BGQ BLACK & GOLD QUARTERLY
march 2022 / / volume one hundred and one
Table of Contents 6
20
8
22
10
24
12
26
14
28
17
30
One Man’s Trash, Another Man’s Treasure
Is Cinema Dying?
It’s All Fun and Games
The Coach of Coaches
Climbing to the Top
50 Questions with Mr. Forlenza & Mr. Odette
Our Community through the Lens
From a Big Idea to the Little Fleet
When Passion Becomes Profitable
Giving it Their All
In Defense of the Environment
The Recipe: Grandma’s Brown Butter Triple Chip Cookies
6 14
22 24
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
MARCH TWO THOUSAND TWENTY TWO Editor’s Note EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mallory Swope CONTENT EDITORS Ted Arnold Elizabeth Phillips Aiden Preston GRAPHICS Eliana Hermel Averie McGraw PHOTOS Ted Arnold Averie McGraw Elizabeth Phillips Lucy Poppleton STAFF WRITERS Collin Benedict Sam Elkins Eliana Hermel Kristen May Averie McGraw Lucy Poppleton Aubrey West Trinity Whiteford COVER Mallory Swope ADVISER Susan Roskelley
If there is one word that is able to capture the essence of the last two years, it would undeniably be rollercoaster. Three months ago, Michigan was affected by innumerable threats of school shootings. Today, there is constant chatter in the hallways about the possibility of World War III and being drafted after graduation. If anyone had warned me that this is what the world would be like during my senior year, there is not the slightest chance that I would believe them. In times as uncertain and ever changing as these, it’s important to turn to the things and people around us that are constant. In consideration of this, the staff of the BGQ decided to focus our third issue of the year on Traverse City’s community. In this issue, our staff writers investigate things that are new to our community and how the community has been impacted by them. Whether you’re a gamer who can’t wait to get home and play video games for hours or a super-athlete looking for the next thrill-seeking activity, you can find your place in Central’s community. For more information about Central’s newest clubs, turn to p. 10 and p. 14. In addition to clubs and organizations, our staff brings attention to some of the staff members who contribute to Central’s community including some familiar faces and one particular new face. To learn more about Central’s new Athletic Director, turn to p. 12; to learn more about some of Central’s most popular history teachers, turn to p. 17. The more our staff investigated the idea of community throughout the last few months, the more they discovered that community is a two-way street. People of all demographics work together to serve their community, and in return the community serves others. Unbeknownst to some, there are people as young as 15 and 16 years old who are providing services and products to Traverse City’s community. To learn more about a few of our local student-run businesses, turn to p. 24. On the other hand, there are many services and organizations in Traverse City that are working to serve the people, the pets, and the planet around us. We talked to representatives from Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Cherryland Humane Society, FLOW, and several other local nonprofit organizations to find out exactly what it is they do for our community. After months of this issue being in the works, I am excited to be able to share the staff’s findings with everyone. It is the BGQ’s goal for readers to walk away with a better understanding of what it means to be a community. From the Pub,
Mallory Swope 4 // BGQ // March 2022
Quarterly Showcase: A. West
Photos: E. Phillips
One Man’s Trash, Another Man’s Treasure by Elizabeth Philips content editor
How today’s generation is transforming the way we shop for clothing
When you step into any thrift store, you’re hit with the unmistakable thrift store stench of stale clothing, all thrown together in one large melting pot. But it’s a smell I enjoy, one that intoxicates me as I begin searching for the next stellar piece to go in my closet. I start this quest by racing over to the first rack of clothes in the women’s section. There, I run my hands over each hanger, stopping and taking a good look when I find something interesting. It’s either a hit or a complete miss. Sometimes, I find a cute sweater with little to no damage. Other times, I find a shirt that says ‘world’s best aunt’ littered with mysterious stains. Finding good pieces can take me minutes or hours. It’s a tedious process, but it’s worth it after I check out and am able to see how little I spent on such cool clothing. This experience is something many others, myself included, enjoy greatly. Shopping at places like Goodwill, Women’s Resource Center, or Salvation Army and buying used clothes is an activity best known as thrift shopping, which has gained significant traction over the last five years. However, it recently has become very popular amongst teens, especially here at Central. Mia Tursman ‘24 is one of the teens that has tak6 // BGQ // March 2022
en to thrifting. She thrifts every couple of months and goes through almost the same shopping process that I do. “I go there and try to go through every rack. I usually go with my mom and she helps me get rid of stuff that I don’t need,” Tursman says. Tursman enjoys thrifting for a multitude of reasons, but one of the main ones is that it helps the environment. Shopping second hand allows old clothes to be recycled instead of new clothes being mass produced. This reduces chemical pollution and keeps clothing out of landfills, which is helpful considering clothes takes hundreds of years to break down. “It’s a lot better for the environment, because you’re not contributing to massive consumerism,” Jenna Froese ‘22, another thrift shopper, explains. However, thrifting doesn’t eliminate the possibility of massive consumerism completely. It is possible to buy too much because it’s easy to get caught up in the inexpensiveness of everything. “It’s cheaper, [but] I end up spending more money. So when I go, I’m like: ‘Oh! This is only five dollars, I’m just gonna get it,’ and then I end up spending fifty dollars there,” Tursman shares. Thrifting can also be a gamble. “Sometimes
