Black & Gold Quarterly (BGQ) - October 2023

BGQ BLAC

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QUA GOLD

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october 2023 // vol. o ne hundred and three

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the fresh issue

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table of contents fresh highlights 18 WICK’D CANDLES

Evil Queen, a new business in the Warehouse District, focuses on creating fun and funky candles

20 SMILES FROM SCRATCH JoJo’s Cookies, a pandemic-born business, opens a new location in Traverse City

26 BARBIE & OPPENHEIMER REVIEW

28

6

FRESH FALL CROSSWORD Complete the fall-themed crossword by the staff of the BGQ

central oriented 6 SAY HELLO TO SALO!

8 A NEW TROJAN PAVILION

10 SECURING CENTRAL

12 ENGLISH IS THE NEW MATH

Photographed by: Alexis Mast Brown

14 PHENOMENAL FRESHMEN

30 THE RECIPE: PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP CREAM CHEESE MUFFINS

features 16 SAM WON’T STOP SPEAKING

22 INVESTIGATION OF THE INSANE

mission statement The Black and Gold Quarterly (BGQ) is Traverse City Central High School’s student-run magazine. Since its conception in 1886, our publication has evolved with the times, frequently changing in style, format, and even name.

However, one factor has remained constant—our staff ’s desire to capture the story of our community, to challenge the accepted, and to open our minds to perspectives that we hadn’t previously considered through investigation, research, and inquiry. We are constantly striving to improve our content and artistic elements; after all, the BGQ is a school publication, so educating both ourselves as well as our readers remains one of our primary goals.

BLACK & GOLD QUARTERLY october two thousand and twenty three bgq staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Elizabeth Phillips CONTENT EDITORS Samuel Elkins Eliana Hermel Kristen May Lucy Poppleton PHOTO EDITOR Bridget Belden GRAPHICS Eliana Hermel Elizabeth Phillips

STAFF WRITERS Kailyn Groves Morgan Hill Peggy Probert Kate Unger Bryce Ward

COVER Elizabeth Phillips ADVISER Susan Roskelley

editor’s note When I stepped into the Pub for the first time this school year, I began to reflect on the repetitive process of the making of the Black and Gold Quarterly: 1) The whole class participates in a roundtable discussion, where we generate ideas for the upcoming issue and assign stories to staffers.

2) Staffers begin their writing process.

3) I sit down and open up new files on Adobe InDesign, the program that allows me to create the magazine.

4) Frustration erupts from my corner of the room as InDesign makes me question the bane of my existence.

5) The magazine is barely published in the nick of time.

While I enjoy (mostly) every minute of this process, I realized that I wanted something new, something vibrant, something fresh. Thus, the theme of this issue was born. Each story has some sort of idea revolving around newness. Some of these lie within Central's walls, such as the continuously developing Student Athlete Leadership Organization (pg. 6) or the reconstruction of the tennis courts (pg. 8). We also get to know some fresh faces, such as our new school resource officer, Officer Nowland, on pg. 10, and some individuals who put the ‘fresh’ in freshmen on pg. 14.

But the freshness doesn’t stop there. BGQ members ventured out into Traverse City, discovering up and coming businesses like JoJo’s Cookies and candle store Evil Queen, as well as the popular nighttime tour of the old state hospital over at the commons (pg. 22). And to spice things up, after a multi-year hiatus, we thought this summer's blockbusters of Barbie and Oppenheimer would be the perfect opportunity to bring back movie reviews.

Sometimes, the process seems old, but each year, the bar is raised by the incredible staffers and editors who work tirelessly to make each magazine the best it can be. Hopefully, this “fresh” issue will inspire you to take a look at all of the new things our community has to offer.

From the Pub,

Elizabeth Phillips

Send information, advertising, and other inquiries to: Black & Gold Quarterly Central High School 1150 Milliken Drive Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone: (231) 933-6533 Email: roskellesu@tcaps.net 4 // BGQ // October 2023

quarterly showcase

Photographed by: Ella Kirkwood

SAY HELLO TO SALO

Photo: J. Couturier

The Student Athletic Leadership Organization’s commitment to service and community

by Morgan Hill staff writer

6 // BGQ // October 2023

Photo: C. Norton

Graphic Courtesy of: E. Hermel

How many bowling meets can you say you’ve been to? What about swim meets? E-sports events? The band expo? Not many of us can say we’ve attended these things, but the Student Athlete Leadership Organization (SALO) aims to change that. SALO is a new, private club, led by Athletic Director Justin Thorington, that volunteers with sports, elementary schools, and communityrelated activities. SALO invites student athletes from each of Central’s sports teams that have the potential for good leadership capabilities. “[Our goal is to] develop leadership skills through different leadership opportunities,” elaborates Thorington. “[We] also have the goal of increasing school spirit and inclusion and strengthening the bond between us and our feeder schools.”

Once you’re in SALO, you are expected to volunteer. SALO’s volunteering comes in three forms: SALO Strong, TCAPS Strong, and Central Strong. SALO Strong participants volunteer to attend a CHS sports event and cheer on fellow Trojans, especially events that do not receive as much support from fellow Trojan students. Football games, for example, are already commonly attended by SALO members due to its popularity and their student section, so the group is encouraged to visit other games from other sports. Bowling meets or cross country meets, for example, are not usually attended by many students, so SALO is working to step in to fill that gap for these underappreciated sports. Meanwhile, TCAPS Strong is simply community service for the Traverse City area. This can include volunteering to pick up trash along the Boardman trail, donating food, or assisting with other community needs. Finally, Central Strong volunteers often go to elementary schools to inspire potential future Central student-athletes and have fun at their sporting events.

SALO looks for the best of the best, primarily Varsity athletes with great leadership qualities.

Thorington asks each of the coaches of Central’s varsity teams to select two to four athletes strictly based on their potential as leaders. The selected athletes are then background checked by Central’s administration team (the principals and athletic director) for discipline history, grades, fitness in the program, and leadership qualities elsewhere. Finally, the student is sent an invitation to join SALO. If they accept, they are expected to attend monthly meetings in the library during zero hour.

SALO meetings are held monthly, but that doesn’t mean things don’t happen in between meetings. The team utilizes an app that gives SALO members weekly scenarios, making them think about what they would do as leaders in a particular situation. Within the actual meetings, the members of SALO are split into six different groups, each led by an elected captain, to discuss where to volunteer or what they want to volunteer for. “It really depends on what team wants to do what,” explains SALO member Lawrence Cubitt ‘25, “which is the nice thing. We get to choose what we get to go do.” Thorington also invites guest speakers to SALO meetings in order to allow them to give their own advice or discuss leadership qualities that tie into the leadership topic of the week.

