February 2020 by The Walleye Magazine

FILM FREE ARTS Vol. 11 No. 2 MUSIC FEBRUARY FOOD 2020 CULTURE thewalleye.ca

Winter Wellness A Cure for Cabin Fever

A BAKERY WITH A VIEW 20

CAUGHT IN THE ACT 33

HALF PAST 4:20 46

FIVE GREAT BLUES ALBUMS 80

s pic ym 9 Ol g. 4 l p ia ec sert p S In

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Contents

walleye the

Thunder Bay’s arts & culture alternative

Editor-in-chief Darren McChristie

FEATURES

Editor Adrian Lysenko adrian@thewalleye.ca

■ 10 ■ 12 ■ 14 ■ 15

Assistant Editor Rebekah Skochinski Senior Editor Tiffany Jarva Copy Editors Amy Jones, Bonnie Schiedel

■ 9

Marketing & Sales Specialist Kaitlin Trevisan kaitlin@thewalleye.ca

Drag Dealer ■ 32 Films about Cabin Fever ■ 33 Caught in the Act

THE ARTS

■ 34 Paddy O’Boards ■ 36 Untitled ■ 38 Popular Art Exhibition OUTDOOR

■ 44 Hearts of Gold ■ 46 Half Past 4:20 ■ 54 Eye to Eye ■ 58 Raising the Hammer ■ 61 If I Were A Carpenter

■ 62 Metafloor ■ 65 Martin Blanchet ■ 66 Music from the North ■ 69 Celebrating Life

Through Music ■ 70 Return of the Storyteller ■ 72 Primitive Rituals ■ 75 With Love Comes Loss ■ 76 The Baron of Baroque ■ 78 Live@Loch ■ 80 Five Great Blues Albums

ARCHITECTURE

■ 84 Fort William Gardens ■ 86 Minds in Motion ■ 87 How to Beat the

Winter Blues

GREEN

■ 93 Slowing Down and

■ 42 The Devil’s in the Details CITYSCENE

MUSIC

HEALTH

Back for Fifth Year ■ 40 Exploring New Mediums

Ad Designers Dave Koski, Miranda van den Berg

Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written permission is strictly forbidden. Views expressed herein are those of the author exclusively.

■ 18 When Beige Isn’t Boring ■ 20 A Bakery with a View ■ 22 Beefcake’s Burger Factory ■ 25 Sessionable Sips ■ 26 Tastes of the North ■ 28 The Birds and the Bees ■ 30 Confessions of a

Art Directors Steve Coghill, R.G.D., Dave Koski, R.G.D. production@thewalleye.ca

The Walleye is a free monthly publication distributed on racks throughout Thunder Bay and region.

FOOD

FILM&THEATRE

Alaina Linklater alaina@thewalleye.ca Photographers Patrick Chondon, Kevin Dempsey, Damien Gilbert, Chad Kirvan, Dave Koski, Kay Lee, Shannon Lepere, Marty Mascarin, Darren McChristie, Sarah McPherson, Laura Paxton, Keegan Richard

CoverStory: Winter Wellness Making the Best of Winter Born and Bred The Human Connection Dance, Art, and Music

Embracing Your Blue Mind

■ 19 Drink of the Month ■ 48 Stuff We Like ■ 56 This is Thunder Bay ■ 82 Off the Wall Reviews ■ 88 Tbaytel February EVENTS ■ 90 Music EVENTS ■ 91 LU Radio's Monthly Top 20 ■ 94 The Wall ■ 96 Horoscopes ■ 97 The Beat ■ 98 The Eye

Copyright © 2020 by Superior Outdoors Inc. All Rights Reserved. Editorial and Advertising: Submissions must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Superior Outdoors cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. Superior Outdoors Inc. 314 Bay Street Thunder Bay, ON P7B 1S1

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From Our Instagram feed

Definitely the worst case of the winter blues I’ve experienced was when my wife and I moved to Yellowknife. It was just after the winter solstice, so yes, the days were getting longer, but the sun rose just after 10 am and set at 3 pm. Without a window near my cubicle, my first few months in the north lacked vitamin D. As we acclimatized to our new setting, we learned tips from locals. Some of these included staying active, whether it was cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking, or getting together for social gatherings like potlucks or board game nights. Still, my favourite coping strategy was that of our friend, who had a “happy space.” Whenever he would feel down or grumpy, he would venture into a room in his cabin equipped with a lightbox imitating natural sunlight. Advice like this led us not just to survive the winter months in the north but embrace them. As we near the tail end of winter, the season might feel like it’s dragging on a bit, so think of our February issue as your personal happy space. Our cover story this month is all about Winter Wellness: A Cure for Cabin Fever. We talk to

