that we yearn to share with the world. Something that we are either proud or embarrassed about, something in which we simply find nostalgia. Travels, silly mishaps, successful achievements, and warm family interactions are some of the many events that will forever be placed in our long-term memories. If there are any real-life stories that you yearn to share—it can be ANYTHING—email our Driftwood advisor to share it here. Aim for 150-250 words.  

The cruise ship docked at the harbor of Cozumel, Mexico. As I awoke, I found that the weather on the promenade was fine and favorable. Waves of turquoise saltwater crashed on the beaches of warm sand that stretched across the island, and the air was perfumed with warm tropical aromas. The town of Cozumel appeared to be quite ritzy, with beautiful palm trees and well-paved roads bordering the luring shops. It was 2015, and my family and I were experiencing an exhilarating vacation that would never escape our memories. As we boarded off the ship with our cameras and IDs in hand, the dock called us to make our way towards the tourist traps that enriched the town. “Don’t drink the water,” said the crew as we made our way. Punta Langosta was the destination we went to, a massive plaza with authentic artisan shops. In the entirety of this bustling place, there were performers, “living statues” painted in gold or silver. They stood as still as possible with straw hats beside their feet used for collecting money. There were stalls of jewelry and clothing, stalls with souvenirs and knicknacks, as well as traditional eateries serving delicious delicacies. I bought myself a poncho and a couple of shelf decorations, which I still own. The beach was fine and divine, although loud and crowded. It was a very special moment as I stuck my feet into the water, as it was my first time setting foot in the ocean. Inclement weather ruined the rest of the day as my family and I took refuge back in the ship. It was a short visit, but one I will surely not forget.

—Connor Tuthill, Travel Editor

February 10, 2022

Celebrity Q&A: Tom Holland

Tom Holland is an English actor who has starred as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far from Home and, the most recent one, Spider-Man: No Way Home.



Q: What are your thoughts on executing almost all of your own stunts?
A: I don’t do everything. There are some things that I just can’t do, and I am very happy for my double to do it if he can do it better. If there is a version of the stunt where it just looks better with him doing it, then he should do it for the sake of the movie.

—Source: Coup de Main

Q: What is your favorite Spider-Man costume?
A: The homemade one, since it was much more comfortable.

—Source: Coup de Main

Q: How does Peter feel towards M.J.?
A: I think it’s really nice for him to have someone to lean on and how Peter accepts M.J. for who she is.

—Source: Coup de Main

Q: Has Peter Parker matured in any way?
A: I think we are seeing a very similar Peter Parker to the one we saw in Spider-Man: Homecoming. I really enjoyed in the first one the aspect of seeing a teen with superpowers. I really want that to come across again. He is still a teen, who just wants to enjoy himself.

—Source: Coup de Main

Q: What is your favorite Christmas movie?

A: One of my favorite Christmas movies since I have a strong connection with it, because of my mom, would be Just Friends with Ryan Reynolds.

February 10, 2022

What are You Proud of? 

Success, achievement, advancement, and ego follow you. You are predestined to have something you are proud of. In this platform, you have the opportunity to share what makes you feel proud, in up to 250 words. (Send your stories to our Driftwood advisor.) Poetry, stories, essays, narratives, and plays are some of the many forms of writing. You may use any of these forms of writing to express yourself. 

The final forensics competition took place at UW-Madison. I was in my senior year of high school, waiting in sweaty anticipation as I listened for the judges to call my name. Out of the many options, I chose to write a “moments in history” speech, discussing Eisenhower’s address to the American people over Stalin’s death. “My voice will sound horrible. I could mess up,” my mind trembled. I began to doubt myself, and doubt led to fear. When my time came, however, my soul became on fire as I passionately delivered my speech. After the eight minutes of my lecture, I sat back down at the desk, slightly dissatisfied. The judge scribbled down some notes and graded my performance, although I could not see the results until later. When those results came in, however, I found that I came nearly one point away from the highest score. If it were for only one more point, I could have attained a gold pin; nevertheless I was satisfied in the fact that I was not mediocre in my act.

—Connor Tuthill, Student Success Editor

May 13, 2021

Local Summer Cosplay: Times of Future Past

We may not be able to attend an in-person indoor convention for a while due to Kitsune Kon and Daisho Con canceling their events this year. However, we can still attend Times of Future Past, an outdoor cosplay festival in Kewaunee, on June 26th and 27th. One day is $12 for adults, $6 for children. Buy your tickets before May 31st to get a discount.