Student-athletes are held to very high standards because they have to balance both school work and athletics. SALO members are even held to higher standards than normal student-athletes because they are the hand-picked and identified leaders of Central’s athletes. SALO has the responsibility of representing Central High School athleticism. Anything they do at sporting or social events represents their school. “The biggest thing about leadership is being a servant leader,” Thorington explains.

SALO hopes that their efforts will bring more Trojan unity, sportsmanship, and support for sports. Very recently, SALO has participated in attending several sports games and events not usually attended by students, and they have received great compliments and praise from other fellow athletes, musicians, and club members. Because of SALO, students are working harder than ever to connect all people within the Trojan community.

“I want them to be better prepared to leave and succeed in the real world because they were part of our program,” Thorington notes. //

A NEW TROJAN PAVILION

Central’s tennis athletes show off their skills on their new courts

by Bryce Ward staff writer

Everyone has enjoyed something to the point they have to change it in order to make it more thrilling for their personal enjoyment. As people live their everyday life, there’s always something they enjoy more than another. Sometimes, those things we love can grow to be repetitive, bland, or just no longer enjoyable. A change however, can all of a sudden bring about a new spark of excitement, like a spotlight shining on a singer on stage. For the tennis team here at Traverse City Central High School, their own invigorat88////BGQ BGQ////October January 2023

ing change came in the form of a court remodel.

Central’s tennis teams have their own facility called The Trojan Pavilion. This facility has been used for years and was maintained as long as it could be. But when something like a tennis court is used frequently, it can lose its shine and gain some defects. “The past three years here at Central, the courts have always been in rough shape… they were a couple years overdue for remodeling,” states Varsity boys captain Caden Kowal ‘24. During previous seasons, the coaches were irritated with the facility, having to manage their teams around many small complications like fencing issues, loose bricks on pathways, and even unlevel surfaces. “It’s easier to work between different courts since they’ve removed fencing that stood in the middle of a couple of the courts, and having leveled off some courts just makes practices smoother,” Kowal comments.

After the 2022-2023 boys season, the remodeling of the facility began. But with a slow start to the production, and the estimated time of completion being delayed, it wouldn’t be finished in time for the girls season. Having this problem occur, the girls weren’t able to practice at their home for their season, so they had to play at East Middle School’s courts. However, while the reconstruction was occurring, some of the courts had been demolished to level them to the rest and were remodeled from scratch. Along with the courts, major factors of the facility were redone as well. For example, the old fencing that blocked courts from others was entirely stripped and replaced for better mobility and a fresh appearance. While this process seems simple, it took the entire summer of 2023 to finish it just in time for the start of the 2023-2024 boys season. “There were a lot of surface cracks and drainage issues, so we were fortunate enough to [lay] a whole new foundation,” says boys tennis coach Casey Christensen.

When receiving something brand new, it’s a natural feeling to be anxious about using it. So, how did the teams act when their new courts were implemented? Christensen recounts that “anytime you get a major upgrade like that, it produces a lot of positive buzz. The kids are excited to come to practice and…do what they love.” However, the tennis courts are not only for the teams. The coaches encourage community members to use them on the weekends, or on a

nice evening after a long day, although this does come with some principles: “Occasionally, people come and try to play pickleball on them, but we’re trying to regulate that. There won’t be lines that go down or anything like that,” Christensen explains. “It’s a tennis facility, and that’s what we’re trying to [play].” Since the facility is under constant surveillance, any unknown complications that occur can be resolved quickly. “There [are] people here all the time playing, [and] it’s good for the sport in the community,” discloses Christensen. “We try to encourage everyone to be good stewards of the facility. We want to make it last as long as we can.”

Even though the courts were run down to scraps, Central’s tennis teams have accumulated numerous accomplishments over the years, from having 35 total regional titles and more than fifty top ten placements in states. It can be said that the teams pushed themselves and the limits of the facility. Having the tennis home built in 1961, they have had plenty of time to create the strong, unique, and competitive Trojan culture we all know and love. Central’s collective strength has opened doors for coaches to experience a dream job. Both Christensen and Lisa Seymour, the girls’ tennis coach, took a look at the opportunities and wanted to implement the destination into their careers. While Central’s tennis teams have their strong historical nature, the individual and team accomplishments demonstrate what it’s like to be a Trojan, showing Christensen and Seymour that players are dedicated to what they do. “These banners [at the courts] frame our accomplishments and symbolize Central culture,” Christensen mentions, referencing the many signs celebrating the Trojans around the facility.

The change might seem like that big of a deal, but the way it impacted the teams is really reflective of their performance. The reconstruction of the facility made players eager and excited to play on the courts. The players continue to support each other no matter the circumstances, and having a new facility has helped connect the teams and build a positive mentality. “[We] support each other no matter how we’re playing,” Kowal reflects. “No matter what the other teams are like, we have to go out there, and we have to play consistently. We have to play strong and keep the confidence up.” //

Officer N Securing Central

owland:

Central brings back the school resource officer position, introducing a fresh face among staff by

10 // BGQ // October 2023

Kate Unger

staff writer

“I really just want all of the students and the staff to feel safe at all times,” says Resource Officer Justin Nowland. Over the summer, Central High School has undergone numerous changes, including a new addition to the staff—that new addition is Officer Nowland. In the past year, the school received a fair amount of feedback from parents, students, and even staff that they would be interested in having an officer at Central. They expressed they would feel more comfortable knowing there was that presence on campus.

“Having [an officer] provides some kind of reassurance that someone is here that has training and expertise in areas we don’t,” explains Principal Jessie Houghton. “The other thing he provides is some connection to our community and mentorships to our students. He has some resources that other staff members don’t have, including me.” As a result of this feedback, Nowland strives to make a comfortable and safe learning environment for the students and the staff.

Back when anti-police rhetoric became more commonplace, Nowland decided he wanted to become a police officer. “There were lots of…allegations of police officers who [weren’t] doing a good job or that they were corrupt. So I thought…

‘I’m gonna do the job the right way,’” he explains.

Nowland has been an officer since May 2017, primarily serving with the Traverse City Police Department. When there is a new position open, it gets posted to the entire department, meaning anyone can apply for the job. Nowland saw that there was a position to be Central’s resource officer, and he jumped at the opportunity. He sent a letter of interest to his boss, which was then put into a pool where everyone who applied tested against each other. Those who passed were put into an internal interview, then an external interview. Eventually, Nowland was chosen for this position.

