TBB October 2021

Magnus Theatre kick off their 50th Anniversary Season!

INSIDE PUMPKINS AND THE LAW The NWMO’s Council of Elders and Youth – paving the way to Reconciliation Top 10 Telephone Turn offs

North Superior Publishing

@tbay25

Wake The Giant Music Festival Big Success Again!

New Track and Stock Car Racing Near Thunder Bay Draws a Big Crowd

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2021

The NWMO’s Council of Elders and Youth – paving the way to Reconciliation The Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO) Council of Elders and Youth (the Council) is an independent advisory body that provides counsel on how to apply Indigenous Knowledge in the implementation of the safe and long-term management of used nuclear fuel. The advice provided by the Council on various issues enhances the development and maintenance of good relations with First Nation and Métis communities. The Council has also provided advice on how to strengthen Indigenous representation within the organization at decision-making levels.

The Elders Forum, which was established in 2005, was the starting point of the Council’s formation and was later renamed the Council of Elders in 2012. The Council has now added a youth contingent and currently has 12 Elders and six youth members.

Elder Billie Schibler, also known by her spirit name ‘Purple Harvest Woman,’ is a Métis woman from the Crane Clan who joined the Council in 2012. Her more than 30 years of experience working in the areas of addiction, mental health, justice,

family violence, child protection, and healing has made her a tremendous asset to the Council. She has also done substantial

work internationally on the protection of water.

“If we would have told scientists decades ago that they would be sitting in ceremony with Indigenous Peoples and learning about the spirit of the land, and the different energies it has, they just wouldn’t believe it,” Elder Billie said.

At the NWMO, we acknowledge that Elders possess an understanding of Mother Earth that constitutes science, sustainability, environmental protection, and much more. We recognize and respect that Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders

are the custodians of traditions, customs, and values of their respective societies, forming a link between each generation.

The Council aids the NWMO in decisionmaking and finds opportunities to incorporate Indigenous Worldview and Knowledge into our work.

With so many misconceptions about used nuclear fuel, the Council can be a trustworthy source for communities with questions and concerns about the project.

“It’s important that we take the initiative to better understand what used nuclear fuel is, and how it affects and benefits our lives,” Elder Billie said. “We can’t bury our heads in the sand and pretend it isn’t happening; the Council has a shared responsibility to find solutions.”

The Council works to interweave corporate process, western science, and Indigenous Knowledge in harmony to also help pave the way for other organizations. This became important for the Council when contributing to NWMO’s Reconciliation Policy. “Words are important but how the policy is implemented though actions will be the real test," said Elder Billie.

In 2014, the Council added a Youth component and it is now known as the Council of Elders and Youth.

Jeremiah George, also known by his spirit name ’Blue Thunderbird’, is an Anishinaabe man from the Bear Clan, joined the Council as the newest youth member in March of 2021.

Incorporating youth into the Council of Elders has not only been beneficial for Council members to learn more about

nuclear fuel but has helped the NWMO gain fresh perspectives as we recognize that the youth are an important voice in this project as future decision-makers.

“Before I joined, I met with Joe Heil, the NWMO’s Indigenous Engagement Director for northern Ontario. He was in Winnipeg at the time, and I was studying Project Management at the University of Winnipeg. We had a discussion in which he explained the scope of the project to me and the unique phased approach, and it really made me want to learn more,” Jeremiah said.

The Council has done a lot of work with the NWMO on Indigenous policy development and has worked with the NWMO on how to implement Reconciliation in our work in a way that is meaningful and inclusive of all people involved with the project. The Elders and youth work alongside our Indigenous Relations team and technical teams to find well-rounded and community-focused options for the management of used nuclear fuel.

The Council ensures the NWMO is interweaving Indigenous Knowledge into all aspects of our work and within our Reconciliation journey. The Council also suggests opportunities to improve Indigenous relations and engagement like centering our work in relationship and ceremony to further the NWMO’s understanding and add other dimensions to the project.

The Council has ensured we have Indigenous representation at all levels of the organization and advises the NWMO in many areas, including but not limited to the implementation of staff cultural awareness training sessions. They have outlined topics, for example, that should be included like Indigenous rights, history, jurisdiction, and present-day challenges.

“The NWMO is setting a good example of how to work with Indigenous communities, especially by the level of respect for our traditions,” Jeremiah said.

