The Quill

April 28-May 14, 2020

Looking for a page-turner while you’re stuck inside? Our Driftwood staff passes on some of their favorite light reading picks to pass the time while cooped up at home.

Things You Save in a Fire

by Katherine Center
Cassie Hanwell is an elite college athlete-turned-firefighter in Austin, Texas. Despite being one of the only women in her department, she fits in well, getting along with her coworkers and pulling more than her weight on the job. But at a reception honoring community leaders, the man presenting her with an award turns out to be the same guy who assaulted her a few months prior, and Cassie does the only thing she can think of—she punches him in the face. Not wanting to fire her, her chief transfers her to a Boston firehouse.
The all-male firefighting squad she meets there is decidedly old-school sexist, and they don’t take too kindly to having a woman in their midst, even one as competent as Cassie. Due to department budget cuts, the squad is told they’re going to lose one of their members, and all eyes are on Cassie—and a rookie named Owen Callahan. She’ll have to be better, faster, and smarter than Owen in a big way if she wants to keep the job she loves. While she capably knocks down every challenge her colleagues set before her, she also finds herself falling for Owen.
But her firehouse forbids their personnel from dating. Plus, if she beats him, she knows from experience that anything between them will be over and done. She’s not about to sacrifice her career and her principles for a guy. But she might just end up sacrificing her heart.
Things You Save in a Fire meets my usual rom-com requirements of being both deeply emotional and laugh-out-loud funny, but where it really stands out is in the brilliant characterization and can’t-put-it-down plot. It’s a perfect feel-good read for relaxing after finals.

—Tracy Fernandez Rysavy, Driftwood Advisor

April 28-May 14, 2020

Full-Body Workout Options

During these tough times, many people, including myself, have lost motivation to keep working out. However, summer is right around the corner, and you may still want to get ready for swimsuit season. Here are two simple yet powerful ways to get in shape in a short amount of time.

• The Orangetheory FItness chain is offering daily at-home workouts for free. Orangetheory has locations popping up around the country and features guided group workouts where participants rotate between treadmills, rowing machines, and weights, targeting each muscle group. Their Orangetheory @ Home routine uses calisthenics—plus things like towels and milk gallons rather than fancy equipment—to help tone you up into your summer body. They even offer full-body endurance workouts for people who only have a limited time to workout in a day. Highly trained instructors walk you through each workout so you don’t have to struggle. You can access their workouts online or on the Orangetheory mobile app.

• Another great way to get in shape and learn how to dance at the same time is through BollyX on Demand. This new dance workout is inspired by Bollywood, the film industry of India, and has been featured on Shark Tank. BollyX offers the help of professional dancers and workout instructors. Each dance session burns between 500-800 calories. The workouts area available on the website, as well as Roku and Amazon Fire TV. Access normally costs $15 a month, but you get over 400 dance routines. Right now, they’re running an “As Seen On Shark Tank” Sale: $15 for three months, $24 for a year, and $49 for lifetime access.

—A.J. Corey, Sports Editor

April 28-May 14, 2020

Wonky Brains and the Finish Line

April 28-May 14, 2020

Plant Care as Self-Care

Looking for something to do during quarantine? Consider buying a few plants and looking after them, as it is good to take care of something living, and they may boost your morale while you are stuck inside. They don’t necessarily have to be outdoor plants, like tulips, lilies, or hostas. Some indoor options include succulents like aloe (which you can make into hand sanitizer), a hens and chicks plant, a Christmas cactus, or burrow’s tail, or flowering plants like peace lilies, orchids, or hanging baskets.

One of the many issues people often face with indoor plants is proper care and maintenance. For succulents, water only when the soil feels dry to the touch (not slightly damp, I mean bone dry). When the plant appears to become “leggy” (babies are sprouting off in several directions), you can cut the sprouts off and leave the “wound” to heal. Once the cut dries up after a few days, you can stick the sprout you cut off in soil and make a new plant.

Orchids are the most finicky of the house plants I mentioned, but if they are given proper care, you will have beautiful, full blooms year-round for many years. Orchids are not meant to be grown in soil and can be seen in the wild growing in trees. Their roots absorb moisture from the air and do not need any other nutrients (in general). The best way to water these plants is to either take an ice cube or two, set it on top of the “roots,” and let them melt over time, or spray the “roots” with water from a spray bottle.  Either method should be repeated once a week or once every other week.

Regular potted house plants are generally simple and should be watered only when the soil feels dry to the immediate touch. They should also be re-potted when they appear to be getting too big for their enclosure, or if they start to go dormant.