Prior to his work at Central, Nowland worked with the homeless population in Traverse City, and a majority of his training is in the area of mental health. He is a part of the Community Mental Health (CMH) organization, working with the homeless population. This role requires a lot of mental health support, as well as connecting people to different resources in the community.

He expresses how it can sometimes be challenging to work with them. “A lot of those folks in the homeless population don’t necessarily like [the] police. Not all of them, but some of them are just kind of anti-law enforcement. Occasionally, it can

just be a little difficult to work with them,” Nowland admits. “With teenagers, you can get that as well, but they are usually more optimistic and positive.”

Nowland typically arrives at Central around 7:30 and stays until 3:30, unless there are school events in the evening. He often patrols the parking lots to ensure student safety when arriving and leaving school. Throughout the day, you’ll see him by the lunchroom, library, and the hallways. Sometimes, he visits classes like Crime and Justice for firsthand experience and questions.

Besides being present for student safety on campus, Nowland also helps with issues outside of school. There have been some students in situations where their guardians aren’t a good fit for them, or sometimes Child Protective Services (CPS) will come to interview a student. Nowland has reached out to other housing options for students to help them stay in a home that is a better fit for them. He has helped with custody issues as well. When there is a CPS interview with a student, he attends those to support them. He has also helped mentor a few kids already that need another adult to talk to. “His goal is to make lots of positive connections, to answer questions, and to be a resource for the kids in our community,” shares Houghton.

Being in a new environment can be hard sometimes when everyone already knows everyone else. “All the students—other than the freshmen—know all the teachers, all the teachers know each other, and I’m still just getting [to know] the teachers and the students,” Nowland says. He tries to attend night events such as football games, soccer games, and school dances. “Sometimes I play sports at lunch or chess with the students,” he comments. Getting involved in student activities is something Nowland has been doing a lot so far at Central, which has helped him form better relationships with students.

Even though he has only been at Central for a few months, Nowland has enthusiastically embraced his new role. By being a mentor to the school community, he is already making a great impact on the students and staff. //

Photos: K. Unger

THE S I H S ENGLI H T A M W E N yn

by Kail

The Sci-Ma-Tech Program r incorporates English fo the first time

Groves

riter

staff w

For as long as I can remember, I have found Science and English to be my favorite classes to take in school. They always made sense to me and lit a lightbulb for new ideas. Not only was it the understanding of the subjects that I liked, but it was also the learning aspect and freedom to stretch my thinking. There was not a class, however, that combined my two academic interests until this year, and this new class is now part of the Sci-Ma-Tech program.

Based on student and teacher feedback, the Sci-Ma-Tech teachers have been figuring out how to combine multiple subjects into two class periods for the last few years, with varying results.

“Last year…towards the end of second semester, we had four classes in two hours,” Arthur LijewskiLee ‘26 recalls. The Sci-Ma-Tech program integrated math into these daily block schedules at first, but this soon became problematic due to everyone’s varying math levels. As a result, the teacher team decided to simplify things to help with the workload. “We typically split it up between two set hours,” says English teacher Gina Houdek. “[Sometimes,] students spend first hour with Ms. Laing doing chemistry, and then they 12 // BGQ // October 2023

[come] to me for English.” The class typically has a varying schedule when it comes to the subjects covered in the block. “[On some days,] they’re going to be spending an hour with Mr. Baran and Mr. Forton. The following day, it could be Chemistry and Technology,” Houdek mentions. “It really changes week by week.” By having students take three classes across the block, it frees up time for electives they wouldn’t necessarily have, which was a main concern raised at the end of last year for the future of the program.

In class, students will work individually and together for projects, essays, or labs, which are all run by a team of teachers that teach different subjects. “Right now, we have three classes in a two hour block: Chemistry with Laing, English with Houdek, and Engineering with Baran,” explains Lijewski-Lee. Still, it’s too early in the year to know exactly how people are doing with the program’s shift in academic values. It’s the first time that Sci-MaTech has decided to incorporate English into its curriculum. So far, things seem to be going well. “We’re kinda early on, so nothing major has changed. But from what I’ve heard, they’re going

Photos: B. Belden

to be doing a better job of not cramming so much in,” Lijewski-Lee mentions.

Because of the different set up this year, the classes feel better than last year. “I enjoy everything. I like the stuff we do, [specifically what] we do in engineering, that stuff I really like; it’s fun,” Lijewski-Lee elaborates.

Last year, students struggled with homework and extensive assignments. They were given homework by each teacher for most of the school year while also having other classes to be present in and keep up with.

“There are pluses and minuses. It’s annoying to have to, every single day, figure out where you’re going,” admits Lijewski-Lee. “Sometimes, you have to rush across the building. But honestly, it’s kind of fun to have a variety [of classes and teachers].”

Despite the challenges of starting something new, Houdek is looking forward to the adventures ahead.

“This is a new program for this year. I’m really excited for it. I think there are a lot of possibilities for this to become an engaging, exciting class,” shares Houdek.

“If you’re someone who likes science, technology, engineering, [or] English, and you want to see how that is woven together, definitely come and check out the Sci-Ma-Tech program next year.” //

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The Class of 2027 showcase s their talents outside of the cl assroom

weber

Marin Weber started dancing at the age of four as a way to burn her energy. Since then, dance has transformed into both a passion and a mode of expression for her. “I [love] the fact that you can say so much, except you’re not saying anything,” gushes Weber.

“You can express yourself…through your movement.” Dancing with Company Dance Traverse, Weber performs many different styles of dance from traditional ballet to contemporary to jazz to tap. As for her favorite mode of expression, it would have to be “a tie between ballet and contemporary,” says Weber. “I just have more of a connection to those dance types.” In addition to movement, Weber Photo courtesy of M. Weber loves the activity because of the people around her. “The community is also a really great part of [dance],” shares Weber. She is at one of the highest levels in her company and dances with other outstanding high school dancers, working dedicatedly at her craft five days a week.

At the end of this past dance season, Weber’s hard work paid off as she returned to New York City Dance Alliance nationals for another year. In order to make it to New York, Weber first auditioned at regionals. “If they select you to be an Outstanding Dancer, you have the option to go to New York…and that’s where you compete to be the ultimate Outstanding Dancer,” explains Weber.