when you buy, you think it’s really good in the store, and then it falls apart when you get home,” Froese states. Stains, holes, rips, and other unknown defects can be discovered as soon as a piece is brought home, which is why it’s important to thoroughly check when at the store. Sizing can also be an issue. Unlike online or retail shopping, where you can buy clothes fitted perfectly to you, sizes at thrift stores vary from item to item. Used clothes also don’t appeal to everyone. Buying new clothes online or in store brings a sort of joy that can’t be matched from buying clothes at a thrift shop. “[Clothes bought elsewhere] might just be in better condition and won’t be worn as much. Some people enjoy the thought of things being new, and they like buying new things for themselves, which can be nice, and I still do that, but everything I buy isn’t typically new,” Froese says. Although thrift stores in the area sometimes carry new products, it’s important to remember that thrifting is different from shopping at the mall. “If you would prefer to go somewhere else, then by all means go somewhere else. But we’re trying to put out the best product for the right price, and when you’re comparing it to everything else in the stores nowadays, it’s pretty good. And you also have to remember that you’re in a thrift store. You’re not at Macy’s, you’re not at American Eagle—you’re at a thrift store,” Cindy Sundell, assistant manager at Goodwill of Traverse City, remarks. But for those who don’t mind wearing used clothes, thrifting elevates anyone’s style. There is no telling what sorts of treasures one will find during their shopping trip, and each treasure can transform any closet in the best way. With thrifted pieces, it’s rare to see someone with the same item. “I don’t like wearing a lot of things that a lot of people are wearing, and I think you can find things that aren’t trending right now. It really allows you to choose what you like because there is such a variety of styles when you go thrifting,” Froese voices. Tursman shares a similar thought, “I feel like it makes [your style] more unique. A place like Urban Outfitters, I’ve found a lot more people have the same thing, but when you thrift everything, it’s more one-of-a-kind. People don’t have it because
certain people donate it.” Used clothes also have a story behind them. There’s no telling who wore it before you and what memories it holds. Another added bonus of shopping secondhand is that each purchase is helping a cause. “We’re helping to feed and clothe people that are homeless, [and we’re helping] veterans. It’s for the cause, and that’s what keeps me working. I like what’s behind it. The whole point is that we’re helping people to better themselves, to better their lives, to help the homeless, help feed the hungry. It’s kinda all full circle,” Sundell comments. Walking out of a thrift store with a bag of clothes that I know will be special is one of my favorite feelings. Once I get home, I show my parents what I bought, they give me half-hearted nods, I wash the clothes, and then wear them repeatedly. Once I crave the feeling of wearing something new, I repeat the beloved thrifting process all over again. //
Graphic: E. Hermel
Is Cinema Dying? by Collin Benedict staff writer
Is one of America’s greatest legacies, cinema, on its last breath?
Photo Courtesy of Flickr
Streaming services are on the rise, and now, more than ever, people are staying at home and watching movies. This, however, is not to the benefit of cinema. Some people believe cinema lacks what previously made it great. Famous director Martin Scorsese claimed in a 2017 interview that “the cinema I grew up with and that I’m making, it’s gone.” Scorsese values cinema as an art form, as well as the experience of going to watch a movie. But unfortunately for Scorese, streaming services are overtaking trips to the theatre. That takes a toll on not only filmmakers, but also on local theatres that rely on movie-goers to keep them in business. Small town theatres are hanging on, despite the challenges of the evolving industry. The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay is a prime example. Nicki Miller, General Manager of the Bay Theatre, believes that theatres provide more than just movies. “They are the focal point of the community. They’re the only real entertainment center 8 // BGQ // March 2022
of Suttons Bay,” Miller describes, “we just provide to the community. We are there to bring people together, and to provide entertainment and joy [as] an escape, especially with everything going on right now. We’re just there to make people happy.” The Bay Theatre is a non-profit organization, much like the State Theatre in Traverse City. However, the non-profit only took over a few years ago, which comes with its own organizational structure. “They have a board of directors, so you have seven individuals that care so much about this theatre, because it was going to close down, that they came together and they brought it back to the community,” Miller recalls. What makes small town theatres special is having “a bunch of passionate individuals who are trying to keep this place together,” Miller explains. Streaming services have been getting exponentially more popular, but that is not to the benefit of everybody. Small theatres that rely on customers have taken a hit because of streaming servic-
es. Miller has taken notice that streaming services have “hindered a bit of our traffic, however it will never replace the experience that you have going to a movie theatre, eating popcorn and being with other people,” Miller remarks. With every streaming service making originals that never appear in theatres, there are less movies that will have a true cinematic experience. “I will say that it has impacted how we book movies. If a movie is going straight to stream[ing], we will not show it,” Miller explains. “Just having a sold out movie theatre and everybody hooting and hollering because of everything going on—you can’t replace that at home.” Streaming services aren’t the only reason for the decline in trips to the theatres. While the pandemic has been beneficial to streaming services, it has been detrimental to movie theatres. The first year the Bay Theatre became a non-profit, “they almost doubled their traffic just by opening it up to more than just movies, but with Covid of course, the numbers have slashed dramatically,” Miller explains. Suttons Bay’s small businesses rely primarily on retired seniors, and with the pandemic still lingering, “there’s a lot of seniors that are very nervous about the virus, understandably. So that really cut our attendance, and we are taking all of the safety precautions, masks, sanitation and all that stuff,” says Miller. Camryn Roy ‘24 enjoys how movies “tell you a story and explore this whole kinda different universe.” Roy does most of her watching at home, and uses the advantages streaming services provide. “I like the at home stuff because I can be in my PJs [and] I can be comfortable,” Roy notes, “it’s more efficient for time, you don’t really have to plan [anything] out. I can just go on my computer and watch.” Like many people, Roy has watched less movies in theatres and more movies at home over time, especially because “it’s easier and a lot cheaper, cause when you go to the movies, you have to pay for the ticket, you have to drive there, if you buy popcorn, if you buy a drink, it’s just more expensive, especially if you go a lot.” Streaming services may be more easy and accessible than the theatres, but the value of watching