The Walleye

residents who, through the arts, health and wellness practices, outdoor/indoor activities, volunteering, or staying social, make the most of the season. Fitting with our theme, music columnist Gord Ellis shares his blues picks for beating the winter blues, Chef Rachel Globensky serves up a fish pie recipe chock full of vitamin D, and film columnist Michael Sobota selects his favourite movies about cabin fever. Also in our February issue, we celebrate DJ Big D’s birthday Bash, Kim Latimer talks to the local athletes competing in the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, and Deanne Gagnon gets a sneak peek at the various art workshops taking place at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. And if those aren’t enough reasons to get you out of the house this month, we also preview Magnus Theatre’s production of The Birds and the Bees and Badanai Theatre’s production of Sister Act. So whether you’re loving or loathing winter, we hope you find something in the pages of our February issue to help you get the most out of the season. -Adrian Lysenko

Featured Contributor Rebekah Skochinski

Shannon Lepere

A Happy Space

Rebekah grew up in Kakabeka, where she spent countless hours letting her imagination roam free among the trees on her parents’ property. A freelance writer and editor, she has been with the magazine since its second issue and enjoys connecting with the arts community and fueling her natural curiosity about all things. Before joining The Walleye she worked in advertising as a writer/producer and had a brief stint on TV. She also writes fiction, has been published in various literary journals, and is currently working on her first novel. Other passions include dancing with the World Dance Collective, cross-country skiing, and paddling a canoe. Check out Rebekah’s recommendation for the perfect Valentine’s Day cocktail on page 19.

On the Cover Photo by Chad Kirvan Special thanks to Kimberly Toppozini

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TheTOPFive

Family 2: Game On! 1 TBSO Hockey Sweater & Casey February 2

Grassroots Church

Sheldon Cohen

We fully embrace winter sports of all sorts in Thunder Bay, which is why the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is bringing the action indoors in a delightful afternoon concert at the beginning of the month. Several special guests will join the symphony, with Maria Fuller conducting. The program will open with Abigail Richardson-Schulte’s musical take on Roch Carrier’s The Hockey Sweater—a short story originally published in 1979 based on Carrier’s reallife experience as a child in Quebec and now considered an iconic piece of Canadian literature. The other sports-themed piece is Casey at the Bat—a lively selection of music that will include echoes of bats hitting balls and cheering crowds. Put on your favourite sports jersey and grab a good seat, the concert starts at 3:30 pm. tbso.ca

Kamview 2 Candlelight Ski

February 12

Kamview Nordic Centre Skiing at Kamview is always a treat, but once a month on Wednesdays, things get a little more magical with candlelight skiing. On February 12, candles will be placed along select ski and snowshoe trails, with the lights on as usual on the Sun Up, Sun Down, and Northern Lights trails—so bring a headlamp if you’d like to explore unlit routes. There will also be a campfire near the chalet, and the kitchen will be open and serving homemade soup, chili, cookies, and hot chocolate. Come out anytime between 6 pm and 8:30 pm. No equipment? No problem. Rentals and ski trail passes are $10 each and a snowshoe pass is $7.91. This event is subject to weather and trail conditions so check the Kamview Nordic Centre socials before you pack your gear. tbnordictrails.com

Olympics 4 Special Canada Winter Games February 25–29 Various

A highlight of the winter season, the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games hits the city this month with athletes competing in eight sports: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, speed skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and five-pin bowling. Activities surrounding the Games include the opening ceremonies at Fort William Gardens, as well as a Family and Friends dinner. Established in 1969, the Games are part of a movement dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through the transformative power and joy of sport. It’s all made possible thanks to the many dedicated athletes, coaches, and volunteers. Come out and show your community support and cheer on the athletes as they compete for gold! Visit the website for the full schedule. specialolympics2020.com