If you don’t already own some plants, I recommend visiting a local greenhouse. They are open for business, though limited due to COVID-19. While some of the plants mentioned can be found at Walmart, I personally recommend Erik’s Garden Center, located off Hwy. 41 at 1932 US-41, Marinette. Plant shopping is a great way to get out of the house for just a little bit without coming into contact with a lot of people and will help support local businesses.

Some excellent books for advice on growing house plants can be found on the internet. One of the best websites for books is Thriftbooks, which offers many houseplant care books for under $10.

—Emily Burns

April 28-May 14, 2020

In the Kitchen with Breanne

As always, we’re bringing you easy recipes to cook while in quarantine. This issue’s offerings include Potato Chip Frittata, Mac and Cheese Bombs, Cheeseburger Cups, and Chicken Parm Sliders!

Potato Chip Frittata

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• ½ medium yellow onion, minced
• 8 large eggs
• ¼ cup sour cream, plus more for garnish
• 1½ cup sour cream and onion chips, plus more for garnish
• 2 Tbsp. chopped chives (could use parsley), plus more for garnish
• Kosher salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and caramelized . . . 20 to 25 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, combine eggs and sour cream in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add chips and chives and stir to combine. Let sit 10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
3. When onions are caramelized, pour egg mixture into skillet, and stir to evenly distribute potato chips.
4. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until eggs are just set, 10 to 12 minutes.
5. Let cool for 5 minutes and garnish with sour cream, more chips, and chives (or parsley) before serving.
6. Enjoy!

Mac and Cheese Bombs

Ingredients

• 1 box macaroni and cheese, plus ingredients called for on the box
• 1 ½ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
• 1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt for taste
• Black pepper for taste
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp. milk
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (whatever breadcrumbs you have)
• Chopped parsley for garnishing
• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

1. Prepare mac and cheese according to packaged instructions. While mac and cheese is still hot, add cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, along with cayenne until cheese is melted. Transfer mac and cheese to large bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm (about 3 hours).
2. Set up dredging station: in small bowl, season flour with salt and pepper. In second small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Place breadcrumbs in third small bowl.
3. Using small cookie scoop, scoop small balls of mac and cheese. Toss each ball in seasoned flour, dunk in egg mixture to coat, and then dredge in breadcrumbs. Refrigerate until ready to fry.
4. In large pot or skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Meanwhile, place wire rack inside of large baking sheet. When oil is very hot (about 350 degrees), add four to five mac and cheese balls. Cook until very golden all over (about 2 minutes per side). Transfer balls to wire rack and sprinkle with salt and parsley. Repeat with rest of mac and cheese balls.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cheeseburger Cups

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 6 burger buns, split
• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 lb. ground beef
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Kosher salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 3 slices cheddar cheese (or shredded)
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• 12 pickle chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease muffin tin with cooking spray. Flatten burger bun halves to ¼ inch thick with rolling pin and place one half cut-side up in muffin cup.
2. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook, stirring until soft for about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up meat with spoon until no longer pink for about 6 minutes. Drain fat.
3. Return beef mixture to skillet and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Divide beef mixture among bun cups and top each with cheddar cheese. Bake until cheese is melted, and buns are golden, about 10 minutes.
4. Drizzle cups with ketchup and mustard and top with a pickle.
5. Enjoy!

Chicken Parm Sliders

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lb. fresh or frozen breaded chicken
• 12 slider buns
• 2 cups marinara
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley

Directions:

1. Prepare chicken according to package instructions.
2. Transfer chicken to cutting board and cut into slider-sized pieces.
3. On a large baking sheet, lay bottom halves of slider buns. Top with thin layer of marinara, cooked chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Top with remaining slider bun halves.
4. In small bowl, stir together melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush bun tops with butter mixture and bake until cheese is melty and sliders are warmed through, about 15 minutes.
5. Enjoy!

—Breanne Bedgood, Food Editor

News, Events, and Happenings on the Marinette Campus

While the Marinette campus is “social distancing” at home, the Driftwood e-newsletter will bring you tips for navigating life as an online student, as well as suggestions for entertaining yourself while you’re stuck inside.

Issue #5 Contents: 

• Campus News: Fall Course Offerings and Graduation
• Important Campus Services: Financial Assistance
• Theatre & Arts: In-Home Entertainment Options
• Library News: Mallory Allen Wins March Madness
• Recommended Reads: The Royal We 
• Sports and Fitness #1: Healthy Recipes
• Sports and Fitness #2: UREC Zumba at Home
• Cooking at Home: Easy Desserts
• Self-Care Corner: Coping with Loneliness

The Driftwood is published by the Marinette campus Practicum in Literary Publishing class.