The Council works as a circle and members hold a lot of respect for each other and for the circle.

“We are like a family, all of my relations… it is a collaborative effort and the pain of one is the pain of all. We help each other on this journey and support one another to heal which is beautiful, it is a beautiful Council,” said Elder Billie.

About the NWMO The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization implementing Canada’s plan to safely contain and isolate used nuclear fuel inside a deep geological repository in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

Canada’s plan will only proceed in an area with informed and willing hosts, where the municipality, First Nation and Métis communities, and others in the area are working together to implement it. The NWMO plans to select a site in 2023, and

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2021

Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner For the first time in over 18 months a major live music event took place, the second edition of Wake The Giant! On a nice day in Thunder Bay a full line up of music artists performed on the stage at Marina Park with the Sleeping

Giant as a back drop. “ We actually started Wake the Giant a

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Wake The Giant Music Festival Big Success Again! few years ago with our first meeting with the Canadian Heritage people. We were throwing around this idea of doing a music festival paired with this orientation with 300 kids coming in from the north. They looked at us like we were crazy but sure enough we

convinced them and now we have it,” said Sean Spenrath, Wake the Giant organizer and Student Success officer

had good pandemic protocols in place including the requirement to provide proof of vaccination or getting a rapid test. There was the requirement to be masked at all times.

at Dennis Cromarty High School. His role is to help the students become more successful. “ It is a beautiful setting at the marina right in front of the Sleeping Giant.

Figuratively and metaphorically we will wake the giant with some rock music.” “ The main goal of the festival is to create a welcoming environment and raise awareness that these kids are travelling, leaving their friends and family everything that they know to get a education. Their support system just about disappears overnight so they can get a grade 9,10,11,12 education.

We want to make Thunder Bay a less scary and more welcoming place- that has been a major goal for us. ” The line up this years event included headliner Jessie Reyez, Third Eye Blind, Loud Luxury,William Prince, iskwe, DJ Shub, Northern Cree, Nick Sherman and Jingle Dress Dancers.

This festival was well organized and

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2021

PUMPKINS AND THE LAW ©2021 Brian Babcock You might have guessed that stealing a pumpkin, even if intended as a prank, is Was Linus Van Pelt trespassing in the pumpkin patch while awaiting the arrival of the Great Pumpkin? Probably, but it is a bad stereotype to think of lawyers spoiling a great love story.

Charlie Brown would not be shocked to hear that the law has a few thoughts about pumpkins.

In Arizona, there is an urban myth that it is illegal to put out a pumpkin outside your house because it is illegal to feed wildlife. You may not be fined if you are just doing it decoratively- unless you know wildlife are common in your yard.

So, as with many laws, circumstances matter.

Legal Matters theft.

Egging or “TPing” a house could be viewed as criminal mischief, though you might get lenient treatment- if you are a youth, or first offender.

Pranks that cause actual damage are treated more seriously.

You might get away with dipping into

your child’s bag of candy, but if you do not have permission, it is still theft. Do not try it with stranger’s candy.

In British Columbia, a worker succeeded on a compensation claim for contracting Legionnaire's disease while carving pumpkins in the course of their employment. Also in B.C., another worker received compensation for damage to their ulnar nerve caused by lifting pumpkins, some of which were over 40 pounds.

In Alberta, a farmer received compensation from an oil company that affected his water supply, and increased his costs of growing pumpkins and other fresh vegetables.

A Thunder Bay farmer was convicted of growing marijuana in part because the

path to the marijuana patch led from his pumpkin patch. On appeal, the Court of Appeal could not resist the pun “What ripens for decision here...”. When judges say these things, they think they are funny, because the lawyers laugh.

A Nova Scotia court found that a contract to supply top soil and other materials to a competitive pumpkin grower did not have “time of the essence” so the grower could not cancel the contract and sue for damages. Instead, the supplier recovered damages. Terms of purchase in your contracts are important.

We at Weilers Law hope that you have a Happy Halloween, but if you do need legal advice, this month or at any other time, we can help you in most areas other than criminal law.

Top 10 Telephone Turn offs How to improve telephone communications Like you, there are times in my work when emails and texts aren’t efficient and I actually need to phone someone and have a real conversation. In my case, it’s when I’m preparing for a training session or to speak at a conference that requires interviewing senior managers and key employees. I’ve made literally thousands of calls over the years and – since I pay particular attention to customer communication – I’ve created a list of Top 10 Telephone Turn offs.

