The Driftwood #43: Local Favorites

Finding Community: Mid-March Events

Marinette

  • Spring bunny from CJ's GlassMarch 16th: the Marinette Recreation Center will be holding a Spring Fling Craft Show in their Activity Hall from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
  • March 23rd: CJ’s Glass in Marinette will be hosting Judy Bloom from Judy Bloom Studios as she offers a step-by-step demonstration to paint a watercolor Spring bunny (see photo at right). A $40 cash or check payment and pre-registration by calling or messaging CJ’s Glass (608/354-2303) are required. This class is for 12+ and runs from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • March 30th: Biehl Bridges to Recovery and Jessica Pakulski are hosting a night of charades and games from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Bellin Health Northreach located at 3123 Shore Drive in Marinette. This event is open to everyone, and light snacks and refreshments will be provided. A $5.00 donation is requested, but nobody will be turned away.
  • Every Thursday, Spirit House in Menominee will be hosting a trivia night that consists of six rounds (three specific, two general, and one photo round) with prizes for the winning team. Teams must register by 5:30 p.m. and have no more than six players. No phones are allowed during play, which lasts around two hours with a break after three rounds to recharge. Playing is free, but players must be 21+.

Green Bay

  • March 17th: The Shamrock Club will be presenting the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, which will start at 1 p.m. in front of St. Brendan’s Inn and run along the Fox River, ending at Hagemeister. The parade will feature marching bands, inflatable costumes, Irish musical groups, and local business participants. After the parade ends, the Heritage Irish Dancers will perform at Hagemeister, and there will be photo ops with mascots. Additional festivities, including Irish food and live music, will be held at both St. Brendan’s Inn and Hagemeister.
  • March 21st: The Neville Public Museum will be presenting Ireland-Mystical Island by Jackie Johnson. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m. in the Neville classrooms with the program to follow at 6 p.m. in the theater. Guests will be exploring the ancient and timeless magic of Ireland’s myths and lore. Tickets cost $27.50 for members and $32.50 for non-members.
  • yoga with kittiesMarch 23rd: Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary located at 151 North Broadway in Green Bay will be presenting Yoga with Kitties at 9:30 a.m. This class will be open to anyone and bring guests up close and personal with adorable rescue cats that are available for adoption. Tickets are required and cost $15.00.
  • March 23rd: the Tarlton Theatre will be presenting Scarecrow for $20.00 a ticket. Scarecrow is written and performed by Broadway’s Heidi Armbruster. Follow this comedic and touching one-woman story of a big-city actress who returns to her family’s dairy farm looking for a sense of purpose after losing an important person. This is a show of resilience and renewal that will take the audience on an adventure of highs and lows. The show runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

—Tiffany Jablonowski, Local Favorites Editor

Driftwood #42: Horoscopes

Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Aries individuals may feel the urge to make positive changes in their lives. Avoid acting too hastily and instead be patient but persistent. Dedicate your energy to productive projects and you’ll find rewards waiting for you.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Tauruses will take control of their professional and social lives this month. You will accomplish more than you think you will and exceed your goals.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Geminis may feel fatigued during March. This could discourage you from pursuing new opportunities. So, take an active and purposeful approach this month to push yourself to progress.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Cancers are usually domestic homebodies, but this month you will be much more active. Embrace the change instead of resisting it and you could achieve rewarding results.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Get ambitious, Leo! This month, instead of pursuing those easy goals, dream big. Make the most of your opportunities; they could be very promising. Don’t doubt yourself.

Virgo (August 22 – September 23)
Virgos, if you schedule your time efficiently and get organized, this month could be very beneficial for you! With extra motivation this month, increased productivity and progress towards your goals is attainable. Don’t lose focus, or you’ll be second-guessing yourself. Remember, your projects don’t have to be perfect.

Libra (September 23 – October 21)
March will provide perfect circumstances to make meaningful progress in your life, Libra. Now’s not the time to be lazy. Put forth effort to be rewarded and recognized for your hard work.