• Books Editor: Emily Burns
• Events Editor: Sierra Adams
• Food Editor: Breanne Bedgood
• Services & Self-Care Editor: Indigo Ramirez
• Sports Editor: A.J. Corey
• Theater & Arts Editor: Cassidy MacArthur

Questions or News Items? Contact The Driftwood’s advisor, Tracy Fernandez Rysavy. 

April 14-28, 2020

Fall Course Enrollment is Open!

The Fall 2020 schedule is available, and enrollment is open. Make an appointment with your advisor to talk about class options. E-mail Bethany Welch at welchb@uwgb.edu or call her at 715-504-3322.

If you haven’t already done so, visit fafsa.gov to complete your 2020-21 FAFSA. Feel free to e-mail Financial Aid with any questions. Marinette campus Student Services Information Specialist Pam Olson can also help with financial aid questions: olsonp@uwgb.edu or 715-735-4301.

Apply for Spring Graduation

If you’re eligible to graduate from the Marinette Campus in May, please remember to apply for graduation through SIS. If you need help or more info, contact Student Advisor Bethany Welch (welchb@uwgb.edu or 715-504-3322) or Student Services Information Specialist Pam Olson (olsonp@uwgb.edu or 715-735-4301).

Interim Chancellor Sheryl Van Gruensven recently announced that the class of 2020’s graduation ceremony has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the Kress Center on the main campus. Watch your campus e-mail for more details.

Unfortunately, “we know some graduates will be unable to participate in the ceremony in person for a variety of reasons,” Van Gruensven notes. “This day belongs to every member of the Class of 2020. If you are not able to be physically present, please join your class via livestream.”

April 14-28, 2020

Financial Help for Students During COVID-19 Outbreak

If you’re struggling for any reason during these strange times, the Marinette Campus is here to help. If you’re having financial hardship, simply e-mail GBOSS@uwgb.edu to request emergency funds—for rent, computer equipment, or other critical needs.

April 14-28, 2020

In-Home Entertainment Recommendations

Our Theatre & Arts editor recommmends games to play, podcasts to listen to, shows to watch, and theatre to stream while you #StayAtHome.

Buzzfeed Unsolved—Want a funny pick-me-up during this global crisis? Watch Buzzfeed Unsolved! A conspiracy theorist, Ryan Bergara, tries to convince his skeptic friend, Shane Madej, that things like ghosts are real, all while they investigate numerous unsolved crimes, disappearances, and just plain weird events. They alternate seasons between unsolved supernatural mysteries and true-crime ones. Available on YouTube.

Podcast Recommendation: King Falls AM—A new late-night radio host moves to a sleepy mountain town for work, only to find one of his listeners seemingly abducted by aliens live on air on his first night of broadcast. Available on the King Falls website, Spotify, and other platforms.

Streaming Recommendation: Derry Girls—A group of friends navigate their teenage lives during the Northern Ireland Conflict in the 1990s. Available on Netflix. 

Game Recommendation: Minecraft—A classic game from our childhoods that still manages to surprise us everyday (They added bees! Bees!), Minecraft is an open-world survival game that uses blocks as landscape. Available on minecraft.net for $26.95.

Theatre Recommendation: National Theatre at Home presents Jane Eyre—Tune in from now through April 16th to the National Theatre at Home Youtube channel for the classic story of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre in a new and interesting play version.

—Cassidy MacArthur, Theater & Arts Editor

April 14-28, 2020

Mallory Allen Wins March Book Madness!

March Book Madness has come to an end, and the book that ruled them all is Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird! Mallory Allen had the winning bracket for Marinette, scoring 115 points—also besting the top winners in Manitowoc and Sheboygan. Other winners in Marinette included Lillian Sellen (2nd), Erin Mahnke (3rd), Sierra Pugh (4th), and Keith Rose and Abigail Marquart (tied for 5th). View the final bracket and the leaderboards here.

Cheryl Charon, Marinette campus Library Services Assistant, says she’ll get the winners their prizes as soon as campus reopens.

Set in rural Alabama during the Great Depression, To Kill a Mockingbird details the trial of Tom Robinson, a young Black man unjustly accused of raping a white woman. The story is told through the eyes of eight-year-old Scout Finch, whose father Atticus tries to help right the wrong done to Robinson by serving as his lawyer. In addition to being UW-Green Bay’s top read, this powerhouse work was named America’s Best Loved Novel in PBS’s The Great American Read poll in 2018.