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Ad Deadline for our January Issue: December 12th
7 TheTOPFive FEATURES
Outdoor Enthusiast
FOOD
32 THE GRINNING BELLY 33 DRINK OF THE MONTH
34 Eaten and Told
36 SUPERIOR SIP
39 Lake & Spruce Restaurant
40 OFF THE MENU
43 Five Years Strong
44 Food Insecurity on the Rise and the Growing Demand on Food Banks
47 Pop-Up Perfection
FILM&THEATRE
48 CONFESSIONS OF A DRAG DEALER 50 Elf! The Musical 52 THE SECOND MOST PLEASURABLE THING WE DO IN THE DARK. A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES THE ARTS
Interconnectedness
Beading is for Everyone
FROM THE THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY’S COLLECTION 62 …And I Hope that You Find Happiness
78 Five Questions for Jean E. Pendziwol 80 A Christmas Chapbook 82 A Hallmark Moment
85 Home for the Holidays 86 Broken Little Heart in the Bay
88 BETTER IN STEREO 89 In the Mood
90 A Metalcore Maelstrom
91 The Record Box 92 Prelude to Christmas 93 TBSO SPOTLIGHT 94 BURNING TO THE SKY 95 Christmas with Johnny Reid 96 OFF THE WALL REVIEWS ARCHITECTURE
98 First-Wesley United Church GREEN
101 Sustainable Giving For People and the Planet TATTOOED YOU
102 One, Two, Three, and Four!
THE WALL
105 Dreaming of a White Winter
106 Tbaytel December EVENTS GUIDE 108 THE BEAT 109 MUSIC GUIDE 111 INSIDEUP GAMES CROSSWORD
112 HOROSCOPES
114 THE EYE
The
Best Gift of All
At long last, December! The holiday season is here, and it’s the time of year we can all slow down to spend time with our loved ones and reflect on what’s really important in life. And, if we’re being real, it’s also the time of year we might receive some pretty awesome presents from those loved ones. Before you go knocking me for misunderstanding the reason for the season, gift-giving is one of the five love languages, and the way I see it, an opportunity to show the person you bought it for that you get them—which, admittedly, can be a lot of pressure.
Gift-giving is an art, and it’s a tall order to cram all those big, warm, fuzzy holiday feelings into the perfect present. But don’t fret, we’ve got you covered. For this issue, we present The Walleye’s 10th Annual Holiday Gift Guide. We've scoured the shelves from Westfort Village to the Waterfront District to compile over a hundred local gift ideas for everyone on your list. Whether your list includes animal lovers, collectors, entertainers, fitness buffs, foodies, jet setters, music fans, outdoor enthusiasts, trendsetters, or youngsters, we think you’ll find a
From Our Instagram Feed
gift that is quintessentially them.
Elsewhere in the pages of this issue, Kim Latimer talks with the folks at Gear Up for Outdoors about this year’s Spread the Warmth Campaign, Taylor Onski heads backstage to find out what we can expect at Magnus Theatre’s production of Elf! The Musical, Matt Prokopchuk finds out what Swell Bakery is cooking up with their expansion, and Michael Sobota sits down with local author and recipient of the 2024 Governor General Award for Young People’s Literature—Illustrated Books, Jean E. Pendizwol.
We hope this issue helps check a few items off your shopping list so you can sit back and relax as we approach the new year. To all of our contributors: thank you for another year of wonderful ideas and hard work; The Walleye just wouldn’t be The Walleye without you. To all of our readers: thank you for another year of continued support, kind words, and encouragement, and for taking the time to read each month. And to the city we write about all year long, Thunder Bay: thank you for all the inspiration. We wish you a wonderful holiday and happy new year.
-Sidney Ulakovic
Featured Contributor
On the Cover
Deanne Gagnon
Deanne enjoys connecting with people and learning about the unique experiences that shape our community. Her favourite part of contributing to The Walleye is meeting new people and sharing their stories. As a workplace culture consultant and podcast host, she spends her days helping teams connect and work together better. Outside of work Deanne loves travelling, spending time on the water, and camping with her family.
Check out Deanne’s story on the Fort William Male Choir's Prelude to Christmas concert on page 92.
Holiday Gift Guide
100+ Local Picks
by Damien Gilbert Cookies by Frosted Moose Cookie Company
Photo
Behind the scenes of the December issue cover shoot
FLANNEL PJ SET
Snuggle up, sleep, repeat and look great doing it with this pure cotton flannel set from PJ Salvage. Did we mention it comes with a matching hair wrap? Shop early to find her the best selection of prints.
SAXX
Get in the spirit with life-changing underwear featuring the BallPark Pouch™. Underwear, shorts, tees, loungewear and more. Fine tuned for maximum comfort.
JENNY
BIRD NOUVEAUX
PUFF EARRINGS
These voluminous, sculptural earrings are a must-have in her jewellery collection.
SECRID WALLET
Protects both your privacy and your money with style. Available as a slimwallet, miniwallet or twinwallet.
GARSON WOOL VEST
Crafted in a two-layer windproof Italian wool. This vest will keep him warm & stylish. Perfect for the unpredictable weather.
SHOP FOR HIM & HER
CANADA GOOSE PARKA
A gift that is sure to impress! we have many optionsvests, parkas, packable down jackets & more for both him & her.
MINI VIRTUE BAG FROM BRAVE
Designed to hold your phone, wallet and basic essentials in style. Made in Canada with premium monte carlo leather.
WIGENS WOOL BASEBALL HAT WITH EAR FLAPS
Made from Melton wool. Lined earflaps for added warmth and comfort.
BIRKENSTOCK SLIPPERS
With a shearling removable footbed - they'll keep your feet cozy all winter long.
JOHNNIE-O 1/4 ZIP
A classic for him. This cotton-blend quarter-zip is the universal layer that packs a punch when it comes to unbeatable softness, versatility and style.
Marianas Trench 2
December 3
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
CPKC Holiday Train 1
December 2
CPKC Train Depot Track (440 Syndicate Avenue)
When you think of the holiday season, you may think of bright festive lights, holiday music, community, and the spirit of giving. You can enjoy all of these and more at the annual CPKC Holiday Train. On December 2 from 8:45 to 9:15 pm, the Holiday Train will pull into the CPKC train depot on Syndicate Avenue, bringing artists Tyler Shaw and Shawnee Kish for live music and entertainment. Event-goers can enjoy the bright lights of the decorated train and hot chocolate served by local volunteers. While this event is free to attend, spectators are encouraged to bring donations (either cash or non-perishable food items) to support the Regional Food Distribution Association of Northwestern Ontario.
cpkcr.com/en/community/HolidayTrain
3
Parade of Lights
December 7
Memorial Avenue
Calling all millennials (who may or may not have had a light emo phase): Marianas Trench is coming to Thunder Bay! On December 3 at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, this celebrated Canadian pop-rock band will be performing as part of their The Force of Nature tour. You may know them from their earlier hits “Stutter” and “All to Myself,” or from their newest releases “Haven” and “Lightning and Thunder.” Theatrical, energetic, and full of passion, Marianas Trench has been a staple in the Canadian pop-rock scene since the early 2000s and they promise to deliver an exciting show for new and old fans alike. The show starts at 7:30 pm, and tickets are available via Ticketmaster on the TBCA website. tbca.com
The Book of Mormon 4
December 7–8
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
What do you get when you cross the humour of South Park with the creative genius of Broadway? A nine-time Tony Award-winning musical, of course. Hilarious, provocative, and smart, The Book of Mormon is coming to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on December 8. Starring Sam McLellan, Diego Enrico, Keke Nesbitt, and Craig Franke, The Book of Mormon tells the tale of two hapless Mormon missionaries who travel to Uganda on a chaotic and frankly offensive evangelical mission. This outrageous yet heartwarming play has been adapted on stages across North America and the world to glowing reviews. The Book of Mormon will have a Saturday evening performance at 8 pm, a Sunday matinee at 1 pm and a Sunday evening show at 7 pm; tickets are available via Ticketmaster on the TBCA website. tbca.com
The Parade of Lights is a quintessential holiday tradition in Thunder Bay, and 2024 marks the event’s 25th anniversary. On December 7 starting at 7 pm, dozens of brightly lit and decorated trucks and floats will pass through the Intercity area (starting on the Harbour Expressway and making their way down Memorial Avenue to Fort William Road). Designated parade volunteers in high-visibility vests will be collecting donations for Special Olympics Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association, Autism Ontario, and George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation. This year, the parade is saluting Larissa Rozenuk, who was the first-ever designated parade marshall. The event is free to attend, and there will be a sensory-friendly section on Fort William Road for those who wish to enjoy the event without the loud truck horns. facebook.com/paradeoflights.thunderbay
5
TBSO Christmas at the Fort
December 13
Fort William Historical Park
Frédéric-Alexandre Michaud
Experience the magic of Christmas with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra live at Fort William Historical Park on December 13. An annual holiday staple for music lovers, this candlelit concert features the full orchestra playing all of your holiday favourites (including a few singalongs!) by candlelight at McGillivray’s Landing. Led by RBC Resident Conductor Frédéric-Alexandre Michaud, this immersive musical experience truly evokes the magic of the holiday season, and for newcomers, it may just become your new favourite Christmas tradition. The show starts at 7:30 pm, with an optional cocktail hour from 6:30–7:30 pm before the show. Tickets are $75 each (plus taxes and fees) available on the TBSO website. tbso.ca
Shop our incredible selection of lululemon favorites, including cozy down jackets, stylish hoodies, versatile Define Jackets, Align tops and bottoms, joggers, and the ever-popular belt bags. Plus, don’t miss the new lululemon mugs—perfect for coffee lovers. Stay warm with our hats & mitts, with fresh arrivals landing every week! Gift cards for lululemon, yoga & pilates classes. Eye massagers & more!
New Year Open House ~ Jan 04, 2025 / Free Classes & Prizes
New Year Session Starts Jan 6th with Power Week try unlimited classes for $50
Holiday Gift Guide
100+ Local Picks
Chances are you have a music fan or an animal lover on your shopping list. Or how about a fitness buff, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a collector? Our 10th annual gift guide is here to help you find something excellent for friends and family, featuring our curated collection of 100% locally available gift ideas. Make them smile, make their lives easier, make some memories…that’s what gift-giving is really all about. Happy holidays from all of us at The Walleye! -Bonnie Schiedel
Trendsetter
trend-set-ter
a person who leads the way in fashion or ideas
By Rebekah Skochinski
1 Omnilux
Contour Mask
LED red light therapy masks are everywhere right now, but this is no passing fancy, dear friends. The science tracks. Boasting many skin-boosting benefits like reducing redness and acne, taming inflammation, and targeting fine lines, best of all, this professional-trade technology can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. Ready, set, glow!
North Shore Laser Clinic
$401.25*
*until December 24
2 Pink Mint Enamel Pin
We adore this Pink Mint mascot, which is the brainchild of local artist boy Roland. Show your love for Lovely Body (forever and ever!) with this super sweet soapy pin. Constructed of glossy enamel with a gold metal surround and cheery pastels, it comes with a rubber backing to protect whatever you decide to pin it to— your fave sweater, bag, hat, or just your heart.
Lovely Body Products
$10
3 SAXX Underwear
The holidays are the perfect excuse to treat a loved one to premium undergarments. We love these boxer briefs made of quick-dry mesh so that whatever adventure your guy gets up to, he will feel fresh and in fine form. They’re lightweight, moisture-wicking, and made with odour-resistant technology and an anti-roll waistband, so the only thing rolling will be the good times.
Perfect Fit Lingerie
$38
4 TBay Baseball Cap
The Sleepy G is the designated hitter for a home run gift, and while it’s technically toque season, a baseball cap is the chapeau of choice for many regardless of what Mother Nature is pitching. Check out this premium headwear with a contemporary design in several classic colourways. Makes a great keepsake and it’s made in Canada, just like us.
Authentique Gift Shop
$39.99
5 Tonttu Earrings
Best Christmas earrings ever? We think so. These Korvatunturi (North Pole) elf earrings are, literally, drops of joy. Made in Finland, these minimalistic marvels consist of handpainted maple, feature silver hooks, and will add a pop of brightness to any look, from casual comfy night in to NYE count-down on the town. Elves are symbols of harmony and for upholding good in the world, and that’s a gift we could all use.
Finnport
$34
6 Sterling Silver Necklace
Featuring sleek minimalism with a northern-inspired design, these handcut sterling silver necklaces are simply eye-catching. We’re partial to the lone pine tree, but you can choose from a variety of northern motifs such as a loon, moose, beaver, or bear claw, or even Lake Superior itself. All pieces are finished with hammered edges and come with an 18” sterling silver chain.
Red Door Metalworks
$60
7 Heartbeat
DIXXON Flannel
What the F(lannel)?! Heartbeat Hot Sauce is offering a very cool collaboration with DIXXON Flannel Co. just in time for Santa’s arrival. This custom orange plaid premium flannel shirt inspired by their OG Red Habanero hot sauce includes super fun details like branded buttons, a neck tag and hidden orange microfibre cloth. Plus, you get a free bottle of sauce with each shirt. That’s some pretty sweet heat!
Heartbeat Hot Sauce Co.
$79.99
8 Belt Bag
Listen, there is nothing basic about a black belt bag. It goes with everything and always looks good. This particular one has a front pocket to fit a large smartphone and a zippered main compartment, and is made from recycled materials from inside out. It can be comfortably worn around the waist or across the chest, which is how the cool kids do it.
JB Evans
$110
Foodie
foo-die an expert judge in matters of taste
By Tiffany Jarva
1 Seasons of Thunder Bay Cookbook, Volume II
Featuring 43 recipes using fresh, local ingredients, Chef Rachel Globensky Bayes’s easy-to-make dishes are inspired by the seasons, from fall’s deer stew and winter’s mushroom tarts to spring’s rhubarb meringue and summer’s pan-fried fish and brown butter. With gorgeous, full-colour photos and Globensky Baye’s familiar voice and warmth from her “Grinning Belly” food column in The Walleye, this is the cookbook of the holiday season. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Roots Community Food Centre.
thewalleye.ca
$35
2 Prosperity Blends Taster Bundle
Gift the opportunity to spice things up in the kitchen with unique, custom spice blends free of sugars, gluten, grains, dairy, and soy. This taster bundle includes a variety of 12 Prosperity Blends—perfect for exploring new dishes. Try Cajun, Garam Masala, Heart & Soul, Spice of Life, and more.
Prosperity Blends
$25
3 Pit Boss 3-Series Pellet Vertical Smoker
This smoker, with its sleek hammer tone copper finish, is not only stunning to look at, but also very functional and versatile. The double-walled insulation lets you smoke from 150°F to temperatures reaching 420°F. The large front window makes it easy to keep an eye on things. It’s also equipped with porcelain-coated cooking racks, locking caster wheels, an easy-to-read digital controller, and a multiple position racking system, which means you’ll have enough room to smoke anything you want.
Lockstone
$849.99
4 East Coast Oyster Gift Box
It’s easy to pair East Coast oysters with the taste of Northwestern Ontario using Heartbeat Hot Sauce and two kinds (wine and rosemary and bloody mary) of house-made mignonette in the cutest little Mason jars. This gift box also includes a wood-handled steel oyster knife, washable glove, a wood countertop holder, and a voucher for 12 select fresh east coast oysters to redeem in the new year.
East Coast Lobster
$75
5 Growing Up Granola
For years,Roots Community Food Centre has been creating batches of Growing Up Granola as their main fundraising initiative. The delicious, hard-to-replicate combination of oats, nuts, coconut, pumpkin seeds, canola oil, and honey is made with love. Truly versatile, this crunchy granola is the perfect gift for sprinkling on morning yogurt, grabbing a handful as a lunchtime snack, or as an evening t asty treat.
Roots Community Food Centre
$10
6 Château de Bourgogne
Delightfully light and fluffy, this French triple crème is one of the Cheese Encounter’s most popular cheeses for a reason: it is thoroughly indulgent. Made in the Burgundy region, it is rich, creamy, and as soft as whipped cream. Cut to order in any size you need.
The Cheese Encounter
$9.50/100 grams
7
Emile Henry Pizza Stone
You can’t go wrong with this beautiful, versatile, and easy-to-clean enameled pizza stone from France. Of course, it’s great for making pizza with crispy crusts, but can also be used to bake cookies and bread, or grill fish and meats. Slip the stone into the refrigerator and it becomes the perfect way to serve chilled cheeses and meats. Made of natural clay materials, the stone can be used in all kinds of ovens or on barbecue grills. It is also durable, scratch resistant, and dishwasher safe.
The Kitchen Nook/Finnish Bookstore
$120
8 Six-Pack of Cardinal Chocolate Company Truffles
Not all chocolates are created equal, especially not these decadent, artisanal handcrafted truffles by chef John Murray, who studied high-end pastry making at a Michelin-starred teahouse in London, England. Sample an array of truffles with lovely, soft ganache centres topped with tempered chocolate— sure to delight any level of chocolate connoisseur on your holiday list.
Red Lion Smokehouse
$15
Music Lover
mus-ic lov-er
a person who believes that music makes the world go ‘round; a toe-tapper
By Adrian Lysenko
1 I Heard There Was A Secret Chord
In this captivating book, author, musician, and neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin discusses how music is one of humanity's oldest medicines. Through historical findings, research, and ideas, I Heard There Was A Secret Chord reveals the deep connections between music and healing and illustrates why it is one of the most powerful forms of therapies today.
Entershine Bookshop
$42.50
2 Thunder Bay Blues Society Membership
The Thunder Bay Blues Society (TBBS) has been supporting the blues since 1998, and now that special someone on your list can too! Whether it’s the Blues Shakedown, Blues House Party, or Blues Blast, the TBBS puts on a helluva show featuring local, national, and international artists in the genre.
Thunder Bay Blues Society
$20 joint or $15 single
3 The Honest Heart Collective’s 11/17 Car Air Freshener
Thunder Bay’s own rockers The Honest Heart Collective are one of the city’s hardest working bands. They’ve laid down some serious kilometres touring across the country, and the brothers pay homage to this with their Highway 11/17 car air freshener. It’s also pine-scented, so fans can take Northwestern Ontario’s boreal forest wherever they venture. honestheart.co
$5
4 Alesis Strike MultiPad Percussion Pad with Sampler and Looper
A great compact electronic drum kit for aspiring drummers, the Alesis CompactKit 4’s four velocitysensitive drum pads deliver drum sound with the feel and response of real drums. Plus, it includes a music coach feature that shows notes on the LCD screen, so you can play along with the built-in songs and rhythms.
Backstage Music
$999.99
5 Audio Technica Sound Burger Portable Bluetooth Turntable
Ideal for parties, outdoor events, or compact living spaces, the portable turntable is battery-powered, with wired and Bluetooth outputs for up to 12 hours of spinning. Offering high-quality sound reproduction with a belt-drive system that plays 33-⅓ and 45 RPM records, the Sound Burger is the perfect blend of nostalgia and new tech.
The Power Centre
$279
6 The Denver Concert Ukulele
With four easy-to-pluck nylon strings and frets closer together, ukuleles are considered one of the best instruments for beginners. The Denver concert ukulele has a sapele top, sides, and back to achieve a true concert tone. Also, it’s super portable, making an excellent addition to the neighbourhood carolling club.
Crossroad Music
$109.99
7 Ozzy OsbournePatient Number 9
Give that beloved metalhead in your life something that will let them embrace the winter solstice with the Prince of Darkness’s 13th studio album. Repackaged as a limited edition two-LP blue smoke vinyl, it also features a Patient Number 9 gold foil cover comic book designed by legendary comic book creator Todd McFarlane.
The Vinyl Frontier
$95
8 Camo
U37 USB Studio Condenser Microphone
Is someone on your list looking to take the leap from singing in the shower to singing on an album?
The U37 delivers studio-grade quality with the convenience of USB connectivity, making it great for vocals, instruments, and even podcast recordings. Plus, it includes a 10-foot USB cable for flexible mic placement and a desktop mic stand.
Music World Academy
$79.99
Anna Buske
Jetsetter jet-set-ter
a person who is constantly on the move, travelling from one place to another, usually by plane
By Sidney Ulakovic
1
Serena Backpack
Practical? Check. Eco-friendly material? Check. Stylish no matter the destination? Also check.
Bonus point: this backpack has a trolley sleeve on the back so you can secure it to luggage handles, and make navigating the airport a breeze.
The Loop
$109.99
2 Travelon Müv Scale
Does your jetsetter pack everything but the kitchen sink? Take the stress (and overweight fees) out of weighing their luggage at check-in with this handy portable scale. All they have to do is lift their bag by the hook, and they’ll know whether they can squeeze any extra “essentials” in before take off.
The Kitchen Nook
$26
3 Heatless Curl Set
Air travel can be fun—movies, snacks, getting to see the world from 35,000 feet in the air. Airplane hair, however, is not fun (unless you have one of these bad boys). The next time your jetsetter is on an overnight flight, they can style their hair with this, arrive with a perfect blowout, and start their trip off on a very fabulous foot.
Stella Wax Bar
$28.99
4
Disposable Camera
Yes, most of us already travel with a camera in the form of a smartphone, but the fun of travelling with film is that your jetsetter is limited to a certain amount of photos and will likely save them for extra-special moments—giving them a stack of extra-special mementos from their trip.
Primary Foto Source
$42
5 All-Terrain Waterproof Notebook
Does your jetsetter like to keep a travel journal? This one is bound in a waterproof cover and filled with sturdy stone paper, so whether they’re documenting their journey from the rainforest or beach, their memories should remain intact.
Entershine Bookshop
$11.99
6 Sony Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Have you ever had a flight or layover so long it made you want to close your eyes, tune out the world, and open them to find yourself magically at your destination? We bet your jetsetter has. While you can’t help them with teleportation, you can help them drown out a noisy airport or plane engine with these. The Power Centre
$499.99
7
Oh Buoy 2N1 Swim Shorts
Your jetsetter is guaranteed to make waves hitting the swimup tiki bar in these bold swim shorts by SAXX. Aside from the fun print, these swim shorts have a built-in liner in addition to cooling technology to keep your jetsetter comfortable for many a poolside piña colada.
JB Evans
$80
8 Dakine Carry-on
Is your jetsetter more of an adventurer than resort-hopper? Gift them this super durable carry-on bag that’s ready to roll (literally) wherever their heart desires. With abrasion resistant bottom and corner panels, this bag should remain in great condition through the toughest terrains.