See if you can relate to them, which I’ve rated from least annoying to worst.

More importantly, read the accompanying tips to ensure you and your team members aren’t committing the same

offenses.

10. “Good afternoon, thank you for calling ABC company, Ralf speaking.

How can I help you?” Long greetings waste the caller’s time. Instead, just open with, “Thank you for calling ABC company, this is Ralf.” It’s concise and finishes with the employee’s name rather than the word speaking. People remember the word spoken last and the most important word is your name.

While you’re at it, avoid asking, “How can I help you?” The caller will tell you this, and adding that statement essentially steps all over your name by following it with more words that make it even less memorable.

9. “Hello.” While, turnoff #10 was too

long, this greeting doesn’t offer enough information. If a call is transferred to you from a switchboard, just say, “Good morning (or afternoon) this is Jeff.” In this case, by saying good morning you let the caller know they’ve reached you live; not your voice mail.

The last thing customers want when expressing a concern is the runaround.

If a customer is unhappy, rather than foisting them on another department, ask permission to put the caller on hold.

Then you call the department to brief them about the customer’s concern and their state of mind. That leads us to turnoff #3…

8. “How are you?” Asking this question to someone you’ve never met has two unintended consequences: 1) sounds insincere 2) wastes the person’s time. Not a great start, especially when the most important thing you’re trying to establish is trust. Instead of asking, “How are you?” simply introduce yourself, then explain, “We’ve never met. The reason I’m calling is…”

3. ABC department? (When picking up a transferred call after you’ve been briefed about their complaint). Forcing unhappy customers to repeat themselves simply elevates their frustration.

Instead, answer the call by introducing yourself with your first and last name, explaining that your colleague briefed you, and paraphrasing your understanding of the situation. Then, rather than starting back at square one, the customer can simply correct or confirm the details.

7. “Please hold.” Putting a caller on hold without asking permission is rude.

Instead, ask permission and thank them: “May I put you on hold for a moment?

Thank you.”

6. “I’m either on the phone or away from my desk…” Callers understand that they’ve reached your voice mail.

They don’t need an explanation about why. If you’re out of the office for several days mention that. Otherwise, just state, “You’ve reached the voice mail of Jeff Mowatt. Please leave a message.

‘Nuff said. (Please don’t tell me to have a great day – just stop talking so I can leave a message).

5. “Your call is important to us.” This is the default recorded message you often hear when reaching a call centre.

Again, the most important thing to establish with customers is trust. It doesn’t help when the record message tells a lie. If our call was really that important to the organization, they’d have a live person taking our call. This statement insults our intelligence.

Instead, opt for, “Your call will be answered in approximately x minutes.

Thank you for your patience.”

4. “You need to call department x.”

(When customers have a complaint).

2. Peeking at your smart phone screen while in face-to-face conversation.

When you check your phone in front of others you demonstrate a focus on yourself that undermines trust.

1. Talking on a cell phone around others. No one wants to hear a half of a phone conversation from a bystander.

Anywhere. Anytime. We’d rather listen to jets taking off than be subjected to someone’s stream of consciousness. If you must make a phone call while others are within earshot, keep it short or go elsewhere to make the call.

Bottom Line… The good news about these telephone turn offs is they are easy to avoid. As I teach in my seminars – ask yourself if everything you say and do enhances or diminishes trust. When you demonstrate your respect for your customers’ time and intelligence, chances are you will be rewarded – literally – with their loyalty.

Jeff Mowatt is a customer service strategist, Hall of Fame speaker, and bestselling author. For more tips, training tools or to inquire about engaging Jeff for your team visit www.JeffMowatt.com

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2021

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Impala Canada Supports Local Red Sky Métis Independent Nation Post Secondary Students

Clockwise: Winners Guinevere Miecznikowski, Matthew Montague, Marc-André Pilon, Gabriel Desjardins Impala Canada is always finding ways to support the community, and 4 students from Red Sky Métis Independent Nation were the recipients of the Red Sky Métis Independent Nation Advanced Education Award that helps fund their post secondary education.