on the 3 SnowDay Waterfront February 17

Various

This Family Day, come join in the free celebration of all things winter! Featuring activities and entertainment for all ages, SnowDay on the Waterfront is centered around professional snow sculptures and allows plenty of opportunities to participate in snow carving, interactive outdoor games and skating. The event will also feature snow carving with Willow Springs Creative Centre, wagon rides, helicopter tours, a sugar shack, dog sledding, giant outdoor games including snow castle building, snow painting, a skating party with LU Radio, ice slide, and ice photo booth. Enjoy live music, buskers, warming activities inside the Baggage Building Arts Centre and Mariner’s Hall and snacks from Bight Restaurant and Bight’s Bait Shop. The fun runs from noon–5 pm. Come one, come all! thunderbay.ca/snowday

5 LeapBeer February 29 Finlandia Hall

Calling all leaplings and beer lovers! The same folks who brought you BrewHa! are excited to introduce the inaugural LeapBeer to be held on February 29. Participating breweries in the mix include Sleeping Giant Brewing Co., Dawson Trail Craft Brewery, and Lake of the Woods Brewing Company, with more to join the party. For $30 you’ll receive three sample glasses of beer and three tokens to be paired with food from Pinetree Catering. Extra drink and beer tickets are available. Plus there will be music by the three-piece garage band Cartwrights and everyone’s favourite celtic punk-rockers The Bay Street Bastards. Don’t miss it, because if you do, you won’t have a chance to cheer with beer for Leap Year for another four years! The festivities run from 7–10 pm. brewhaevents.com

Walleye The Walleye

7 1

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Experiential learning connects

me to our communityâ&#x20AC;? You belong here 8

The Walleye

CoverStory

Winter Wellness

Tyler Sklazeski

e hear the word “wellness” a lot these days. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines wellness as “the quality or state of being in good health, especially as an actively sought goal.” And there are different states of wellness to consider: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. This month, we’re seeking ways to be well during the winter, whether through outdoor activity, volunteering, dancing, or meditation. There’s a reason why it feels good to exercise outdoors, and why helping others can boost your mood, and we’ve got the stats to prove it! Cabin fever doesn’t stand a chance.

The Walleye

CoverStory

Myles Ball

Making the Best of Winter

Taking Care of Body, Mind, and Spirit Story by Nancy Saunders

inter is inevitable, and in Thunder Bay, it can be especially long and harsh. “We move less, we stay in more, and it’s freezing out. This all impacts our mood and well-being, and that can be hard to shake,” says Myles Ball, owner of Modo Yoga Thunder Bay. Modo yoga is a series of 40 postures done in the heat with the intention of stretching, strengthening, and toning muscles while detoxifying the body and calming the mind. On a cold winter day, the idea of moving the body in a warm room sounds very appealing. Ball credits yoga with keeping him active even when he might not feel like it, saying he always leaves the studio feeling “sweaty, at ease, and reconnected to my values.” While he initially started practicing yoga as a way to heal from and prevent injury, Ball has since become passionate about its many benefits. “Although often viewed as separate, I strongly believe our mental and physical health are deeply connected and positively correlated,” he says. “In order to move toward wellness, both our physical and mental health needs to

10 The Walleye

be addressed.” Paula Ribotto started her yoga practice 25 years ago, as a single mom to three children. She began with 10 minutes on the mat, sometimes just sitting there. “Something is better than nothing, and it takes discipline,” she says. “Consistency is the benefit.” Ribotto has been teaching yoga for 15 years and in 2013 she opened the Yoga 4 All studio. She teaches both Hatha yoga, which she calls “a blend of everything”, and Kundalini yoga, which includes breath exercises, physical postures, meditation, sound, and frequency. She often uses the gong at the end of class to support people to deeply relax, as the vibrations and frequencies help quiet the mind and reduce stress. Ribotto heavily endorses yoga and meditation’s holistic benefits. Regardless of the weather, she starts each day with a meditative walk that allows her to consciously focus on her vision of how she wants to live her life. She then brings that awareness to the mat, where she senses what her body needs, brings consciousness to her breath, and ends with meditation. She describes

winter as an important time to reflect, and “to take a look at where we want to go, how we want to be, and start to integrate.” She also states that it is a natural time to allow the body to heal, and to reflect on the growth of the past year. Dr. Jennifer Lailey agrees. “We do have less energy in the winter, and it is a time of rest and regeneration, the storing up of energy,” she says. Through mindfulness and examining our relationship with the cold, dark season, we can strive to derive the most enjoyment from it, she explains. “What stories are we telling ourselves about winter? What am I thinking about winter that makes me feel it should be different from what it is?” she asks. “What can start to happen when we meditate is that