a movie in theatres is not present when at home. People choose to go to theatres and watch movies, because they “love being able to go out. I love being able to go out and get popcorn and just be in a theatre with other people,” Miller explains. “It’s kind of a socialization aspect, and it’s the same with families, I would imagine. It’s nice to be able to take your kids out, and just have that experience.” Many people think that cinema is dying, but Miller disagrees. “It definitely has been impacted, but I don’t think it’s dying. I think it’s going to take a little hit here, [since] we are being hindered by [movies] streaming the same day that [they’re] released in theatres,” Miller informs, “they are in the works of having a delay. I think that’ll really help, but I don’t think they’ll ever fully die out.” Cinema is molded in American culture. That’s why a lot of people would have a hard time seeing it go. “It shows you a different side of the story, like for documentaries it shows you different ways to think about things. It shows you a different universe you didn’t know was possible,” explains Roy. While streaming services have benefits and advantages over going to a physical theatre, it won’t replace the experience of cinema anytime soon. //
Graphic: E. Hermel
It’s All Fun and Games
by Samuel Elkins How the esports craze made its way to Central staff writer
Graphics: A. McGraw
The bell rings on a Tuesday afternoon, officially releasing students from school, but not all students head home for the day. A handful of students head down to C102, also known as “The Pub,” which houses Central’s very own esports team. Everyone shuffles in and logs into their desktop computers and loads up their respective games. Squadding up, all the players are usually occupied with either solo rounds or the other players of their game. The Stream Team loads up what they need for the upcoming Rocket League game, and Leadership tells the team how to join. During the game, funny, sarcastic comments are thrown around to all for simple mess ups, but overall the atmosphere is fun and inviting. When the whole group games are done, the team scrimmages and messes around in regular games, with staff leader and Central math teacher Mitch Heethuis usually joining in the fun and playing a few rounds on some of the games. Establishing a new club at Central doesn’t exactly happen overnight, but the esports club was seemingly created by a happy accident. During the 2020-2021 school year, Jacob Snover ‘23 10 // BGQ // March 2022
was sitting down at a table near the band room, talking to his friends about a popular car soccer game called Rocket League. And by a twist of fate, Heethuis was walking by. Being a big fan of Rocket League, he overheard the boys’ conversation and decided to join in. After the lunch period was over, Snover and Heethuis had exchanged XBOX Usernames and went their separate ways. Later on, the two played a round together and came up with the idea of bringing an esports team to Central. Heethuis quickly agreed, and after getting district approval, it was official. “My role is an advisor so we can do everything properly and legally, all boxes checked, adults on hand and mundane admin type things. Everytime we go to our higher aboves I run as a liaison between Jacob and that group,” Heethuis explains. The two soon held a first meeting, which was heavily attended. “I expected three people to show up, and there were 15. And it made my heart drop,” Snover states. After that first meeting, the club took off. It expanded from club members playing just Rocket League to now Rocket League and Fortnite, and
its members have “almost doubled,” according to Snover. Club members also play in tournaments whenever the opportunity arises. “Right now we are playing in Michigan High School E-Sports Federation, and that has one or two Fortnite tournaments on the weekend, as well as Rocket league and Smash Bros. We have two Rocket League teams and one person on our Smash Bros team and hope to get some more games in the future,” Snover explains. A Fortnite tournament is upcoming, and Rocket League tournaments occur frequently throughout the month. At the end of January, the club hosted an open house for new members interested in what esports is all about. Currently the club is expanding into different sections. Their leadership consists of Snover, Heethius, and Nolan Yascolt ‘23, along with individual game captains for both Rocket League and Fortnite, and the Stream Team. The Stream Team helps the club put out any livestreams or clips they take while playing. The players have also divided into different groups, especially for Rocket League. The club team focuses on more fun and light playing as compared to the varsity team, which is all competitive and experienced gaming. The varsity team plays more often in tournaments, while the club team plays casual games amongst friends and teammates every practice. Heethuis is pleased to see how much the club has grown in such a small amount of time, “it’s turning into a sports team and moving faster than we thought it’d be.”
Club member Michael Beach ‘24 enjoys being part of an unusual club at Central. “It’s a lot of fun,” Beach states, “I was really intrigued by it, and one of my friends joined too, so I thought, ‘hey, why not.’” Beach currently plays Fortnite as a player and wants to add Overwatch, Rainbow Six Siege, and Apex Legends into the roster of games the club hosts. Beach also had the opportunity to visit NMC to see what their new esports team setup looked like, which Central’s club is taking inspiration from while putting in the request to get a personal room themselves. Central’s esports team currently operates out of The Pub, but wishes for their own personal space in the school. Snover also shares this wish, “my vision for the esports team by the end of senior year is to be school sanctioned, and maybe having a lab or our own space.” Heethuis also echoes wanting a dedicated space for the esports team, but also for “making a team that’s self sustainable. Bigger than Jacob and Leadership, but something put in place at the school level so we can do this year after year. Right now, we are just making what we have.” The esports craze at Central might only just be taking off, but club members are always looking for more participants. “If you want to play games, stop by! We are always open and if it fits your schedule [to] just play with the guys, come on down,” Snover encourages. The club is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from three to five after school in The Pub, C102. //
“‘I expected three people to show up, and I walked into that classroom, and there were 15. And it made my heart drop.’”