Gear Up For Outdoors
$189.99
By adding an Additional Dwelling Unit you can create room for family, earn rental income, and increase the value of your property.
There are grants of up to $20,000 per unit available – and there may be additional incentives for your project.
WITH US
CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH US
CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH US
Fitness Buff
fit-ness buff
a person who is focused on their well-being and likes to keep an eye on their pulse
By Kat Lyzun
1 Lululemon Water Bottle
Stylish and practical, Lululemon’s Back to Life Sport Bottle makes a great gift for anyone who logs serious hours at the gym, or just likes to keep hydrated throughout the day (as we all should). The 24 or 32 oz bottles are insulated to keep your drinks cold and come with a built-in folding straw lid for easy sipping. The double wall design keeps the outside dry and easy to grip, which is ideal when you’re working up a sweat.
The Bodymind Centre
$48
2 Sporty Giant Socks
No Christmas list is complete without at least one pair of new socks, and Ungalli has you covered with their Sporty Giant design. Made in Canada and created for performance, the moisture-wicking properties of bamboo keep the feet dry, which helps prevent blisters and odourcausing bacteria.
Ungalli
$29.95
3 Golden Flow Yoga Mat
Whether into hot vinyasa flow or gentle stretching, the yoga fan in your life would love a beautiful mat designed by local artist Vik Wilen. Not only are they works of art, the microsuede top provides superb, non-slip grip for hands and feet, and the thick natural rubber base allows for comfort and grip on studio floors or lakeside docks— supporting yoga practice anytime, anywhere.
Wilen Art and Supply
$95
4 Superior Bakes Energy Balls
Fuel up! Fitness fans will love the sweet and salty taste of these awesome, locally made energy balls from Superior Bakes. Made with peanut butter, whey protein, oats, chia, honey, and chocolate chips, these little powerhouses are perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack. Grab a bag of 12 or pick up some minipacks in a variety of flavours for stocking stuffers.
Superior Bakes
$14.99
5 Kwik.co Leggings
For comfort and style, you can’t go wrong with a pair of buttery-soft leggings from Kwik.co. Ideal for the gym, running, or just weekend vibes, these nylon/spandex blend leggings come in a wide range of colours, from vibrant red to deep olive green. Pair them with a matching bra, tank, or zipup for an on-point monochrome look.
Kwik.co
$59
6 Cryotherapy
Scores of fitness enthusiasts swear by cryotherapy—spending a few minutes immersed in extreme cold to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the body. Have someone on your list with sore muscles or joint pain? A gift card for Celsius on Bay Street could be just what the trainer ordered this holiday season. Not ready to embrace the cold? Celsius also offers red light therapy, compression massage, and infrared sauna with rainfall shower for a relaxing recovery day.
Celsius
$Various
7 Hillsound Trail
Crampon Ultra
If you know a serious runner, you know that hardly anything stops them from getting in their daily kilometres. Help keep them safe on slippery winter trails with crampons like these from Gear Up For Outdoors. Lightweight and durable, these crampons can be combined with trail running shoes as well as hiking shoes and boots for winter trekking adventures. The stainless steel spikes will grip on packed snow so runners can focus on their performance rather than worrying about a slip.
Gear Up For Outdoors
$99.95
8 Stony Performance Long Sleeve
Style and performance come together in the Drift quarter-zip performance top from the golf gear pros at Stony. This makes a perfect gift for the golfer in your life who is out on the links late in the season or planning a winter trip down south. Crafted from premium, ultra-soft fabric, this long sleeve feels luxurious and makes a great layering piece for cooler days on and off the course. Different styles available online and at their store in Goods & Co. Market.
Stony $115
Animal Lover
an-i-mal lov-er
a person who feels great fondness for non-human creatures
By Kelsey Raynard
1 Gnawt-a-Stick
Dog owners know the struggle of finding a durable toy that can go the distance. The Gnawt-aStick is not only a great pun, but is also a long-lasting, chew-resistant natural latex rubber toy available at Chaltrek. For those with a water dog, worry not: the Gnawt-a-Stick floats!
Chaltrek
$26
2 SpotLit Pet Light
Need a stocking stuffer for the animal lover in your life? Look no further. The SpotLit Pet Light from Gear Up for Outdoors has a durable carabiner clip and a long-lasting LED light with a battery run-time of 20 hours for pet-friendly adventures of any length.
Gear Up For Outdoors
$13.99
3 Dog Plush Squeaky Toy
Dawson Trail Brewery has gifts for animals and animal lovers alike! This dog plush squeaky toy is modelled after their popular Border Run Cream Ale; stop by their taphouse and grab a tall can for the pet parent in your life (and maybe even yourself) at the same time.
Dawson Trail Brewery
$24
4 Personalized Pet Portrait Sweater
Forever a Friday has the perfect gift for all types of pet parents: personalized, embroidered pet portrait sweaters. Each portrait is hand-designed and printed on cotton/polyester crewnecks, with past designs ranging from dogs to cats to horses to birds to snakes. Thoughtful, personal, and stylish, these sweaters are available in five different colours.
Forever a Friday
$100
5 Pet Collars
Made with love locally in Thunder Bay, Blue Trail Collars offers pet collars in dozens of patterns and prints, so you can find the perfect match for the furry friend in your life. And they range in sizes from extra-small to large, so pets of all sizes can rock these stylish collars.
Blue Trail Collars
$16
6
Dog Treats
Owners want the best for their pets, so give them a gift they can feel confident sharing with their furry friend. Bay’s Barkery sells a variety of wholesome and nutritious dog treats made locally in Thunder Bay. “Chomps” are fresh, soft dog treats that can be refrigerated for one to two weeks, or stored in the freezer for up to one month.
Bay’s Barkery
$10
7
Pet Photoshoot
Animal lovers usually fill up their camera roll with pictures of their beloved pets, but how often do they get to share the spotlight? Give them a gift they can cherish for a lifetime with a pet photoshoot from Everwood Pet Photography. Inside, outside, individual, or with the whole family, these pictures are a gift they won’t soon forget.
Everwood Pet Photography
$Various
8 Pet Bed
Thunder Pet has been locally owned and operated for nearly 60 years. Stop by one of their three locations for a variety of gifts suited for animal lovers, including a soft and plush pet bed, available in many sizes to accommodate furry friends large and small.
Thunder Pet
$40-200
Collector
col-lec-tor
a person with an affinity for art or other unique gifts
By Sidney Ulakovic
1
Wool Blanket
Who doesn’t love getting a new blanket to wrap themselves up in when the weather hits below zero temperatures? This 100% wool blanket features a monochromatic design of Animal Canoe Ride by Ojibwe painter Kevin Belmore, and would look right at home in your collector’s living room. Stunning and cosy!
Ingaged Creative Marketplace
$220
2
Inside Out T-shirt
Cool, comfortable, and casual: a graphic tee is guaranteed to be a hit with anyone, but this one in particular will be a real winner with your collector. This unisex shirt features a traditional tattooinspired graphic by local artist Sonya Lacroix and is a totally nofrills way to let your collector make a statement on any given day.
Rot Iron Co.
$35
3
Fine Art Print
Prints are a fantastic way to add to an art collection if you’re ballin’ on a budget. Local abstract expressionist artist Sarah Dufresne has prints available on her website of a handful of her colourful and evocative paintings that have your collector’s name all over them.
Sarah Dufresne Art
$40
4 Amethyst Suncatcher
For the person who loves to decorate every inch of their home with something special, Fireweed Crafts carries these delightful suncatchers made by Laura Boardman of Boardman’s Baroques. Made with local amethyst, these suncatchers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs so your collector can let the light in with an artsy flair.
Fireweed Crafts
$Various
5 Brenda Hurley Painting
Local oil painter Brenda Hurley is known for her whimsical depictions of florals and landscapes. Your collector will certainly appreciate Hurley’s unique style, and this one-ofa-kind 8” x 8” canvas painting, which is one in a series of six, will definitely jazz up that empty space on your collector’s wall.
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
$120
6 Strawberry Hill Pottery
Authentic mid-century modern decor plus highly sought after pieces of local art history equals one awesome gift for your collector. Black Cat Antiques frequently acquires pieces from Peter and Liz Powlowski’s range of wildlife sculptures, but don’t wait too long to buy one for your collector—they sell quickly!
Black Cat Antiques
$Various
7 Red Agate Bookends
In all likelihood, your collector has a generously filled bookshelf. Gift them these gorgeous red agate bookends to zhuzh up their book collection with a little balance and symmetry. Plus, if your collector is interested in gemstone healing, you’ll totally earn brownie points with this one.
Wojo’s Mojo
$69.99
8 Throwback Video Games
Does your collector have an appreciation for the character and personality of older video games?
Retro North Games is stocked to the brim with vintage consoles, games, and accessories that will no doubt remind your collector of a simpler time in life as they enjoy hours of entertainment.
Retro North Games
$Various
Entertainer en-ter-tain-er
a person who is always ready, willing, and able to throw together a soirée
By Amy Jones
1 Earth
Local board game wizards Inside Up Games have the perfect gift for anyone who likes to throw a little competition into their party mix. With gameplay for one to five players, simple rules, and countless strategic possibilities, Earth can be the centrepiece of many, many game nights to come.
Inside Up Games
$69
2 Coasters
The best gift you can give an entertainer is a hand cleaning up after the party is over—or, you can help them keep things neat and tidy from the get-go with coasters from YQT Photography. This stunning set, featuring photos of iconic TBay landmarks like Kakabeka Falls and the Sea Lion, will impress guests and protect the coffee table.
YQT Photography
$35
3 Serving Plate
Every entertainer needs a serving plate, and with the plethora of talented potters and ceramicists in TBay, there’s no reason it can’t be beautiful, too—like these ones, from Stefan Shindle Pottery. They’re 12.5” long and 6” wide (giving you lots of room for goodies!) and are available in a variety of colours and textures.
Stefan Shindle Pottery
$TBA
4 12 Days of Christmas Box o’ Cans
This special Christmas 12pack from SGBC is the perfect addition to any party, and with 12 different beers (including one guest beer), it makes a great gift for the host who likes to have a little something for everyone (or maybe just a little something for themselves!). The 12 Days of Christmas Box o’ Cans will be available starting December 2, while supplies last.
Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.
$45
5 Cheese Knives
Cheese is, arguably, an indispensable part of any gettogether, and this gorgeous and functional set of four walnuthandled cheese knives, featuring stainless steel blades coated with a sleek black Teflon finish, will elevate any cheese board experience. They also come in a beautiful box, making gifting them a breeze.
Hygge Loft
$25
6 Kegerator
What is a kegerator, you ask? It’s a single tap keg cooler that can also be used as a minifridge (think college keg party experience, but for grown ups). With a precise mechanical thermostat and a spotless-steel finish, it’ll keep your favourite entertainer’s beer cold and the party room looking sleek (whether you do a keg stand on it is up to you).
The Power Centre
$629.99
7 Zero Japan Universal Teapot
For the special someone on your list who is more into tea parties than keg parties, there’s no better gift than the Zero Japan universal teapot. Available in a variety of cheerful colours, it features a stainless steel infuser, which is easy to clean and has no impact on the tea flavour. We can all raise our pinkies to that!
International House of Tea
$53.95
8 Shot Glasses
Every host needs a good shot glass or two. And while the souvenir ones grandma brought back from her trip to Arizona will do in a pinch, we have something much cooler in mind. These whimsical little guys are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face on Christmas morning—and they just might even smile back, after enough tequila shots.
Three Legged Girl $20 each
BATTERY PRUNING SAW
• Stihl 1/4” Picco Micro 3 Chain
• Moving Protective Hood
• Tool-Free Chain Tensioning and Replacement
• Comes with Battery, Charger and Storage Case
BATTERY SHRUB SHEARS
• Quick Change Buttons and Trigger Lock
• Trigger and Soft Grip
• Comes with Battery, Charger and Storage Case
BATTERY HAND VACUUM
• Crevice and Universal Nozzle with a Removable Bristle Attachment
• Removable Collection Container
• Comes with Battery, Charger and Storage Case
MS 162 GAS CHAINSAW
• 30cc / 1.2kW • 16” bar
• Combi Lever with Stop Function
• Stihl Anti-Vibration System
• Stihl 2-Mix Engine
9:00AM - 12:30PM
Youngster
young-ster
a small human under age 12 (or someone young at heart)
By Kelsey Raynard
1 Crochet Grinch
Gift the youngster in your life a soft, cuddly, handmade gift from the heart with a crochet toy from Crochet by Jessie. This crochet Grinch is adorable for the holiday season, and you can browse her Etsy page for an even greater selection of unique crocheted goods.
Crochet by Jessie
$20
2 Colour Giants Pencil Crayons
If you’ve got a creative kiddo in your life, these high-quality pencil crayons from Colour Giants make a perfect present. They feature a rounded, triangular shape for easy handling, and their extra thick, unbreakable lead allows for hours of drawing and fun.
Naturally Literate
$40
3 Jumbo Dog
Surprise your little one with a puppy under the tree this Christmas—no long-term commitment required. This jumbo Labrador dog from ToySense stands at almost two feet tall, with a soft, lush coat and weighted paws, providing the sweetest huggable companion for many years to come.
ToySense
$199.99
4 Holiday Pajamas
Christmas morning in holiday pajamas is a tradition many of us hold dear to our hearts. These adorable pajama sets are made in Canada by The Pretty Laundry Pajama Co. in a variety of fun holiday patterns. Available at Keiki Collective (inside Goods & Co. Market) in sizes from newborn to youth 11.
Keiki Collective
$30
5 Camp Teether
North & Little Lovables has a great gift for the little northerner in your life. Made with child-safe Canadian hardwood and foodgrade, chemical-free silicone beads, this camp teether can be customized with colours of your choice for safety and style.
North & Little Lovables
$27
6 Tigers and Teddy Bears
Written and illustrated by locals Jennifer Barrow and Laura Paxton, Tigers and Teddy Bears is a heartwarming story that teaches young readers to embrace every part of themselves: from the strong and fierce tiger to the soft and vulnerable teddy bear. Entershine Bookshop
$34.99
7
Tree Grow Kit
Give the gift that keeps on giving with a tree grow kit from Ungalli. This kit includes everything needed to germinate a balsam fir Christmas tree and has a 100% guarantee for germination, so families can plant and watch the tree grow for many holiday seasons to come.
Ungalli Clothing Co.
$10
8 Onesie
Lake of the Woods Brewing Co. has holiday wear for the whole family. This “Half Pint” onesie is available in four different colours and in sizes 6–24M; pair with a matching “Full Pint” adult tee for a hilarious parent/child combo gift.
Lake of the Woods Brewing Co.
$19.99
Outdoors Enthusiast
out-doors en-thu-sia-st a person who really loves nature and being outside
By Justin Allec
1 Sleeping Giant Magnet
You’ve never seen Thunder Bay’s natural scenery like this. Michael O’Connor’s artwork absolutely POPS! out of the frame in his stylized retro representations of surrounding landmarks. Choose from images depicting the top of the Sleeping Giant, the Sea Lion, Ouimet Canyon, the Black Bay bridge, or Kakabeka Falls as a fridge magnet.
KBM Outdoors
$5
2 Paddle Ornament
Available from Stakd Birch’s stall at the Thunder Bay Country Market, this beautiful paddle ornament is the perfect reminder of the paths our paddles travel. Laser-cut from local birch, the individual pieces are then stained and assembled by the busy hands at Stakd Birch. A bit different from their usual fare of stunning wooden maps, these paddle ornaments feature amazing detail and precision.
stakdbirch.ca
$16
3 Annual Explore Card Parking Pass
Did you know that those amazing conservation areas surrounding Thunder Bay—like the Cascades, Silver Harbour, and the Mission Island Marsh—are all managed by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority? Do your part to ensure that these areas will remain accessible and user-friendly for the future by purchasing a parking pass for your favourite hiker. It will save them time scourging in the car’s console for change, and may even motivate them to further adventures.
Lakehead Region Conservation Authority
$40
4 Park Tools Co.
Multi-tool MTC-40
Sure, flat tires happen, but for everything else, Park Tool Co. has that special someone covered with the MTC-40, which has (you guessed it) 40 tools available on the fly. In addition to the usual drivers and wrenches, expect a bottle opener, CO2 cartridge adaptor, a rotor straightener, and a few more surprises. Never thought you’d be able to fit a toolbox in your pocket, did you?
Fresh Air
$52.99
5 Marttiini Condor Drop Point Knife
A good knife is a valuable friend in the woods and on the water. The Finnish knife manufacturer Marttiini has been making knives for almost a century, and all of that knowledge manifests in the Condor Drop Point. A stainlesssteel blade with a wide cutting area and a thicker tip matches up to an ergonomic handle for an overall length of 21 cm, conveniently stored in a leather sheath. Impressively balanced and really, really sharp, this is a fine friend to take on any journey.
Finnport
$90
6 Wera Advent Calendar
Have a cyclist who’s a bit despondent with the snowy weather? Give them something to look forward to every day of December with this specialized advent calendar from Wera Bike Tools. Each day offers a special item to either bulk up their toolbox or add to their camp bag, all featuring that attractive ergonomic design that Wera has become known for.
3Ride BMX
$99.99
7 Nikon ACULON A211 10x50
On any adventure, it pays to look ahead, and that’s where a stellar pair of binoculars come in handy. The Aculon A211 from Nikon is a perfect set that can ride along in that special someone’s car, pack, or blind. There’s a ton of optical technology packed into these binoculars, but all they need to know is that they’re going to get a sharp image, every time, and their light weight makes them effortless to have on hand.
Imagetech
$219.99
8 YETI Loadout GoBox 30 2.0
For all and any purposes, the 30-litre Loadout Gobox from YETI is one of the best options to store gear and equipment, from camping cookery to camera equipment. Dustproof, leakproof, and apparently virtually indestructible, the GoBox features removable trays and dividers to ensure that your stuff is always organized for the next adventure, and that it’ll stay that way, whether that special outdoors enthusiast is shooting rapids or strapping it to the back of a truck.
Gear Up For Outdoors
$330
Peter, Peter Parkin Eater
By Chef Rachel Bayes
Parkin is a dark, rich, sticky cake with deep flavour, perfect for chilly nights. If you’re a gingerbread fan craving something with a bit more bite, this classic from Yorkshire might just be your new favourite. Likely originating during the Industrial Revolution, parkin was made with oats and treacle (molasses’s moodier cousin, giving depth of flavour with a titch of bitterness), which were working-class staples at the time. Each November, this cake makes its annual debut in the U.K. on “Parkin Sunday” and is a must for Guy Fawkes (a.k.a. Bonfire) Night. But its sticks-toyour-ribsness sees northerners through winter, especially when served warm with a dollop of custard and a hot cuppa. And the name? “Parkin” was once a common Yorkshire surname derived from “Peter”—so really, it’s just Peter’s Cake.
Yorkshire and Lancashire, neighbouring counties in the north of England split by the Pennines and a centuries-old friendly rivalry, even
make your own medium oats by pulsing steel-cut oats in a food processor until they’re broken down a bit, but not into fine flour.
• Mixed Spice, common in British baking, is a mixture of ground spices. To make ¼ cup, mix together 1 Tbsp cinnamon, 2 tsp allspice, 2 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp cloves, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp coriander, and ¾ tsp mace, and store in an airtight container.
Golden Syrup Makes 3 cups
1¼ c water
4 c cane sugar
2 Tbsp lemon juice (or ½ tsp citric acid)
THE GRINNING BELLY
clash over parkin. Yorkshire’s version goes all-in with dark treacle for a deep, earthy flavour, while Lancashire’s prefers golden syrup, keeping it light and sweet. Nowadays, many recipes blend both sweeteners, letting you adjust the ratio just how you like it. If you’re new to parkin, maybe ease in with more golden syrup; the traditional Yorkshire recipe doesn’t hold back on flavour with its treacle-forward recipe.
A quick note on ingredients:
• You can swap blackstrap molasses for black treacle, but golden syrup is non-negotiable—and it’s nothing like corn syrup, which is basically thick sugar water. Golden syrup is rich, buttery, and caramelized—a must for the true parkin experience. Plus, it’s easy to make (see recipe below), and a batch (even halved) will last you ages
• Oats are why parkin’s got a chewy, slightly sticky texture. Traditional recipes call for "medium oatmeal," a bit finer than rolled oats. Scottish porridge oats will work, or you can
• For the traditionalists, lard is used instead of butter for extra richness, though a bit of both works well, too.
Want to know the secret to perfect parkin? Let it be. Place it in a sealed container and leave it on the counter for three days (Wah? I know!). Parkin’s flavour and texture are so much better given time to soften, deepen, and develop its classic stickiness—so keep your paws off!
Combine sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Once it boils, gently stir in the lemon juice (or citric acid), then reduce to a very low simmer. Leave uncovered, and don’t stir again. Let it simmer for 40–60 minutes, or until it reaches a rich amber colour (240–250°F if using a thermometer). Slow and low, here!
If the syrup is too thick, reheat with a little water; if too runny, let it caramelize longer. Turn off the heat, let it sit a few minutes, then pour into a glass jar. Cool completely before sealing. Stored at room temperature, it’ll keep for several months.
Yorkshire Parkin Makes 8 x 8” pan
1½ c medium oatmeal (see above)
¾ c all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp Mixed Spice (recipe above)
¼ tsp ground mace
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp baking powder
⅔ c black treacle (or blackstrap molasses)*
¼ c golden syrup (recipe above)
1 c loosely packed brown sugar
6 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp lard (or more butter)
*For a classic Yorkshire taste, you can add more black treacle—but fair warning, it’s a big flavour! If you’re unsure, go heavier on the golden syrup and ease into the treacle; traditional Yorkshire parkin packs a punch.
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ c candied (crystallized) ginger, finely chopped
Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 300°F. In a large bowl, combine the medium oatmeal, flour, spices, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan add the brown sugar, black treacle, golden syrup, butter, and lard (if using). Heat the mixture until the sugar is melted (don't boil it) and remove from the heat. Let it cool for 5 minutes. Pour the hot mixture into the dry mixture and stir well to combine. Add the candied ginger, egg, and milk and stir well to combine. The batter will be liquid and sticky.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 70–80 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. The cake should be firm but springy. Let it cool in the pan, then invert onto a platter and peel off the parchment. Cut into 16 squares.