we start to see all the things we’ve constructed.” Lailey, a family physician who provides psychotherapy services and runs mindfulness sessions through Mindfulness Thunder Bay, suggests meditation and mindfulness as ways to dig deeper into our perceptions of winter. “This isn’t about replacing your negative beliefs or feelings. It’s about having compassion, if you find winter really hard. And out of that compassion comes the desire to ask yourself what you need.” One exercise Lailey uses has one break up the day into nourishing and depleting activities. This lets us see where we can make changes to make more time for, or spend more time doing, nourishing activities versus depleting as well as what might make depleting activities less depleting. For Ribotto, “yoga is a way of life. It gives us the opportunity to connect with ourselves and be united within ourselves in body, mind, and spirit. By doing it every day, you get to know the rhythm of who you are,” she explains. Ball, Ribotto, and Lailey share the belief that a regular personal practice of mindfulness and movement is vital to well-being, particularly during the winter. Examining our beliefs without judgement, treating ourselves with compassion, and focusing on the aspects of the season that we enjoy will all go a long way in making winter more beneficial and enjoyable.

Paula Ribotto

21 % 35 300

CoverStory

of Canadians who do yoga

(that number jumps to

in the 18–34 age group)1

Approximate calories a 155 lb person burns during one hour of hatha yoga5

improvement of migraines, lower back pain, osteoporosis, balance and mobility issues, multiple sclerosis, arthritis pain, inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, and ADHD. Everyone say “om”3

2.8 Health checklist

Meditation benefits may include better management of symptoms of anxiety, asthma, cancer treatment, chronic pain, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, menopausal symptoms, sleep problems and tension headaches—that’s an impressive list7

https://leger360.com/surveys/do-you-practice-yoga/, 2https://content.iospress.com/ articles/brain-plasticity/bpl190084, 3https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/ the-physical-benefits-of-yoga, 4https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asana, 5https://www. health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-of-leisure-androutine-activities, 6https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00315/ full, 7https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/ art-20045858 and https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/meditation, 8https://www. webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=214152, 9https://www.nielsen.com/ca/en/insights/ article/2017/healthy-habits-make-healthy-canadians/. 10https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/ full/10.1177/2156587216668109, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2164956119879 367?icid=int.sj-full-text.similar-articles.2, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23941101

Number of minutes of meditation needed to improve focus and attention, according to a recent American study6

Did you know?

billion Estimated worth of

meditation market (for example, apps and books) in the United States by 2022 (which works out to about 11% annual market growth)8

of Canadians who regularly practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques, as of 20169

Health checklistThe physical benefits of yoga may include

Number of asanas (poses) in hatha yoga, one of the most common forms of yoga4

Did you know?

A 2019 review of 11 studies found doing yoga once or twice a week positively changes structures in the brain that are in charge of memory and information processing, plus emotional regulation2

Sound therapy, in the form of Tibetan singing bowls meditation, results in self-reporting of decreased anger, tension, fatigue, and depressed mood, according to a recent American study. Another study found that a singing bowl session lowered participants’ heart rate and blood pressure more than those who participated in a silent relaxation session10

The Walleye

Raili Zgrych

CoverStory

Kitty Kukko

Born and Bred

Winter Lessons from Northwestern Ontario By Betty Carpick

12 The Walleye

and adds contrarily, “My boots are probably as old as I am.” Mount Baldy is Kukko’s hill of choice. In the 1950s, after ascending the hill to the third landing on a rope tow, she met her future husband, Ray Kukko. For the past 60 years, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends have appreciated the variety of runs, great terrain, camaraderie, and easy accessibility from town in a welcoming community atmosphere. Over the years, Kukko has volunteered at Baldy and skied recreationally and competitively. She modestly states, “I’ve been there the longest and I’m the oldest.” Any time the hill is open, Kukko looks forward to skiing. She doesn’t keep track of how many runs she makes. “You get out skiing and you can forget any troubles you had. Your mind becomes clean and fresh.” The après-ski socializing at day’s end is also a big part of the experience. Kukko likes that people of many generations are involved in doing something fun. “I’m lucky to ski with my family and friends,” she says, “I don’t talk about the winter blues.” Winter can be an amazingly positive time with nature’s beauty outshining the cold and gloom. Anything—indoors or outdoors— that gets a person of any age active and inspired by the winter goes a long way to feeling good about life.