The Coach of Coaches Getting to know Central’s new Athletic Director
by Aiden Preston content editor Photo: A. McGraw
Many students at Central take part in some form of Trojan athletics, and regardless of what sport it is there is always a coach or a mentor who is involved. Unbeknownst to many, however, is the role of the athletic director. Justin Thorington was hired this year to be Central’s new athletic director. As Thorington puts it, the role consists of “being the coach of coaches, so beyond hiring and training coaches, I work to develop them so that they can become the best versions of themselves.” Being the athletic director entails more than just managing coaches, as Thorington also has a position as an assistant principal. Although his focus is mainly on the PE department, Thorington still has normal administrative tasks. Being a Central alumni, returning to the school that started his career was a special thing for Thorington. “I was a student here at Traverse City Central and [in] my junior [year], I was a student aide in the athletic department office, and that, combined with my experience as a Trojan student athlete, really pushed me to want to have some kind of job in athletics,” remarks Thorington. Although a lot of time has passed since he was a student here, Thorington returned to some familiar faces. “There’s still some staff members that are here
that I had as teachers, like Mr. Failor and Mr. Forton,” tells Thorington. “A couple weeks into the job, I wanted to go down to see Mr. Forton [in] his classroom to ask him if he still did the exercise about a tennis ball hitting a cat, and I literally walked in and they were doing that exercise.” One of the most peculiar things that Thorington remembered when he returned was the smell of the school. “It smells the same, which is a kind of weird sense that you don’t think about that brought back a lot of cool memories.” Coming into the school year midway through, Thorington had his work cut out for him. “[I left] Saginaw Heritage on Tuesday and started here at Central on Wednesday morning, so the biggest hole for me to fill was the knowledge [for each sport],” explains Thorington. He had to quickly switch from knowing the schedules, coaches, practices, utilities, and everything that related to athletics from his old school to Central’s. “I think he is doing a great job. He brings a ton of energy and he connects with the students really well,” says Stephen Draper, teacher and var-
“‘I work to develop them so that they can become the best versions of themselves.’”
12 // BGQ // March 2022
sity basketball coach at Central, “he was a former coach as well, so I think he has a great perspective on what coaches experience, and I think he has big visions for the athletic department.” Thorington’s goal is for Central to be “the best athletic program in the state, but doing it the right way. We’ve got awesome students and we’ve got an awesome coaching staff, and we have great support from parents and the community. And we’ve also got a great facility, so there’s no reason why we can’t be the best athletic program in the state,” says Thorington. “The most notable thing I’ve seen is just the attention we’re getting,” adds Brady Slocum ‘24, “it’s growing compared to what it was before.” Slocum has been playing baseball since he was young and started wrestling in middle school, and is now playing both sports for Central. Thorington’s goal is to not only make great athletes, but also to make great people too, and “to see growth in our student athletes, whether it’s winning or losing,” states Thorington. Similar to Thorington, Draper decided he wanted to be a
coach due to his high school experiences. “I had a coach in high school that was pretty influential to me as a player and a person, and I wanted to try and take that role on in other people’s [lives],” describes Draper. The work behind the scenes is an important part of being an athletic director, but with that also comes the fun and rewarding part of the job. “Practice is important and practice can be fun, but there’s nothing better than competing in games, so it’s fun for me to be able to see our student athletes do that,” says Thorington. Since his arrival, a plethora of people have noted an increase in the athletic director’s involvement with sports, whether it’s in or out of school. “He’s getting around to all the sports, and he’s been to a few of the practices and meets as well,” observes Slocum. In the short time he has been at Central, Thorington has been making constructive and positive changes, and plans to continue making those changes as he serves the Trojan community. //
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Climbing to the Top by Trinity Whiteford staff writer
Traverse City’s newest addition to the fitness scene makes its way to Central
Rock climbing has been taking off across the country, whether that be professionally or just for fun. It was introduced as an Olympic sport last summer and has been growing in popularity ever since. Just in time, too! Traverse City has welcomed a new climbing gym on 8th Street known as Elev8. The climbing gym welcomes people of all skill levels, from someone who is interested in trying out the sport to someone who is experienced and just needs a place to climb. The climbing gym has lots of things to offer, including three different rock climbing walls of varying heights, top rope walls, and lead walls. Climbers never climb the same course twice, as the staff changes the courses once or twice a week to ensure that their patrons are never bored. Elev8 offers climbing courses that people of all ages can take to learn from scratch, as well as yoga and fitness classes. Not long after Elev8 opened, Central jumped on the opportunity to create a brand new club centered around climbing. Sam McDonough ‘22 partnered with Micah Bauer ‘23 to put in an application to start this new venture and give students the opportunity to try out the sport. Although it seemed easy on paper, it took a lot more planning to make Central’s climbing club a reality. They first had to make an arrangement with the owner of the climbing gym and discuss how the club should function. They two talked to staff members at school to decide who would advise the club. Ian McGurn, a science teacher at Central, happily took on the role of leading the club. There was a short bit of waiting time for the district and school to approve the application. “By the time of our first meeting in 14 // BGQ // March 2022
January, It had been about a one and a half to two month process,” McDonough says. On Tuesdays, the students in the climbing club meet in McGurn’s classroom to discuss any new information for about fifteen minutes, and then the students have the option to go to the climbing gym if they choose. But on Thursdays, the club just goes straight to the climbing gym to
Graphic: E. Hermel
Photos: L. Poppleton
start their routines. McDonough explains that the club would love to see some more students trying out the sport, “I would tell someone considering joining to try it out once and see how you like it. It is a cool sport and a fun hobby. You don’t need any experience, and as a member you are able to climb and use all of the rental gear for a highly discounted price. If you enjoy it, come again. We would love to see more people invested in rock climbing!” Climbing club, as you may have noticed, isn’t quite like other clubs at Central. Many clubs consist of mostly sitting down and having conversations, rather than physical sports or movement. Climbing adds something different to the mix. The climbing club is also a way for students to explore other sports that aren’t as common as soccer, basketball, or football. Sometimes it’s nice to add something a little different for the students that want to explore an unusual sport. Bauer’s climbing background goes all the way back to the first day his parents met. His parents ended up connecting at a rock climbing club and got stuck on a ledge together for 24 hours. This story sparked his love and passion for climbing. Bauer started the club to get more people into climbing, and to share his love for climbing with
other students. He hopes that the club will carry on after he graduates, “climbing has been a huge part of my life my whole life and I want to get more people into it, and like to foster a young community of climbers in the Traverse City area,” Bauer explains. In order to help make this goal a reality, he often gives other students that don’t have cars rides to the gym. The students involved in the climbing club not only get to grow as a group, but they also get to learn new things about the sport, rather than just watch it from afar. Vivian Gunn ‘23 works at Elev8 and is a member of the club, and her experience as both an employee and a passionate student has helped her to embrace inexperienced climbers. “I would say don’t be intimidated by not knowing what you’re doing. It’s super beginner friendly, and we’re just there to have a good time,” Gunn advises. Still on the fence? Elev8 allows Central students who are part of the climbing club to use the climbing facilities at a discounted price, meaning it’s way cheaper than other sports. With all of the fitness benefits and opportunities to make connections with Central students, Central’s climbing club and Elev8 are offering a valuable new way for students to connect and get in shape. //
Spring skirts & skorts arriving now! Visit gliks.com to find your nearest location 16 // BGQ // March 2022
Graphics: A. McGraw
50 Questions with Mr. Odette & Mr. Forlenza by Averie McGraw staff writer
In this “50 Questions With” feature, we put the spotlight on two of Central’s favorite history teachers. Some people know him as the teacher who blares “Party in the USA” bright and early on Friday mornings, others know him as their sophomore year world history teacher, but to all he is Mr. Odette. For those who don’t have Odette, Mr. Forlenza, better known as Joe Flo, is a likely alternative. Whether it’s for regular or AP World History, Forlenza is easily a fan favorite.