Place the squares in an airtight container and let them sit for at least 3 days (not in the fridge, or they’ll harden). This resting time lets the oats soften, the treacle and syrup soak through, and the spices fully develop.
Congratulations John W. McDonald
As John transitions into retirement, Ericksons LLP looks forward to continuing his legacy of dedicated service to his clients.
With 42 years of practice in Real Estate and Wills, John has been a respected lawyer and leader in our community.
A recipient of the James L. Murray Memorial Award from the Thunder Bay Law Association, John has shared his knowledge as a Business Law Sessional lecturer at Lakehead University and as an instructor for the Institute of Law Clerks in Real Estate at Confederation College.
His contributions included chairing various Real Estate sessions of the Thunder Bay Law Association Continuing Legal Education Fall Conferences and served as the past president of the Thunder Bay Squash Association.
We at Ericksons LLP are delighted to welcome the clients of John McDonald as his Will files have been relocated to our firm. For more information about our team, please visit ericksonsllp.com
Room 222
Tomlin Restaurant
Story by Jeannie Dubois,
Photo by Jack Barten
TPhone (807) 345-1213 Toll Free 1-800-465-3912
info@ericksonsllp.com ericksonsllp.com
DRINK
he understated elegance of the long-standing Tomlin Restaurant is only outshone by their industrious and erudite staff—never mind the lure of the bustling open-to-house kitchen, and the chic wine wall and cellar. It goes without saying that their menu is well above board (family-style tastings, inhouse charcuterie, those burgers). However, their bar menu is beyond exception, and the delightful Cam proved that point when serving up his own unique cocktail. Room 222 is delivered en goblet and is a burnished amber, which warms the eyes. On the nose, the spicy notes of cinnamon overlay the round pear character redolent of the in-house syrup with both components. The harmonious palate is rich with French brandy and bright with Spanish sparkling, with just a hint of herbal Italian digestif. A chaise lounge is the only thing missing from Room 222, with its lovely, sigh-evoking finish.
Geraldton | Manitouwadge | Marathon | Red Lake | Thunder Bay | Terrace Bay
Eaten and Told
Fostering
a Connection Through Food
By Lindsay Campbell
To see food through the eyes of Melissa Gagné is to see an opportunity to tell a story, foster a connection, and provide a multisensory experience. There’s a reason why her curatorial talents are becoming a transformative force in Thunder Bay’s culinary landscape.
“I genuinely feel there’s a hunger here in Thunder Bay for things that are different—in food, in art, in culture,” she says. “I’ve really tried to satisfy that hunger through local flavours here in the surrounding community, or products local and specific to countries around the world.”
Gagné founded Eaten and Told, a business offering unique gastronomic experiences, in 2020. Her first event, Food Cinema, was an immersive experience integrating local food with film—in partnership with Tomlin Restaurant, Gagné
curated and served snacks during specific scenes at a screening of The Grand Budapest Hotel. When the pandemic hit, Gagné pivoted away from events and began creating Christmas bundles, collaborating with local businesses The Sweet North, Nomad, and Nor'Wester Maple Company. Later came summer picnic bundles, with treats from producers in the Municipality of Neebing.
These days, armed with a chocolate certification from École Chocolat, Gagné runs private and public chocolate tasting sessions in the Goods & Co. Market. She’s the brains behind a cheese-of-the-month subscription in partnership with The Cheese Encounter. And she sources products for the artisanal display of sweets inside Goods & Co.’s Sugar Shack—all three initiatives she says make perfect gifts for the holiday
season. The diverse collection of products she’s chosen for the Sugar Shack include hand-scooped bars of milk chocolate and dark chocolate, and sweets featuring innovative combinations like olive and lemon, hazelnut and date, and spruce shoots, from places like Sweden, Austria, Dubai, Montreal, Utah, Denmark and Iceland.
Gagné has a connection to many of the places she sources food from. “No one really knows my personal stories around this food, and the fact that I have lived in a lot of these places. The licorice on these shelves is like a little piece of nostalgia,” she says, referring to the time she found the candies in a small Danish shop to bring home to her dad for Christmas.
Gagné has been in the industry for more than a decade, studying tourism in Europe and then working various high-end gigs creating gastronomic experiences. Just prior to moving back to Thunder Bay, she worked for Edible Canada to facilitate a cross-country food tour through the Arctic with some
of the country’s top chefs. But her return to Thunder Bay in 2018 seems well-timed. “I look at my path and I just took note of so many ideas and took so much inspiration from all the places I’ve seen and lived in,” she says. “But I’ve never felt like I’ve really, meaningfully contributed until I’ve come back home.”
With her sights set on the new year, Gagné is hoping to strike the balance between curating products and hosting public events that connect more people to food. This includes a second iteration of the Food Cinema. She says she’ll also be looking to book more private chocolate tasting events.
“It’s really exciting to think about the opportunities on the horizon,” she says. “But my focus will always be the same: to provide Thunder Bay with something engaging, something unique that links people, place and food.”
To learn more, visit eatenandtold.com or follow @eatenandtold on Instagram.
Melissa Gagné, founder of Eaten & Told
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Great Expectations
Generous Holiday Giving
SUPERIOR SIP
By Jeannie Dubois, Pommelier and Sommelier
The holidays are a terrifically dynamic time of the year, no less so up here in our little nest on the north of the lake. Will our littles have a white winter on December 25? Can one roast a turkey (or tofurky) perfectly? Do we still fit into our snowsuits? Can one finally, definitively, win the familial Trivial Pursuit holiday challenge? All very real and pressing questions— however, nothing to break a sweat about, as the holidays are all about community, and everything else can fall away in the face of togetherness (even losing Monopoly to
Mom every dang time or not finding that last piece of the jigsaw puzzle).
For gifting, if the sensation of the season for you or a loved one is “anticipation,” then perhaps an advent calendar is the gift that gives that lovely little thrill of opening a door and finding a tiny (or not-sotiny) treasure every day up until the 25th. Or, if the titillation of seeing a wrapped gift waiting to be opened—just within reach and quietly beckoning up until the holiday begins— is more you or your giftees lane, then there are wondrous options for that as well.
Think Advent (defined as “arrival”) of the holidays:
Cider Advent Calendar
Savvy Company (Toronto) Ontario Craft Cider Calendar
24 cans of cider sourced from small, family-owned cideries produced with Ontario apples, including a craft cider tasting wheel, coasters, and the opportunity for advent-ure prizes!
$149 for 24 cans (cans may vary in size and shipping depending on delivery location)
Think “Not A Patridge In A Pear Tree” Gifts:
For the Beerous Amorous
Bellwoods IPA Gift Pack
(featuring Monogamy, Cat Lady, and Witchshark, and a Bellwoods pint glass)
Cool-as-they-come, ground zero Ontario producer for exceptional IPAs as well as undeniably funky branding
$22.95 for 3 x 473 ml
Wine
Advent Calendar
Grape Witches (Toronto) Natural Wine Calendar
12 unique bottles of natural wine, including white, rosé, orange, red, and sparkling, wrapped up in a beautiful holiday package with a box of chocolates and tasting notes (choose your own adventure from classic to freaky boxes!)
$598 for 12 x 750 ml bottles
(free shipping in Ontario for purchases over $250)
For the Willingest Oenologist
Cornice Dolce & Gabbana
Donnafugata Trio 2021
Legendary Sicilian wine meets the hottest Milanese designer in this once-in-a-lifetime boxed set from an exceptional vintage
$243.95 for 3 x 750 ml
*Don’t forget to support your local breweries over the holiday season! Santé! And have a lovely Festivus!
For the Cider Superfan
Beer Advent Calendar
Canada Craft Club (through Keg n Cork, Alberta) Planes, Trains & Automobeers Edition
24 travel-inspired craft beers from five different countries not available in the Canadian market, carefully curated and intended to inspire
$169.96 for 18 cans of 355 ml and 6 cans of 330 ml ($45 for shipping)
Thornbury Craft Co. Vanilla Bourbon Apple Cider
From one of the most awarded Ontario cideries, a unique seasonal offering in a large format for holiday sharing
$12.95 for 660 ml
For the SeriousAbout-Spirits
Matsui Single Malt Whisky Three Bottle Set
Kurayoshi Distillery delivers their delicate wares with both peated and cask varieties, wrapped up in tasteful Hokusai printed packaging
$99.95 for 3 x 200 ml
Lake & Spruce Restaurant
New Eatery Offers Something for Everyone
Review by Susan Pretty, Photos by Adrian Lysenko
Lake & Spruce Restaurant at The Superior Inn (formerly Chicago Joe’s at Victoria Inn), invites all wing lovers to stop by and see what all the fuss is about. The wings are as good, if not better, than before.
“We sell between 40 and 45,000 pounds of wings per year,” says Paul Otway, assistant general manager. With 16 flavours of both saucy and dry coatings, including Thai Domi and Hot Pickle, you are sure to find one to make your taste buds tingle.
Also still on the menu are the famous mustard beer-battered chicken strips (of which they sell 27,000 orders per year) and the delightful California salad topped with strawberry, kiwi, mandarin, and almonds. The chicken tetrazzini is the ultimate comfort dish, featuring gemelli pasta—restaurant manager Miranda Ugorji says that all their pasta is made in-house— along with tender chicken, garlic
mushrooms, and bacon. It will warm your tummy this winter from the inside out. For a perfect starter, the mini perogies are a delightful bite topped with bacon and sour cream. And don’t forget to try the classic fish and chips!
The news just keeps on getting better and better.
There is a cosy sidebar room for private parties and events (which holds approximately 35 social butterflies). And the icing on the cake is the Xango cheesecake—a heavenly confection of banana and caramel wrapped in a thin, crispy pastry.
There will be plenty of time to swing by for some seasonal festivities, and stay tuned for the new offerings coming out in January. See you there!
Bight Restaurant & Bar
Story and photo by
Jack Barten
There’s something to be said about taking ingredients everyone is used to and doing something that surprises food lovers. Salmon is one such commonplace protein; being the number two fish in North America (after shrimp), we usually all know what to expect from the king of Atlantic fish. But, then you may find yourself at Bight Restaurant & Bar, where your perception of a good salmon dish will be forever changed with their Atlantic salmon. Before we get into the dish, for the sake of journalistic integrity it must be mentioned this writer of food features has family who owns Bight
Restaurant. But you have my word that this has no sway in how I write about this obviously delicious dish. Now, we arrive at the reason one reads this column: this dish consists of pan-seared salmon, a crispy sticky rice patty, sesame garlic cucumber salad, miso glazed bok choy, green onions, and sesame seeds. Lets begin with the fish, which is a beautiful fillet of salmon lightly seasoned and then pan-fried in butter. The salmon is then finished with a pass of soy sauce and just a bit more butter. This results in flavours that balance the delicate textures and taste of the salmon while also having the
OFF THE MENU
fantastic saltiness of the soy sauce to keep every bite dynamic. The second thing one will no doubt notice is the sticky rice patty, which is a wonderful twist on the venerable side of sticky rice. This rice patty has a crunchy outside with a satisfying soft core, providing structure to the softer salmon while still maintaining all the elements one wants in a side of rice. Let's talk about flavours: they are big, complex, and unique. The miso bok choy has a decadent, savoury, umami profile that really complements the lighter notes of the salmon and rice. But just when you thought the ride was over, we have the sesame garlic
cucumber salad that brings a sharp, palate-cleansing freshness that keeps the dish engaging throughout every glorious bite.
At the end of the day, salmon will continue to be the regent of all fish selections in restaurants. But here Bight shows that even the most classics of proteins can be dynamic while also being refined.
Bight Restaurant & Bar 2201 Sleeping Giant Parkway Unit 100 807-622-4448
Myth Buster!
Many popular BEVs—six of the seven selected for this analysis—produce 70% fewer GHG emissions when compared to their gasoline-powered equivalents during their lifecycle
Learn more about how the Thunder Bay CEDC is supporting EVs in Thunder Bay –and join the growing network of sustainable conscious consumers by visiting gotothunderbay.ca/plugin
Five Years Strong
Swell Bakery Eyeing Continued Expansion
Story by Matt Prokopchuk, Photos by Emily Kohne
Emily Kohne works quickly behind a large counter in her new, brightly lit commercial kitchen, expertly rolling wedge-shaped dough into what will become Swell Bakery’s signature croissants. Each batch, according to the popular downtown north core bakery’s owner/operator and baker, takes three days to make, which is one reason Kohne says the recent expansion of her existing storefront to include the new production space is so welcome.
“It’s essentially double the space—we’ve got so much more space now,” Kohne says. “Since two years ago, the biggest issue with selling out [of baking] is capacity. We’ve got people who know what they’re doing, we’ve got great staff who are really good at their jobs; we know how to make this product and we know how to make a lot of it, but I haven’t had enough fridge space. I haven’t had enough work space.”
That’s why, earlier this year, when the adjacent commercial unit in the building became available, Kohne “instantly said yes” to taking it over as well. She quickly transformed it into the spacious kitchen it is now, including removing a drop ceiling, doing the tiling and drywalling, installing kitchengrade flooring, creating an interior doorway between the two suites, and other necessities. In early November, she was also in the process of removing more of that shared wall to allow for interior windows between the storefront and kitchen, so customers “can see all the production happening when they come into the other side.”
“We can look at our production doubling,” Kohne says of what the new space means. “We can look at bringing in some new offerings and we’re really excited to do that in the new year.” That also means eventually extending the hours
the shop is open, she adds. Other plans for the space, Kohne continues, include making it available for things like hosting classes, and perhaps for others to use as a pop-up kitchen. “I think that it’s nice to have an accessible space for that, for our community, because there’s so many people with really good ideas.”
Swell’s expansion is the latest step in a whirlwind five years for Kohne and her business since its soft opening in December 2019. While she’s had her storefront at the same location the whole time, Kohne has had to navigate many challenges, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic right after opening (meaning losing her original kitchen space in The Chanterelle on Park, which set off multiple renovations to fit production space into her storefront), and temporarily closing the business again to care for her father who fell ill; he would ultimately pass away. That experience, Kohne says, gave her some time to rethink what she was doing. “It got me to take a step back because I was working really, really hard and burning myself out pretty quickly,” she says.
Now, with a staff of about 15, Kohne says she’s very grateful for them, and how far she and the business have come. “There’s a full community aspect of it that I’m kind of looking at now and saying ‘wow, this is something that’s been created in this space’ and it just feels really cool.” And, she adds, laughing, even those familiar croissants also remind her of that growth. “When I look at Instagram and I look at my croissants from five years ago, and look at them now, I think okay, yeah, doing them every day for five years does make you better.”
Swell Bakery is located at 15A St. Paul Street. Check them out on Instagram @swellbakery.
Food Insecurity on the Rise and the Growing Demand on Food Banks
By Sheena Campbell, Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, Wiisinadaa Let’s Eat Nutrition Support Worker
Food Banks Canada just released the HungerCount 2024, an annual survey that provides a snapshot of food bank use in the country.
As the chair of the Food Security Committee at the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre who helps coordinate our monthly food bank, I’ve seen first-hand the significant increase in need for food over the last couple of years. I have listened to countless heartbreaking stories from young Indigenous families, fully employed people, and local seniors and Elders who are struggling, often having to choose between food and bills. Many are accessing the food bank for the first time because of the cost of living, and some are coming more frequently than they ever had before.
Even though I am on the front lines of it and working with our committee to find solutions for many struggles we have faced—like trying to ensure enough food for our hampers or
having to refer community members to other food banks when the demand is beyond our capacity—I didn’t expect to see some of the data that was presented in the HungerCount 2024 document.
Food banks have been around for decades in our country. It took 25 years before visits surpassed one million in a month in 2019. It only took five more years to add another million visits in a month. Food banks in 2024 are now seeing two million visits in a month, and according to the latest data from Stats Canada, 23% of people in Canada now live in foodinsecure homes. The need for food and reliance on food banks is spiraling out of control in a system that is not meant to sustain this many people.
It is documented that 18% of food bank users are employed, one third of food bank clients are children, 70% of food bank users live in market rent housing, and 9% of food bank clients are Indigenous, even though they
make up only 5% of the population.
Food banks were never meant to be a long-term solution to food insecurity. They were set up as a temporary response to a difficult life circumstance. Until the different levels of government consider this a crisis and implement helpful policies like increasing social assistance and offering financial support towards relief and long-term change, food insecurity may end up being a longerterm challenge. Until corporations and grocery stores start lowering their prices and provinces cap rent hikes, people are still going to struggle with difficult choices each month on whether their money goes to rent, bills, or food—never mind when unexpected expenses come up.
I am a big believer that community collaboration can help find solutions to challenges like food security. Our world has almost lost sight of taking care of each other and I hope I’ve sparked an interest in helping this
holiday season.
There are so many people in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area who are simply hoping to put food on their tables for their kids during the holidays. If you’re able to offer non-perishables still before the best before date, or a financial contribution to the RFDA, the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, the Salvation Army, or one of the many other food banks in the city, please do. Every little bit goes a long way in feeding people and taking a little pressure off all the food banks who are just trying to take care of their communities.
To read the HungerCount 2024, visit foodbankscanada. ca/hungercount and to learn more about local data, visit foodsystemreportcard.ca/ food-access.
(L–R) Annika Gregg, Sheena Campbell, Jayal Chung, and Lily Poliquin of Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre’s Food Security Committee
Pop-up Perfection
The Neighbours Cooking Brings Global Flavours to Local Venues
Review by Susan Pretty
Thunder Bay’s culinary scene has a fresh new face with The Neighbours Cooking, a popup kitchen concept led by chef Fred Sorrell. Since relocating from southern Ontario, Sorrell has been making his mark by serving up delicious, globally inspired dishes at venues like the West Thunder Community Centre, Castlegreen Community Centre, and Goods & Co. Market through his unique and flexible pop-up model.
With each event, Sorrell transforms a local venue into a culinary destination—whether he’s serving up gourmet burgers, fall-offthe-bone ribs, or Asian street food, or crafting multi-course dinners paired with carefully selected beverages. The ever-changing, globally inspired menu invites Thunder Bay residents to “taste the world, right here at home.”
“Our mission is to bring highquality, exciting food to Thunder Bay’s neighbourhoods,” says Sorrell. “Each pop-up is an opportunity for people to enjoy something special, whether they want a fun take-out night, a full dine-in experience, or even delivery to their doorstep. Every venue gives me a chance to bring a different experience to the neighbourhood.”
But Sorrell’s talents extend beyond pop-ups. The Neighbours Cooking also offers catering services for private events, family celebrations, and corporate gatherings. From comfort food to sophisticated
multi-course meals, Sorrell creates custom menus tailored to each event’s needs. “Catering allows us to bring a personalized touch to every occasion, providing a dining experience that’s memorable and unique,” he explains.
Since launching in Thunder Bay, The Neighbours Cooking has built a strong following, thanks to its fresh approach to dining. Chef Fred is committed to giving back to the community, not only through his popup events but also by supporting local venues and working with neighbourhoods across the city. With the flexibility to host popups anywhere and offer delivery for nearby customers, The Neighbours Cooking is making exceptional food accessible to all.
Looking to the future, Sorrell envisions expanding the concept, exploring brick-and-mortar opportunities to host other chefs and caterers, giving them the leg up in starting their own visions. “We want to be a staple in Thunder Bay, a place where people know they can find great food, exciting flavours, and a sense of community.”
To find out more about The Neighbours Cooking’s upcoming pop-ups or catering services, visit theneighbourscooking. square.site.
Chaos and High Camp
By Jimmy Wiggins, Photo by Cody Angus
Now that the holiday season is upon us, it’s time for the Thunder Bay drag queens and kings to wrap up the year with a legendary banger. Our final big show of the year is a mix of holiday classics and blasphemous delights, where Christmas meets Halloween but in a silly, tongue-in-cheek kind of way.
Give or take a pandemic, the 11th annual HoHoHo Drag Show (HHH) is a holiday classic and a beloved tradition among the LGBTQ+ community in Thunder Bay. It’s one of our longest running drag events, and with good reason. It’s a chance for the queens and kings to go full camp and turn the season into a spectacle. “The holiday season is already so overthe-top and whimsical. Who better to celebrate it with than the people who do that all year round?” says drag queen Amber Ail. “So many of the performers live for the holidays, and it shows. And even for those of us who don’t exactly live for it, it really shows.”
What makes HHH so special is that everyone on stage has a different take on the holidays and different traditions that they follow. You’re going to see chaos and you’re going to see high camp drag. “The number of different
perspectives on the holidays and winter in general is what makes the show stand out,” says Amber Ail. “In a lot of ways, HHH is equal parts high camp, and a Halloween 2.0 show. It’s fun but can get a bit crazy. We love to give you your favourite queer holiday traditions. The Girls version of ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ is always a crowd favourite, but we also like to have our twist on it. If you’re expecting a night of Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé, you’re going to be very disappointed.”
In the past HHH has seen everything from the mild to the wild— from your drag standards like live singing, dancing, and lip syncing, all oozing holiday cheer and tradition, to some much more edgy and high-art performances. Some of the details are too graphic for print, but past shows have seen a queen dressed as a nun doing a burlesque striptease while she was eight or nine months pregnant, to Mrs. Grinch performing the holiday classic “Santa Baby” and then giving birth to a baby Santa and punting it across the room like she was Justin Tucker, to a twisted rendition of “Night Before Christmas” that ended in a literal blood bath. Needless to say, this show is not for the faint of heart—nor is it for anyone who takes
the holidays, or drag, too seriously.
So, what should you expect to see this year?
“Magic, drama, and glitter,” says drag queen and MC Mz Molly Poppinz. “And more festive spirit than you can shake a stick at!”
“The audience can expect some very special performances this year,” says drag king Ivan Love. “Sweet and silly holiday moments interrupted by flashes of immaturity, blended together for an extra special holiday cocktail.”
“Glitter and blood, good times and dark times,” says Amber Ail. “The holidays can bring out a lot of emotions for people, positive and negative, and I feel we highlight that a lot. No matter how you feel about the season, there will be at least one performer on stage that night who you can point to and say, ‘that queen/ king gets it.’”
CONFESSIONS OF A DRAG DEALER
Catch the HoHoHo Drag Show on December 14 at Black Pirates Pub. For more details, follow @wigginsproductions, @tbshows, and @tbaydrag.
Mz Molly Poppinz
January in the new year marks a significant time as we focus on raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by those living with Alzheimer’s and the caregivers who support them daily. By coming together, we can make a real difference.