Though she ultimately was not named the overall winner, Weber received a platinum ranking—the best ranking possible—for her performances at both the regional and national levels. “It was very good, and I’m pretty proud of myself,” reflects Weber.

Looking forward to the future, Weber cannot wait to continue dancing, especially as she enters high school this year. “I’ve…never not wanted to go to dance,” Weber says, recalling her many years devoted to the sport. She knows that dance is definitely in store for her, possibly as a profession. “I’m starting to think that dance might be a career that I might want to pursue,” ponders Weber, “but I know that I [definitely] want to do it when I’m older [even if not as a career].”

14 // BGQ // October 2023

ooks r B Kane

Not many people can say that a cow is their best friend, but Kane Brooks proudly does so, taking every opportunity to share his love for the animals. Brooks has successfully raised two championship cows throughout his years of participating in 4-H, a program that allows youth to experience the joys of raising livestock. He has raised cattle for six years now, and he has four years of high school left to bond with and raise four more calves. “[I love that it gives] me a responsibility and…shows me how to take care of something [with] determination,” describes Brooks. He began the program by raising goats before later switching to cows, which has certainly been successful, as he has been named Grand Champion of the NorthwestGraphic: E. Hermel ern Michigan Fair not once but twice. Brooks puts “in a lot of hard work,” each day, usually around four hours, as he explains. “Morning or night, [I spend time] washing him, blow drying him off, taking care of him, making sure he has clean bedding, [and] making sure he has a clean pen.” Raising one calf for show at the Fair usually takes around nine or ten months. “Right now I have my cow, and the fair starts in August,” Brooks explains as he looks forward to another competition.

Reflecting on his titles as Grand Champion, Brooks considers it an honor to win. “It felt great because I [earned] a lot more respect, and it was just nice knowing that I was the number one showman that day,” conveys Brooks. The cows are judged based on how well they are raised and how much muscle they have on their bodies. “It’s just crazy that when that judge walks up and shakes your hand and says ‘good job,’ then that’s when you start to know you did really [well],” Brooks says. Ultimately, what Brooks loves most about raising cows through 4-H is the connections he is able to form with the calves. “When you see them go by, you cry because you just love that cow so much because you sit there and make TikToks with it, and you just love it a lot,” explains Brooks. “I will continue doing it until I can’t do it anymore.”

Lorelai Zielinski has only thrown shot put since sixth grade, yet she has gone to nationals each year since she began. This year, she was finally named the national champion of her age group. “It was really exciting,” exclaims Zielinski. “I had been waiting two years to get that high [of a score] in the nation.” She certainly got there through her hard work. During the off season, Zielinski practices about three days a week, but she spends time throwing six to seven days a week during the shot put season itself. Zielinski notes that she has continued to improve the distances of her throws by “practicing more [and more].” Zielinski’s mom and coach, Amanda Zielinski, has also helped her improve, as she threw shot put when she was in high school.

Looking back at nationals this spring, Zielinski remembers the path she took to get there.

Throughout the season, she continued to build, throwing longer and longer distances and approaching her goal of a 50 foot throw. At regionals, she “got first in [the Photo courtesy of L. Zielinski discus throw]” before moving on to shot put. “My first throw was over 50 feet, [and] I [felt like] there was a weight lifted off my shoulders,” reveals Zielinski. “Then I progressively got better and then threw 53 feet.” She then continued to work hard for nationals, where she would face many of the same girls she competed against in previous years. This time, after taking home eighth place in sixth grade and third place in seventh grade, Zielinski won the title of National Champion in shot put. “I was just really excited and really happy that I had finally done it,” recalls Zielinski.

As Zielinski transitions from middle to high school, the weight of the shot she throws will increase, but her enthusiasm for the sport will lorelai zielinkski remain. “I’m very excited [to throw],” concludes Zielinski.

t ’ n o W Sam g n i k a e Stop Sp

meo h ur o y tay s o D d an k r o your w f o op r on t s. Olive e class ock ‘24 schr

Take classes you’re actually interested in, not because your friends are in them.

You will do better in classes if you take ones you’re actually interested in. stella larrance ‘25 16 // BGQ // October 2023

Q: What advice would you give this years freshman class?

by Sam Elkins / content editor

Don’ tg sure ive into p a your nd stay eer pres o class sets es be n top of up ca high your GPA use that sc [ arou hool]. If to start n then d freshm you mess a it Ashto lowers n year, y n Kl ingel our GPA. smith ‘25

Talk to ple a as many make s possibl peoe an as ma d n as yo y f r i giben u can! eil ends e s-wo odbu en ry ‘24

Graphic courtesy of E. Hermel

Wick’d Candles

Evil Queen, a new business in the Warehouse District, focuses on creating fun and funky candles by

Kristen May content editor

It was a typical Wednesday morning. After just exploring Playa Bowls, my sister questioned whether we could head over to this new business in the Warehouse District, Evil Queen. I was enticed. The moment I stepped through the door, I was immediately transported to a different dimension. Delicioussmelling candles lined the walls, and cute little trinkets were spattered across the counters. I was immediately drawn to a candle labeled “Fall” that had an aura of coffee and crisp leaves. Instinctively picking it up, I held it up to my nose, breathing in the scent that would drive me to buy the candle. I then decided to look around the store more and uncover all of the hidden secrets lying within the nooks and crannies. As I left the store, I pondered what brought this secret treasure trove to Traverse City.

Evil Queen’s origins began in a small apartment in Los Angeles in 2016. Owner Ida-Sofia Koivuniemi remembers the process that started it all. “It was just a random idea that I had to make funny candles, [since] at the time, no one was doing that,” Koivuniemi recounts. However, Los Angeles is a drastically different environment than Traverse City, and the transition took some time.

Whether it’s the amount of people, the size of the city, or the overall atmosphere, Traverse City certainly takes some getting used to. “There’s a lot more of a community here,” Koivuniemi observes, which helps with meeting customers and developing connections.

20 // BGQ // October 2023

Photo: K. May

It was just a random idea that I had to make funny candles.

There are so many special aspects to the Evil Queen. The fun candles, the unique stickers, the stacks of jars lining the wall, all of it adds to an atmosphere like no other. However, this secret haven was not always beautiful; it took some time and a lot of effort.

“The renovations were a bit of a challenge….We had to get permits for the demo….I just didn’t really know the process,” Koivuniemi recalls. The company also offers candle-making classes, which provide a unique opportunity for the public to get a taste of what goes into making candles. “I wanted to [dedicate the store’s] back area [to] candle-making classes to give people the chance to make their own candles [and] do something fun in Traverse,” she explains.