Mr. Forlenza
Photo: A. McGraw
Mr. Odette
Photo courtesy of T. Odette
Graphic: E. Hermel
ODETT E
BGQ-What’s your favorite color? Odette-Blue BGQ-Favorite eating utensil? Odette-Fork BGQ-Favorite NFL team? Odette-Detroit Lions BGQ-Favorite kind of doughnut? Odette-Confetti BGQ-Favorite movie? Odette-Shawshank redemption BGQ-Last thing you ate? Odette-Pretzels BGQ-Favorite restaurant? Odette-Red ginger BGQ-Favorite store? Odette-Costco BGQ-Favorite food? Odette-Pizza BGQ-Favorite animal? Odette-Dog BGQ-If you could uninvent one thing what would it be? Odette-Social media BGQ-If you could be an animal what would you be? Odette-Bear BGQ-What’s your favorite saying? 18 // BGQ // March 2022
Odette-Do you think I own an electric company because you always leave the lights on BGQ- Do you believe in aliens? Odette-I do BGQ-Favorite celebrity? Odette-Denzel Washington BGQ-Shoe size? Odette-Size 12 BGQ-Favorite elective at CHS? Odette-Personal finance BGQ-Favorite band? Odette-ACDC BGQ-Favorite TV show? Odette-Yellowstone BGQ-Favorite clothing brand? Odette-Levi BGQ-Do you like shopping? Odette-Hate it BGQ-Do you like hats? Odette-Yes BGQ-Coffee or tea? Odette-Even though I like both I’ll say coffee BGQ-Sushi or crab? Odette-Both good but crab BGQ-Dessert or candy? Odette-Dessert
FORLENZA BGQ-What’s your favorite color? Forlenza-Blue BGQ-Favorite eating utensil? Forlenza-Spoon BGQ-Why spoon over a fork? Forlenza-You can’t eat soup with a fork BGQ-Favorite NFL team? Forlenza-Bears BGQ-Favorite kind of doughnut? Forlenza-Cream-filled BGQ-Favorite movie? Forlenza-Godfather BGQ-Last thing you ate? Forlenza-Doughnut BGQ-Favorite restaurant? Forlenza-Vito & Nick’s BGQ-Favorite store? Forlenza-Meijer BGQ-Favorite food? Forlenza-Mom’s spaghetti BGQ-Favorite animal? Forlenza-Dog BGQ-If you could uninvent one thing what would it be? Forlenza-Cell phones BGQ-If you could be an animal what would you be? Forlenza-Eagle
BGQ-What’s your favorite dad joke? Forlenza-A mushroom goes to a party and asks a girl to dance. She turns him down, and he asks why she won’t dance with him. She says “Well you are a mushroom,” and he says “Yeah, but I’m a fungi!” BGQ-Do you believe in aliens? Forlenza-Have to juries out on that one BGQ-Favorite music? Forlenza-Led Zeppelin BGQ-Shoe size? Forlenza-12 BGQ-Favorite elective at CHS? Forlenza-AP European history BGQ-Favorite band? Forlenza-Santana BGQ-Favorite TV show? Forlenza-Fernwood tonight BGQ-Do you like shopping? Forlenza-No, I do not BGQ-Do you like hats? Forlenza-Yes BGQ-Coffee or tea? Forlenza-Coffee BGQ-Sushi or crab? Forlenza-Neither BGQ-Dessert or candy? Forlenza-Dessert
20 // BGQ // March 2022
From a Big Idea to The Little Fleet by Lucy Poppleton staff writer
How downtown Traverse City’s well known food trucks have grown in size and popularity
Photo Courtesy of The Little Fleet
Down on the east end of Front Street lies the lot of The Little Fleet. During the summer, tourists and locals alike flock to the food trucks while an array of diverse tastes and smells surround them. The atmosphere is sunny, upbeat, and welcoming. A bit of a different vibe is present during the winter; the silent lot is covered with snow, but when you go inside, you are still greeted with warm colors and upbeat music. While the food trucks are not present during the winter, a bar and a food stall are open inside. Drue Wright, owner of Happy’s Taco Shop, which operates the food stall and a food truck at The Little Fleet, adds that he enjoys the environment there. “It’s good for the patrons and the customers, but it’s also just a great place to be employed as well. Everyone’s very friendly.” This summer will be The Little Fleet’s tenth hosting food trucks. Gary Jonas and his wife, Allison, started the concept in the summer of 2013, as they wanted to expand the outdoor dining and food truck scene in Traverse City. “It creates a really great vibe, and people really like the casualness of it,” explains Jonas. “The other appealing part is that it’s a good 22 // BGQ // March 2022
business, [and] you don’t need to worry about food…the only thing we needed to worry about was the bar and let other people do the food.” Since opening, The Little Fleet has grown both in number of food trucks and in people visiting the fleet. “When we first started The Little Fleet, we had this idea, but there were no food trucks in Traverse City,” recalls Jonas. “There [were] one, maybe two food trucks in the area, and so we had to create a market for the food trucks.” Since then, many food trucks have gotten their start at The Little Fleet and have then grown into larger businesses. At the same time, the location of The Little Fleet has caused growth of the quiet east part of Front Street, with more people venturing further to check out the lot and other businesses around it. General manager and partner Jess Heller has worked at The Little Fleet since the very first summer it opened. “It’s been awesome to be here from the very beginning and see how much we’ve changed and grown and all the friends I’ve made through The Little Fleet,” reflects Heller, “[I’ve met] some of my best friends here.” Since its opening, The Little Fleet has been very
Photo: L. Poppleton
Photo Courtesy of The Little Fleet
involved in the Traverse City community. Prior to the pandemic, the business hosted community events that often benefited non-profit organizations. “Soup and Bread is an event we used to do, and that is where different chefs would come and donate soup and then people would give a donation,” describes Heller. “It was one Monday a month in the winter, and [the] money that we would collect would go to a different nonprofit each month.” Since the pandemic, they have not been able to host as many events, but they hope to get them running again. “We have really been proud of the community events that we’ve held at The Little Fleet…a ton of fundraisers happen there all the time. It feels like the community has embraced The Little Fleet for every little event that happens, and that’s really cool to see,” says Jonas. Many food trucks at The Little Fleet come and go, sometimes even for only a couple weeks, but others continue to park at The Little Fleet for a great deal longer. Wright and his business partner Drake Nigel are the owners of Happy’s Taco Shop, an eatery unique take on tacos and business. The two started Happy’s after graduating from Northern Michigan University in Marquette. They had worked together in a kitchen and had always talked about starting a food truck. “We exchanged [a] Craigslist post that was for a van for sale, and it wasn’t a food truck at the time or anything, it was just kind of a step van that we thought, ‘alright, let’s go for it,’ and so we went and purchased that van,” recounts Wright. They decided upon tacos for the many possible flavors and lower price point. Happy’s owns other locations in Northern Michigan and has grown to