Mike Wanecki, Environmental and Indigenous Community Liaison Superintendent with Impala Canada and Donelda DeLaRonde, Executor Director with Red Sky Métis

Independent Nation (RSMIN) presented two of the awards to Guinevere Miecznikowski and Matthew Montague at ceremony in August at the Red Sky Métis Independent Nation office in Thunder Bay. Guinevere is starting her first year in a 3-year program in Graphic Design at Canadore College in September 2021. She loves to create art and graphic design is a modern and professional career where she can use her interests in the arts while helping people share their

visions they want for their company.

Guinevere graduated Grade 12 from Hammerskjold High School in June 2021. Matthew will be heading to the Ontario Police College this fall. He has always wanted to be a police officer

Université Laurentienne in Sudbury Ontario. His goal is to improve the lives of others who suffer from illness, in physical or mental and wants to help as many people as possible in his endeavour. Gabriel started his first year

and feels that working with organizations like Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is exactly what he is looking for in a long-lasting career, and his way to give back to the aboriginal communities in Canada. Sandra Miecznikowski Administrative Assistant with RSMIN presented the other two awards to Marc-André Pilon and Gabriel Desjardins in Northeastern Ontario near the end of August. MarcAndré is starting his second year in a 4-year program in the Sciences infirmières (Nursing Sciences) Program at

as an apprentice in the Automobile Mechanic trade at a local garage in Hearst Ontario this summer. His 4-year apprenticeship program will be taken at one of the Northeastern Ontario colleges to be determined. He likes to diagnose and fix things and is always interested in learning more. Gabriel graduated Grade 12 from École Secondaire catholique de Hearst in June 2021

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2021

Magnus Theatre kick off their 50th anniversary season with HOME: A BLUEGRASS CELEBRATION

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS Magnus Theatre artistic director Thom Currie was excited about the first show of their 50th Anniversary season!

Magnus was founded this month 50 years ago in 1971. “ I think the isolation of Thunder Bay is one of the things that make Magnus successful.We are now one of a few professional theatres in Canada that have passed the 50 year mark!” said Thom. “ I think the arts community and the community of Thunder Bay has always been very supportive of Magnus.” “ Since Burt Lancaster got off the plane in 1971 and founded this theatre Magnus has had a special place with the community.

He was sitting in London, England, pulled

community enjoys having a professional theatre,the same way they like having one of the few professional orchestras in town.

That says a lot about the community and the region that we can support not just a fully professional orchestra but a fully professional theatre.”

Magnus used local talent at the beginning but have branched out across Canada since then. “ We have always maintained 25 to 50 % local people. It has been thrilling to dip our toes in 100% local talent with this play, HOME: A BLUEGRASS CELEBRATION,” said Thom. “ We have had a huge number of people that have returned to Thunder Bay during the pandemic since we have done so well here with our case counts - so this has helped us. The rest of the season will be quite local as well.”

The first play of the season, HOME: A

out a map and placed his finger on it randomly and said we a moving to a place called Fort William,” noted Thom. “ The

BLUEGRASS CELEBRATION is essentially a reflection on 18 months in

Jo-Ann Waytowich isolation written by Jo-Ann Waytowich.

“As per provincial guidelines we are only “Jo- Ann was sitting at home in isolation allowed 50 % capacity in the auditorium and started thinking about what life was which will be 132 people.We converted the now. She was listening to bluegrass music auditorium to a traverse stage, which as well and just started incorporating the means people surround the stage and the two elements together - her great story action but maintain 2 meters distance. If telling abilities and this great bluegrass you are not relaxed in the audience there is music from the last 100 years.” said Thom. no way you can enjoy a show so our think“ In the isolation we have focused on three ing here at Magnus is we want people to women in their mid 20’s, 40’s and 50’s and feel relaxed so there is enough space.The talking about what they have been through. audience must be masked at all times.”

A guy is added as well. There are moments noted Thom. that are very funny and very touching moments. It is the home of great bluegrass “ I have a thought, an idea and do it for music from the last 100 years.” myself but if you come along on it with me it is joyous!”said Jo-Ann Waytowich.

This is an elaborate play to begin the who has written the play and is one of the Magnus season with 8 people on stage all, singers and characters. socially distanced and masked when they enter and then they start to play. “ During the pandemic, as all of the planet experienced, I was feeling a lot of isolation and loneliness and at time despair. How can I keep myself from sliding down. You know depression is not far from any of us.