Scorpio (October 22 – November 20)
For you Scorpios, March will bring positive changes and development. Through the grapevine, you may overhear some helpful news. This could bring clarity to a situation and allow you to pursue your goals more decisively. Figure out what’s most important to you and focus on pursuing it.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Something’s been holding you back, Sagittarius. This month, it’s time to break free. Let go of the unhelpful patterns that have been keeping you from reaching your full potential. Change your mindset and you’ll realize those obstacles were not all that you thought they were. You may feel a renewed sense of freedom and enthusiasm to pursue your goals.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Capricorn, examine what you want out of life. This month, self-reflect and think about what gives you a sense of purpose. Once you do this, start setting a plan into motion, step-by-step. Make goals.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Your intuition may be heightened this month. Focus on reflecting upon yourself and your environment. Center your attention and energy on the things that really matter. Don’t fret about the small things. Embrace change and you’ll be rewarded with growth.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Happy birthday, Pisces! It’s your birth month. It’s time to treat yourself! Reward yourself with some self-care and focus especially on your well-being. What nourishes your mind, body, and spirit? Engage in activities that fill your cup, and you’ll feel much more balanced.

—Ginger Knauer, Horoscopes Editor

Driftwood #42: Fun Facts #2

Human civilization has been around for over 8,000 years! Within that time, a lot of things have happened. There is not a single day that goes by that is not the anniversary of some event throughout human history. Maybe it’s the end of a war or the publishing of an important book or even the birth of a celebrity. No matter the day, there is always something, so without further ado, here is…

This Week in History

Feb 20:

  • 1942: Pilot Edward O’Hare becomes the first American WWII flying ace
  • 1962: John Glenn becomes the first American to orbit Earth
  • Birthdays: Oliva Rodrigo, Rihanna, Miles Teller

Feb 21:

  • 1965: Malcolm X is assassinated
  • 1981: Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” hits #1 on the pop charts
  • Birthdays: Alan Rickman, Corbin Blue, Jordan Peele

Feb 22:

  • 1819: The United States acquires Spanish Florida
  • 1980: The U.S.A. hockey team beats the Soviets in a game dubbed the “Miracle on Ice”
  • Birthdays: George Washington, Drew Barrymore, Steve Irwin

Feb 23:

  • 1954: The first polio vaccine is administered to children
  • 1978: The first-ever tie for the Best Song Grammy Award happens between Barbra Streisand’s “Love Theme from a Star is Born (Evergreen)” and Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life”
  • Birthdays: Emily Blunt, Dakota Fanning, Josh Gad

Feb 24:

  • 1803: Marbury v. Madison established judicial review
  • 1868: President Andrew Johnson is impeached
  • Birthdays: Steve Jobs, Daniel Kaluuya, Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Feb 25:

  • 1870: Hiram Rhodes Revels becomes the first African American sworn into Congress
  • 1964: Muhammad Ali knocks out Liston and earns his first world title
  • Birthdays: George Harrison, Rashida Jones, Jameela Jamil

Feb 26:

  • 1929: Grand Teton National Park is established in Wyoming
  • 1993: The World Trade Center parking garage is bombed
  • Birthdays: Johnny Cash, Nate Russ, Michael Bolton
—Payton Rhyner

Driftwood #42: Wandering Wikipedia

Useless knowledge we dug up this week.

Antipope

You’ve heard of the pope; get ready for the antipope. “Antipope?” you might be asking, “Like an antihero pope?” Yeah, kinda! An antipope is someone who claims to be the pope in defiance of the one officially elected by the Catholic Church. These guys usually have followings within the Church, however. At several points throughout history, there have even been several antipopes at once! Confusing, right?
If this sounds pretty Game of Thronesian, you’re not far off: monarchs would back  antipopes with varying regularity in the hopes of furthering their own ambitions. This was an especially common move by the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. To make it even twistier, popes who disliked the current emperor might sponsor their own king, called—you guessed it!—an antiking. No wonder power struggles got so messy.
To the relief of any would-be Wikipedia historian, these faux-popes (fauxpes?) are named appropriately on their respective pages; you won’t be mixing up Antipope John XXIII (c. 1370 – 1419) and Pope John XXIII (1881 – 1963) any time soon!