include multiple vehicles and a commercial kitchen. The Little Fleet has played a significant role in that growth, allowing them to expand their business to Traverse City. They have continued to be a part of the operation, as they are ”currently the longest running food truck at The Little Fleet,” according to Wright. This year’s food trucks will begin to arrive around the middle of April to prepare and open at the end of April or early May. Many of them have already been decided, including Happy’s Taco Shop and others returning from last year. Happy’s started as a rotating food truck, but has since become a more permanent fixture. “The first year that we were there, we were there for two weeks,” recounts Wright, “and then we got the spot that was more for the whole season…and we did that for a few years, and then we were given the opportunity to build out the [food stall] inside The Little Fleet.” When choosing the food trucks that will spend the summer there, The Little Fleet makes sure to include an array of food options, while also contemplating the experience of each business. “We like to pick based on making sure we have enough diversity…so having options is really important,” describes Heller. Gary and Allison Jonas’ big idea has turned into The Little Fleet, popular among tourists and locals alike. Throughout the past decade that it has been open, The Little Fleet has become a staple downtown and in the Traverse City community as a whole, welcoming everyone from small businesses to community organizations. “I think the most important thing [to me] is that it’s a place for everybody to go to,” reflects Jonas. //
Photos Courtesy of Maddog’s Boutique
Photos Courtesy of Brooklyn’s Pepperoni Rolls Facebook
When Passion Turns Profitable
by Eliana Hermel feature editor
Throughout the years, the idea of owning a small business has enticed many. Whether it be a student at Central or young people in the community, anyone can start a business
Imagine doing what you love as a job. Crazy, right? So many jobs are lacking in excitement like working in retail or waiting tables. But, what if someone could take their most cherished hobby and make it profitable? We’ve seen it more and more as online shopping has grabbed the attention of many people. Businesses vary from stick24 // BGQ // March 2022
er-making to selling custom t-shirts. This idea has inspired many people, including students here at Central, and even some beyond campus. Tia Brown ‘25 has been creating self-care products for three years. “I have sugar scrubs of all different sizes, lip balms, and bath bombs,” Brown explains. At the age of 11, she fell for the idea of
bath bombs and began creating her own. She would watch videos on YouTube to try and find ways to create them, and then Brown would live stream later. “I started live streaming so people could see how [things like bath bombs and sugar scrubs] are created,” Brown recalls. One of the promises Brown made to herself was to promote better care of one’s skin, but balancing a busy schedule has made this goal challenging. “Finding the time to make them [is definitely a challenge],” Brown says, “I try to find time to create things for my business on the weekend.” For Brown, school is always the top priority before anything else, including a small business. “The output that I want is to make people take better care of their skin,” she beams. “I like having a feeling where people like [my products] and care more about their [health].” Even with the hustle and bustle of life, schoolwork, and after-school activities, Brown still finds a way to put others first and attempts to care for their needs. Similarly, Mady Garrett ‘24 took an interest in making things when she was around nine years old. About two years later, Garrett started her own business named Maddog’s Boutique. “I used to sell homemade bracelets and little creatures [made of colorful rubber bands], but now I’m moving towards metal jewelry and earrings,” Garrett expresses. Everyone has a reason for doing something, and Garrett makes accessories because she enjoys it. “My parents [had] always told me to do a job that I love,” Garrett remarks, “and I love making things, so it’s kind of turned into a part-time job in high school.” Along with doing it for fun, she also has her business to express her art skills. As a hands-on individual, Garrett has always been a crafty person. By creating her own business, she has been able to express herself freely. “I set my own terms,” Garrett says, “I can run it by myself, and I don’t have to follow anyone’s guidelines.” She’s been able to take varying breaks, which is necessary when school work piles up. Even with these breaks, she hasn’t given up her craft. Determination has been not only a
skill, but also a requirement for running her small business. “I love making things and I love my business,” Garret beams. “I’m making sure [that I] don’t give up on this.” Small businesses are not limited to crafts or skincare, however. At only 19 years old, local entrepreneur Brooklyn Hall recently opened her own restaurant called Brooklyn’s Pepperoni Rolls, which sprouted from an unusual place. “I chose homeschooling for my senior year of high school,” Hall explains. “My mom wanted me to apply what I had learned to create a future. Her education and experience are in business, so it was a part of the curriculum to create a business.” Her mother, Megan, spent the first 10 years of her life in West Virginia, where pepperoni rolls are a staple. Upon moving to Michigan, she discovered that these savory treats were much harder to find. Years later, as part of her homeschooling curriculum, Hall’s final project was to create a profitable business, where they would potentially sell them. “We talked about what if we made them and sold them locally,” Hall recalls. Sometimes a ‘what if’ is all someone needs to do great things. By using fresh ingredients, the Halls have been able to improve their family recipes and create their restaurant. One of the many things Hall wanted was to use her mother’s roots in what she created. “My goal is to share food my family loves with the community I love,” Hall admits. “[And] seeing the community’s reaction has been heartwarming.” No matter what it is, everyone feels the need to find their unique passion, love, or hobby. Regardless of its name, people seem to understand that this activity makes up who they are. While some keep their hobbies as an outlet, others pursue the world of owning a small business. If that truly seems like your calling, there is a community of small-business owners ready to welcome you with open arms. //