When I listened to this type of music in particular, bluegrass, I defie you to not tap your toes, to feel something.When I put on this music I would be soaring and what a juxtipostion this is to talk about- Covid with this type of joyous music. We are making it happen to find joy.”said Jo-Ann. “ I spend a lot time in my basement as I write, play guitar and sing. My poor husband had to live with the bluegrass music for months and months. In my head I heard and saw exactly this but after I shared this with the people here at Magnus it has gone way beyond what I thought it would be. To be able to sit in a room with people that can sing and play this well is amazing.”

“The excitement for me is the collaboration between all of us and all of our artistry that comes together as a solid team.That is so thrilling. The audience has known me for years as Ivanka and Ivanka is not going to show up in this play- so that is kinda scary.”said Jo-Ann.

Continued

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2021

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Magnus Theatre kick off their 50th anniversary season with HOME: A BLUEGRASS CELEBRATION Continued “As soon as we walk out here on stage we drive with music, the nerves disappear and we are just people connecting and loving music and each other. None of us have worked for two years, our livelihood was gone, so to be creating together is all what we dream to do.”smiles Jo-Ann. “ I keep saying I am going to retire, and have burned my sets and costumes, but am always pulled back in. The worst thing to get for me is an idea because I can’t stop myself from following it with no end in sight! I want to see where it goes and if it becomes something great. If it doesn’t I just have to follow my path,”says Jo-Ann. “ I also just want the audience to know that it is a safe environment again- we can all gather to enjoy live music and the joy of music.That is what we want to bring to people. It is thrilling. I think the audience will be taking on a joyous ride with us!”

Audiences can expect to see some familiar

playwright and actor Jo-Ann Waytowich, well known to audiences far and wide for her iconic Ivanka character.

The inspiration for the latest show came during the pandemic lockdowns, when Waytowich was sequestered to her home and embraced her creative outlet to pass the time meaningfully. The result is an original show that features bluegrass music for a funny and relatable look at the year in isolation from the point of view of three women at different stages of life. Directed

by Magnus Theatre artistic director Thom Currie, with musical direction by celebrated local musician Danny Johnson, the production features an ensemble of local actors and musicians.

“Coming back from the pandemic, we have to reexamine how theatre is done,” said Currie. “This means prioritizing equity and diversity in the cast and creative teams, but also showcasing as much local talent as possible. It’s important that we continue to reflect a national talent base as

Magnus Theatre artistic director Thom Currie Blanchet on bass, Olivia Korkola on fiddle, and Dan Zadkovich on mandolin.

Waytowich has appeared in over a dozen Magnus Theatre productions spanning over

reconfigured into a traverse stage arrangement to keep audiences safely spaced out, but tickets are limited as performances are restricted to 50% capacity in accordance with provincial regulations. Beginning September 22, 2021, and in accordance with the provincial mandate, all Magnus Theatre patrons will need to provide proof of full vaccination status to attend a performance.

For more information about tickets, show times, and health and safety protocols, please visit www.magnustheatre.com.

local faces hitting the stage this week in Magnus Theatre’s inaugural production of the 2021-2022 Mainstage season.

well as a local talent base and put those performers shoulder to shoulder on the stage.”

two decades, most recently in 2019 for IVANKA: PASTA, SALAMI AND A GUY NAMED PASQUALE.

HOME: A BLUEGRASS CELEBRATION opened on September 16th to kick off the theatre’s 50th anniversary season.

The original music revue was conceived and written by legendary Thunder Bay

The cast is made up of Jo-Ann Waytowich, Danny Johnson, Susie Campbell, and Fae Alexander and is accompanied by a four-piece band including Robert Balabuck on banjo, Martin

Magnus Theatre will be observing all public health and safety protocols, and patrons will be required to wear masks at all times while indoors. The auditorium has been

Magnus Theatre enjoys the ongoing support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the City of Thunder Bay. Magnus Theatre’s 20212022 season is also generously supported by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2021

Choose TBayFirst:The Money-Back Guarantee Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Price tags are funny things. They’re just a few digits with a decimal and a dollar sign, and yet they’re responsible for summing up the entire lifetime value of a product. On the surface, price tags can be handy tools for making buying decisions: this price tag is cheaper than that one.

The problem with price tags is that they don’t describe the full value of the money you’re spending. By choosing to buy based only on a

price tag, you might be missing out on the money-back guarantee attached to every single purchase you make in your hometown.

Every time you #ChooseTBayFirst by shopping at a local business, you help them to pay Thunder Bay workers, support Thunder Bay charities and sports teams, and pay Thunder Bay’s taxes. On the other hand, when you order online, your money goes to help someone else’s town.