Ben Mikkelsen As for the concept of hygge, Ruby’s never heard of it. Nevertheless, she likes to cosy up inside playing backgammon, drawing, cooking, playing the piano, going to gymnastics and diving, and playing school. Asked if there’s anything that makes her blue in the winter, Ruby looks puzzled at such a possibility and then says, “I get sad when a fort gets broken.” Ben Mikkelsen’s jam is a Scottish sport that Canadians have adopted as their own—curling. Encouraged and inspired by the curlers in his family—his parents, brother, and cousins—he’s been hurling 40-pound rocks across the ice since he was a pre-teen. As a competitive curler, Mikkelsen has

Tbaytel Major League of Curling

n Thunder Bay, we’re fortunate to experience the variety of four distinctive seasons. Winter is no exception. Viewing winter as something to be enjoyed and not something to be endured opens up opportunities to thrive and enjoy the many possibilities that living in the northern hemisphere offers. For the most part, kids have a different mindset about winter— they love all the things that you can only do when there’s snow. Elevenyear-old Ruby Woodman has a list of favourites: outdoor soccer at recess, building snow forts, sledding, downhill skiing, ice skating on outdoor rinks, making snowmen, winter campfires, making snow angels, and (off the record) eating snow.

curled in the Canada Winter Games and on teams in five Canadian Nationals. Mikkelsen has a broad, inclusive perspective on the strategic, tactical, and skill-dependent game. He appreciates curling not just personally but as a way of creating opportunities for others to keep active and to keep the sport vibrant. He feels fortunate that curling has given him life skills, friendships, and the opportunity to travel. “I use curling as an inspiration to feel good,” he says. There’s an infectiousness to Mikkelsen’s keenness to help others understand the intricacies of the often-misunderstood sport. From the history, athleticism, equipment, gameplay, etiquette, accessibility, inclusivity, and culture, he has a hurry hard energy as he explains the thrills of chess on ice. As an ambassador for the sport, he’s particularly appreciative of his hometown’s curlers, fans, and volunteers. Kitty Kukko figures that she’s been on every binding that’s ever been put on a ski. Her passion for downhill skiing began on seven-foot wooden skis at Cornwall Avenue and Crown Street. A vigorous 89 years old, Kukko says, “I’ve always loved skiing. It’s something I have to do,” adding, “I prefer winter because I enjoy being outside.” Endearingly pragmatic, Kukko adds, “It’s important to have the proper gear and to maintain it. The new equipment is always better,”

CoverStory

of Canadians who downhill ski. Really? We think that seems kind of low3

Health checklist

Physical benefits associated with downhill skiing include improved insulin resistance and glucose metabolism, reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and blood lipids (cholesterol), muscle strength, endurance and mood2

of Canadians who consider themselves in poor health, but still participate in outdoor activities5

170 2x

Kids who spend time outside are twice as active as kids who spend the same amount of time inside, according to British research9

Did you know?

Curling can help ward off seasonal depression in rural Canadian women. Meeting for games can provide a mental boost and point of connection, especially in places without a lot of daylight hours7

Top 5

The most popular sports in Canada are hockey, golf, soccer, running, and basketball6

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2019039-eng.htm, 2https:// time.com/5118770/is-skiing-a-good-workout/, 3https://www.skicanada.org/wp-content/ uploads/2016/01/2014-15-Facts-and-Stats.pdf, 4https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11627-m/11-627-m2018005-eng.htm, 5https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627m2018005-eng.htm, 6https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2019039-eng. htm, 7https://uwaterloo.ca/applied-health-sciences/curling-helps-fight-seasonal-depression-ruralwomen, 8https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3761524/, 9https://www.health.harvard. edu/newsletter_article/a-prescription-for-better-health-go-alfresco, 10https://www.researchgate. net/publication/308099577_Green_Exercise_Health_and_Well-Being 1

of Canadians ages 15 and older who regularly participate in sports. Of those who participate, the breakdown is 61% male vs 39% female (among immigrant Canadians, the malefemale ratio is 72:28)1