Consider making a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay. Your contribution supports vital programs and services, Every donation, big or small, has the power to impact lives and bring hope to families affected by Alzheimer’s.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support such an important cause.
To donate, please visit www.alzheimer.ca/thunderbay/en
We are pleased to welcome Keri Gillespie, who has joined our firm as an associate lawyer.
Keri is a graduate of Lakehead University’s Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, and holds an Honours B.A. from the University of Western Ontario. Prior to law school, she was a licensed paralegal and worked as a court reporter for Ontario’s Court Services Division. Keri was called to the Ontario bar in 2024 and practices in the areas of civil and estate litigation.
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Elf! The Musical
Spreading Christmas Cheer with Magnus Theatre
By Taylor Onski
Abeautiful blend of local and national actors are part of a cast of 17 actors who, accompanied by a six-piece orchestra, will be singing and dancing whilst telling the fishout-of-water story of Buddy the Elf in Magnus Theatre’s production of Elf! The Musical
“We want to make this as theatrical and as old-time, bigChristmas-musical as possible,” says production director Thom Currie.
While the story of Elf is now a classic, numbers such as “Who Cares About Santa Claus” and “Sparklejollyjingletwinkly,” add more to the story and, according to Currie, give the cast and crew freedom to “add their own freak to it.”
“The last thing we want to do is imitate, because you can't touch Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan,” says Currie. “We're creating Buddy from the ground up. You’ll still hear the classic lines but at its core, you’ll still see the story of a person who views the world through total innocence. To
Buddy’s cheer and vulnerability as he goes on this journey to find a family he never knew existed. “You have to bring truth to anything you do,” says Smith. “Buddy is an animated character, but that has to come from something that everyone can still relate to. Even though other people perceive him as [annoying], that is only because they have a trained bias to judge the world in a certain way that he never had.”
Being true to the source material but also creating Buddy and the other characters their way, Smith and his fellow creatives are going to bring Elf! The Musical to life in a way that truly encapsulates the Christmas spirit—and not just all its jingle bells and whistles. “When people are able to take a look at themselves [after seeing Elf , they can appreciate the important things in life: family, love, genuine connection, relationships, and care for one another. People will remember the small things and what’s important,” says Smith.
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5hop for locally macle artir5an giftJ, homemacle foocl, baking ancl more. ---J.
5tartin9 H ovember 28th until December 15th \ , L - _; __ �- lam -:_ 'tp /2 _<
Alex Fellowes Smith (as Buddy the Elf) and Sandy Winsby (as Santa Claus) rehearse a scene from Elf! The Musical
In the spirit of sustainability, we're sending warm wishes for a joyous and green holiday season.
Unusual Christmas Movies
By Michael Sobota
TTHE SECOND MOST PLEASURABLE THING WE DO IN THE DARK
A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES
That tree is cancer, Harold. We have to get rid of it before it kills Christmas.
-Mr. Perez (Danny Trejo) talking to his son-in-law, Harold (John Cho), about his artificial Christmas tree in A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas
here are thousands of Christmas or holiday movies, and about half of them are made by Hallmark, with Disney coming in a close second. And oddly, there are dozens of holiday movies that take place in war settings. Racing past Hallmark and Disney, a few contemporary Christmas films push the boundaries of good taste to the limit (and then past the limit). Here is an eclectic selection of holiday films—including a Canadian classic—to put you into the mood.
Mon Oncle Antoine (1971)
Claude Jutra created an early holiday classic still ranked as one of Canada’s greatest films. Set in rural Quebec in mid-last century, it is a coming-of-age story centered on Benoit (Jacques Gagnon) who works in his uncle Antoine’s (Jean Duceppe) grocery store and helps with his undertaking business. Jutra fills the film with the stories of townspeople who frequent the store. We learn about Jos Poulin (Lionel Villeneuve) a father who, fed up working in a local mine, abandons his children and wife to go work in a logging camp. Benoit pines for Carmen (Lyne Champagne), another teen who works in the store. The characters are simple, rural people with all the complications of relationships and country and town life, surrounded by their Catholic faith and their urgent desire to see the Nativity scene set up in Antoine’s store front. An important Canadian film to revisit.
Joyeux Noel (2005)
Christian Carion directs his own script retelling the historically true story of a “Christmas truce” that took place on Christmas Eve, 1917, during World War l. He assembles a fine international cast of actors to bring alive the French, German, and Scottish troops grounded in their muddy trenches in the French winter countryside, including Gary Lewis, Daniel Brühl, Lucas Belvaux, and Ian Richardson. He throws in a subplot that brings two German opera singers to the front, played by Diane Kruger and Benno Fürmann. The sequence when the soldiers hear other soldiers singing and then join in and then come out of their trenches to share wine, schnapps, and smokes is a cinematic masterpiece.
A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (2011)
This is the third in the series of Harold and Kumar films, coming out six years after Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) have been buddies since they met at college. Now adults, their lives have taken different directions. Harold is married, successful, and lives in a lavish townhouse. Kumar can’t keep a job or a girlfriend, and lives in a messy, unkempt apartment. On Christmas Eve, a mysterious package is delivered to Kumar but is addressed to Harold. They haven’t seen each other in years. Kumar sets out to find Kumar and deliver the package. While there, he lights up a joint and accidentally sets Harold’s Christmas tree on fire (previously donated by Harold’s father-inlaw) and the movie turns into a riotous journey to replace the tree. Not for kids, this is an immature adult comedy.
The Night Before (2015)
Director Jonathan Levine, working from a script he co-wrote with Kyle Hunter and Ariel Shaffir, gives us another immature adult Christmas comedy—definitely adult. Three friends, played by Seth Rogen, Joseph GordonLevitt, and Anthony Mackie, usually spend Christmas Eve together, partying it up and supporting each other. Here, they gather for maybe the last time, as their lives are changing. They accidentally get hold of three tickets to the infamous Nutcracker Ball—a secret location holiday bash much coveted by stoners and party jumpers. This is another journey story that finds the three amigos moving from pre-party to pre-party, continually getting higher and/or drunker, while being driven around the city in a Red Bull VIP truck. I have never seen a holiday comedy like this one and I can tell you it is worth watching once, if only for the great chemistry between the actors and their terrific improvisationinfused plot.
And here are six more “unusual” Christmas/holiday films for your entertainment: All Mine to Give (1957), A Midnight Clear (1992), Three Wise Women (2010), Krampus (2015), Christmas at the Royal Hotel (2018), and Spirited (2022).
TAKE NOTE OF OUR HOLIDAY CLOSURE:
TAKE NOTE OF OUR HOLIDAY CLOSURE: Sat. December 21 is our last Holiday Market! Re-opening on Sat. January 4, year-round.
Interconnectedness
DefSup Regional Juried Exhibition Returns
By Kris Ketonen
An annual exhibit at Definitely Superior Art Gallery aims to explore the connection between all things through an artistic lens.
The 36th annual regional juried exhibition Interconnectedness officially opened last month, and features works from artists across the region “concentrwating on the idea, or the concept, theme, of interconnectedness,” says David Karasiewicz, DefSup’s executive and artistic director.
“We always have a theme,” he says. “We try to make it as open as possible [...] and also, open to, of course, all the genres of art. That’s what we really want to see—what’s going on out there, who’s doing what, and how they’re doing it.”
This year’s exhibition received 135 submissions from regional artists, Karasiewicz says, with 65 artists selected to be part of the exhibition. “It worked out really well. Everyone has such a different idea of the concept and what they’re trying to present.”
The works, Karasiewicz says, will go through three rounds of judging. “We’ve partnered with [Vox
Popular Media Arts Festival], so we’re providing with them the visual arts aspect to the film festival,” he says. “But this added more opportunity for artists, because there was more funding coming from Vox Popular.”
The show includes a cross-section of emerging and established artists.
“Normally, we would have maybe 40 artists,” Karasiewicz says, adding all artists who are part of the juried exhibition are being paid.
“The last round is always the most difficult,” Karasiewicz says of the judging process. “You’re actually eliminating really good art. [...] We have a high level in Northwestern Ontario and Thunder Bay of the contemporary arts.”
And doing well in the exhibition can really help an artist’s career, says Renee Terpstra,
DefSup’s development administrator. “You have an artist’s CV, so that’s a record of everything you’ve attained,” she says. “Say if you were to apply to another gallery in the city, or in other cities, or in other countries, they can see your record of what you've done, and where you’ve presented. It shows the depth of your creation over time,
and what your path is as an artist. Every artist has a unique path, based on what they’re interested in, and their medium.”
The 36th annual regional juried exhibition runs at Definitely Superior Art Gallery, located on Cumberland Street, until January 11. However, Terpstra notes, the gallery will be
running at reduced hours during the Christmas holidays, so people are encouraged to call and check when the gallery is open if they plan to visit then.
For more information, visit definitelysuperior.com.
(L–R) Robin Ranger and Mario Potestio performing at Definitely Superior Art Gallery’s grand opening of Interconnectedness
Artists Jayal Chung and Michel Dumont
Keegan Richard
Keegan
Richard
Keegan Richard
Beading is for Everyone
Annette Klement Offers Floral
Beaded Earring Workshop at the AG
Story by Amy Sellors, Photos courtesy of Annette Klement
The morning sky is something many of us marvel at. For Indigenous beader Annette Klement, the colours of the morning sky often act as her muse to create earrings. “The end result might not look like the morning, but the colours are inspired by it,” she says. “I’m inspired by many colours in nature.” When she recreates her patterns, she combines different shades and colours every time to ensure that each pair of earrings is unique.
Beading is an art form practiced by many cultures around the world. Klement’s indigeneity is a big part of her beading. She is Ojibwe from the Pays Plat
community. She came to beading in early 2020 and took advantage of the downtime COVID provided to refine her skills. There were beaders in her family, but by the time she started beading, those family members had passed. For Klement, beading was a way to reconnect with them even though they were no longer here, and to get involved with her community and culture.
When Klement teaches beading, she doesn’t teach it from an Indigenous perspective. She recognizes that many cultures around the world embrace beading. Her goal is to teach the skills she knows to anyone who wants to learn them, so that they can use the art form in the way that works best for them. “I was taught by an Elder who said that your energy goes into your work, but lots of people bead for healing therapy,” she says. “When you work with your hands, it’s soothing and relaxing. Beading can improve mood and alleviate stress. You can bead for whatever reason you like. Working with your hands is therapeutic.”
At her workshop on December 8 at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, everyone is welcome. Participants will be making earrings with a simple flower pattern Klement created featuring a brick stitch. The brick stitch was Klement’s introduction to beading. “It’s a good starting point. Beads are
small and it takes time to get used to the daintiness of them. You start with the ladder stitch and then build the brick stitch on top of that.” Each beader can choose their own colours— the colours that speak to them. The flower they will be making isn’t specifically an Ojibwe flower design. “It’s just a flower. We all share nature,” says Klement. The ability of each participant determines how much they can create in the class. Beading takes time, and someone with previous beading experience may be able to complete one earring in the class, but for many, they will leave with a project to continue working on. After her previous class at the art gallery, several participants sent Klement pics of their finished work.
In her workshops, Klement creates a warm, open, welcoming environment. She engages with her participants and answers questions. Beading is a communal activity where everyone supports each other. “It’s a fun afternoon,” she says.
Klement’s class takes place at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery on December 8 from 1–4 pm. Online registration is required at theag.ca. To see more of Klement’s work, find her on Instagram @ginogamikwe.beads.
Best Wishes for the Season
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Racing at Dawn
By Penelope Smart, Curator
Artist: Clifford Maracle
Title: Racing at Dawn
Date 1978
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Gift of L. Bruce Pierce, Noflex Limited, 1994
Racing at Dawn Maracle depicts a blue horse racing through time and space with a single eagle feather. There is undeniable freedom and purpose in this image—two valuable gifts by any measure.
Clifford Maracle (1944–1996) was from the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in southern Ontario. He was a painter and a sculptor, best known for his new expressionist style, portraiture, and political activism. Do you think Racing at Dawn a self-portrait? Maracle’s palette is vibrant, rich, and dark. Deep purples, blues, and violets are paired with solid and sinewy lines of red and ochre. In these depths of colour, what feelings bubble up? Maracle’s paintings
Artist boy Roland Challenges Perfectionism and Embraces Joy in His Work
By Taylor Onski
Idon’t always necessarily know what or why I am doing it. I usually have a need or a desire to make things,” says \boy Roland. “Usually, along the way, I start to piece it together and figure it out.”
Art is something boy Roland always knew he wanted to do, but like many, he sometimes faces the tension between doing his “hobby” as a job and for joy. This is what his upcoming art exhibition …And I Hope That You Find Happines s at Co.Lab Art Gallery will seek to confront.
“Like my last solo show, Don’t Forget to Die , this show has a component of trying to bring together this traditional art schooling with how I work digitally,” he says. “I love both, so finding a way to kind of bring those things together feels a bit like a continuation of that process.”
This show will feature boy Roland’s drawings on a not-sotraditional canvas: wood. First he draws an image on his iPad, and then it is laser cut and engraved into wood; some pieces even have layers to make certain parts pop out from the image. He then finishes
the pieces with paint or wood stain.
While art is freeing and liberating, the need to always get it “right” or “perfect” can be straining. This exhibition will challenge that, by giving himself permission to be okay with letting things be what they are, for himself and not for others. “I have a lot of preciousness and perfectionism in what I do, which, of course, with tattooing, is important. But the process of creating the art before it becomes a tattoo is something I’m doing here: trying to loosen up, be a little less precious and perfectionist, and let it more free flow and not go back and agonize over every tiny little detail.”
“[The exhibition] is connected to a lot of things I'm feeling with myself—just letting it be okay that [my art] is the way that it is. That’s where you’ll find happiness, letting go of all that.”
…And I Hope that You Find Happiness runs December 6–24 at Co.Lab Art Gallery. To follow boy Roland’s art and future events, follow @boyroland on Instagram or visit boyroland.com.
Kayeleigh Larocque’s Christmas Ornaments
Reclaimed Wood Gets a Giant Transformation
Story and photos by Leah Morningstar
This year, Kayeleigh Larocque made one of her handmade Christmas ornaments specifically to promote the tenth anniversary of Craft Revival revival: a lovely downtown winter scene burned and painted onto a circular disk of cedar. This was a pretty special ornament, but Larocque can burn just about any design onto her ornaments.
A visit to Larocque’s home studio will reveal these little circles of cedar everywhere—stashed on shelves, stacked in baskets, ready for painting on the kitchen table, and hanging on the studio wall. For Larocque, the fall/winter season is crunch time. It’s all about making as many Sleeping Giant ornaments as possible. She still takes commissions, but these are her main focus.
Larocque participates in many craft sales throughout October and November, often finishing big with a table at the annual Craft Revival. That’s all done by the end of November, and then December is a month of finishing up the commissions by year end, and making sure Current Coast Collective and Lovely Body are stocked with ornaments for all the seasonal shoppers.
The ornaments are all basically the same shape and size, but they’re also quite unique. Larocque finds
fallen logs in the bush, slices the logs into disks, burns in the Sleeping Giant design, and adds the paint. Admittedly, cutting, sanding, and burning so many circles of wood can get repetitive, but Larocque says she never feels bored while getting everything ready for paint. “The painting part is where the ornament comes to life,” she says. “Sometimes I work with a theme, like ice age colours, all blue and white, but sometimes I just let the colours flow and whatever happens, happens.”
After the cutting and sanding, each circle of wood is just a little bit different. “Some of the logs have holes or knots or discolouration, and I embrace those imperfections in the wood,” she says. “Nothing is perfect, but it’s still beautiful.”
It’s all non-stop art and ornamentmaking until January, and then all is quiet. January is when Larocque takes time to relax and recover from the busy Christmas season. It’s also a time to reflect, make some art for herself, and look forward to the next Christmas season.
For more information, follow Larocque on Instagram @kayeleighlarocque.art or visit kayeleigh-larocque-art. square.site.
Mlynarski
A Lifelong Passion
Blair Wright Specializes in Images of Local Landscapes and Cool Cars
Story by Bonnie Schiedel, Photos by Blair Wright
Not many can say they learned photography at four years old by hanging out in a darkroom developing film, but that’s the case for Thunder Bay photographer Blair Wright. “My grandfather [Julien (Jay) Shymko] was really into photography. […] He used to teach me how to develop photos using enlargers and all the chemicals,” he says. “Photography has always been a pretty big part of my family.” Growing up, Wright kept an inexpensive film camera in the door of his car. “That would go everywhere—camping trips, house parties, you name it,” he says. “I always liked the idea of capturing that moment in time and that memory… that’s kind of always stuck with me for my life.” By the mid-2000s, he had made the switch to digital photography, using the rapid feedback of instant images to refine his skills and technique.
As senior videographer for Dougall Media, Wright spends his days thinking in visual terms, but still enjoys photography on his own time. Automotive photography is one of his favourites. “Cars mean so much to car people,” he explains. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a classic Jaguar or a 1996 Corolla: people love their cars. And what I like about taking photos of cars is finding those details that make the car unique, and just trying to make the car look as good as possible, because it means something to someone.” Thunder Bay landscapes are another go-to. “My
THOUSAND WORDS
landscape photography is something that I do for me, and I do it because I just really like getting out and enjoying that bit of quiet time to go out and get a picture. I like doing sunrises in particular, because it’s something that you can get out and do before most people are up and awake.”
Wright doesn’t shy away from winter shots, either. “The way the snow reflects light and the way the trees and the landscapes look when they’re covered with the first snowfall is pretty special,” he says. “The trick is to dress warm. I mean, even my winter boots are rated for -100°C! There are some mornings where I go out and the only piece of exposed skin is just an inch around my eyes. It’s difficult sometimes to find the motivation to get up, especially on one of those cold February mornings, but it’s also a good feeling when you get home and you start editing those photos.”
To see more of Blair Wright’s work, visit @bmwphotoca on Instagram or @thunderbayautomotive photography on Facebook.
Specs
Aurora sunrise
Canada geese taking flight
Fall swing bridge
Fire in the sky
February ice
High Falls
Waterfront sunrise
Photographer Blair Wright
Camping under the stars
Frosty rocks
Adam Sabaz
Tigger
Standing in a dream
Rolling All Seasons
Getting
Story
TInto Fat Bikes
Justin Allec,
rends in cycling happen like in any industry. A new idea comes in, manufacturers experiment and work it into products, and the public either bites onto the trend or they don’t. This season saw a huge influx of e-bikes around town, which means that fat bikes can now settle into a well-earned adolescence.
Since they’re no longer the hot new thing, now is the perfect time to try fat biking. Manufacturers have settled on designs that work, and components are being built specifically for the wider, fatter
wheels, rather than standard mountain bike parts being retrofitted.
“You’ll find the geometry is pretty different compared to a mountain bike,” says Peter Tofinetti of Fresh Air. “But they’re capable. Anything is possible.” If you're curious about trying one out, there’s probably a used one on the market, or you can check the local bike shops—Fresh Air, for example, rents them for $50 a day.
The big attraction with fat bikes has always been the accessibility, a fulfillment of the fantasy of rolling
over almost any terrain in any weather. Thanks to their lower tire pressure and width, the tires provide all the cushion and traction needed. Transitioning to a fat bike is easy, as it operates like anything else on two wheels and requires the same kind of effort.
The big questions are what to wear, and where to go. Clothing, advises Tofinetti, should be lots of layers, as a hard cardio workout can really fire up a body, but you need to be prepared for how quickly you’ll cool down as well, especially if you’re biking in the winter. “A flat in the winter, or a busted chain can actually lead to a dangerous situation if you’re not prepared,” Tofinetti cautions. Carrying a spare everything becomes part of going for a ride. Another consideration is hands and feet, which can get pretty
cold. Most riders opt for plastic pedals and battery-powered handand foot-warmers to easily adjust the temperature of their extremities. There are several winter clothing lines dedicated to fat biking now, their equipment tried and tested.
A final consideration is where you’ll ride. Thunder Bay has a multitude of trails, but an area like Shuniah Mines is only appropriate in certain winter conditions. Trails in this mountain biking area require a lot of freezing cold and snowshoe packing before they’re ripe for fat biking— check the Black Sheep Facebook group for regular updates. Otherwise the only limits to where you can go are your imagination and how hard you can push those pedals.
by
Photos courtesy of the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club
Play Hard, Reward Yourself
Pou-Tinerie
By Sidney Ulakovic
Seeing as fat biking has kept our attention amidst the whims of ever-changing trend cycles, let’s have a bite to eat that has also stood the test of time. This month, we’re switching things up and suggesting you reward yourself before heading out—because who wants to conquer the trails on an empty stomach? If you’re planning to check out the trails at Centennial Park or Shuniah Mines, make a pit stop at Pou-Tinerie on Hodder Avenue for one delicious carb load. As their name would suggest, PouTinerie serves up poutines, from your classic curds and gravy to more inventive choices like dill pickle, all made with locally grown B&B Farms potatoes. Poutine not your thing? Don’t fret, PouTinerie’s menu is loaded with all kinds of tasty deep-fried snacks, burgers, hot dogs, and sausages. Dig in— you’ll earn it! This feature is proudly sponsored by Visit Thunder Bay.
Warm Coats, Warmer Hearts
Donating a Coat Could Save a Life This Winter
Story by Kim Latimer, Photo courtesy of Jonathan Wynn
It’s more than a donation—it’s a tool for survival during the coldest days of winter in Thunder Bay. The Gear Up for Outdoors annual Spread the Warmth Coat Drive is a community effort that puts the gift of a coat directly on the back of someone homeless or struggling this winter. For 18 years, thousands of coats and donated gifts have gone directly to Shelter House, Grace Place, and Precious Bundles. This year’s coat drive will run until December 20.
“There are pinch-me moments, because we really are the city with the giant heart when it comes to community need here in Thunder Bay,” says Jonathan Wynn, owner of Gear Up. “So far, this year we’ve collected 1,100 gifts and are aiming for 1,700. The public knows these donations are going directly to people who really need it and who can’t afford to buy a coat elsewhere.”
Wynn has seen everything from school kids collecting coats as part of their community hours to groups like Alstrom Women of Excellence, North of Superior Health Group, and fellow businesses contributing larger volumes of donations. “Tbaytel included a pair of gloves to go with every jacket, which is really impressive,” he says. “Over the years, we’ve even seen people bring in items from their loved
one’s estates who want to see them put to good use.”