A couple of years ago the Chamber team interviewed some of the local businesses carrying items like school supplies, clothing and electronics that you may have purchased recently.

Here are some of the things we learned about them at the time: JOBS • The merchants and management of Intercity Shopping Centre employed over 1,200 people, including many students working towards a post-secondary education.

• Our three biggest office suppliers – Lowery’s, Staples and Thunder Bay Xerographics/The Office Supplier – employed about 150 staff between them.

• Local telecom company TBayTel employed 430 local people.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT • Local businesses like PC Medic often support dozens of local charities and events with donations of equipment, service, time and expertise.

• Lowery’s had raised over $150,000 to date for United Way of Thunder Bay. • Staples’ local support of the City’s Summer Company program for kids has spawned partner-

ships between Staples and Community Economic Development offices across Ontario.

TAXES • Without the property taxes paid by Intercity Shopping Centre your home taxes would increase by about $80 a year.

• TbayTel’s annual dividend to the city of $17.25 million supports city services and subsidizes taxes for residents and businesses – a savings of over $330 per residential household.

• Representatives of the large online retailers (ahem!) were strangely unavailable for comment regarding their support of Thunder Bay. In October, the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce will be launching our 2021 #ChooseTBayFirst campaign featuring a series of videos exploring the way local spending circulates and multiplies through our local economy. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to participate!

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2021

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Spine to Brain to Spine thrown to you.

After many years of research, we now know beyond a doubt that spinal function impacts and changes brain function.

Scientists call these brain changes neural plasticity. Neuroplastic changes are happening all the time because our brain is continuously adapting to our ever-changing environment. When your spine is not moving properly this leads to changes in the way the small muscles closest to your spine and skull send information to your brain. Your brain's ability to know where all the parts of your body are in space is called proprioception. The proprioceptive information that comes from the muscles closest to your spine and skull help your brain to know what's going on in your spine which controls the core of your body.

For your brain to accurately move your arms and legs, your brain needs to know exactly what's happening in your spine.

This ability to move accurately based on sensing what's going on in your body is a process known as sensorimotor interaction.

Sensorimotor interaction basically means your brain's ability to take all the information it receives from your body and your environment and put it all together to make sense of it and then to create just the right sort of movements in response to that sensory information. For example, moving your hand to catch a ball that has been

But how does this relate to your spine? If we look at spinal function in a very simplistic way there are really three things you want your spine to do on a regular basis: synchronous movements, stiffening muscles and automatic movements. For example, if you are running you want your spinal bones to move in a synchronistic or harmonious manner to disperse the forces generated from the running. By moving in harmony, the forces are shared equally across your spinal bones, so no damage takes place. But other times for example, if you are lifting a heavy object, then you want your spine to stiffen up to protect you. Without all your muscles stiffening up like this you could injure yourself. So how does your spine sometimes move and sometimes stiffen up? Your brain does this for you by activating the muscles around your spine and skull which are called your paraspinal muscles. Your brain

activates the correct muscles in the correct order to the correct degree with perfect timing to either allow for synchronistic movement for example during running or allow your spine to stiffen up for example during heavy lifting. In addition to this your spine muscles also at times need to automatically respond when you're expecting some sort of postural challenge such as a trip or a slip. If you are tripping over, you need your brain to automatically without consciously thinking about it switch on and off your correct paraspinal muscles very fast to help you maintain your balance and stop yourself from falling over.

This automatic activation of your spinal muscles is also important during arm and leg movements to stabilize your body and prevent injuries. When you have spinal dysfunction, your brain is simply not controlling the movement pattern of a part of your spine appropriately.

So how would you know if you have spinal dysfunctions? Often you don't know because you might not feel any symptoms right away. There may be neural plastic changes in your brain that lead to back or neck pain for some people. For others it may result in clumsiness because you're not controlling the movements of your body properly. And still for others it may be weak muscles or reduce sports performance or difficulty reading or simply

the worsening of other conditions such as colic or bed wetting or perhaps high blood pressure. We simply don't know yet how your spinal dysfunction is going to affect you. But we do know when your spine isn't functioning well it does interfere with the way your brain and body communicates and the way your brain controls what's going on in your body.