Evil Queen sells a variety of candles, ranging from crisp apple scents to vanilla and lavender.

Koivuniemi loves all of her products, especially “Stolen Hoodie, because I like the more masculine kind of scents….All the candles are my babies; I love them all in their own way.” The company’s creative candles have even been reviewed by several major lifestyle news outlets including Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed, and PopSugar, who remarked, “Sometimes we feel like nobody understands us, and then other times we spot a hilariously accurate candle that was basically made for our dark souls.”

Since starting the company in Los Angeles, Koivuniemi has been considering additional regional and national expansions of the store. “I’ve always thought about opening one back in Los Angeles where I started because that would be cool, or even downstate Michigan or something like Ann Arbor,” she remarks.

Furthermore, there are many working parts that go into ensuring the success of Evil Queen.

The warehouse is where all of the work goes into making the candles and figuring out how to get them to their buyers. “[I’m responsible for] manag[ing] the staff and all of the prep and production of the candles,” Liz Caluory, the Manager of Evil Queen, describes. “[A]longside those tasks, I’m responsible for shipping and receiving orders, along with ordering all the supplies for the warehouse.” Caluory really enjoys being a part of the Evil Queen family, working in the crucial warehouse. “What I like about Evil Queen is that you’re a part of it from start to finish, and you really get to see the work that you put in at the end,” she reflects.

While there are lots of businesses that have picked up the trend of creating playful candles, Evil Queen is the first small business of its kind in Traverse City. Now that they have finally opened their first brick-and-mortar location, locals can finally enjoy the nationally recognized scents that have put the company on the map. //

books people>

happy haunting

old soul

do not distrub

alone time

stolen hoodie

Smiles from Scratch 10/12/23, 1:16 PM

IMG_6715.HEIC

JoJo’s Cookies, a pandemic-born business, opens a new location in Traverse City by

Bridget Belden photo editor

The roots for JoJo’s Cookies were formed in 2020 when co-owner Jordyn Wilson started experimenting in her kitchen with the goal of creating the best cookie. “She really focused on having a soft cookie, not crunchy, but nice and ooey gooey in the middle,” recalls her husband Colin Wilson. Throughout her journey to design the best cookie, Jordyn relied on the input of her family and friends who tasted her creations and were immediately hooked. Jordyn quickly began receiving requests from friends, neighbors, and family members for her famous cookies, and shortly after, the couple realized that Jordyn’s cookies had the potential to become more than just a hobby. Soon, Jordyn was selling cookies from a mini fridge on their front porch in Saginaw, and by September of 2022, they had opened their first location in Petoskey. Following the success of their Petoskey location, Jordyn and Colin decided to expand and opened a second storefront in downtown Traverse City at 113 Park Street in the summer of 2023.

During their journey of starting a business, the Wilsons faced many challenges: At the beginning, Colin expressed that “the hardest part [was] figuring out where to start.”

Whether it was finding a location or questioning if a business could actually succeed on its own, the development of a new business was uncharted territory for the Wilsons.

Furthermore, it was even more difficult for the Wilsons to open a location in Traverse City whilst still maintaining their location in Peto20 // BGQ // October 2023

Photo: B. Belden

715.HEIC skey. “We had a busy season in the summer in Petoskey, and getting a team rolling and trained [in Traverse City] was pretty difficult,” says Colin. Luckily, though, COVID-19 was never really an obstacle for the Wilsons even though they began JoJo’s Cookies during the pandemic. “It worked out for us because my wife was home during the pandemic, and we had a perfect enclosed porch at our house, so…we had a little mini fridge out on the porch, [customers would] come up and grab [their orders], and it was not a big deal for us at all,” emphasizes Colin.

JoJo’s Cookies works tirelessly every day to create “Smiles from Scratch,” using quality ingredients and a changing menu to make the best cookies and provide a variety. “The fun [thing] about our store is that every month we have [five] rotating flavors,” explains Colin. “They’re only there for the month, and they may or may not reappear the rest of the year.” While changing out five cookies each month, the menu also features an assortment of cookies, like their traditional chocolate chip cookie, that are always available. Since their first opening, Jordyn has developed over 36 different cookie recipes and continues to create recipes each month. For those new to JoJo’s, Colin recommends, “At least start with the classic, the chocolate chip, and don’t be afraid to try one of the new flavors!”

JoJo’s Cookies offers many services, such as online shipping and catering. “We do lots of catering [for] weddings [and] any type of corporate event,” offers Colin. Besides cookies, they offer merchandise like sweatshirts, cups, and hats. “We have dog toys, too. Our dog, Captain, is a puppy…so we have a JoJo’s dog toy named after him: Captain’s Toy,” Colin describes.

As a business, the Wilsons strive to create not only great cookies, but a positive environment as well. “We are very selective in who we hire;…we really want workers… to be happy.…A lot of times, when we’re going to hire somebody, we actually have them meet the whole team,” Colin remarks, “At the end of the day, especially when it’s challenging to keep people, you want to make sure that [your] employees are happy.” JoJo’s Cookies also projects this value of positivity onto their customer service as well. “We really stress…a happy environment; even for our customers who come in,” promotes Colin. “We constantly stress to employees that it’s all about customer service.” As a business founded by a young couple, the Wilsons certainly see JoJo’s Cookies as a family business, and they want the families and young children that enter their doors to be immediately welcomed and excited by all the business has to offer. “We love bringing smiles to peoples’ faces,” says Colin.

For many, including Lily Appleford ‘26, JoJo’s Cookies is bound to become a downtown Traverse City staple. “[Their cookies are] ten out of ten!” exclaims Appleford. Already, JoJo’s Cookies has received a warm welcome from the Traverse City business community along with national recognition for their classy cookies, as they were recently featured on the Today Show and have since sold out for online orders nationwide. Fortunately, Traverse City locals can still quickly get their cookie fix right at home. //

We love bringing smiles to peoples’ faces.

Investigation of the Insane

Paranormal stories and sightings abound at the Grand Traverse Commons by

Peggy Probert staff writer

Part 1 Have you heard the blood-chilling story of the woman in a red dress? It takes place at the Northern Michigan Asylum for the Insane in Traverse City, Michigan. There was a nurse at the hospital who started back to her cottage at the end of a shift. It was quiet, with only the sounds of doors slamming and the drumming of insects vibrating in the air. The streets were enveloped in a blanket of shadow; the only visible light spilled from the windows of passing cottages. As she rides in a carriage, the nurse passes by the bat-shaped main building of the Asylum compound. She sees a woman in a red dress slumped on the side of the road but isn’t able to stop in time to help. After she halts the carriage and walks back down the path, she gets to the spot where she spotted the woman in red only to horrifyingly discover that the woman had completely vanished.