“‘My goal is to share food my family loves with the community I love.’”
Giving it Their All Local nonprofits improving Traverse City one day at a time
Photo Courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters
by Kristen May staff writer
Photo Courtesy of Cherryland Humane Society
leisurely pace, they have a place for you as well. Local nonprofits are an integral part of the com“We have programs for our youngest riders on munity in Traverse City. Getting involved with a balance bikes all the way up to riders of all ages nonprofit organization is a great way to meet new people and be a part of something that benefits and abilities…we’re trying to make sure that those programs are accessible to anyone who wants the community. Their little acts of kindness, such to be involved,” Sill proclaims. If you work hard as planting new trees or working on installing new bike lanes, make the community a nicer and safer enough and have the passion and will to prevail, you’ll eventually work your place to live. “One of our main goals is to make sure that our way to the top and be able to “‘We’re trying to make ride with some of the fastest community is better connectbikers in Traverse City. Howeved and more walk and bike sure that those er, even if someone is a great friendly for people of all ages and abilities,” Jill Sill, Director programs are accessible biker, there’s still a risk when of Operations at Norte, states. on the open roads, to anyone who wants to riding which is why Norte is working Norte has been around for a long time, and during their on making new bike lanes and be involved.’” encouraging people to ride on time in Traverse City, they the TART Trail. “Norte is prohave introduced the beauty viding those opportunities…for people to connect of biking to so many people. They have differwith each other to ride together…by using the ent levels of biking, so if you want to go fast, you can go fast, but if you want to ride at a more bike lanes [or] the TART Trail,” Sill concludes. 26 // BGQ // March 2022
Norte isn’t the only family based nonprofit in very dependent on help from volunteers, whether the area. Big Brothers Big Sisters is another local they want to play with the animals, which gives nonprofit, whose mission is to pair young chilthem social interaction, or if they want to take dren with either high school or adult mentors. the dogs outside for walks. “We have dog walker They have several programs, including one that volunteers who come in and they come in 365 allows elementary students to be mentored by days a year…we have about 150 volunteers within high school students. “We have what we call our our system…between 50 and 75 volunteers come school based programs…[one of them is with our] in every week,” Barbera says. In late January, the high school students, who [can] actually menCherryland Humane Society came into possestor elementary school students, which is a pretty sion of more than 160 dogs that were discovered popular program,” notes Kris Hoxie, Marketing in East Bay Township. According to the Associand Development Specialist for Big Brothers Big ated Press, “the dogs were found…in kennels, in Sisters. This nonprofit organization also has a vehicles, campers, and trailers…the shelter said it program for adult mentors. “Adults can come in had received the animals taken from a large-scale during a specified time, like recess or lunch hour breeding operation case.” As soon as the news or that after school program and sit [for] about an broke, people started flooding the shelter with hour with the children,” donations. While this was a Hoxie adds, “we [also] horrifying event, it brought to have a community based light the length that the com[program] too, where munity will go to in order to we have adults that are help those in need, whether able to be outside of the they’re people or furry, fourschool with kids.” There legged friends. are so many opportunities While all of these nonto be a mentor and it’s an profit organizations differ in amazing experience to what they do and how they have the chance to congo about conducting their nect with a young kid and program, they all have one Photo Courtesy of Norte know that their life is gocommon goal: to make the ing to be positively impacted because of you. world a better place. What’s most incredible is Even though local nonprofit organizations do a that anyone can become a part of their mission. lot for the community, they can’t make it without Norte has a Liderato leadership program, availa little help. The Cherryland Humane Society is able to teenagers 14 to 18, in which young adults a nonprofit organization and their mission is to meet and discuss new ways to make Traverse provide shelter for homeless animals while tryCity more environmentally friendly, whether it ing to arrange safe and happy homes for them. be adding new bike lanes or simply picking up However, it’s challenging when there are conChristmas trees and depositing them in an ecostantly new animals that need somewhere to stay, logically sound way. The Cherryland Humane which is where the community of Traverse City Society is always open to volunteers who want to comes in. Cherryland Humane Society receives help, and Big Brothers Big Sisters works tirelessly hundreds of donations, ranging from cat and dog to match young children with mentors to give toys to food and pet supplies. “A lot of people them someone to count on. There are countless donate, you know, monetary donations…we other nonprofit organizations who work everyday receive food, cleaning supplies, gas cards so we to improve the community, and whether it be can take our dogs to and from the vet…Chewy teaching a little kid how to ride a bike or letting gift cards that help us order prescription food, them interact with animals with a big smile on and collars [and] leashes,” Tia Barbera, the Shelter their face, each of these nonprofits are making a Animal Welfare Manager and Animal Behaviordifference in the community. // ist at the Cherryland Humane Society, acknowledges. The Cherryland Humane Society is also