Chiropractors are highly trained healthcare professionals that find and correct these spinal dysfunctions mainly through spinal adjustments. This improves the function of your spine which results in better communication between your brain and your body. This may have an impact on the way you feel. It also may mean that your brain is better able to control what's happening in your body so you can perform at your optimal potential. So, if you want your brain body communication at its best, chiropractic care may be your best option.

James DiGiuseppe is a local chiropractor with a busy family and wellness practice. For more health information or to contact Dr. DiGiuseppe visit: www.portarthurchiropractic.com

We are kicking off our Annual Fundraising Campaign – Local Love in Action!

Mayor Bill Mauro started the week off by officially proclaiming September 14th – 17th as Show Your Local Love Week in the City of Thunder Bay. Our goal is to inspire individuals, families and businesses to take action to help tackle local issues of poverty.

You could Show Your Local Love all week by participating in one of our activities.

Donate Make your donation to our Local Love in Action Fundraising Campaign on Tuesday September 14th and receive a matching contribution for your dollars!

Build a Basic Needs DIY Kit We invited you to drop off a kit of essentials, like toothbrushes, shampoo, soap

and socks, to the United Way office at 715 Hewitson St between September

14th to the 17th. We then delivered your donated supplies to Thunder Bay’s most vulnerable people.

Facebook Lives We hosted a variety of community impact and champion Facebook Lives that week where you could Tune in each day on our Facebook Page at 12:15 P.M. and 4 P.M. to hear from leaders in our community and learn more about issues in our city, why it’s important to give back to people in need through the United Way, and why others support our organization.

Buy an Event Ticket Purchase a $15 take-home meal ticket for the Dew Drop Inn and United Way ‘Take Me Home Dinner’ event on Tuesday September 28, 2021. You could buy a meal for yourself, the whole family, or pay it forward by donating a meal to someone in need! All Pay It Forward

meals will be given out to patrons of the Dew Drop Inn.

Volunteer for a Mini-Days of Caring Project Sign up to participate in a local community project. We need volunteers for approximately 15 projects that include neighbourhood clean-ups, gardening, meal prep, visiting seniors, and more.

Follow our Show Your Local Love activities and announcements all week on our social media channels. We shared information and videos from our community partners about #UNIGNORABLE local issues of poverty. We will also be highlighting local Champions, donors and special news!

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2021

Rural Heritage Days Hosted by The Slate River Plowmen’s Association The Annual Slate River Plowing Match was held September 11th at Highway #130 and Piper Road in Oliver-Paipoonge Township just outside of Thunder Bay after a 1 year absence in 2020 due to the pandemic.

This years event was scaled back again and only decided to happen later

and grain grinding.There is a plowing competition, antique tractors and a tractor rodeo. There are many food vendors, kids play area and people movers!

Rural Heritage Days shows off the farming lifestyle right at the doorstep of urban Thunder Bay and is really

from 1940 to 1945 during the war but have been held ever since,except for 2020.

Today’s four wheel drive tractor can plow 45 acres of land in a day which is

but a beautiful day made it excellent once again.

It has now became a tradition for me to attend each year. There is just something about being out on a sunny afternoon with the farming people whom are enthusiastic about their work!

This very fun event offers harvest demos in binding, stocking, threshing

far different than the earlier machines on display.

You should make plans to attend next years event in September!

worth a visit each September. My favourite part of the event is talking to the people who work or have worked in the farm industry. They are a very genuine group who seem to really enjoy their work and lifestyle.

The first plowing match in the Slate River Valley was held October 12th,1927.The plows then were all horse driven. No matches were held

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2021

New Track and Stock Car Racing Near Thunder Bay Draws a Big Crowd

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Great Outdoors For many years in Thunder Bay a weekly occurrence was stock car racing at Riverview Raceways. That track has been closed for many years but now Thunder Bay has a new track,The Dairy Queen International Speedway which opened for one weekend of racing September 10-12.

The new Dairy Queen race track is located on Arthur Street near the Twin City Crossroads. This brand new track is very impressive and should host more frequent races in Thunder Bay in 2022 which I think will go over very well.

It was fun to see the level of enthusiasm evident at these races. There were about 100 racers in the pits and what appeared to be thousands in the stands to witness some great action.

There are many local racers and next year the opportunity for many US racers to attend.

This year Thunder Bay’s Colin Chaschuk won the Midwest Modified Feature race picking up $5000.00

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS OCTOBER 2021