This was the first of many sightings of the infamous “woman in red.”

This story is told to visitors who venture deep underground in the tunnels that hollow the earth underneath the Asylum. It is told in complete darkness to those who have the mental fortitude to make it far enough down the questionably-stable catacomb tunnels that span the hospital. Whether it be the main building, the cottages, or the tunnels, every place has an unfortunate story that is difficult to tell. Many people question if the Asylum is haunted by those who lived there, and most do not venture in to test their theories.

22 // BGQ // October 2023

Photo: P. Probert

Will you still have the courage to walk the halls?

However, what if I told you that I was one of the few people who managed to make it through the tunnels? Or that I investigated the buried secrets of the Asylum, the suspiciously polished history embedded in the chimneys and asbestos floors, and the dark energies visitors have felt in the cottages? This is the recount of what happened on that blindingly-dark, teeth-chattering night. But, once you hear about what I discovered, will you still have the courage to walk the halls?

Part 2 My name is Peggy. I am a spiritualist and have members of my family who were patients at the Asylum. My great-great-grandmother was viewed as “abnormal” when others learned of her extreme case of depression; back then, this was cause to admit her to the asylum. I have lived my entire life viewing the Northern Michigan Asylum For The Insane from a distance, and only a few times have I overheard stories of the past or walked down its historic brick halls. I have always admired its iconic towering spires from the scenic hills that hug the borders of the hospital.

I have heard stories of runaway patients and how the Asylum would blare alarms (similar to that of an eerie tornado siren) whenever a patient got loose; it served as a warning to those nearby to beware of the potential danger roaming in the streets. Hearing such stories let me see how life was in Traverse City with the arrival of the Asylum, now known as the Grand Traverse Commons (or just the Commons).

Construction began in April 1883 on the Victorian-styled asylum, led by architect Gordon W. Lloyd. It consists of a center administrative section and wings on either side for housing patients. The main structure is almost one-quarter mile long, over 300,000 square feet, and over 70 feet tall. The Asylum was built to serve many counties, including all of the Upper Peninsula, for the increasing demand for new hospitals in the area. Almost immediately after opening, there was still a demand for additional patient rooms. Starting in the 1890s, standalone cottages were constructed to serve the increasing patient population. If you were in the farthest cottage, you were the most trusted. If you were in the nearest cottages, you were the least trusted, or extremely sick.

“The general public has built this stereotype around the asylums in America due to the facilities being awful and extremely negative,” a tour guide at the Commons explains. Doctors did not have the answers as to why people were acting “abnormal” or “insane” during this period, so they referred to using twisted and disturbing methods of curing these people of their mental illnesses. Doctors performed lobotomies (severing the connection between both lobes of the brain), used electric chairs (strapping people to a chair and shocking them), and some of the more “disturbed” patients lived as shut-ins and were referred to by their patient number rather than their name.

However, in 1989, the hospital abruptly closed. “It had to do with funding these hospitals. The states all started shutting all these hospitals down and literally turning people out to the streets.

Many had nowhere to go…it was a really sad time,” Marsha Minervini, one of the owners of the hospital, reveals.

Knowing how some of the patients had lived their lives inside the Asylum walls, could their negative energy still remain? Could the nurses and doctors who worked there still haunt the place? And did some of the patients never leave? With different claims and sightings being reported in recent years, it has attracted numerous paranormal investigations. Given stories like the woman in the red dress, just how haunted is the Northern Michigan Asylum?

The buildings that make up the 300,000-foot property are too grand a task to be tackled by one person. Zoey Zender, a fellow friend and believer in the paranormal, offered her assistance.

In search of answers, we made calls and managed to get into a midnight investigation at the Asylum.

This investigation consisted of around 15 people who traveled to the area to figure out what was really lurking behind the shattered artisan stained glass windows of the asylum.

Part 3 Friday, September 15th was the day of the investigation. We had been stewing in hopeful anticipation of this night as we researched the Asylum’s history. After making the trip up to the base, we were astonished by the beauty of the exterior of the building. Tall windows reached up the walls of each floor, featuring captivating limestone bricks and red spires that worked as air vents for the hospital amazed us.

The main building (Building 50) looks like a castle. We felt small in comparison to the asylum, and we felt like we were being watched. With stacks of windows facing us and darkness creeping in, we felt eager to get inside and away from the open courtyards. We searched for signs of the meetup spot, but we immediately got lost in the labyrinth of halls. Eventually, we made it to the FUB - Freaky Ugly Building.

Workers at the Commons refer to it as such because it is an ugly square concrete block nestled in between the two beautiful wings of the Asylum. It lies where the central spire (the tallest spire built on the grounds of Building 50) used to stand before its eventual collapse.

After entering the FUB, we could see the group at the end of a long corridor. While walking down, we noticed a timeline stretching the length of the hall. Each step we took pulled us through a different moment in the Asylum’s history, teaching us about why the hospital was built, all the way to its current day restoration process.

While we were enveloped in history, our guides walked into the hall. One was a tall man who lingered behind the other leader and mysteriously stood to the side and watched our investigation as a caboose.

The other leader was a young woman who knew everything there was to know about the asylum and those who lived there.

The leader started by giving us insights into why she wanted to facilitate these tours: “I started here a couple of years ago caboosing...being the backup person to wrangle everyone and make sure everyone’s where they need to be,” she explains. She was too young to be a leader at the time, so she spent a lot of time caboosing before becoming a leader herself.

“My job [is to educate] people on the history of the asylum here and inform people on the stigma and stereotypes that come with a lot of these facilities,” she elaborates. “These facilities were pretty awful because a lot of the asylum systems were really negative.” As she speaks, you can almost feel her eagerness to teach, to share the history of the building. “I love educating people on that and shedding some light on how, sure, some of the asylum systems were awful. The reason I do it is that I really like educating people on the history here, and I grew up with the asylum. It’s [part of] my family. My great great grandparents worked here back in the day, so it’s what I grew up with.” She continues to talk as she leads the investigation group down the halls of the FUB. As we walked, she showed us images of how the central spire would have looked if it were still standing strong. She then gave us information on who built the Asylum, why we were here, and what we were about to get ourselves into. Soon after, we walked outside into the chilling air, the group pausing to unpack and activate lights to shine on the uneven stone paths. Walking north, we head out to some of the abandoned men’s cottages on the south side of the property. A chemical smell seeps from fresh spray-paint markings, and the smell of the forest, moss, and dirt helps create the calm atmosphere that architect Kirkbride created to help heal the patients of the hospital.