Last year a customer purchased a few clearance children’s jackets and donated them to the coat drive,” adds Tracy Dillon, floor supervisor. “So many people generously give.”
This year, monetary donations are also being accepted at Gear Up, and all proceeds go directly to the three agencies. People can donate items at the contactless collection bin located along the side of Gear Up for Outdoors, located at 894 Alloy Place. When donating items, please ensure they are clean, in a bag, and labelled with the item type, size, gender, and age. Items being accepted are adult and children’s coats and sleeping bags.
For every donation collected, enter the store to receive a chance to win one of six $100 Keg Steakhouse & Bar Gift Certificates, drawn on December 23. Plus, receive a 10% discount on the purchase price of a new winter jacket at Gear Up.
“Thank you, Thunder Bay, for your support,” says Wynn. “Your kindness is overwhelming.”
For more information, visit facebook.com/ gearupforoutdoors.
(L–R) Jonathan Wynn, owner of Gear Up for Outdoors Ltd., loading up coats with Prashanth Yaddanapudi and Emily Ladouceur of Shelter House Thunder Bay
Chorus of the Bowls
By Justin Allec
YCANNABIS CORNER
our favourite cannabis enthusiast is pretty easy to buy for. The obvious go-to is another bag of their ideal strain, but sometimes you need something more…personal. Show them that you’re thinking about them all year long with one of these snazzy gifts!
Disq Mango Sapphire
Disposable Vape
Cannabis enthusiasts aren’t known for planning ahead. Legalization has really made the whole thing more convenient, but sometimes you just need something to deliver, and that’s where disposable vapes come in. Disq’s line is unique and easy to use, featuring a puck-like design that rides easily in a pocket and promises not to clog or miss.
Toke House
$49.95
Backwoods Cap
Forward or backward— however you wear it, a good cap cannot be underestimated. Perfect for holding back those flowing locks when you’re bent over a rolling tray or managing the cherry end of a joint, this cap proudly bears the Backwoods logo and features a sweet cosmic design.
J. Supply Co.
$19.90
Ryot Wooden Magnetic Dugout with Matching One-Hitter
Cannabis paraphernalia can get as ridiculous as you want, but high-quality tools are appreciated for a reason: they’re dependable.
Ryot’s dugouts and one-hitters are works of art, a pleasure to hold, and will easily become one of your favourite tools. Easy to grip, easier to clean, and with a unique lid to trap smelly odours, this dugout will find a permanent place in your pocket.
Rainbow Cannabis
$77.99
Redecan Wappa –14 g bag
Well, okay, one big bag—and what a bag this is! Redecan’s Wappa has become a staple strain in many Canadian households thanks to its big flavour and bigger effects, but this one is really friendly, too. No doom spirals or morning fuzziness with this stuff, just a great heady experience with that funky, fruity flavour coating each inhale.
OCS
$67.75
Noon and Night
Eucalyptus Fizz Bath Bomb
Featuring a balanced infusion of 75 mg of both THC and CBD, this bath bomb is an indulgence for a complete night off. Drop it into your hot bath water and prepare to soak up the delicately sweet aromas of eucalyptus and other fragrant oils while that cannabis extract works its way into your pores, intent on full-body relaxation.
High Society Cannabis Co.
$15.20
Casto Voong Bong
There’s an old joke about a bong being used as a vase, but the Voong bong by Casto is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. Featuring slim, modern lines, a pristine porcelain construction, and an overall height of eight inches, this little bong earns its spot on the shelf both for looks and functionality.
Tokyo Smoke
$101
The Bakeshop on Boundary
Story and photos by Adrian Lysenko
The famous line, “If you build it, they will come” is true for The Bakeshop on Boundary in Neebing—or maybe, more appropriately, “If you bake it, they will come.” Opened nine years ago as a business and three years ago as a retail space by Parker and Emily Smith, The Bakeshop sells a variety of fresh baked goods, menu items, and take-and-bake delectables.
“We offer a good quality product, but we say that we keep our menu small, and we keep our products rotating, and it’s just worked out great for us,” Parker says.
The couple gained their expertise in restaurants both local and beyond, and the offerings at The Bakeshop on Boundary showcase their culinary and baking skills. “I started in the pastry shop, and Em started in kitchens, and then she ended in bake shops, and I ended in kitchens. So she has a more formal education in the bakery than I ever did,” Parker says. “My education in the bakery came from the Valhalla 25 years ago. [...] It was a very serious French-style kitchen at the time, and I was lucky to get, you know, a little bit of chops there. But then
Emily and Parker Smith, owners of The Bakeshop on Boundary
Emily working at a bread table handcrafted by her father WALL SPACE
we both ended up going to the Caribou.”
Besides its flagship pastries, The Bakeshop sells pizza, fresh pasta, breads, and sandwiches. They also outsource their products to local businesses like Superior Seasons, Maltese Grocery, and George’s Market and Celebrations.
“By keeping our hours limited, it allows us to keep our team pretty tight and welltrained,” Parker says. “And it keeps us able to clear everything out of our fridge every week and then start from fresh every Monday, which I think is the big difference in product quality. We can guarantee that it’s fresh and it’s made in house.”
For more information, visit facebook.com/ thebakeshoponboundary.
Bread oven used for all the baked goods
Parker cuts up dough for their popular croissants
Various pastries and bread sold in their retail space
From a big tub, Emily cuts and portions out dough used for pizza
Bookshelf
Kids
Tigers and Teddy
There’s no one way to be Story by Jennifer Barrow, Illustrated by Laura Paxton
It’s been said that books make excellent gifts because they have a whole world inside them (and they’re cheaper to buy than the world). With that in mind, every December we look back on all the books published by Northwestern Ontario authors during the year. From fiction and poetry to children’s stories, here are 25 new titles for that special book lover in your life.
Fiction and Poetry
Non-Fiction
Bears:
Those We Carry
Scott Saxberg
The Art of Burglary
Joan Baril
One Long Journey: Deep roots in Ontario
Cindy Long
The Hawk Shadow Story by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, Illustrated by Karlene Harvey
The Man in the Canoe: A Collection of Stories and Essays
John Pringle
Cold Stone & Ivy: The Seventh House H. Leighton Dickson
Ojibway Lakeheaders: Before the EuroCanadians Came
Alan Wade
This Christmas: Seasonal Poems for Peace
Terry-Lynn Johnson
7 Days to a ClutterFree Kitchen
Fiona Jean
Ghostly Tales of Lake Superior
Peter Fergus-Moore
Follow The Tracks
James Aldridge
The Adventures of Princess Delilah and Friends Story by Julie GrabowskiMcGowan, Illustrated by Madisyn Hebert
We Exist In Each Other: Healing and Transforming in a Divisive World
Edith Alig Gagné
The Devil’s Violin Roy Blomstrom
Lighthouse Dispatches Paul Morralee
Bad Houses John Elizabeth Stintzi
A Paddler’s Guide to the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (4th edition)
Zack Kruzins and Darrell Makin
Catching the Moon Siobhan Farrell
Teenage Mechanisms
Kamryn Woloschuk
The Shadow Lord’s Son: To Take Away His Voice Voron Forest
An Accidental History of Canada
Megan J. Davies and Geoffrey Hudson
Chasing New Suns Lance Robinson Who by Fire Greg Rhyno
Who Killed Sir William? Marion Endicott and Steve Mantis
Nipigon River History Shown Through Photo Albums
By Michael deJong
Historical photographs are an instrumental part of the Thunder Bay Museum’s collection, providing a fascinating window into the development and history of this region. The museum’s collection contains hundreds of thousands of photographs in a variety of formats, from 8x10” glass plate negatives to 35mm slides to photo albums.
One recent addition to this collection came to us as a generous donation from southern Ontario-based collector Lorne Shields, a longstanding member of the Photographic Historical Society of Canada. This collection consists of nine photo albums of official government photographs documenting the construction of hydroelectric facilities on the Nipigon River and other developments on the river system between May 1919 and November 1931.
Aiming to supply hydroelectric power to a growing Lakehead, this development began with the construction of the Cameron Falls
PAST & PRESENT
Dam, completed in 1920. Near it, a townsite was created to house the project’s workforce. The Virgin Falls Dam was completed in 1925 to control water levels on Lake Nipigon. The Alexander Dam was added to the system in 1930, and finally, the Pine Portage Dam was added in 1950.
To increase water flow through the system, a large portion of the Ogoki watershed north of Lake Nipigon was diverted from the James Bay watershed to flow south through this system and into Lake Superior. These alterations would have enormous impacts on the geography of the Nipigon watershed, particularly by severely damaging the recreational brook trout fishery, which has made the river world famous.
The photos in these albums depict the construction of these dams, the enormous engineering challenges that had to be overcome, and the development of the Cameron Falls townsite. They also show
documentation of the dams’ impacts, such as lake level monitoring on Lake Nipigon, log drive operations, and the chutes and other structures built to allow the drive to continue. These photo albums are a valuable and fascinating window into Northwestern Ontario's industrial heritage. They have been entirely digitized, allowing for continued viewing of the photographs without further handling of the albums, ensuring their longevity. For those interested in looking more closely at these photos, please contact the museum.
Five Questions for Jean E. Pendziwol
Northwestern Ontario Writer Wins 2024 Governor General Award for Children’s Literature
As told to Michael Sobota, Photo by Ryan Wilkie
On November 13, Jean E. Pendziwol’s book Skating Wild on an Inland Sea , co-created with Montreal-based illustrator Todd Stewart, won the 2024 Governor General Award for Young People’s Literature in the illustrated books category. We chatted with Pendziwol about her book and winning the award.
The Walleye: Skating Wild on an Inland Sea was launched almost exactly one year ago. Tell us about how it came to be, and your process of writing it.
Jean E. Pendziwol: The Harbourfront Centre in Toronto approached me in November of 2020 about creating an audio installation for an outdoor exhibit highlighting northern Ontario. Like many folks during that first year of COVID, my family and I had been seeking activities we could do outdoors,
and I thought it would be great to tap into the sights, sounds, and feelings of Lake Superior in winter. I was inspired initially by the sound. Anyone who has skated on wild ice will know that it’s living, shifting, and breathing—and, by extension, cracking, snapping, and groaning. It was that haunting song and the thrill of skating on the inland sea that I wanted to capture, to draw listeners to the shores of the largest freshwater lake in the world and allow them to experience the magic of wild ice skating. After that audio exhibition, I reworked the piece and submitted it to my publisher, Groundwater Books, as a picture book text.
TW: Your story is enhanced by Todd Stewart’s full-colour illustrations. How did this collaboration come about and how did Stewart capture so accurately the locale you are
celebrated the 25th anniversary of one of your other books, No Dragons for Tea. What has this year been like for you as a writer?
JEP: It has been quite a year! What a privilege it is for me to write stories for kids, especially stories that bring this place I love to life. Not only has it been an honour to cocreate books that allow readers in Northwestern Ontario to experience stories set in their own backyard, but it’s been exceptionally fulfilling to see those stories resonate with readers from far away who are transported to the shores of Lake Superior. This is my 12th book for kids, and it’s receiving recognition on the anniversary of my first published book which came out in 1999.
TW: And how did you react when word came about the Governor General Award?
JEP: It really is such an honour to have the book I co-created with Todd Stewart recognized with this award. Because where I live inspires me and informs so much of my writing, it’s a thrill to know that it is being received and appreciated in this way. It’s a privilege to have my art act as an emissary for Lake Superior and Northwestern Ontario.
TW: How important are stories?
writing about?
JEP: Because this story is firmly rooted in place, I extended an invitation through my editor to whoever was selected to illustrate the story, offering to host them in the Thunder Bay area so they could experience Lake Superior in winter. I’m so grateful that Todd Stewart accepted that invitation. He arrived in February of 2022 and spent a week in the loft above the garage of my dad and stepmom’s place at Mink Mountain. I took him snowshoeing and skating and he spent time wandering the woods, sitting on the shore, and hiking the trails in the area, sketching trees and taking photographs.
TW: The book has had an incredible journey over the past year, winning numerous accolades and awards, with huge sales and reprintings, while you simultaneously
JEP: Stories connect us. They engage us in a way that encourages us to reflect on our planet and our place on the planet. They act as mirrors, windows, and doors that allow us to see ourselves on the page and gain a better understanding of others by getting a glimpse into their lives or walking into their world. They entertain us and provide escape. Stories make us human—especially good stories for our young humans. If someone were to ask me what the key difference is between stories for adults and stories for kids, I would have to say that stories for kids almost universally contain a message of hope. Stories for kids champion good over evil where the metaphorical dragon is slayed. We need that kind of hope now more than ever. For me, my art—writing— is quiet activism and resistance. Stop. Look around. Breathe. See…? The lake is breathing too. Maybe more adults should be reading books written for kids.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Avenue II provides support to adults with developmental disabilities in all aspects of daily living.
Requirements: Secondary Education, Developmental Service Worker Diploma, Social Services Worker, Child and Youth Worker, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Casual positions are expected to work a flexible schedule which includes: weekdays, weekends and statutory holiday coverage. Casuals may apply for internal positions upon hire.
A valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance are preferred. A vulnerable sector criminal records check, proof of vaccination, and a valid First Aid certificate are all requirements for employment
Please submit a cover letter and resumé to:
Featuring Kicksleds
Kicksledding been enjoyed for over a hundred years and is perfect for the Canadian outdoors.
Kicksledding has been enjoyed for over a hundred years and is perfect for the Canadian outdoors.
Imported from Esla Finland, our kicksleds are versatile, fast, safe, solid, built tough and even easy for Fido to pull.
Imported from Esla Finland, our kicksleds are versatile, fast, safe, solid, built tough and even easy for Fido to pull.
• Easy to grip handle bars
• Easy to grip handle bars • Fold out reflector
• Collapsible seat • Footpads • Snowrunners
• Ice blades
• Weighs under 20 lbs.
A Christmas Chapbook Terry-Lynn Johnson Pens Seasonal Poetry Collection
By Sidney Ulakovic
With its typical abundance of snow, breathtaking landscapes (and temperatures), and the smalltown charm of many communities, the holiday season is a particularly special time in Northwestern Ontario. It has also proved to be an invaluable source of inspiration for Red Rock-based poet Terry-Lynn Johnson. Earlier this year, Johnson released her third collection of poetry, This Christmas: Seasonal Poems for Peace , which includes 25 poems (a selection of which were previously published) inspired by Johnson’s faith, holiday traditions, and winter scenes in the region.
“The idea for the book germinated because of my love for Maya Angelou’s Christmas poem, ‘Amazing Peace,’” Johnson says. Angelou’s poem was written for and read at the National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House in 2005. Being a longtime admirer of Angelou’s work, Johnson says the poem’s appeal for understanding and peace inspired her to explore those themes in her own poetry.
From the Hemingway-esque minimalism in verse from cover to cover to additional echoes of modernism with poems like “The Red Mailbox,” the influence of classic poetry is apparent
throughout the collection. “I feel that my poetry is for everyone. The everyday person can sit down and enjoy my book,” Johnson says. “But also there’s layers, and intertextuality, and allusions, and things in my poetry that, if you’re interested in literature [...] you can find it.”
Johnson penned the new poems for This Christmas: Seasonal Poems for Peace over this past winter, letting traditional Christmas iconography colour the book. Wreaths, carollers, the Nativity, handbells, star-topped trees, and similar images appear consistently in the collection as Johnson explores her appreciation for the natural world and magic of the season. “It’s all about beauty and presence,” Johnson says. According to Johnson, the memories she has of Christmas with her guardians, both of whom the book is dedicated to, inspired much of its content, alongside a renewed sense of wonder for the season she has gained through her grandchildren.
This Christmas: Seasonal Poems for Peace is available to purchase locally at Entershine Bookshop and online via lakeheadpoet.com.
TIPS FOR REDUCING WASTE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
USE ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL WRAPPING PAPER
Give presents in decorative tins and boxes, newspaper, or reusable bags.
RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
Bring your natural tree to a City Christmas tree collection sitewe’ll chip it and add it to the compost pile at the City’s landfill site.
ENTERTAIN AND REUSE
Instead of disposable items, use reusable dishes, glassware, cutlery & napkins
REDUCE YOUR FOOD WASTE
Plan meals to avoid overbuying during the festive season, and freeze leftover cooked meats and vegetables.
GIVE EXPERIENCE OR CONSUMABLE GIFTS
Give friends and family fun experiences like cooking classes or concert tickets, or consumable gifts like locally sourced gourmet foods or handmade products.
MAKING SMALL CHANGES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.
Christmas Brunch
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE MOOD INDIGO JAZZ DEC 25
10.30 AM - 3.00 PM
For more information, visit: thunderbay.ca/wastereduction
A Hallmark Moment
Five Years of Westfort Winter Wonderland
Story
by Sidney Ulakovic, Photos by Matt Popowich
It’s like walking through a Hallmark Christmas movie,” says Aaron Gillingham, member of the Westfort Village Association and the planning committee for their annual Westfort Winter Wonderland. This December, the streets of downtown Westfort will be closed to traffic as they fill with all things Christmas: carollers singing holiday favourites, horsedrawn carriage rides, warm cups of apple cider and hot chocolate, s’mores roasting by toasty bonfires, and classic Christmas characters like Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, and more.
“It was kind of just supposed to be a Christmas spirit kind of thing in Westfort where [businesses] were painting their windows, and it took off from there,” Gillingham says. According to Gillingham, last year’s Winter Wonderland had between 3,000 and 4,000 people in attendance, establishing Westfort Village as one of the city’s unmissable Christmas destinations for many families. Businesses remain open throughout the duration of the evening, so attendees can work through some of their holiday shopping; however many business owners will also be involved in the street festivities. “The [Westfort] Street Fair [...] is very much a business day. This isn’t like that,” Gillingham says. “It’s really about the community
and Christmas.”
As Winter Wonderland has grown near and dear to the families in the neighbourhood, Gillingham says it has also become a significant holiday tradition for businesses in the area as they enthusiastically decorate their storefronts and help to create those magical Christmas memories for children. “It’s fun to see everyone jump on board,” Gillingham says. “The kids have a blast and everyone’s pumped just to have their kids see their Christmas hero.”
As of early November, Gillingham says the planning committee is aiming to include new activities with hopes of unveiling them at the event. Otherwise, he says he looks forward to the opportunity to take a moment to embrace the spirit of the season. “At Christmas, everyone’s super busy,” Gillingham says. “It’s tough to slow down and for everyone to enjoy a night together. So this [event] is one of those cool ones that [grew] unexpectedly over the years where, as a community, we get to share a fun Christmas evening together.”
Westfort Winter Wonderland will occur December 5 from 4–8 pm. For more information, visit westfort.ca.
115 W. FREDERICA ST.
Ski, Snowshoe & Snowbird Memberships
Soup, Chili, & Cookie Punch Cards
Trail Pass and Rental Equipment Punch Cards
Ski, Snowshoe & Baby Glider Rentals Gift Certificates
Home for the Holidays
The Honest Heart Collective at The Outpost
Story by Sidney Ulakovic, Photo by Leo Montero
It’s been a whirlwind year for The Honest Heart Collective. With the departure of two band members in the spring, the band’s future certainly looked murky, but remaining members Nic and Ryan MacDonald have adapted to their new reality as they successfully navigated a busy year of touring—most recently with Matthew Good and Texas King—and delivering new music. As this year draws to a close, Ryan MacDonald says the band is looking forward to coming home for the holidays
for their first-ever Holiday Special concert to wrap up a challenging year with some hometown love.
The band is scheduled to perform on December 14 at The Outpost with support from local rock band Traveler. According to MacDonald, The Outpost has recently made improvements to its facilities, including a new sound and lighting system, which they plan to take full advantage of by bringing their lighting crew in from Winnipeg specifically for this show.
“It’s going to be a full-fledged Honest Heart Collective set, with a couple of special numbers,” MacDonald says, adding that concert-goers can expect a career-spanning setlist, a fullband arrangement for one of the acoustic songs on their latest EP, The Lower Side of Expectation , a
year off with two guys quitting and then went on to have the busiest, most successful touring year we’ve ever had,” MacDonald says. “It means a lot to come back home and to get to end the year off here.”
Tickets for The Holiday Special at The Outpost
Broken Little Heart in the Bay
Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society
Presents Ian Sherwood
By Abigail Heron
Nowadays, when winter doesn’t always live up to its promise of snow, there’s only one season that could never leave Thunder Bay disappointed: Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society’s 24th season. Since 2001, the organization has been the city’s leading presenter of folk and roots concerts. Their 2024/2025 lineup includes five shows spanning from September to April. But don’t cry because it’s halfway over, smile because that means it’s time, on December 7, for Canadian singer-songwriter Ian Sherwood to light up the stage with his brilliant folk-pop music.
The Halifax-based Sherwood is approaching the 20-year mark in his solo career, preceded by a period of playing instruments for other artists, including guitar and saxophone, and being deservingly
decorated in awards and accolades.
Known as a natural-born storyteller, Sherwood has also brought others’ tales to life on screen as an actor. He has toured internationally, but his appearance on the Italian Cultural Centre’s stage, in support of his latest record, Broken Little Heart, will be his first time ever in Thunder Bay.
“I think now, after a long time of doing this, I know enough to know I don't know everything,” he admits, about writing music. Although, evidently—with his charming tunes— what he does know for certain is how to champion authenticity in his work.
“I really wanted it to happen on its own, be organic [and] let the song reveal itself to me,” he says about his artistic process. Broken Little Heart’s journey of creation had its start in Sherwood’s pre-pandemic life, taking shape as he contended
with lockdown, moved houses, and witnessed other hardships happening around him. “I didn’t want to write a heavy record, but those are the kinds of things that were percolating in the back of my brain,” he says. Despite being a unique addition to his discography, with many twists and turns on its path to creation, Broken Little Heart does not stray far from Sherwood’s other work, where the lyrics are always the unabashed star. Underscored by strokes of guitar and symphonies of keys, the songs weave together stories that seemingly come alive, further animated by Sherwood’s captivating stage presence. “I really try to break down a fourth wall,” he says. “It’s unlike anything else ever when you make something, share it with people, and they have a reaction to it. It’s amazing.”
Find Ian Sherwood on Facebook and Instagram @iansherwood. For more information about this and upcoming Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society shows, visit sleepinggiant.ca.