To get more information, The Driftwood interviewed Lynne Melssen, producer of Times of Future Past, which is put on by Rose, Sword, and Thistle Productions. Meissen sent back written responses to our questions:

The Driftwood/Angel Wolske: What is Times of Future Past? Lynne Melssen: Times of Future Past Inc presents a one-of-a-kind outdoor event combining history, pop culture, and the arts in one location. Our entertainment and artisan-centered marketplace is intended to appeal to a broad and inclusive audience. Meet people from the pages of history and fantasy; superheroes; and other characters from film, literature, and television.

The Driftwood/Angel: Where will the event be held and when?

Lynne Melssen: Times of Future Past will open on Saturday and Sunday, June 26 & 27, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Winter Park in Kewaunee, Wisconsin.

The Driftwood/Angel: Who is producing the event?

Lynne Melssen: Lynne Melssen and April Roy are co-producers of the event through Rose, Sword, and Thistle Productions in Green Bay, WI. The event concept came from Lynne Melssen and Times of Future Past. It was originally produced for two years in central Iowa.

The Driftwood/Angel: What type of panels will be at the event?

Lynne Melssen: There will be a Cosplay/Costuming Panel, and patrons will also be able to learn how to play the game of Quidditch, with the Chicago Youth Quidditch organization.

The Driftwood/Angel: Can you tell us about the costume contest?

Lynne Melssen: The Costume Contest will be held both days of the event. There are two categories for the contest, Historic/Steampunk and Fantasy/Sci Fi/Anime. Prizes will be awarded for the best Men’s, Women’s and Couples costume in both categories. A Grand Prize will be awarded to the best overall costume for each day. We have three costume judges—Kaoime Malloy, Professor of Costuming and Make-up at the University of Wisconsin/GreenBay; Molly Hruska Ketchum, Board Secretary of the Iowa steampunk organization, The Brassgears Adventurer’s Society, and amateur community theatre costumer; and Cheri Ratz, costume hobbyist and former Assistant Fight Captain at the Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow.

The Driftwood/Angel: What’s the history behind the event?

Lynne Melssen: Times of Future Past was inspired by a 2014 tour of the historic Masonic Temple in downtown Dubuque Iowa. The building was built in the 1930s and included a theatre, a feasting hall, a pool room, a ladies’ salon, a gentlemen’s study, a reception hall, and more. I began imagining Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice smoking a cigar while playing billiards, a Shakespeare play being produced in the theatre, a Madrigal Dinner being held in the Feast Hall, a Suffragette discussing Votes for Women in the salon, Thomas Edison discussing his inventions in the study, and people learning to dance the Charleston in the reception hall.

I started thinking about creating an outdoor event with a mixture of historic figures and fantasy characters from across time and style genres. Strolling characters such as Abraham Lincoln and Commander Data can be found speaking with Eleanor Roosevelt and Agent Peggy Carter.The fun is that EVERYTHING is possible, all in one location! The event first opened in Iowa in 2015, and after losing our venue, the decision was made to move the event to NE Wisconsin.The Dana Farm/Winter Park seems like a perfect fit.

The Driftwood/Angel: Is there anything else we should know? 

Lynne Melssen: Patrons will see Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Thomas Edison on stage. Edison will be demonstrating and making voice recordings with his Cylinder Machine invention. We have Dave Rambow, Site Directorfor the H.H. Bennett Studio & Museum at Wisconsin Historical Society taking and developing tintype photographs. Studio 12 students will be performing as well, and Sir John Falstaff, Shakespeare’s “favorite” character, will talk about what the Bard was REALLY like. In the lanes, we have a WWII couple, Captain American and Agent Peggy Carter; Spider-Man; a gender-switched Lt. Commander Data; Link from Legends of Zelda; Crooner Windsong, a 1960’s hippy; the Satyr, Farrow the Wanderer; Arthur, King of the Britons; Naughty Zoot from Monty Python fame; and more.

We encourage cosplay lovers to come try your hand at axe throwing; enjoy a cold soft drink; visit the Old Knight’s Tavern for a beer; hard lemonade or mead; visit Mona Rose Winery to sample the fruit of the vine; and check out our Artisan Marketplace with more than 40 vendors selling treasures from around the world, across time, or across the universe. Come as your favorite character! Everyone is welcome!

NOTE: Due to a hectic semester, I haven’t been able to finish Rainbow Dash and Iron Man yet. My plans are to have these costumes finished before Times of Future Past so they can be worn to the event. You can look forward to pictures of the finished products in the first Driftwood next fall.