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green exerciseâ&#x20AC;? (physical activity outside) can contribute to healthier levels of blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol, increased energy, improved feelings of well-being and positive emotions, and higher motivation to participate in physical activities. As little as five minutes can be enough to boost your mood. (Now bundle up and get out there)10

Nearly 7 in 10

Proportion of Canadians who participate in outdoor or wilderness activities. Most popular? Backpacking and hiking, wildlife viewing and photography, camping, fishing, and canoeing/ kayaking (TBay, we have it made)4

Ontario Parks

Heartbeats per minute that can be achieved with 20 seconds of hard sweeping in curling. Hurry hard!8

The Walleye

New parents getting together at Red Lion Smokehouse's Babies & Brews event

The Human Connection Get Social and Give Back to Beat the Winter Blues By Kat Lyzun

inters in Thunder Bay are cold and dark. When it’s 35 below zero and the sun sets before you leave work, it’s tempting to hide in your house with a pile of books and a list of binge-worthy shows. While there is nothing wrong with a little hibernation, too much isolation can take a toll on your mental health. No one knows this better than new parents. A week or two goes by and you suddenly realize you’ve barely left the house. You need to get out, and preferably with people who understand why your shirt has a mysterious smear on it or can offer advice on how to use a Moby wrap. When one of their own was about to become a parent, the team at Red Lion Smokehouse was inspired to launch Babies & Brews, where new parents can get together on Wednesday afternoons for casual conversation. It’s a welcoming space that accepts your cute, unpredictable offspring and reminds you how wonderful adult conversation can be. “It's been a really fun event to host—the feedback we've received has been amazing,” says Red Lion’s Alexandra Bono. “New parents often find those first few months isolating

14 The Walleye

and many of the mums and dads have told us how positive it's been to have a time and place for them to get out and socialize with other parents. Like many of the events we host, it was inspired by the pub culture in the U.K. Pubs in England are more than just a place for a drink— they are community hubs that host a range of activities that bring people together socially.” Red Lion has become well known for events geared at drawing folks out of their shells—book clubs, arts and crafts nights, yoga classes, quiz nights, and various leagues (corn hole, anyone?) “The best thing about these events is the cross-section of people who attend. We get a real mix, including off-duty staff and regular customers. A lot of great friendships have been born out these events and it keeps things interesting for everyone,” Bono says. “Our staff get to know our customers better, it gets people out and trying new things, and it knits our community together. And let's be honest: during the long, cold winter it's really great to have a social get together or activity to look forward to!” Mental health experts agree: getting out and socializing is highly

recommended for combating seasonal affective disorder and depression. Volunteering takes it a step further by giving to others while lowering your own stress levels, helping you feel healthier, and lifting your mood. Zahid (Zee) Javed has been volunteering since he moved to Thunder Bay from Dubai in 2008. At first, it was just something for the Lakehead University student to do and a way to meet people. It became a lifeline for him; he met great people who helped him navigate the city and adjust to a new country. He was eager to pay it forward throughout his university

career, volunteering with the Student Success Centre, planning events, and being an ambassador for new students. He later joined the board of the student union and the senate, having become passionate about supporting international students. Javed is also dedicated to the local Muslim community. He is actively involved with the Muslim Cultural Institute, which provides services to Muslims who are new to the city and aims to build bridges between the Muslim and non-Muslim community in Thunder Bay. “[A few years ago] we held the city’s first Breaking Bread event, where we open the doors for all people—Muslim and non-Muslim— to celebrate the end of a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset [Ramadan]. It’s an opportunity for people to learn more about it, and share in a great meal,” Javed says, adding that community support for the event has been amazing. Javed is now married with children and calls Thunder Bay home. His list of past and current volunteer roles is impressive and varied, from participating on several boards and organizing events like the United Way Day of Caring, to community patrols with Zone Watch. “Besides your regular working duties to pay the bills, I like to be part of a charity organization,” he says. “The winters are cold, the nights are long. Volunteering gets you out, improves your mental health, and gives you confidence and self-satisfaction,” he says. “It makes you feel good that you’re helping others in some way. You meet a lot of like-minded people when you volunteer for things you are connected to.”