—Kana Coonce, Wandering Wikipedia Editor
Pictured: St. Hippolytus of Rome (170-235 A.D.), considered the first antipope. Licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0. Photo by BSonne. 

Driftwood #42: YouTube Rabbit Hole

Helpful YouTube Videos for College Students

Welcome to the Youtube Corner! In this section, you will find three videos that will be helpful for time management, water consumption, and writing.

YT1: How I Manage My Time:
The Tri-Calendar System

This video goes over important time-management tips to help us students be better with our time. This can help you avoid doing four-page papers the night before or that discussion board a day late.
YT2: The Benefits of Drinking Water

We’d all rather drink coffee, soda, or an energy drink to keep us awake during these grueling school days. This video tells us about the benefits of water and how water helps us stay healthy and energized.
YT3: 3 Easy Tips to Write Better College Essays

As college students, we often have to write essays and discussion boards. Oftentimes, we may be unsure of how we sound and how to write. This video gives a few quick and easy tips on how to write better for us college students!

—Kelsey Vanderpool, YouTube Editor

Driftwood #42: Self-Care Corner

Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations are phrases or statements loaded with encouraging words, outweighing negative or unhelpful thoughts. Most times, affirmations are used to motivate people, encourage positive changes, and boost self-esteem. Personally, every morning I say a different affirmation depending on what I have planned for the day. I was introduced to positive affirmations when I was struggling, at first, I thought they were stupid and wouldn’t help. As I slowly started saying them, writing them, or even hearing them, I noticed they helped me start the day off on the right foot.


Using Positive Affirmations: You may be thinking, how do I incorporate these into my everyday life? Simply set a reminder on your phone to display when you wake up. Have a sticky note with an affirmation written on it and put it somewhere you’d see it every morning, like a bathroom mirror or the back of your bedroom door. This one is more common and simple to do. It is also powerful to look in the bathroom mirror and say something positive/empowering about yourself to your reflection. Putting positive affirmations on a sticky note and posting them in various locations throughout the day has a beneficial effect.


Benefits: There are numerous benefits to using affirmations. In simpler terms, they better your mental and physical health. Boosting confidence, reducing anxiety, decreasing stress, improving physical health, and improving emotional well-being are just some of the positive impacts. There are major rewards for using affirmations every day or as often as you can, and those are strengthening your sense of self and starting to change your mindset. Now these two benefits also correlate with the others, because ultimately the goal is to help you improve your self-worth and make you a more confident person.


Potential phrases: I am strong, I am beautiful, I am smart. These phrases are basic ones that would be easy to start with. Putting “I am” in front of a powerful phrase adds a sense of self-empowerment to it. My best work is enough, my needs and wants matter, my problems are solvable, and my potential for success is limitless. Now these phrases get a little more in-depth, but their contents scream powerful, successful, and amazing.

Personally, these would give me all the confidence I needed to conquer the day, but you don’t have to use these exact phrases. You can come up with phrases that will benefit you because they are aimed at helping you promote self-care. I can assure you that they help, even though they may seem cheesy. Words can change the way your brain processes, thinks, and reacts, so with these positive affirmations, your brain will start to rewire itself more positively. You can use these as often as you need or want to. Using positive affirmations is a step in the right direction of putting yourself first!

—Cheyenne Schreiner, Self-Care Editor
Image: You are Amazing Poster from Teacher Supply Source. 

5 Products for Self-Care

What affirmation products are best to use? Here are some suggestions:

  1. Daily Affirmation Cards: Daily affirmation cards are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about positive affirmation gifts. These are cards with upbeat statements or mantras written in the first person to build confidence. They help you overcome negative thinking by replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts.
  2. Self-Care Box: For someone you really care about, a care package gift can never be a bad idea. Curated by therapists every month, this box is filled with self-care goodies to pamper you and keep you happy! You never know what exactly you find in the next box (it’s subscription-based, but you can gift it for just one month), but you can be sure that there will be plenty of inspiration and positive vibes in there. A good place to find a variety of self-care box options is Etsy.
  3. Inspirational Wall Art: Affirmations that start with “I am…” are the most powerful because they tell your subconscious how you identify yourself. Black and white minimalistic prints will easily fit into any interior and become a positive reminder for anyone who enters the room. You can find these anywhere and they can be put anywhere, like hanging them in your room to get some inspiration to start your day off well. You can search for these by looking up “’I am’ inspirational wall art.”
  4. “I Am Loved” Candle: A candle with this message makes a great gift, or it can help get you through the day and be in a better mood. You can find a positive affirmation candle with text that can keep you going, such as the “I am loved” candles on Etsy.
  5. “Present Not Perfect” Journal: A journal with this quote on the cover has been called a “beginner’s course in mindfulness” by some online users. You can fill in a page every morning to set a positive intention for the day, or whenever you feel like it. You can journal and help you set your mind to something you want to do that day. You can always look back at it to keep you going while keeping your goal in mind. A Google search for “present not perfect journal” will turn up lots of options, or you can make your own.
 
—Mackenzie Hebert
Image: Printable affirmation cards from TeachersPayTeachers user Calm Ahoy Kids.

Driftwood #42: Nature Feature

Whether you’re looking to do a calming, solitary hike in the woods of Northeast Wisconsin or to throw an impromptu beer and brats party on a sandy beach, we have recommendations for the best nature scenes in NE Wisco!

Sugar Creek County Park

Sugar Creek County Park, up past Brussels in quiet lower Door County, is a wonderful escape for solo travelers and groups who want to get away from it all. Here, you can play disc golf; take a kayak or boat out into the wavy but not wild waters; and enjoy the sights, sounds, and earthy smells of Wisconsin woodlands and the bayside beach. One great appeal of this area is the relative cleanliness of its waters compared to other bayside parks. It doesn’t quite compare to those park counterparts on the Lake Michigan shores, but the park’s waters are wonderful to swim in nonetheless.

—Logan Meek, Nature Feature Editor

The Driftwood #42: Local Favorites #3

Momentous Small Businesses

Cafe Green

Cafe Green interiorI was in Marinette a few years ago to take care of business. I was with my boyfriend. We decided to dine out for brunch. A lot of the options in Marinette at the time seemed to consist heavily of fried food, such as burgers, pizza, fast food, and bar food. He very much doesn’t like that as he’s very healthy. So we went to Cafe Green. 

So if you are also very healthy but want something delicious, settle on Cafe Green. The design, although plain, was very quaint and welcoming. I got a vanilla latte and a wrap with chips. While the coffee was very delicious, I didn’t like that even though we were dining in, our drinks came in to-go cups. Normally when you get coffee to dine in, it comes in a mug. The wrap was juicy and delicious.

The food was very delectable and it was freshly cooked. The chips tied it all together. I would highly recommend Cafe Green if you are in the Marinette area either as a tourist or otherwise. It has very good vibes and is amazing.

Ivy Trails Gift & Garden

Ivy Trails exteriorI’m sure almost everyone has been in that situation where the deadline to a loved one’s birthday or obligatory gift for the holiday is approaching. And you still have absolutely no idea what to get them. If you happen to be in the Manitowoc area, Ivy Trails is an amazing shop with the perfect solution to said problem. The store offers a variety of affordable yet high-quality items. They had everything from Colectivo coffee to soaps, shampoos and lotions, cute clothes, T-shirts, and dish rags with funny sayings. Furthermore, they had snow globes, little trinkets, as well as baby clothes and children’s toys. However, what really caught my eye was the jewelery. While their earrings and bracelets appeared to be of amazing quality, the prices were not outrageous. The quality was so good, it was almost as if I had purchased them from Blue Nile or Black Starr and Frost, however at not even a fraction of the price. Overall, I strongly recommend this place.