As we arrive at the first cottage’s entrance, I notice a large metal bar blocking the door. One at a time, both guides pick up one end of the bar and pull it off, letting it clank against the floor. Once we got inside, she turned us loose after giving us more information on the “treatments” they gave the patients. We wander the halls, peeking through broken and boarded windows, windows that survived being stoned, and odd holes in the walls. We slowly walk the planks, feeling the boards creek beneath our feet and pray we do not fall through. Every word spoken is a whisper, the scale of the rooms and the darkness of the night seemed to take everyone’s breath away. Holding out a recorder in front of me, 24 // BGQ // October 2023

I walk through the halls hoping to catch something on tape. Zoey walks alongside me, taking photos periodically, hoping to catch something on camera. One of the guides at the Asylum is “a paranormal investigator who has multiple [electronic voice phenomenons] that he’s gotten while exploring the compound,” the guide reveals to our group, making us more eager to find evidence of our own.

We make our way outside after the group fully explores the different floors. Seeing that the sky has only gotten darker, we head back down the stone paths towards the main building. We stop again at the base of a larger cottage with even more broken windows and slowly enter, our hair standing on end.

Unlike the other cottage, this building held the dining hall, a giant room full of toppled chairs and tables, pipes, and a wall with its bricks spread out on the floor like jacks. The sight of the fallen wall only makes the sense of impending danger more intense. Will the roof collapse with us inside? Should we stay? Eager to move, we continue walking the halls with the structural integrity of everything around us in mind.

After getting many more photos and audio recordings, we traveled back to building 50, feeling excited knowing what we were about to experience next. We made it to something called a building, but it was the size of a closet, and the width of the door covered the front. Gathering back into a group, they opened the door and let us descend. The “building” was cramped. It only held a steep staircase that went below ground, which made you wary of each step you took in order not to be pulled down. After ducking under passing pipes overhead, we made it to a room that was used to control the steam that circulated through the vents.

We began to investigate the Asylum’s Catacombs. These tunnels were used as the main route for the steam traveled through to heat the buildings and cottages on the asylum grounds. These tunnels are made entirely of hand-placed brick and packed earth; the only assurance that you would not be trapped nor crushed alive comes from trusting the work of those who lived centuries ago. As we skipped over pools of water that eroded bricks on the floor, we ended up in the tunnels that reached underneath the main building. Everyone is all geared up, lights shining down the tunnels, phones out taking pictures, and faces full of complete amazement.

The group started to spread out down each side of the tunnel, their voices echoing as they spoke, and when the guide called out, her voice sounded even louder. If the stillness of the tunnels wasn’t enough, she had everyone disable their lights, leaving all of us standing in complete darkness. Our hands were invisible. Only the voice of Zoey standing next to me let me know where I stood. After the group settled in the darkness, the guide relayed the story of the woman in the red dress. While telling the story, the woman made the lights quickly flash. Some people ducked out of instinctual fear, and some people’s voices barreled and bounced through the tunnels as they screamed and spoke.

Eventually, we reached the surface. It was still dark, but in comparison to the lack of light within the tunnels, we appreciated the return of our sense of sight. Walking back into the FUB, our investigation came to a close. We wrapped up after two hours of exploring two abandoned cottages, the catacombs, and learning about the history directly from those who cherish the hospital. Zoey and I talked about our photos and recordings, excited to get back home and comb through our findings.

While we did not catch anything supernatural, we learned something interesting while conducting an interview with one of the guides who works at the Commons. “People ask all the time, ‘are the buildings haunted,’ and honestly, I tell them I’ve seen more stuff in my childhood homes growing up than I’ve seen here,” she admits. We also learned that the hospital did more to support its patients than other asylums in America. “We want to try to be very mindful, and very respectful of the history here. We understand that just because it was a better asylum doesn’t mean it was a great place…there are still a lot of people in town that have some sort of connection here, whether they were here as a patient or staff,” she shares. “This was a place that people genuinely needed.” Hearing this shows why we didn’t get any results from our initial investigation and why it was worth saving the Northern Michigan Asylum. //

Barbie

by Kristen May

content editor

The Barbie movie is a female empowerment film focused on addressing the feminism issue through comedy and symbolism. In the feature, Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, sets out on a journey to the Real World in order to answer questions about her identity and her place in Barbie Land. However, in her quest, she discovers that the Real World is not as perfect and equal as she believes, and therefore, she takes it upon herself to change society for the better.

This movie is a must watch for all, regardless of gender. It presents issues relevant to all of society. The film reaches its intended audience quite well, as it portrays heavy topics in a very lighthearted way that allows its viewers to enjoy the film while still leaving them with an impactful message at the end. The most direct aspect of the film is the importance of staying true to one’s self and being completely and wonderfully authentic, always. Barbie is the doll that is supposed to be the inspiration for all girls, teaching them to never give up and always fight for what they want and deserve.

The movie is directed by Greta Gerwig, who is known for her feminism-focused films and is a renowned director, screenwriter, and actress. Some of her other productions include Lady Bird, Little Women, and Nights and Weekends. Barbie attracted people from all walks of life as they dressed up in what became known as “the pink trend” or “Barbiecore” and flocked to the theaters. As a result, pink became the iconic color of the Barbie film and a symbol of empowerment, rather than “girliness.”

Although the movie is geared towards all ages, Generation Z truly embraced it, as it represents all the gender equality issues of today’s society, but mixed with comedy and Ryan Gosling. I mean, how could someone not fall in love?