Three for you... & one for your best bud.
OUT NOW!
Education and academics have always been important to me and my family, so the decision to attend a university came naturally. With the support and guidance from the Lakehead University community, I knew I had the ability to succeed both academically and personally.
Kendaaz Nursing, BScN (2025)
Better in Stereo with Page 38
As
Itold to
Shannon Lepere and Rebekah Skochinski, Photo by Shannon Lepere
t’s only rock and roll, but they like it.
Hard rock band Page 38 have been in the studio working on a string of new singles with big plans for 2025. Are they as tough and gritty as their music? And what’s the connection with their name and The Walleye? We sat down with a few members of the band to get the deets and more. The Walleye: What is the origin of your band name?
Andy: In 2012, when we first started jamming, there was an issue of The Walleye with a picture of my sister’s husband wearing these chaps. And I told my mom I’m firing up a band and I’m going to call it Page 38, because that’s the page that the picture was on. And then here we are 12 years later.
TW: Do you have a favourite show that you've played, and what made it stand out?
A: So we’re playing in Selkirk, Manitoba at a place called The Merch. And it was a pretty quiet night and we’re playing a set and it’s a good crowd but there’s one guy sitting in the back who is pretty uninterested. He’s drinking his beer, hanging out, whatever. And then
we’re on our second last song of the night, and we’re covering Judas Priest’s “Electric Eye.” It’s got the big intro and as soon as we hit that first note, this guy who hasn’t moved all night stands up and he’s like, “yeah.” That was so special to me that I made that one guy go “yeah.” That's what it's all about.
Preston: When I first joined the band, we’re playing at The Foundry and I have a solo and Jacob was a bit buzzed at the time and he bumps into me and all I hear is him yelling in my hair, “I’m so happy you joined this band.”
A: And that’s how he found out he was in the band. I mean, we never even told him. I was like, let’s bring this guy on, play piano every once in a while, right? Thanks for making the decision, Jacob.
TW: In your time together you’ve released several EPs, and you’re currently working on new material. Do you think your music has changed in that time, and if so, how?
A: Originally we were a very straight up rock band, kind of a little pop-punk. We just wanted to play music, not necessarily find our own
sound. That's the hardest part about writing music. It's not writing a song, it’s writing two songs that sound like your sound. Our music now—I’m just gonna use the example of our Burning the Midnight Oil EP that came out in 2019, because I feel like that was the first thing we ever did that had our sound to it. A lot of the lyrics are what you’d expect a 19-year-old to be writing music about. So, like, I’m not 19 anymore, right? I’m not as fun. You get older, you go through some stuff, you make some mistakes, right? Now I have things to say. I have opinions, I have life experience. And that’s really the big, overarching theme of these songs that we have coming out: growing from those mistakes. This was the first time we ever went through the whole writing process with Preston. And he’s, like, the backbone of our music now. He’s been writing so many deadly riffs, and he's actually helped us find our sound so much.
TW: So you’re in the studio right now recording some singles. When will you be releasing your first one?
A: We’re shooting for February. We’ve got some other stuff coming up that we’ll be announcing in the new year. I’m pretty excited. It’s going to be a big year.
TW: What’s the first thing you would do if you won the lottery?
P: Set my parents up.
A: I think if I ever won the lottery, I’d still have something that I got up and did every day because I like to keep moving.
Taylor: I’m living with my mom, so I would probably buy a really nice house, but I wouldn’t move away. I love Thunder Bay.
Page 38 will be playing Norteños Cantina on December 7.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. To hear more, find the expanded interview on our Better in Stereo podcast on Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.
In the Mood
Roy Coran Big Band Staging ChristmasPopular Show
By Pat Forrest
Any discussion of Thunder Bay’s musical heritage has got to include the Roy Coran Big Band. Born in 1929, Coran was a local musician, arranger, and composer who formed a 10-piece big band in 1951 to provide live dance music at various venues in the former cities of Fort William and Port Arthur.
Coran passed away in 2013, with his family by his side and the music of his beloved Big Band playing as he took his final bow. But Coran’s legacy lives on, and today’s Roy Coran Big Band is getting ready to present In the Christmas Mood, taking place at the Italian Cultural Centre on December 15 at 2 pm. The Roy Coran Big Band is presently composed of
18–20 local professional musicians under the direction of Ted Vaillant. The show is one of a series of four that the band presents annually. A country-and-western-themed show
YEARS IN BUSINESS
with a fiddle and a guitar player is planned for early March, and a disco-themed show featuring Nancy Freeborn and Spencer Hari is slated for early May.
“This isn’t your grandma’s big band,” says Vaillant. “A lot of big bands are changing up their repertoires to include rock and other genres. It’s all about introducing a sound that people think they know but they might be surprised.”
In the Christmas Mood is a popular, family-friendly Christmas concert featuring a wide variety of Christmas favourites, including “The Christmas Song,” “Christmas Time is Here,” and “Frosty the Snowman.” The audience is encouraged to dance and sing along and as the children play with the band. It’s a
festive afternoon of music, a fun holiday family outing, and the perfect place to show off your Christmas sweater, as those who wear one will be entered into a draw for a prize.
“We’re always excited to perform, as our audiences are growing larger and larger, and the fun keeps growing too,” says Vaillant.
In the Christmas Mood takes place December 14 at 2 pm at the Italian Cultural Centre. Tickets are $35, or $20 for students; children are admitted free. Tickets are available at the door, or at Music World Academy, 217 Simpson Street, by cash or cheque only.
advisory
A Metalcore Maelstrom
Norma Jean Live at Black Pirates Pub
Review and photos by Adam Sabaz
Black Pirates Pub was the epicentre of a sold-out metalcore maelstrom on November 6. Norma Jean drew more people to the venue than I’ve ever seen. Wall-to-wall fans dressed in black jeans and band T-shirts jammed up the place. Countless hardcore acts have played BPP and many fans turn out, but this was different. This was an event, and fans showed up in droves to see Norma Jean with openers Teeth and local favourites Femur.
With nine albums and a Grammy nomination under their belt, the Douglasville, Georgia band named for Marilyn Monroe’s real name has cemented their place as a huge influencer in the metal genre. They’ve played massive festivals and headlined many a concert, so it was fortuitous for Thunder Bay, a city renowned for its loyal metal scene, to land such giants on their cross-Canada tour.
The show was an absolute assault. Fans cheered with anticipation as the band stepped on the stage. Norma Jean eviscerated all in attendance with their brutal, abrasive style of metal. It took only a few notes before the broiling mob in the front of the stage kicked off and the pit started churning—a sweaty, cathartic mess of
bodies moshing around as the band unleashed a barrage of heavy riffs, crushing drum blasts, and roaring screams. Breaks between songs were eruptions of applause.
It was unrelenting—each song was more intense and aggressive, pushing the boundaries of human
endurance. This was not the band’s first time here, and they were happy to be back, as were those who got tickets to witness this performance. Norma Jean’s visit was a testament to the city’s status as a metalcore mecca.
The Record Box
Local Music for Everyone to Enjoy
Every December we like to showcase albums released this year by NWO musicians (in no particular order) as their albums make great gift ideas for your resident music lover. Plus, we encourage our readers to support local musicians. So here are 23 albums showcasing some of our local talent. Please message us if we missed any releases from this year, or give us a heads-up about any coming out in 2025!
Maadaadizi Sara Kae
Killer Killer
Where the Willow Grows Scott Thiessen
Mike's Gluten Free EP LYNXXY
Halloween Treats (Demos, Splits and Ghoulish Delights) VHS
Return To Civilization Teknosis
SICKO SESSIONS DJ MIKEYY
Pond Songs of Love
Zoe Gordon + Shadow Frog
Reaction Formation Videostar
Andy Wolff Andy Wolff
Glow Katherine Nemec
Casket of Ancient Winters The Shouldn'ts
For a Few Riffs More VHS
Hard to Kill Killer
Mourn Me PINK IVY
The Lower End of Expectation The Honest Heart Collective
Between the Wilds Hunt & Gather
Abstract Protocol Chemical Bank
I Feel Everything stardrop
Mise-en-scène Burial Etiquette
Vines Vape Dealer
Wayfinder Stuart Rankin
One Piece at a Time Jackson Klippenstein
Prelude to Christmas
The Fort William Male Choir’s Annual Holiday Concert Returns
By Deanne Gagnon
The Fort William Male Choir is excited to kick off the holiday season with their annual Prelude to Christmas concert. For nearly a century, the choir has shared its musical talents with our city, ever since eight men came together in a church basement in 1927 to form the original choir.
“Because we’re the Fort William Male Choir, with a long and fairly glorious reputation, there’s an obligation to do your best every time,” says Gerard Tremblay, second tenor and choir president. “We want to sound good for ourselves, but we also want to uphold that reputation.” Today, the choir’s 19 voices blend in traditional male harmony, with members dedicating countless hours to rehearsing and preserving a legacy of harmony, camaraderie, and commitment.
Over the years, the choir has been joined by a variety of local musical guests. This year, they’re thrilled to welcome Applauze Productions, who will make their debut appearance in the show. The evening opens with musical numbers showcasing the choir’s four-part
harmony in a formal, traditional set, highlighting their dedication to mastering complex pieces that will leave the audience feeling moved. The second part of the show shifts to Christmas favourites, featuring some good, old-fashioned singalong songs (and maybe even an ugly Christmas sweater or two).
“For me, the best part of a concert is that moment after all the work, when we finally get to perform,” Tremblay shares. “It’s my reward for all the practice, all the effort, and having music constantly in my head. Finally, I get to share it. Without an audience, what would be the point, right? I love singing, but sharing it with people is the real reward.”
Get into the festive spirit with the Fort William Male Choir at Hilldale Church on December 13 at 7:30 pm or December 14 at 1:30 pm. Tickets are available at fwmc.ca or by calling 1-866-987-2420. They even offer ticket delivery to your front door.
At your doorstep access to the best of winter sports - from serene snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing to the thrills of ice climbing, ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Nipigon isn't just a destination; it's an adventure that starts right outside your motel door. Transform your winter into an unforgettable journey of frosty fun and cozy evenings.
Sports Bar and Grill
Open 2pm- 2am-7/days a week!
HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY UNTIL 7pm!
Julie Shier
Principal Bassoon
By Taylor Onski
Born: Toronto
Instrument: Bassoon
Age you started to study music: Piano at age seven
How long have you been with TBSO: In her first season
What’s on your personal playlist: Blues and classic rock— music she listened to growing up
Like most kids learning music, Julie Shier began with the piano, which to her was… okay.
“Everything changed in grade seven, when I started learning clarinet and joined the school band,” says Shier. While she began with the clarinet and dabbled in other woodwind instruments for a few years, from grade 11 onward she stuck with the big bassoon.
“I love the sound of the bassoon: its tone is so rich and reedy, sometimes expressive and sometimes humorous. I am often playing basslines, which is fun, but we also get to play some incredibly
Falling more in love with band and music, Shier decided in her grade 12 year to pursue music professionally. She was accepted into York University where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts, followed by a year-long study at the Royal Conservatory of Music, then a Master of Music from the University of Michigan. Shier has called London, Ont., home since 2004 and is currently a member of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and London Symphonia. However, she is on a year-long leave to perform with the TBSO for the season.
“It is so rewarding to sit near the back of the stage and listen to my colleagues in the [TBSO]. These musicians are really talented
• Remove all ornaments and plastic tree wrap before dropping off!
• The chipped trees go into the compost facility at the City’s Landfill site. In the spring, compost is available for residents to pick up FREE! to enrich lawns and flower gardens.
• Christmas tree are not picked up by curbside garbage collection.
NORTH
SOUTH
Three Great Classic Rock Christmas Songs
By Gord Ellis
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
“Christmas All Over Again”
I love Tom Petty. His whole catalogue is brilliant, and he rocked to the very end. And this is a Christmas song of his that makes many people feel happy. Listening to this song on headphones makes me realize that Petty was trying to make a Phil Spector “Wall of Sound” record. But the other massive influence here is George Harrison. This could be an outtake from All Things Must Pass. Like that Spector-produced album, “Christmas All Over Again” is layered with drums, a 12-string guitar, bass, harp, bells, harpsichord, and fuzz guitar lines. Even the half-speed ending and the drop to a minor key is so 70s Spector. And, oh yes, Petty is definitely in the Christmas spirit:
Well, it’s Christmas time again Decorations are all hung by the fire. Everybody’s singing’
All the bells are ringing’ out
And it’s Christmas all over again. This song was part of a compilation album called A Very Special Christmas: Volume 2 One final note: according to Petty the song was written in Florida, in the summer, on a ukulele gifted to him by George Harrison.
BURNING TO THE SKY
Christmas music. Those two simple words can send people into varying states of joy, sadness, or apoplexy. By the time this column is unleashed on the world, we will have already heard a whole lot of it. So, what the heck, let’s just double down! Here are three classic rock Christmas songs.
Elton John
“Step into Christmas”
There are so many terrible Christmas songs that are played constantly, and it makes me wonder how great ones fly under the radar. I believe “Step into Christmas” is one of these. Maybe it’s because back in 1973, when this song was released, Elton John had about half the songs in the top 10. Maybe people just weren’t ready for yet another upbeat, piano-driven pop confection with more hooks than my tackle box. I mean, it’s all here, the entire Elton John hit-making recipe. Check out Dee Murray’s leap frogging bass, the cascading acoustic guitar, the perfect background harmonies (supplied by his classic band), and that rolling piano. And best of all, it’s really a thank you to his fans.
Welcome to my Christmas song
I’d like to thank you for the year
So I’m sendin’ you this Christmas card
To say, “It’s nice to have you here!”
“Step into Christmas” deserves a higher place on the Christmas music list of 2024.
Prince and the Revolution
“Another Lonely Christmas”
If Elton John’s song flew under the radar, then Prince’s “Another Lonely Christmas” is flying under the earth’s crust. I have never heard this song on the radio. Ever. And this is 1980s Prince, at his most purple. Now, the song is quite a bit more challenging than most traditional Christmas songs. It’s about a lover who has died on Christmas under some mysterious circumstances. Was it strep? Pneumonia? This mystery is tackled in one of the verses. We also learn Prince and his dearly departed used to swim naked “and that was fun.” Plus, the Prince vocal is buried in the mix enough that it’s tough to sort it all out. Yet, this song is a masterpiece and checks so many boxes that it’s hard to understand why it is practically unknown outside of Paisley circles.
The lyrics are classic Prince.
Every Christmas night for seven years now I drink banana daiquiris ‘til I’m blind
As long as I can hear you smilin’ baby
You won’t hear my tears
Another lonely Christmas is mine. It even has an epic Prince guitar outro, which leads into a mournful organ finish. This may be the greatest Christmas song no one knows. But now you know.
Christmas with Johnny Reid
Country Star Returns to Thunder Bay
By Kris Ketonen
Juno Award-winning country star
Johnny Reid is bringing a full Christmas experience with him when he returns to Thunder Bay this month.
“It’s a night of Christmas music,” Reid says of his Christmas with Johnny Reid show, coming to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on December 15. “There’s definitely going to be a lot of original Christmas music [...] but also, obviously, family favourites, a few festive-type songs, ‘Run Run Rudolph,’ ‘Jingle Bells,’ that type of stuff.” The setlist will include traditional carols, as well, Reid says, such as “Away in a Manger” and “Little Drummer Boy.”
The Thunder Bay show is one of more than a dozen Canadian Christmas shows Reid will be playing this month. And after that, he plans on getting back into the studio.
Reid says over the past few years
he’s found himself getting more reflective, looking behind instead of just forward. “I just started working on songs, just songs that I grew up listening to,” he says. “It was really just for a personal project. It was just for fun, but it’s ended up being pretty incredible.”
“I’ve got a collection of these songs now. I’ve got like 12, 14 songs that I’ve been working on. [They are] songs from my past, songs that I grew up listening to, that were very influential in my life,” he says. “As soon as I get back, in January, I’m probably going to jump into that project in the hopes that I’ll be able to put a tour together, and put a project together.”
they said it would rain…
Clairmont the Second
Ten years ago, Drake’s Nothing Was the Same inspired a generation of Canadian artists by crafting a soundscape perfect for the dark and cold October nights—a mood that only Canadians can have a true appreciation for. Toronto-based Clairmont the Second, across 10 years of making music, has built his own world with heavy 808s, frenetic trap percussion, and drowsy R&B tracks. Clairmont isn’t just a rapper, he’s also a musician whose sound has been fine-tuned over years of excellent singles and short projects. they said it would rain… runs 30 minutes, with a tracklist of jaded street anthems, callous love songs, and a series of stunning visuals that show off the breadth of work and contemplation that went into this record. In a saturated rap landscape, very few artists have an unmistakable signature sound true to their identity. they said it would rain… offers 30 minutes of something instantly recognizable—one of the coldest artists in the country.
-Michael Charlebois
Drifter
Jovin Webb
American Idol top 10 finalist Jovin Webb proclaims his artistic arrival with Drifter, a 12-track amalgam of blues, soul, and gospel from Blind Pig records. A crackerjack studio band lays down a carpet groove and purposeful solos that enhance the atmospherics without the extended theatrics. Webb’s burlap-and-bourbon-textured vocal rasp brings it home with an uncanny delivery that outsmarts every lyrical challenge. From the bullet point list of relationship woes in “Blues for a Reason” to the incurable roving gypsy of “I’m a Drifter,” the album explores a range of topics. “Bottom of the Bottle” leans on alcohol’s addictive crutch while the socially conscious “Save Me” faces down the hurt and hate of racism. You’ll be looking for Jerry Lee Lewis on the keyedup rock-and-roll fun of “Wig on Wrong.” My favourite song is “Mine Someday,” Webb’s soul-bearing plea to his heart's desire. Superlatives aside, listen to this album. It speaks for itself.
-Ken Wright
Songs Of A Lost World
The Cure
Songs Of A Lost World, the Cure's first studio album in 16 years, sees the iconic British rock band return, true to form, with yet another beautifully brooding album drenched in gothic gloom. The album opens and closes with “Alone” and “Endsong,” two tracks that echo the dreamy synth soundscapes of the band’s 1989 masterpiece, Disintegration. However, with its pronounced emphasis on percussion, overbearing bass lines, and erratic electric guitars, Songs Of A Lost World feels more urgent and angsty than its iconic predecessor. Singer Robert Smith’s vocals sound as though he hasn’t aged a day since The Cure’s previous album (2008’s 4:13 Dream), which creates a haunting juxtaposition between his youthful vocals and the existential dread present in his lyricism. At many points on the album, Smith’s reflections on loss, impermanence, and mortality don't just tug at the heartstrings, they obliterate them—especially if you’re a fan like me.
-Melanie Larson
The Great Impersonator
Halsey
Halsey has released her latest concept album, The Great Impersonator, and what a concept it is. The album features 19 tracks, each inspired by and recorded in the style of a different artist/icon who influenced Halsey throughout her life, including Stevie Nicks, David Bowie, Britney Spears, and more. Her lyrics are packed with raw emotional honesty as she muses on mortality, fame, motherhood, loneliness, and legacy (she has been open about her struggles with postpartum depression, lupus, and a white blood cell disorder). While thematically heavy, this expansive pop album hops between genres, tempos, and styles, leading to a diverse and unpredictable—albeit somewhat disorienting—experience. The Great Impersonator sets the stage for some dramatic comparisons (who can live up to Cher?), with some major hits and some minor misses. While the mimicry was initially distracting to me, I truly enjoyed the album the less I thought about it, and to be fair, the accompanying visuals are fabulous. The Great Impersonator’s diversity ultimately proves that Halsey is a musical multi-hyphenate who really doesn’t need to imitate anyone else to shine.
-Kelsey Raynard
Hell Together
The Sheepdogs
For 20 years and counting, Canadian rock and blues band
The Sheepdogs have turned out music that never gets old yet somehow always feels classic, and their latest release, Hell Together is an EP that is sure to withstand the test of time. It kicks off with a feel-good bop, “Now Or Never,” that sets a lively, groovy tone for the songs that follow with its stomp-worthy beat and uplifting vocals. “The Working Man” is a clap-along anthem for those who can appreciate a hard day’s work as much as they do the march of an acoustic guitar punctuated by the whines of its electric counterpart. What wraps it all up is the titular track, “Hell Together,” with soulful lyrics dressed up in smooth, jazzy piano that lovingly deliver you to the EP’s satisfying end. A timeless collection of songs, Hell Together can easily be enjoyed by any current generation—and even by ones to come, I guarantee.
-Abigail Heron
The Art of Burglary
Joan M. Baril
One of the stories in The Art of Burglary is called “Still Life with Baby.” The reference is apt, given that an artist is clearly at work in this collection of short stories from local author Joan M. Baril. “Tiny snowflakes” of grain dust hang suspended in beams of sunlight. A teacher’s hair fans out from her head “like a caragana bush in a high wind.” Sentences are steeped in colour, from the red and blue flashes of a snow plough lighting up a morning to a hilltop in Mexico sun-touched with “apricot, rose, rust, dark-banded purple and gold.” Beneath the vivid line drawings, however, lurk darker themes: bootlegging, racism, hanging, gender inequality, and—in the collection’s most heartbreaking tale—the mystery of a murdered boy. It’s easy to see why this has become Entershine Bookshop’s topselling title of 2024.
-Lynne Warnick
The Dead of Winter:
Beware the Krampus and Other Wicked Christmas Creatures
Sarah Clegg
Christmas is celebrated during the darkest time of winter in the northern hemisphere. Our modern festivities are suffused in Victorian-born images of cosy family times and frenetic shopping and spending fuelled by commercialism, but beneath that relatively modern veneer is a much darker and stranger vision. In The Dead of Winter, Clegg unearths the ancient images that once signified the Yuletime in the old world, such as witches, monsters (like the Mari Lwyds with their ghastly horse skullheads), and carnivals where gender was erased and social orders overturned by costumes and masks. She sought out current-day enactments of these old traditions—experiencing the winter solstice at Stonehenge and a mummers’ procession in Wales, meeting the ogress and the terrifying Yule Cat of Icelandic Christmas folklore, and getting frightened at a “Krampus Run” in Austria, where the monsters are loosed in the streets to frighten and whip the people. These stories provide a lot of sensory details and vividly animate the historical facts she shares. She reminds the reader that beyond the flickering fire in the hearth, there are shadows that speak of the darkness where Christmas celebrations originated. This book is a fascinating delve into the human imagination.