Furs & Clothing of Distinction

Furs & Clothing exteriorIt seems as though, for women especially, it’s difficult to find a decent dress for a soiree, wedding, or gallery event. Most clothing even at classier boutiques is hyper casual. It appears impossible to get a nice dress unless it costs thousands of dollars and is from Oscar de La Renta or Faith Connxion. However, that is not always the case anymore. As Furs & Clothing of Distinction located in Green Bay has the perfect solution.

author friendThe beautiful lady on the left is a friend of mine! She was struggling to find a dress she could wear to a conference for the company she worked for. She found the perfect sparkling dress and shoes BOTH at Furs & Clothing of Distinction. And she is not the only one. I myself and several people I know have found the perfect dress for special occasions at Furs and Clothing of Distiniction. The store has your back. This shows that now you can find a dress for that wedding, that gallery event, or that cocktail party without having to shell out thousands of dollars. Furs & Clothing of Distinction offers a large variety of different dresses to fit every style and every body type. You absolutely need to visit this store if you or someone you know is in need of an awe-inspiring dress. You will like the way you look. That is a promise!

—Jalaine Olks

The Driftwood #42: Local Favorites #2

Pay It Forward: St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul Marinette interiorSt. Vincent De Paul in both Marinette and Green Bay have volunteer opportunities available. The goal of the organization is to offer aid to anyone in need on a person-to-person basis. They understand that every situation is different, and through the diverse programs offered can assist in situations including intervention, consultation, direct financial assistance, or in-kind services such as the food pantry. Their goal is to provide help to the public while supporting the confidentiality of the situation and the dignity of the people involved. Green Bay is looking for volunteers for stocking and rotating merchandise in the store, organizing clothing, processing and sorting donations, and making popcorn. Marinette is looking for volunteers to aid in food drives, food bagging and distribution, thrift store sorting, organizing and shelving of merchandise, straightening and restoring sections of the store, and maintaining the cleanliness of the property. Whether you are only available for a day or are able to commit to a regular volunteer schedule, help is always needed. Just follow the link to fill out the volunteer form and start helping our communities grow.

To learn more and apply to volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Green Bay, visit this link.

Access the Marinette St. Vincent de Paul Volunteer Application Form here.

—Tiffany Jablonowski, Local Favorites Editor

The Driftwood #42: Local Favorites #1

Finding Community: Early March Events 

Sigma Tau Delta member at UWGBDo you have a song or poem you want to share? On March 1st, Sigma Tau Delta is hosting an open mic night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Common Grounds Coffeehouse on the Green Bay campus. This event is open to all creative writers/musicians who wish to share their work. If you don’t have a song, poem, short fiction, etc. to share, come out to support the creative minds that are giving voice to their passions.

Were you a fan of any of the Pitch Perfect movies? The Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center is presenting the MadHatters, an a cappella group singing in a variety of genres, on March 2nd at 1 p.m. Founded in 1997, this University of Wisconsin-Madison group has entertained across the Midwest. Tickets are available through Ticketstar for $21.

Do you find yourself questioning how to make delicious maple syrup? Head on down to the Spirit House in Menominee on March 2nd from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a workshop that covers everything from tree identification to cooking and evaporation techniques. Other topics will include tapping tips and harvesting and storage information. This event has a cost of $15 to cover the class, but a bottle of the syrup that Johnson Maple Farms produces is given to every attendee. They do prefer attendees to be 18 +.

Are you an avid reader looking for other book-minded people to spend time with? Come join the Relax by the Fire Book Club at the Forgotten Fire Winery on March 7th at 6:30 p.m. For March, the theme is historical fiction and the book to read for this meeting is A Curious Beginning by Deanna Rayborn. This book club will be meeting the first Thursday of each month, and the book for the next month will be voted on by the attendees at the meeting. Attendees can be under 21, and no purchase is necessary to join.

What is better than saving lives? The Cottages at Lake Park Senior Living in Marinette will be hosting a blood drive on March 8th from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Anyone available to donate is welcome to come in and help save lives.

Highland Cow craftHave you ever wondered how to craft a cute cow sign? On March 12th at 11 a.m. the Craft Corner in Marinette will show you how to sand, paint, and assemble a highland cow sign. The sign is approximately twelve inches, and the cost is $25. This is a prepay class, so stop in or call 715/587-4643 to reserve your spot.

Are you enthusiastic about the independent film industry? March 9th from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. the Tarlton Theater is hosting the 2024 Green Bay Film Festival. For $20, you can engross yourself with independent feature films, documentaries, and short films shown with the focus on giving emerging filmmakers a platform.

—Tiffany Jablonowski, Local Favorites Editor