Barbie was a huge success, raking in over $1.4 billion, and earning the title of the biggest global-earning Warner Bros. movie ever. Part of what drew people to the movie were the actors and actresses. Ryan Gosling stars as Ken: the funny, desperately-in-love-with-Barbie “side character.” Ken acts as a side character in some aspects, as he’s not the main focus of the film, but he is important to the plot. His actions are what drive the change in Barbie Land, and he also embarks on a journey of self-love and realization along with the rest of the residents of Barbie Land. Both Gosling and co-star Robbie are well-known actors, who have had many successes prior to starring in Barbie. Robbie has had a wide range of roles, such as Harley Quinn, Nellie LaRoy, and Naomi Lapaglia, and Gosling had several starring roles as well, such as Sebastian Wilder and Six. Once you’ve seen the actors in these roles, it’s nearly impossible to picture anyone else in them. The casting choices made for this movie are part of the allure of Barbie. The traits reflected in the characters truly reflect the traits of the actors. For example, Ryan Gosling is known as one of the best-looking men in Hollywood, and Ken is known as one of the best-looking men in Barbie Land. Casting Gosling as Ken is one of the smartest choices Hollywood could’ve made. They’re both blonde, hilarious, have epic dance moves, and, if we’re being honest, not too bad to look at. Essentially, they exemplify the perfect man. The same can be said for Robbie, who shines bright through her character. She embodies the idea that a woman can do anything and everything, just as Barbie does.

Barbie is an amazing movie. In my humble opinion, it’s one of the best films of all time. It’s inspiring, beautifully written and produced, and an eye opener into the inequality of today’s society. //

26 // BGQ // October 2023

OPPENHEIMER

by Sam Elkins

content editor

I want you to think about World War II. The men in uniform, defending our country on the battlefield fighting the Nazis and the Japanese. The battle of good and evil with the Axis and Allied powers. Now stay on that train of thought but shift it slightly to the thought of how the war ended. The Germans had already surrendered, and the war became a battle against the Japanese.

How did we win the war? One man brought together the greatest scientific minds in the country to make the most horrific weapon of war known to date: the atom bomb.

Renowned director Christopher Nolan took some of Hollywood’s greatest actors and tackled one of the biggest events in all of history in his biopic titled Oppenheimer.

This cinematic work of art wasn’t just about the bomb; it was about the minds behind it, as the film focuses primarily on theoretical physicist Robert J. Oppenheimer.

The film starts in a weird spot. It opens with the security conference as a result of the bombings in Japan and slowly creeps towards the main plot of Dr. Oppenheimer gathering scientists for a secret weapon to end the Second World War. The film does this a lot, jumping from Oppenheimer’s security conference to personal interviews about Oppenheimer and his trial, to the main plot of how the bomb was created as the film progresses. It goes so far as to show every detail about Oppenheimer, even his affair, which was a very big part of his personal life and mentioned quite a few times throughout the film due to how it tainted his reputation.

Another timeline featured in the movie discusses the possible communism that could have taken place due to Oppenheimer’s past, including the possibility of a spy in Los Alamos. Also featured are the security clearings for Oppenheimer to determine if he should be put in jail or prison for his horrifying creation.

The film moves into the recruitment of Oppenheimer for the infamous Manhattan Project where the movie’s main plot takes place. Teamed with General Leslie Groves, the two made a town in the middle of New Mexico named Los Alamos, where the scientists on the Manhattan project would work at creating the Atomic Bombs to end World War II. With this came the “Trinity Test,” which was the first real attempt at atomic weaponry and gave the scientists a chance to look at what they were truly building and what this atomic weapon would lead to. With the success of the Trinity Test, the atomic bomb had become real.

The bombs were given to the military and President Truman, and the first two atomic bombs to ever hit the military’s hands were used to destroy two large pivotal cities in Japan, Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Nolan’s film can only be described as a perfect recreation of the events that took place in this time period, as the cast matches just as well as the events do. Looking at side by side photos of Cillian Murphy in his performance as Robert J. Oppenheimer versus the real man himself reveals uncanny similarities, not to mention Brad Pitt as General Leslie Groves and even Oppenheimer’s wife Kitty, played by Emily Blunt.

Although the film is a war movie, it doesn’t actually show the audience any combat. It’s an experience in itself to watch; in fact, the release of both Oppenheimer and Barbie on the same day led to moviegoers attending the two films back to back, dubbed “Barbenheimer.” Audiences took to social media, creating memes and posts surrounding the trend and inspiring others to see these polar-opposite films. Even without the Barbenheimer phenomenon, Oppenheimer is not just a movie but a unique recollection of the story behind the atomic bomb pulled straight out of a history book. //

"Fresh" Fall Crossword

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Across: 1. At Evil Queen, you can make your own _____ 2. New STEM English teacher 9. Nowland is filling the new position of _____ Officer 10. The Nutcracker is a famous _____ 11. "_____ from Scratch" 17 14. Happy _____ (a candle sold at Evil Queen) 15. A delicious dessert but also a tool to measure the desert 17. The new _____ presence at CHS is here to support students Down: 1. JoJo's _____ 3. Tennis _____, food _____, baskeball _____ 4. The Commons are the grounds of a former _____ 5. Part of a plant 6. Brooks likes to make TikToks with _____ 7. _____ spice latte 8. SALO values great _____ 10. _____ vs Oppenheimer 11. A track and field event 12. The term for a score of 0 points in tennis 13. The A in SALO 16. Black & _____ Quarterly 28 // BGQ // October 2023

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1217 E FRONT ST 231.929.2999 1294 W SOUTH AIRPORT RD 231.935.9355

the recipe by bridget belden

30 // BGQ // October 2023

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12 liners. step two: Beginning with the filling, cream together the cream cheese and sugar, then add in vanilla and egg and mix until smooth. Transfer filling to a piping bag or plastic bag and set aside until at room temperature. step three:

ingredients: batter: 1 cup of pumpkin purée 1/3 cup of vegetable oil 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 1 egg ½ cup of granulated sugar ¼ cup of brown sugar (packed) ½ teaspoon of baking soda 1 teaspoon of cinnamon ¾ teaspoon of salt ¼ teaspoon of baking soda 1 ½ cups of flour chocolate chips (measure to your liking)

In a stand mixer, or using a handheld mixer, combine the pumpkin puree with the egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla. step four: Add in sugar ¼ cup at a time until mixed and smooth. step five: Add cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. step six: Mix in flour ½ cup at a time and mix until smooth. step seven: Add in chocolate chips with your preferred ratio. step eight: Fill the muffin liners halfway with

cream cheese filling: 8 oz of cream cheese 1 egg ½ cup of granulated sugar 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

batter, then pipe on a layer of cream cheese, and add the rest of the batter on top. With the remaining cream cheese, top off the muffins, and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Bridget Belden Sam Elkins Kailyn Groves Eliana hermel Morgan Hill kristen May Elizabeth Phillips Lucy poppleton Peggy probert Kate Unger Bryce Ward