-Angela Meady
The Secret History of Christmas
Bill Bryson
If you need to travel this Christmas, perhaps you will want to grab this audiobook to listen to along the way. Christmastime is once again upon us, but how much do you really know about it? Most of us have been observing the same traditions and rituals all our lives without really having any idea of how they came to be. In this book, Bill Bryson takes the listener on a journey of discovery about the history of Christmas and the origins of many popular holiday traditions such as Christmas cards, Christmas carols, mistletoes, and advent calendars. Other interesting tidbits you’ll learn about include how “Twas the Night Before Christmas” became the iconic poem it is today, who made putting a Christmas tree inside the house a widely celebrated tradition, what was served before turkey became the main course at Christmas dinner, and much more about how Christmas came to be celebrated the way it is today.
-Marja Mack
First-Wesley United Church
By Courtney Turner
From 1891–1910, before FirstWesley United Church was built on the corner of Brodie Street North and Miles Street East, a much smaller church, the Grace Methodist Church, served the local Methodist community. Grace Methodist Church had a capacity of 100 people and hosted some of the earliest Methodist services given in Fort William. In 1889, the arrival of Reverend Joshua Dyke coincided with the Canadian Pacific Railway relocating some of their operations to Fort William. With the sudden influx of labourers living in Fort William, Methodist services quickly became crowded, and the new reverend sought to build a church to comfortably host his entire community.
In 1890, Reverend Dyke collected $400 through donations from his parish to purchase the land where First-Wesley United Church now sits. Reverend Dyke reportedly convinced the sellers to grant him the land for $400 despite
an asking price of $800, because he promised to build a magnificent church that would increase the value of all surrounding land. The reverend, who also served two terms as mayor of Fort William, is largely credited as the driving force behind the founding and organization of the First-Wesley United Church in Fort William.
Construction on the FirstWesley United Church was completed in 1910, with a 1,025-person capacity in its sanctuary. Compared to the earliest Methodist services offered in Fort William, the capacity of First-Wesley United Church was more than a ten-fold increase. Not only did the new building provide for significantly bigger services, the addition of recreation and educational spaces in the building allowed the church to offer increased programs to the community.
The building itself was designed by Stinson and Hood, who were
Adrian Lysenko
Adrian Lysenko
Adrian Lysenko
popular architects hired to design numerous homes, churches, schools, and public buildings in Fort William and Port Arthur in the early to midtwentieth century. The architectural style of First-Wesley United Church is dominated by Gothic design features, including the asymmetrical corner towers, and the large stained glass arched windows. Shortly after construction was completed in 1910, the church paid $6,000 for a 2,500pipe organ, set to be one of the best in the province. The pipe organ remains prominently featured in the interior of the building.
Courtney Turner is a member of the Heritage Advisory Committee, which advises city council on the conservation of heritage buildings, sites and resources, and their integration into development. For more information on the city’s heritage resources, visit thunderbay.ca/en/cityhall/heritage-in-thunderbay.aspx
First-Wesley United Church, as seen from the vantage point of the roof of the Chapples Building, circa 1930s
Postcard of First-Wesley United Church Courtesy of the Thunder Bay Museum
Adrian Lysenko
Adrian Lysenko
Courtesy of the Thunder Bay Museum
“I am a valuable partner in my child’s education ”
You belong here
Sustainable Giving For People and the Planet
By Erin Moir, Co-Executive Director, EcoSuperior
The holiday season brings us so many reasons to be grateful and thoughtful. Traditionally, gift-giving is a big part of any celebration, and the winter holiday season is no exception. While giving gifts brings us joy and helps us show appreciation for our loved ones, it’s also essential to think about the environmental impact that comes with our choices.
Unfortunately, our gift-giving habits can take a toll on the environment. Studies show that we produce up to 30% more waste during the holiday season, with an additional 4% of all gifts ending up in the trash. Excess packaging, resource-intensive manufacturing, long-distance shipping, and singleuse items all contribute to increased carbon emissions and add to our already overflowing landfills.
When considering who’s on your list this year, think about what lasting impact your gift might have. Instead of buying stuff that could be quickly outgrown, become outdated, or eventually be tossed into a landfill, consider gifts that are sustainable, long-lasting, and kind to the planet.
Sustainable gift ideas include reusable items like sporks, travel mugs, and beeswax wraps. These are thoughtful, practical, and avoid adding waste. Consumable gifts like gift certificates to local restaurants, locally harvested tea, or a jar of honey support local businesses and reduce unnecessary packaging waste. Experiences, such as a spa day, a dog sled ride, or tickets to a play create cherished memories rather than material clutter.
For those with a love for nature, a guided forest therapy walk experience makes a memorable gift—it’s an opportunity to take a break from everyday life, step into the calming forest, and reconnect with nature. Coming in 2025, EcoSuperior will offer guided
forest therapy walks that you can join or gift to someone special. On Saturday May 3, from 9:30 am to noon at Centennial Park, you can experience this for just $25 per person. Private group walks are also available, with prices starting at $175 for one to five participants or $375 for six to 12 participants. These tickets make a unique and environmentally friendly gift! Capacity is limited and more dates will be added if necessary.
This holiday season, consider picking a gift that creates a healthier future for people and the planet. Ask yourself if the gift you’re about to give will bring joy without harming the environment. Together, we can reduce waste and foster a more sustainable way of celebrating the season.
One, Two, Three, and Four!
Four Dr. Seuss Tattoos on One Leg
Story and photos by Leah Morningstar
Tattoos by Shane Faulkner, King of Fools and Fenton Gilbert, Underground Ink
When Jason Wellwood was a child, he loved reading just about anything he could get his hands on. He was reading on his own by kindergarten and some of his favourite books were the wonderfully whimsical works of Dr. Seuss. He remembers loving The Cat in the Hat and How the Grinch Stole Christmas the most, but of course he loved all the classics: Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Fox in Socks, There’s a Wocket in my Pocket!, The Lorax, and Yertle the Turtle.
As a young man living in Toronto, Wellwood wanted to honour his lifelong love of Dr. Seuss with a relatively new love: getting tattooed. He had recently started filling up his arms and back with tattoos and decided that one of his legs was going to be the Dr. Seuss leg. And the Grinch was going to be the first Dr. Seuss tattoo.
The Grinch was done by artist Shane Faulkner at King of Fools in Toronto. This was almost 30 years ago now, but Wellwood recalls asking if he could tattoo the Grinch without the Santa outfit: just a green Grinch smiling his famous smile. That way, while it might technically be a Christmas-themed tattoo, it would also be appropriate all year round. After the Grinch, Wellwood asked Shane Faulkner to add the Cat in the Hat to the same leg: another beloved and iconic Seuss character.
The other two tattoos weren’t added
until a decade later, after Wellwood had moved from Toronto to Thunder Bay in the early 2000s. Fenton Gilbert of Underground Ink added the Lorax and Yertle the Turtle to the already brightly coloured leg around 2005. The fact that these tattoos are still so bold and bright after almost 30 years and almost 20 years is quite a testament to the skill of the artists and the longevity of the ink.
It’s fitting that the tattoos should stay colourful for so long, considering how Wellwood’s love for Dr. Seuss has never faded, either. “I read the books to myself, then I started reading them to my little cousins and my little brother, then I was reading them to my own kids.” Reading these books from childhood to adulthood has changed Wellwood’s perspective over the years. When he was a kid, it was all about the fun characters and the catchy rhymes, but as an adult he can appreciate the deeper themes and messages woven through the stories. The Lorax is about the dangers of exploiting nature, and Yertle the Turtle is about the dangers of blindly following political authority. As for the Cat in the Hat and the Grinch, Wellwood says, “their themes are more simplistic and overt, like clean up your own messes and be nice to people who are misunderstood.”
Whether it’s something obvious or something deeper like environmentalism and social justice, many of the messages from Dr. Seuss are timeless. So clean up your messes, be nice to everyone, be kind to nature, question authority, and keep reading Dr. Seuss to your kids!
Jason Wellwood with two of his kids
December Behind the Business Feature
REP Security/REP Giwaydin
Meet Ashley Johnson, owner of REP Giwaydin Security Inc.
Ashley began her career in the security industry while studying social work at Confederation College, and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her drive and expertise quickly led her from a security guard role to supervisor, and then to management as the first employee at REP Security Inc. Driven by her ambition and passion, Ashley co-founded REP Giwaydin Security Inc., a femaleand Indigenous-owned company. Now based in Thunder Bay, she grew up in Caramat, Ont., with heritage rooted in the Pic River Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Ojibway First Nation on Lake Superior’s northern shore. Visit their website: repgiwaydin. com
About the business?
At REP Giwaydin, meaning “north” in Ojibway, we’re proud to be a female-owned security company rooted in Thunder Bay. Though our business is new, we bring a combined 40 years of experience to the industry. Both our owners are lifelong northerners, born and raised right here, giving us a deep understanding of the unique challenges in our community. Our focus is on delivering top-quality security services across Northwestern Ontario. Guided by our motto,
“We don’t aim to be the biggest; we strive to be the best,” we prioritize reliability, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to the region. Trust REP Giwaydin for security solutions that put your safety and peace of mind first.
What product/service do you provide?
We provide trained security guards across Northwestern Ontario, covering areas from Wawa to the Manitoba border. Our services are tailored to meet diverse needs, including:
• Uniformed Security
• Special Events Security
• Site Setup and Shutdown
• Energy Project Security
• Mine Site Security & Safety (for exploration sites and active mines)
• Camp Security and Access Control
• Emergency Response
• Patrol Services
• Site Inspections
• 24/7 Security Coverage
Our team is ready to ensure safety and security for any scenario.
What inspired you to launch your business?
The inspiration behind launching REP Giwaydin came from our desire to address an overlooked need within the security industry: genuine reconciliation and support for Indigenous people and businesses. We saw a gap in providing meaningful opportunities that go beyond token gestures and truly empower Indigenous communities. By building a company rooted in these values, we aim to create a workplace that respects Indigenous culture, prioritizes community collaboration, and fosters economic inclusion. Our mission is to set a new standard in the security industry— one that not only offers exceptional service but also actively contributes to reconciliation
by supporting and uplifting Indigenous talent and partnerships. We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our region and creates a positive impact throughout Northwestern Ontario.
Why do you choose to continue to operate in Thunder Bay or Northwestern Ontario?
At REP Giwaydin, our commitment to Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario is personal and deeply rooted. As a team born and raised in this region, we have seen first-hand its transformation—from a town known for its grain elevators to a lumber hub, then to an industrial centre, and now emerging as a mining powerhouse. Each phase has shaped Thunder Bay’s identity, and we are inspired to be part of its next chapter. We believe Northwestern Ontario is on the verge of a new stage of growth, with mining and other industries set to propel the region forward. Operating here allows us to not only serve our community but also contribute to this evolution by supporting local development and creating opportunities that reflect the unique needs of this area. For us, staying in Thunder Bay means building on its legacy while helping to shape its future.
Dreaming of a White Winter
Editorial
and photo by
Marlene Wandel
All I want for Christmas is two feet of snow, but I’m worried it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, the 2023 version. This beautiful, warm fall has been dreadful, in the most literal sense; the thought of a repeat of last year’s winter-that-wasn’t is daunting. Thunder Bay has a reputation of long, deep winters, and though winter has arrived late enough to lament a green Christmas before, the failed winter of 2023 was a different story. The relentless onslaught of warmth after the few meagre snow events meant more than a break from shoveling driveways. Complaining about shoveling snow is one beloved winter pastime, but many of us also
like to recreate on snow once we make it out the driveway.
Newcomers and visitors to the north shudder at the prospect of up to six months of cold and snow, but it’s the sustained cold that creates conditions for a winter we can actually enjoy. Winter recreation in the north is part of our identity; we don’t go outside despite the winter weather, we go outside because of it. The activities that take place on snow and ice define us and provide a welcome change of scene from the drab November landscape. When snow doesn’t come and the ice doesn’t form, something is missing. For some, that’s purely recreational, while for those working in snow-dependent
industries and ice roads it’s more serious. We eked out some winter recreation last year in dribs and drabs, but not without heroic efforts. Ski hills made mountains out of molehills with their snow guns right up to the last week of the season, no doubt at great cost. Cross-country skiers joined forces to shovel snow onto the trails just to maintain a skiable base. Snowmobile trail grooming has been hit and miss in the past few years, as gobs of snow fall on unfrozen creeks or the snow doesn’t come at all. The winter-without-winter was the longest of all, because there just wasn’t that much to do except watch the forecast and wring hands in despair.
This year’s warm fall likely isn’t the harbinger of the death of winter forever, but it is a reminder that things are changing. Two years ago we were drowning in snow in April. We don’t know if the heavy load of mountain ash berries means we’ll get a tonne of snow or very little, or if The Farmer’s Almanac accounts for climate change. For those of us waiting (im)patiently for the return of winter sports, the best we can do is buy our hill memberships and trail passes anyway, so when the white stuff finally does come, we’ve still got someone to groom the trails.
16 1st Ave. West. Grand Marais, MN Closed Tues. & Wed. Open all the other days
DecemberEventsGuide
December 1, 10 am
Open Studio Pottery Sale
335 Gorevale Road
Take a short country drive to Black Dog Ceramics for a fun and festive shopping trip. You will find a large variety of pottery, a section of discounted pieces, ceramic sculptures on display, and free cider. blackdogceramics.ca
December 1, 11 am Nolalu Holiday Country Market
Nolalu Community Centre
Ready to get into the holiday spirit? Whether you’re searching for unique gifts, delicious treats, or just want to soak up the festive atmosphere, this market has got you covered. Cash only. facebook.com/nolaluncc
December 1, 7 pm Thunder Bay Historical Film Festival
Thunder Bay
Community Auditorium
Enjoy a night of films showcasing local history. This event is being put on by various local historical societies to bring awareness of these groups and our local history. Free to attend. Donations appreciated. tbca.com
December 1, 6–8, 13, & 14 Northern Christmas Market
Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.
Something new is brewing. Visit with friends, family, and pets, sip a beer, and browse local vendors in heated holiday huts while
enjoying entertainment, bonfires, kids’ activities, beautiful decorations, and all the festive feels that go into a northern Christmas. sleepinggiantbrewing.ca
December 2–4 & 9–11, 9 am Pierogi Days
Polish Combatants Branch No. 1
Head over to the Polish Combatants Branch No.
1 every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to buy perogies, cabbage rolls, vegan beet soup, and more. Pre-order, e-transfer. 807-345-1861
December 2, 8:30 pm
CPKC Holiday Train
CPKC Train Depot
The Holiday Train will roll back into town for another spectacle of bright lights and holiday decorations. Artists Tyler Shaw and Shawnee Kish will perform this year. Free to attend. Donations in support of the RFDA appreciated. See this month’s Top Five for more info. cpkcr.com
December 3, 7 pm
Westgate CVI
Senior Drama Class Presents: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute
Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang for a heartwarming show of laughter and friendship as they remind us that the holiday season isn’t about what’s under the tree but who’s around it. Tickets are $15 and available at the Westgate CVI main office. facebook.com/ WestgateCVI
December 4 & 5, 7:30 pm
Champions Of Magic: Chasing the Unbelievable
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
Fusing their skills in grand scale magic, a flair for spectacle, and undeniable showmanship, this interactive, high-energy show by the Champions Of Magic illusionists is sure to entertain the entire family. Ticket prices vary and are available online. tbca.com
December 5, 4 pm
Westfort Winter Wonderland
Westfort Village
Westfort Winter Wonderland is an enchanting event for the whole family. Warm up by one of the bonfire pits, indulge in delicious treats from food vendors, and enjoy complimentary s’mores. See this month’s City Section for more info. westfort.ca
December 6, 7 pm
Co.Lab Presents:
…And I Hope that You Find Happiness
Opening
Co.Lab Gallery + Arts Centre
Visual artist boy Roland’s latest art exhibtion seeks to confront the tension between creating for joy versus livelihood and challenge the personal pressure of perfectionism in his work. The exhibition will run until December 24. See this month’s Art section for more info. colabgallery.ca
December 6 & 7 Carolling for Charity
Various Locations
Applauze Productions presents their fifth annual Carolling for Charity in support of Precious Bundles and the RFDA. It will take place at 95 Winnipeg Avenue on December 6 and River Terrace Park on December 7. Information regarding donations is available online.
facebook.com/ ApplauzeProductions
December 7, 10 am Creekside’s Holiday Local Artisan Market
Creekside Nursery and Garden Centre
The second Creekside Holiday Local Artisan Market of the year will again showcase the talent in the community. Start your holiday shopping with over 40 vendors, and bring the family to see a special visitor from the North Pole. creekside.ca
December 7, 2:30 pm
Storytime with Thunder Bay Drag Queens + Crafting with Queens Waverley Resource Library
Join Lady Fantasia LaPremiere and Mz Molly Poppinz for an hour of enchanting stories and fun activities celebrating diversity and acceptance, then stick around for a 30-minute guided crafting session led by TBay drag stars Faux Rocious and Fairy Contagious. tbpl.ca
December 7, 7 pm Parade of Lights Memorial Avenue
Presented by Tbaytel, this magical parade will feature dozens of brightly lit floats cruising through the heart of the city as the festival celebrates a milestone 25th anniversary. See this month’s Top Five for more info.
facebook.com/paradeof lights.thunderbay
December 7, 7:30 pm
Cambrian Improv Players
Cambrian Players Theatre
Catch the fun of unscripted theatre and spontaneous comedy with Cambrian Improv Players, where even the performers have no idea what might come next. Admission is $5 at the door.
cambrianplayers.com
December 7 & 8
The Book of Mormon
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
Starring Sam McLellan, Diego Enrico, Keke Nesbitt, and Craig Franke, The Book of Mormon tells the tale of two hapless Mormon missionaries who travel to Uganda on a chaotic and frankly offensive evangelical mission. See this month’s Top Five for more info. tbca.com
December 8, 10 am
Pancakes for Pups
Murillo Community Centre
Head over to Murillo for a delicious pancake breakfast in support of Northern Critters in Need
and Want A Pet. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under. Text Teresa for tickets. 807-620-1505
December 8, 1 pm
Floral Beaded Earrings Workshop
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
If you love the beauty and tactile quality of beads, join local Indigenous artist Annette Klement as she teaches how to create beaded earrings or a pendant using the brick stitch method. Cost is $55 for members, $65 for nonmembers. See this month’s Art section for more info. theag.ca
December 8, 4 pm
Kids’ Frozen Event
Goods & Co. Market
Do you want to build a snowman? Goods & Co. is proud to present an evening of winter games, crafts, and singalongs with your favourite friends from Frozen. Tickets are $20 per child which includes snacks, games, crafts and an evening they will never forget.
goodscomarket.ca
December 11, 8 pm
Drag Bingo Lakehead Beer Company
Gather your friends or come ready to make new ones over a night of laughs, fierce competition, and a few performances along the way. Hosted by Mz Molly Poppinz with special guest Ivan Love. Free to attend.
@wigginsproductions
December 12–14
Dark Sky Festival
Cook County, Minn. Cook County is home to some of the darkest skies in the world. Every year, explorers, adventurers, artists and photographers from around the world travel to Cook County to experience the northern lights and night sky. Presentations and activities to occur throughout.
visitcookcounty.com
December 13 & 14
Thunder Bay’s Community Nutcracker
Thunder Bay
Community Auditorium
Thunder Bay’s Community Nutcracker marks the first fully local presentation of the Tchaikovsky ballet in nearly 30 years. The production will bring local dance schools together to present one of the most beloved shows of the holiday season. Tickets are $41.50 and available online.
tbca.com
December 14, noon Heart of the Holidays
Waterfront District
Head to the Waterfront District for an afternoon filled with holiday magic. Enjoy horse and carriage rides, maple taffy, free photos with the Grinch, live entertainment, and so many surprises.
@tbaywaterfront
December 14, 7 pm
Campfire
Comedy Presents:
Gavin Stephens
The Foundry
Gavin Stephens is a stand-up comedian who skillfully balances playful irony and morbid silliness; he is known for his (really) quick wit and stream of consciousness comedic style. Tickets are $27.96 and available online. campfirecomedy.ca
December 14, 9 pm
HoHoHo Drag Show
Black Pirates Pub
It’s time for the TBay drag queens and kings to wrap up the year with a legendary banger. Their 2024 finale will be a mix of holiday classics and blasphemous delights, where Christmas meets Halloween but in a silly, tongue-in-cheek kind of way. See this month’s Film and Theatre section for more info.
@wigginsproductions
December 15, 6 pm
Full Moon Mass Ride
971 Carrick Street
Join Just Bike Thunder Bay as they continue their monthly Full Moon Mass rides. Meet up at the Superstore parking lot (near A&W) and take an easy group ride in a loop around a different area of Thunder Bay each month. Safety first: bring your blinkers, helmets, and/or high-visibility gear.
facebook.com/ JustBikeTbay
December 15, 7 pm
Rotary Carol
Sing
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
Gather your family and friends for an evening of song and entertainment in support of the Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund.
fwrotary.ca
Until December 17
The Undercover Project Community Clothing Assistance
Each year, The Undercover Project extends a helping hand to over 1,000 children in Thunder Bay, providing them with needed bare necessities of socks and underwear. This year, a draw will also run in support of the project with a grand prize of a roundtrip flight for two to wherever WestJet flies, plus $750 cash. Tickets for the draw can be purchased at Community Clothing Assistance. clothingassistance.com
December 18, 8 pm
Wine Wednesdays
Red Lion Smokehouse
Wine Wednesdays return at Red Lion Smokehouse. On the last Wednesday of each month, sommelier John Murray will be leading an intimate group of wine lovers in an informative tasting. Tickets are $45 plus tax. Register online.
facebook.com/ redlionsmokehouse
Until December 20
Gear Up
Contactless
Winter Coat Drive
Gear Up
The 18th annual winter coat drive continues as Gear Up and partners work to spread the warmth to anyone who may need it this winter. Donate clean, gently used jackets to the laundry bin at Gear Up’s right side entrance. See this month’s City Scene section for more info.
gear-up.com
December 20, 2:30 pm
Puppet Show: Mole and Troll Trim the Tree
Mary J.L. Black Library
Mole and Troll are the best of friends, and can’t wait to decorate their holiday tree this year. However, they can’t seem to agree on how to decorate! How will they solve this holiday dilemma? Drop in to find out.
tbpl.ca
December 20, 9:30 pm
Music Bingo
Red Lion Smokehouse
Get your groove on. Each player will receive a Music Bingo card with a mix of songs titles and artists. Instead of calling out numbers, our DJ plays the music. Singing along is recommended. $2 per card or three cards for $5. B.Y.O.D. (bring your own dabber).
redlionsmokehouse.ca
Until December 21 Magnus Theatre Presents: Elf!