May 13, 2021

Apply Now for an LGBTQ+ Scholarship

The UWGB Pride Center has made two $900 scholarships available for two students at any of the four UWGB campuses who show leadership or potential for leadership in LGBTQ+ advocacy. The application is due May 27, 2021 at midnight via e-mail to Stacie Christian, Ph.D., Pride Center director.

The intent of this scholarship is to promote activism or research in support of the LGBTQ+ community. This scholarship is open to any UWGB student with a demonstrable record or strong potential in LGBTQ+ activism or research that addresses sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. The award committee recognizes that those who identify as “straight allies” can have a dramatic impact on LGBTQ+ issues, and strongly encourages both allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community to apply.

Scholarship Selection Criteria:

The Pride Center has the discretion to determine how many annual scholarships are available and which student(s) enrolled in the four UW-Green Bay campuses shall receive a scholarship. Applicants must:

1. have completed 24 college credits, 12 which must be from one of the four UW-Green Bay campus locations.
2. be enrolled for a minimum of 9 credit hours in either an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting program at UW-Green Bay at time of application.
3. have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
4. have demonstrated a commitment to and leadership potential in LGBTQ+ activism and /or research.
5. complete and submit a scholarship application (essay and two references) in one e-mail by the due date of May 20, 2021 to Stacie Christian, Ph.D., at christis@uwgb.edu

To apply, please submit the following information within one e-mail:

• Students should submit a one-page essay that addresses the student’s past achievement and future goals in support of LGBTQ+ populations. Examples might include, but are not limited to: holding positions of responsibility in LGBTQ+ or ally organizations; presentation or publication of academic research of LGBTQ+ issues; thesis work leading to advancement in understanding of LGBTQ+ populations and/or issues related to those populations; community activism in support of human rights with a focus on LGBTQ+ peoples.
• Submit one to two letters of recommendation from one to two individuals who are familiar with your LGBTQ+ or academic work.
• Please include your name and student identification number on your essay cover sheet.

Note: This scholarship does not take financial need into consideration for award, but UWGB Financial Aid will be notified of scholarship award.

Questions? Contact Stacie Christian, Ph.D., Director of Inclusive Excellence and Pride Center, at christis@uwgb.edu.

May 13, 2021

Sticky Grilled Chicken

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 Tbsp. honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2½ lbs. chicken drumsticks
• 2 Tbsp. sesame seeds, for garnish
• Vegetable oil, for grill

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and green onions. Set aside ¼ cup marinade.
2. Add chicken to a large resealable plastic bag and pour in remaining marinade. Let marinate in the fridge at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
3. When ready to grill, heat grill to high. Oil grates and grill chicken, basting with reserved marinade and turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until charred and cooked through, 24 to 30 minutes total.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

May 13, 2021

Student Spotlight: Eric Wojtalewicz

NWTC-Marinette and the UW-Green Bay, Marinette Campus are proud to feature student Eric Wojtalewicz, who has completed courses at both institutions.

Seeking an education right here in our community has never been more attainable due to the collaborative efforts of the Marinette Area Higher Education Coalition. Eric says, “I come from a really small town, so coming to Marinette was a big stepping stone for me. Both campuses have allowed me to grow and meet the requirements for my degree, all the while receiving a [high-]quality education in a beautiful location.

With a goal of becoming a pediatric psychiatrist, Eric works with children at the DAR Boys & Girls Club in Menominee, MI, creating art, playing in the gym, and sharing presentations on educational topics. Prior to this, he did similar work at a facility called the Bolton Refuge House in Eau Claire, WI, where he became a trustworthy mentor to the students.

Eric shared a favorite quote, “Stars cannot shine with darkness. Even if there are bad things in life, you can be the shining star.” It’s clear that this mindset has infiltrated both his attitude and efforts, preparing him to be a positive impact in the lives of everyone he comes across.

Joined by his peers, Eric continues to make an impact through his work on The Brandon Project, which aims to raise awareness of and reduce substance abuse within our community. He explains, “This project has really impacted me. I have been able to see the difference you can make in a small town and how the community will rally behind a great cause.”

He adds, “I encourage everyone to go out and experience the world in a new way. Being at a smaller location where your faculty and peers know you by name has really helped give me a positive experience as a first-time college student. I’ve gained great knowledge and am well-prepared to attend a larger university.”

He plans to finish his Bachelor’s degree at the UW-Green Bay main campus while also taking courses at NWTC Green Bay to support his minor, criminal justice. We wish you the best of luck, Eric, and look forward to your future endeavors!

Learn about how our community campuses, UWGB and NWTC, are making a difference together in our community through the Marinette Area Higher Education Coalition.

—Kaitlyn O’Claire