Zahid (Zee) Javed

Bree Bousquet

Aelin Foster

CoverStory

of people who volunteered in the last 12 months who say that volunteering makes them feel healthier4

by which lack of strong relationships increased the risk of premature death, according to one study (that’s comparable to the risk of smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day! And it’s more of a risk than obesity and physical inactivity)7

6 in 10

Proportion of Canadians who say they would like their friends and family to spend more time with them. Just 14% of Canadians describe their current social lives as “very good” and about 18% aren’t sure they’d have someone they could count on for emotional support in a crisis8

of people who volunteered in the last 12 months who say that volunteering decreased their stress levels2

Health checklist

The benefits of volunteering may include longer life wand reduction in the risk of depression and intensity of chronic pain1

Length in years of a New Zealand study that looked at data from 800 participants. It found that people who had positive social who had positive social connections as kids and young adults had stronger sense of well-being as adults, whereas academic achievement did not have that effect on adult well-being10

Did you know?

Health checklist

Research suggests that in older adults, volunteering any number of hours is associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning5

Did you know?

1.6

People who feel strongly connected to others tend to have better immune systems, recover from illness faster, have higher self-esteem and are more empathetic and have lower levels of anxiety and depression6

In a recent study in Germany, people wrote down ideas for boosting or maintaining their life satisfaction. In the follow-up a year later, those who identified “social strategies,” like helping a nonprofit or seeing friends and family more, became more satisfied with their lives. In contrast, those who chose “individual strategies,” like quitting smoking or finding a better job, found that their level of satisfaction stayed the same or even decreased9 https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/ hometown-health/speaking-of-health/helpingpeople-changing-lives-the-6-health-benefitsof-volunteering,2http://www.volunteerweekly. org/health-benefits-of-volunteering-2/ health-benefits-of-volunteeringinfographics/,3https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/ n1/pub/89-652-x/89-652-x2015001-eng. pdf,4http://www.volunteerweekly.org/healthbenefits-of-volunteering-2/health-benefitsof-volunteering-infographics/, 5https:// www.matherinstitute.com/2017/09/11/acloser-look-at-cognitive-benefits-ofvolunteering-in-older-adults/,6http://ccare. stanford.edu/uncategorized/connectednesshealth-the-science-of-social-connectioninfographic/,7https://journals.plos.org/ plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal. pmed.1000316 and https://www.health. harvard.edu/newsletter_article/the-healthbenefits-of-strong-relationships,8http:// angusreid.org/social-isolation-lonelinesscanada/,9http://home.uni-leipzig.de/diffdiag/ pppd/wp-content/uploads/ManuscriptPursuit-of-Happiness_final.pdf, https:// greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/ is_social_connection_the_best_path_to_ happiness,10https://www.springer.com/ about+springer/media/springer+select?SGW ID=0-11001-6-1385248-0 1

billion

Number of hours Canadians volunteered as of 2013 (the most recent information available). Canadians aged 55 years and older make up 28% of all volunteers3

The Walleye

Laura Paxton

CoverStory

Tiina Flank

Dance, Art, and Music

A Cure for Cold Feet and Cabin Fever By Justin Allec

winter, you’re a harsh fist that squeezes us tight. With winter, it’s always fun at first, but then you get tired of those rituals designed to keep the cold at bay. So what to do about that feeling, with Christmas cheer long past, when you simply cannot take another dark, windy day of -20°C? Here are three suggestions depending on your head space: “I’m realizing that this is my geographical location on the planet,” says Lisa Macchione, a local practitioner of tribal fusion belly dance. “So I have to make the best of it. This is the best time to create or learn something new.” After a childhood spent in tap and jazz dancing, Macchione wanted to pursue her practice but realized she needed something different. She decided to invest in herself by exploring what classes local studios offered. From those lessons, Macchione went further afield and discovered tribal fusion belly dance through the 8 Elements program, eventually becoming a local instructor. A regular performer at cultural events, Macchione is all sinuous grace on stage. It’s true there are