The Musical Magnus Theatre
Magnus presents this musical based on the beloved Christmas movie about Buddy the Elf. See this month’s Film and Theatre section for more info.
magnustheatre.com
December 21, 7 pm
Merry Pindergennoski Stand-up Comedy
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5
Come out for a night of unfiltered stand-up comedy. Performers include Donovan Crosson, GP Singh, Patrick Cheechoo, Todd Genno, Ron Kanutski, and newcomer Jakob Hardy. 19+. $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Email for advance tickets. ronsha@shaw.ca
December 31, 4 pm
New Year’s Eve Family Frolic
Fort William Historical Park
Ring in the new year at Fort William Historical Park. Enjoy a candlelit evening of family-friendly activities, winter games and contests, live artisan demonstrations, and fireworks. fwhp.ca
December 31, 7 pm
New Year’s Eve in Tinseltown: A Murder Mystery Chef’s Table
Red Lion Smokehouse
Ring in the new year with a delicious meal and a Hollywood scandal to die for. Tickets are $100 plus tax per person and include a four-course prix fixe menu and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets purchased online include 18% gratuity. facebook.com/ redlionsmokehouse
Until January 5, 2025
Collections Remix: Robert Markle and Clifford Maracle
Thunder Bay
Art Gallery
Collections Remix pairs work by two artists to create new understandings of these artists and the gallery’s permanent collection. Experience the work of Robert Markle and Clifford Maracle in critical new juxtapositions of portraiture, whirligigs, the female nude, and abstraction. theag.ca
Until January 5, 2025 Everlasting Garden:
Karly Huitsing
Thunder Bay
Art Gallery
In her first public gallery exhibition, floral artist Karly Huitsing creates a large-scale everlasting garden. This installation is an original design of flowers, grasses, and plants she grows, cuts, and dries on her small-scale cut flower farm in the Slate River Valley. theag.ca
Until January 5, 2025 petal, clay, berry, leaf: natural inks, dyes, and pigments of Northern Ontario
Thunder Bay
Art Gallery
This group exhibition presents new expressions and experiments with natural inks, dyes, and pigments in northern Ontario by four women artists at different stages of their careers. theag.ca
Until January 5, 2025
Colin Davis: Steel, Grease, Gasoline
Thunder Bay
Art Gallery
Why so metal? Steel, Grease, Gasoline is the debut solo exhibition by Colin Davis. In a series of oil paintings, he invites viewers to explore the complexities of rural life, the nuances of northern masculinity, and the allure of the fantastic. theag.ca
Until January 11
Jean-Paul De Roover: Dead Hand Switch
Definitely Superior Art Gallery
Dead Hand Switch is a 12-minute piece of avantgarde instrumental music based around a Russian radio broadcast called UVB-76 that has been live since the Cold War. definitelysuperior.com
Until January 11 Interconnectedness: 36th Annual Regional Juried Exhibition
Definitely Superior Art Gallery
Interconnectedness, the theme for Def Sup’s 36th Annual Regional Juried Exhibition, will give local and regional artists an opportunity to consider the relevance of Interconnectedness in terms of their own art practice. See this month’s Art section for more info. definitelysuperior.com
Until January 12
Journeys:
Stories of Sheila Burnford and Susan Ross
Thunder Bay Museum
Showcasing a collection of vibrant artwork and artifacts, this exhibit brings to life the stories of writer Sheila Burnford and artist Susan Ross, their friendship, and the impacts they left on the communities they visited. thunderbaymuseum.com
Winter Whales of Lake Superior
By Lenore Lotecki
The ancient guardians of the big lake
Sometimes seen More often heard
In winter, they show themselves Collecting in bays and sunning their bellies Pushing around small sheets of ice
They sing their songs of love for the big lake And moan their dirges for its sickness
Late winter
Preparations begin Nest building and gathering supplies For a new family
Females watch males gracefully dance Performing carefully executed moves to woo the potential mother of their child
They finish their dance by lifting and Smashing huge blocks of ice Against small islands and shorelines
The offering of bouquets of ice blue blooms
In spring, they dive down
Lower than the ships that run overhead Waiting in the cold deep for the lake
To develop its icy skin again
Big Lake Colossi, digital illustration, boy Roland
DEC 1
Open Stage
Jam Sessions
Port Arthur Legion Branch 5
8 pm • Free • AA
DEC 2
Her Time Has Come: Celebrating Women Composers
Trinity United Church
8 pm • $10 • AA
DEC 3
Marianas TrenchThe Force of Nature Tour
Thunder Bay
Community Auditorium
7:30 pm • $50+ • AA
DEC 4
Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar
Wednesdays
Shooter’s Tavern
8 pm • Free • 19+
DEC 5
Wilson-Sabaz
The Industry
7 pm • Free • AA
Celtic Night
Red Lion Smokehouse
7:30 pm • Free • AA
DEC 6
Jazz & Old Fashioned Fridays with Mood Indigo
Anchor & Ore
6 pm • Free • AA
TBSO Voices: Messiah
St. Paul’s United Church
7:30 pm • $25+ • AA
Blizzards of Rock ft
V3nom and Hat Trick
Black Pirates Pub
9 pm • $10 • 19+
Phineas Gauge
Norteños Cantina
Blood Red Moon
The Foundry
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Pink Power Party
Norteños Taqueria
10 pm • $10+ • 19+
DEC 7
TBSO Voices:
Sing-Along Messiah
St. Paul’s
United Church
7:30 pm • $25+ • AA
Waterhouse
Saturday Night ft
Mitch Tones
The Waterhouse
9 pm • Free • 19+
Acoustic Evening
Black Pirates Pub
9 pm • $10 • 19+
Party Saturday
Nights ft DJ Mo
NV Music Hall
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Page 38
Norteños Cantina
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Undercover
The Foundry
10 pm • $5 • 19+
DEC 8
Dulcisono Choir: A Ceremony of Carols
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
3 pm • $15+ • AA
The Sounds of Christmas
St. Andrew’s
Presbyterian Church
4 pm • $20+ • AA
Open Stage
Jam Sessions
Port Arthur Legion
Branch 5
8 pm • Free • AA
Sea Shanty
The Foundry
8:30 pm • Free • 19+
DEC 11
Lakehead Choral
Group: Christmas
Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar
Wednesdays
Shooter’s Tavern
8 pm • Free • 19+
DEC 12
Wilson-Sabaz
The Industry
7 pm • Free • AA
DEC 13
Jazz & Old Fashioned Fridays with Mood Indigo
Delta Hotels
6 pm • Free • AA
TBSO Candlelight: Christmas at the Fort
Fort William
Historical Park
7:30 pm • $75 • AA
Fort William Male
Choir: Prelude to Christmas
Hilldale Lutheran Church
7:30 pm • $15+ •AA
Sleigher 3: Raining Blood
Down Red River
Black Pirates Pub
9 pm • $10 • 19+
Blood Red Moon
Norteños Cantina
10 pm • $5 •19+
The JB Band
Wayland Bar & Grill
10 pm • $5 • 19+
4Pillar DJs
The Foundry
10 pm • $5 • 19+
DEC 14
Fort William Male Choir: Prelude to Christmas
Hilldale Lutheran Church
1:30 pm • $15+ • AA
Matinee Dance Party ft
Pat Silvaggio
Norteños Taqueria
The CCR Band
Polish Combatants’ Association Branch 1
7 pm • $35 • 19+
The Honest Heart
Collective Holiday Special
The Outpost
8 pm • $25 • 19+
A Tribute to Bon Jovi and Styx eVents
8 pm • $38 • 19+
Waterhouse
Saturday Night ft
Mitch Tones
The Waterhouse
9 pm • Free • 19+
Party Saturday Nights
NV Music Hall
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Christmas with The Selfies
Norteños Cantina
10 pm • $5 • 19+
The JB Band
Wayland Bar & Grill
10 pm • $5 • 19+
DJ Rogue
The Foundry
11 pm • $5 • 19+
DEC 15
Christmas with Johnny Reid
Thunder Bay
Community Auditorium
7:30 pm • $72 • AA
Open Stage
Jam Sessions
Port Arthur Legion
Branch 5
8 pm • Free • AA
DEC 17
A Family Christmas With PAVLO
Thunder Bay
Community Auditorium
7:30 pm • $45 • AA
DEC 18
The Edge Effect
DEC 19
Celtic Night
Red Lion Smokehouse
7:30 pm • Free • AA
DEC 20
Viernes Cubano
Christmas Latin Party
El Tres
9 pm • $10+ • 19+
Undercover
Norteños Cantina
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Blood Red Moon
Wayland Bar & Grill
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Mother of Wolves
The Foundry
10 pm • $5 • 19+
DEC 21
TBSO Pops: Home for the Holidays
Thunder Bay
Community Auditorium
7 pm • $25+ • AA
Waterhouse
Saturday Night ft
Mitch Tones
The Waterhouse
9 pm • Free • 19+
Party Saturday Nights
NV Music Hall
10 pm • $5 • 19+
DJ Big D
Norteños Cantina
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Blood Red Moon
Wayland Bar & Grill
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Eggnogger
The Foundry 10 pm • $5 • 19+
DEC 22
Open Stage
Jam Sessions
Port Arthur Legion Branch 5
8 pm • Free • AA
DEC 27
Jazz & Old
This Audience w/ Traveler
Norteños Cantina
10 pm • $5+ • 19+
Throwback
Wayland Bar & Grill
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Back Forty
The Foundry
10 pm • $5 • 19+
DEC 28
Waterhouse
Saturday Night ft
Mitch Tones
The Waterhouse 9 pm • Free • 19+
Party Saturday Nights
NV Music Hall
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Crossroad Music Battle of the Bands
Norteños Cantina
10 pm • Free •19+
Throwback
Wayland Bar & Grill
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Mix Tape ft
Wax Philosophic
The Foundry
10 pm • $5 • 19+
DEC 29
Open Stage Jam Sessions
Port Arthur Legion Branch 5
8 pm • Free • AA
DEC 31
NYE ft Just Waylon
Port Arthur Legion Branch 5
9 pm • $35 • 19+
NYE ft Back Forty
Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 149
9 pm • $20+ • 19+
EMO NYE
Black Pirates Pub
9 pm • Free • 19+
NYE ft Headrush
Wayland Bar & Grill
9 pm • $20 • 19+
NYE Rave ft
Thunder Bay
2 pm • Free • AA
Community Auditorium
Fashioned Fridays with Mood Indigo
DJ Makade
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Concert 2024 -
Comfort & Joy!
St. Agnes Church
7 pm • $10+• AA
Holiday Concert with Rodney Brown
Waverley Public Library
2:30 pm • Free • AA
7:30 pm • $45+ • AA
Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar
Wednesdays
Shooter’s Tavern
8 pm • Free • 19+
Delta Hotel
6 pm • Free • AA
Videostar & Friends Holiday
Howler
Black Pirates Pub
9 pm • $10+ • 19+
The Foundry
8:30 pm • $TBA • 19+
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19. Lend once again
20. "More!" at a concert
21. Dinosaur trackways destination in northeastern British Columbia: 2 wds.
23. Winnipeg-born star Ms. Durbin of "Lady on a Train" (1945)
24. Gift wrapping decoration
25. Sort of sandwich spread, shortly
26. Like a store item without a price on it
27. William Faulkner's As _ __ Dying
28. Income tax specialist [acronym]
30. Windblown silt deposit
32. 'Electro' ender
33. '_' __ in Xylophone
34. Shout!
35. L'__-au-Loup (Town in Labrador)
36. "Wild Thing" by Tone-__
37. 'Pink' in Spain
38. Character in '63 movie "The Pink Panther", __. Clouseau
39. Mediterranean island country
42. Apple drink
45. Piquancy
47. Golden __ (Ornamental pond fish)
49. Single
50. Arctic boats made with animal skins
52. Out of the ordinary
54. 'Ye' follower on quaint shoppe signs
55. Statistics for squads on the field for kicking plays in the Canadian Football League: 3 wds.
58. __ of hair
59. Strait of __ (Body of water between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia)
60. Unwrapped the gift with exuberance: 2 wds.
61. Mining find
62. Directly following
63. 'Ici __ __' ('Here and there', in French)
65. Trendy area of Calgary, __ Loop
66. Prehistoric monumental stone
68. Functions
70. CEO
72. Cave's ceiling creature
73. 2006 album by Canadian band Three Days Grace, __-_
74. "So __ __!" (Very well then!)
75. Sphere
78. 'Lizard'-meaning suffix
80. Tidy up the floors
81. Tic-Tac-Toe losing line
82. But, in Germany
83. Baked potato's shiny wrapping
85. Expensive
87. Trooper song that goes "She's sitting on the corner of her bed / In a small rented room in Montreal..."
89. With a suspicious sideways glance, archaically
90. Newfoundland... St. John's International Airport address: 100 __ __
92. Zinc __ (Mineral known also as Sphalerite)
93. Called 'Dame' or 'Earl'
94. Dish
95. Canadiens great Mr. Savard's
96. Elizabeth, Mary-Kate and Ashley
97. Mister, in Madrid Down
1. "The __" (1999) starring Keanu Reeves as Neo
2. Altair shines in this 'Eagle' constellation
3. Dances in the ballroom in a way
4. Talkative
5. Norwegian capital
6. Bungle
7. Kitten in Garfield comics
8. Et __ (Latin for 'and others')
9. Cohorts of lip readers when the Royal Family appears on the Buckingham Palace balcony: 3 wds.
10. "Gilligan's Island" types of bodies of water
11. 'Carot' suffix
12. __ __ a beet
13. Certain blood type: letter + abbr.
14. Digby, Nova Scotia aka the '__ Capital of the World'
15. Tim Hortons donut selection: 2 wds.
16. Max of Surrealism
17. Rent
22. 'Differ' suffixes (Contrasts)
26. The Waste Land writer's monogram
29. Restaurant's daily special, __ du jour
31. Marriage ceremony
34. "New __, _ Love You" (Ensemble cast film of 2008)
36. Caustic solution
37. Have a reflex
38. __ peace (Serenity)
39. _ __ (Piano's B key alternatively)
40. Alive, Zombie-style
41. Bit of Madonna's "La Isla Bonita": "When it's time for __ you can watch them go by..."
42. Tradition
43. Tainted, as polluted water
44. __: Canada's Cold War Museum (Historic 75-feet-underground attraction near Ottawa)
46. Vocals adjusting tool in the music studio
48. Alleyway creature
51. Having more wisdom
53. Canadian actress Sonja of "Drifting Snow" (2021)
54. Gumbo ingredients
56. "Superman" (1978) villain Mr. Luthor
57. Whizzing by celestial spectacle
62. Have a __ to pick
64. Acme
67. __ des Neiges (Answer to #73-Down, in French)
69. 'Sesame' is one in cooking: 2 wds.
71. Wine of Spain
73. Quebec's provincial bird, Snowy __
74. Prince Edward Island town, __-Carleton
75. __-__ Kenobi of "Star Wars" (1977)
76. Singer of the aria "Eri Tu" in Verdi's opera Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball)
77. Model horses company
78. Pierces
79. Theatre passage
80. Locations
82. Fall footwear, __ boots
84. Beach 'wave' in France
86. Pas __ (Ballet move)
88. Dada artist Jean, and surnamesakes
90. Intl. commerce group
91. Stations for local crime-fighting orgs.
(c) 2024: Kelly Ann Buchanan. Distributed by Torstar Syndication Services
Aries
(March 21–April 19)
December shines brightly for you, Aries, as the cosmos aligns to fuel your ambitions. Mars, your ruling planet, moves through Sagittarius, igniting a sense of adventure and daring you to embrace new challenges. Meanwhile, Venus in Scorpio deepens your relationships, urging you to connect on a more intimate level. As Jupiter, the planet of expansion, dances through Taurus, opportunities for growth and abundance are close at hand, especially in matters of finance and career. The winter solstice marks a pivotal moment when the sun enters Capricorn, reminding you to ground your fiery energy and plan for longterm success. Let the planets guide you through this month of bold new beginnings.
Taurus
(April 20–May 20)
December brings warmth and comfort, Taurus, much like the scent of cinnamon and spice filling the air. Venus, your ruling planet, glows in Scorpio, intensifying your emotional connections and inviting you to savour the richness of deep relationships. With Jupiter, the planet of abundance, journeying through your sign, you’re in a prime position to reap the rewards of past efforts, especially in matters of personal growth and finances. As the winter solstice approaches and the sun enters Capricorn, you’ll feel a steady sense of grounding, urging you to plan for the future while indulging in the cozy comforts of the season. This month, the stars align to remind you to savor the joy of the season.
Gemini
(May 21–June 20)
The Twins are all about festivities, and are usually the star of the office party. Spearheading the ugly Christmas sweater event, Gemini refuses to let this tradition die. The merrymaking at the office will be full steam ahead, and you’ll be the centre of it. It’s okay to be boisterous, but just know that not everyone is into Mystery Santa and to give colleagues their space as well. This airy sign might find themself in new digs this season—perhaps a small seasonal gathering/housewarming party would be just what the doctor ordered. The full moon in your sign on the 16th gives you a boost of energy. This Gemini full moon will bring a lively, curious, and communicative energy, encouraging intellectual exploration and social interaction.
Cancer
(June 21–July 22)
Travel is strongly featured in your stars this month, Cancer, and that could include air travel as well. Don’t worry about those jitters—just make sure you make a list and check it twice, and get all your papers in order. A little bit of preparation will ensure smooth sailing for your seasonal travels. Whether you are heading home or zipping off to the tropics, a favourable vacation ensues. As the year end approaches, take some time to reflect upon the previous months as well as set some goals for the upcoming new year. New Year’s Eve finds you in a particularly bountiful mood and ready to watch the ball drop. Out with the old, in with the new! A fresh start awaits. What are you waiting for?
Leo
(July 23–August 22
It’s been a year, Leo. It’s had its ups and downs, but overall it’s been an incredible journey of selfgrowth and realization. Things that were foggy before are now crystal clear to you. Take a close look at all your relationships and take note of where improvements can be made. Communication is key. This month’s theme is abundance. It’s not always about receiving—but you knew that. Generous Leo takes great pride in curating the perfect gift for family and friends. Nothing brings you greater joy than giving to others. A surprise gift leaves you wondering. Stay late at the office party—you only live once, right?
Virgo
(August 23–September)
You’re counting down the days on your advent calendar, Virgo, but please remember to enjoy the process. It’s not just all about the big day itself. Stress should take a back seat right now for this earth sign, so enjoy plenty of fun this holiday season. Plan on a fun night out with a friend. This could be your lucky month. Curl up with some hot cocoa (don’t forget the whipped cream and cinnamon) and a new book. Let yourself be immersed for a while. A furry friend brings joy. Get clear on your goals for 2025 and do what needs to be done. Put yourself first for once.
Libra
(September 23–October 22)
You may find yourself hosting a small soiree around Yule on the 21st. The festive season brings an extra sparkle to your interactions, making you the center of attention in any room. As New Year’s Eve approaches, you’ll feel a strong desire to surround yourself with loved ones, celebrating the joy of connection while dreaming of the beauty and harmony you wish to cultivate in the year ahead. Let your natural charm and grace shine as you step into 2025, embracing both the warmth of companionship and the promise of fresh beginnings. This airy sign has all the rizz, so make it happen.
Scorpio
(October 23–November 21
As the chilly air settles outside, you’ll find joy in quiet moments spent by the fire surrounded by family. There’s a special magic in watching the children play, their laughter bringing a soft, comforting energy to the home. This month, you’ll relish in the slow pace, savouring these intimate, cosy gatherings as you recharge your spirit. Let the flicker of the firelight remind you of the quiet power that comes from nurturing those closest to your heart. A fine festive frolic on the 12th finds Scorps chomping on charcuterie. Add a glass of wine or cider and there’s nothing better. A toast!
Sagittarius
(November 22–December 21)
Happy birthday to the Archers! Contrary to popular belief, you can have your cake and eat it too. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate this month, and another turn around the sun is one of many. Jupiter, your ruling planet, blesses you with abundance this month, opening doors to opportunities for wealth and growth. Whether it’s financial riches, personal achievements, or simply the joy of living fully, you’re embracing it all. The winter solstice is a time of personal reflection and joy. Find time for reading. The new moon in your sign will occur on December 30. New moons represent fresh beginnings and are ideal times for setting intentions or starting new projects. This one, just before the new year, offers a powerful moment for reflection and goal-setting as you prepare to step into 2025 with renewed focus and energy.
Capricorn
(December 22–January 19)
Happy Birthday to all December Goats. This is a busy month for Capricorns, so make sure there’s time for some rest and relaxation as well. The stars advise against getting caught up in office drama or the frustrations of others. Keep your vibe high, like the mountain peak you always aim for. Let the turbulence below roll off your back. By staying focused on your goals and exuding calm confidence, you’ll rise above the chaos. Enjoy time with family and loved ones during the Yuletide. You may have a secret admirer.
Aquarius
(January 20–February 18
Water-bearers love sitting by a cozy fire having deep conversations. Pour yourself a warm cider and nestle in. Always the non-traditional one, airy Water-Bearers like to spend their holidays with a few wacky twists. Eschewing the norm, Aquarian folk enjoy creating new traditions. We are headed into the Age of Aquarius after all, and we look to you to set the example. Spirits are high this year within your household and small circle. As you spend time recapping your year—which you always do— know that there’s a lot to be thankful for. Raise a glass of eggnog and toast yourself. You deserve it.
Pisces
(February 19–March 20)
A special someone coming home for the holidays makes your day, if not the entire month. There’s nothing sentimental Fish enjoy more than having a houseful, particularly when it comes to some of the youngsters. Put on your fave album (Elvis’s Blue Christmas, of course) and stock up on the spirits. Gone are the crazy days of cramming in too much visiting in a short span of time. If there’s one thing we may have learned collectively, it’s to keep things simple and enjoy the small things in life. Hang those stockings from the chimney with care—you may find a special surprise in there.