Photo Courtesy of GTRLC
Photos: T. Arnold
In Defense of the Environment by Ted Arnold content editor
The ongoing fight to preserve Traverse City’s natural beauty
It’s easy to take the environment for granted. Flush with lakes, forests, and dunes, Northern Michigan is home to hundreds of beautiful and easily accessible natural areas. But this unfettered access wouldn’t be possible without the work of local non-profit and volunteer-run organizations that fund projects, clean up parks and trails, and protect the environment from pollution and waste. The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) protects nearly 46 thousand acres of natural area in Northern Michigan, and boasts over 120 miles of public trails throughout the region. Chris Sullivan is the GTRLC’s Director of Land Protection, and is in charge of acquiring and monitoring the land that the Conservancy protects. Nature preserves are the public facing side of the Conservancy’s work. “We are still working to protect the really significant natural features there, but a lot of them are also suitable for trail development and that sort of thing,” says Sullivan. “That not only provides recreation to the public, but it helps focus that use in areas where it’s most appropriate to have people trample all over the 28 // // BGQ BGQ // // March March 2022 2022 28
place.” The Conservancy currently has seven “universal access” preserves, which have boardwalks and trails that are accessible to people who may have mobility issues or are in wheelchairs, and are working on adding more trails that are accommodating for visually and hearing impared individuals as well. Long term, the Conservancy hopes to connect as many of their properties as possible. “When you’re talking about biodiversity, what you want to do is get big chunks of land and link them with corridors,” remarks Sullivan. Housing developments and new roads cut off those corridors, harming the ecosystem. Fed by over 100 lakes, rivers, and streams, Lake Michigan is the end point for a huge volume of freshwater, relied upon by millions for drinking, commerce, and recreation. Yet, these lakes face existential threats from manmade pipelines and pollutants. For the Love of Water (FLOW) exists to “uphold the principle that the Great Lakes belong to all of us,” says Liz Kirkwood, Executive Director. FLOW is a law and policy organization dedicated to protecting the Great Lakes and
preserving them as a public trust. Their primary focus over the past few years has been ensuring that the Line 5 pipeline, a seventy-year-old oil and gas pipeline that runs through Michigan and under the Straits of Mackinac, is shut down. That work on Line 5 has included assisting the state government in legal challenges and supporting the public Oil and Water Don’t Mix campaign. By pursuing policy changes throughout the state of Michigan and presenting legal challenges to environmental threats, FLOW has made a significant difference in the lives of thousands who lack consistent access to clean water. However, policy work is only one side of the battle. The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay works locally to protect clean water through on-the-ground projects and advocacy. Executive Director Christine Crissman identifies “sediments and nutrients” as the most important factors in the health of any body of water. Sediments—sand, dirt, and anything else that erodes away from shorelines—can cover the habitats where fish spawn and smaller organisms maintain the health of the water. According to Crissman, “lack of habitat is one of the biggest threats to our natural ecosystems in the Great Lakes, and so having that sediment that sort of settles in there and is creating that struggle for habitat is big.” Intuitively, nutrients are a good thing. They encourage plant growth, and provide the sustenance that life needs to survive. However, adds Crissman, “especially on inland lakes, you can get a ton of plant growth.” That excess growth “chokes out the water, and there’s no habitat for it when it dies.” Those dead plants take the oxygen in the water with them, and create an unlivable environment for any life trying to co-exist. Stormwater runoff through drains carries sediments into key sources of drinking water, causing health concerns for all communities. The burden falls on
developers and local governments to ensure that stormwater is cleaned by infiltration, mimicking the processes that clean water naturally. Protecting the environment is a mighty task that takes work at all levels to succeed. Governments must implement regulations that prevent egregious pollution and community organizations have to organize cleanups and protect natural areas. Kirkwood notes that “Michigan is the only state without a uniform septic code…you better believe that that water has high levels of E. coli. It might look clean, but it might not be.” Areas with high septic concentrations are known to have increased levels of E. coli in nearby water sources, posing a clear danger to residents who swim or pump their drinking water from underground. Large funding from the major infrastructure bill passed by the federal government will help with funding for improvements to septic systems and groundwater management, but in the meantime, anyone with a septic tank should make sure that their system is not failing, and run tests on their water to check not only for E. coli, but also for cancer-causing chemicals and pollutants. Everyone plays a role in keeping the environment healthy. Crissman feels that “engagement in your community, no matter what it is, [from] cleaning up your beach, to going to a meeting, and everything in between, showing that you’ve got that pride in where you live and wanting to make it a better place…is super impactful.” The problem with the environment is that it isn’t flashy. You don’t feel the struggling environment when you need a doctor or a job. And so, “our biggest challenge is helping folks recognize that we can make good decisions, let’s say for housing, and, at the same time, make good decisions for the environment,” Crissman notes. “It doesn’t have to be an either or.” //