16 The Walleye

hours of practice involved, but it’s also true that Macchione dances for the same reasons anyone does: the simple joy of moving. Macchione says that “music is the source, like your heartbeat, that guides your movements… I do a lot of improvised dance in my private practise and on stage and I find there can be excitement and freedom in not having a plan.” Dancing costs nothing, but the health benefits are tremendous. Tiina Flank, co-host of The Foundry’s Open Mic nights, echoes Macchione when it comes to embracing winter. “I learned to love winter by no longer focusing on what you can’t do when it’s cold,” she says. So when the sun goes down, she suggests heading down to The Foundry on a Thursday night for a cosy night of song and dance. Flank’s been helping host these open mic nights for four years since she moved back to Thunder Bay, and she loves the opportunity to play in a relaxed setting and get to know other performers. An open mic night follows a loose format, where Flank and co-host Craig Smyth open with a

few songs. Performers sign up on arrival and can play up to three songs, with the hosts coordinating the evening’s flow. What determines a successful open mic night? Flank says that “it’s the vibe of the audience. When we have a packed house, the players feel the buzz from the crowd and pull out their big, fun songs that get people singing along. If the audience is more of a listening crowd, we start hearing more songwriter tunes like folk or blues.” She also says that the busier the night, the more likely beginner players are to take a chance to perform given the supportive crowd. Whether you want to be a part of the audience or test your chops, there’s no predicting what might happen on an open mic night. Sometimes you don’t need more action, though. Teeming with colour and creativity, the Thunder Bay

Art Gallery is a quieter cure for the winter blues. With gallery exhibits rotating every six to eight weeks, there’s always something new to see. Currently, there are featured exhibitions from iconic Indigenous artist Benjamin Chee Chee and an expansive juried collection The North Now that features 47 artists from our region working in a variety of mediums, but the gallery also rotates through a collection of thousands of pieces. Administrative coordinator Kamila Westerback says that the classes and workshops offered usually fill up regardless of the season, but there’s something special about taking extra time to explore the works during the winter months. “Some people make a point to schedule lunch or dinner dates with friends followed by a visit to the gallery,” she says. “One patron in particular has told us that it is a routine that she follows specifically during the winter season.” Westerback also referred to a 2013 study commissioned by the Ontario Arts Council called The Arts and Individual WellBeing in Canada that found significant links between gallery attendance and good health, as well as promoting the feeling of “not being trapped in a daily routine.” A quieter escape then, but still something out of the ordinary. The snow plough driver doesn’t have it in for you, but it is time to do something different. Dance, sing, watch, or find your own cure. Winter is a season, but it doesn’t have to be your state of mind.

CoverStory

Health checklist

Playing a musical instrument isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just a way to be a rock star or band camp kid. It has benefits that can include lower blood pressure and heart rate, improved brain function, a better immune system, and reduced risk of anxiety and depression4

2019

Year in which the U.K. government launched the National Academy of Social Prescribing, which connects patients to community services, which can include singing and art classes. Preliminary results show that in areas where people with long-term conditions have access to social prescribing workers, there are 38% fewer ER visits and 47% fewer hospital appointments7

8 % 90

of Canadians who believe engagement with the arts leads to good health and well-being. More stats: 95% of Canadians say arts education assists in the intellectual development of children and 88% of Canadians believe youth engagement with the arts helps reduce youth crime and alienation8

Number of acting lessons for older American adults that resulted in improved cognitive tests in word recall, problem-solving, and prose comprehension and recall, compared to a group that did not have the classes5

of Ontarians who say that the arts are important to improving the quality of life in their communities, according to a 2017 survey. As well, 85% say that the arts are important to improving the quality of their own lives and 91% agree that the arts help us to understand other cultures better10

Did you know?

Health checklist

Listening to music can help calm neural activity in the brain and reduce anxiety, help with effective functioning of the immune system, lower pain in cancer patients, cut anxiety-related symptoms in cardiac patients, and reduce hospital stays1

Attending cultural events is associated with longer life. According to a 14-year British study, people who engaged in the arts every few months or more had a 31% lower risk of dying, compared to those who never attended arts events. (Those who attended once or twice a year had a 13% lower risk of mortality.)9

by which the chance of becoming disabled was decreased, in a study of older Japanese women who frequently did some sort of dance, compared to women who did not boogy3

Number of hours of singing in a choir needed to boost levels of immune proteins, reduce stress, and improve mood in people living with cancer and their caregivers2

100

Number of hours of engaging in the arts (painting, reading, photography, music, theatre, sculpture, fashion, and craft, either as a participant or an observer) over a 12-month period that resulted in significantly higher reports of mental well-being, compared to people with lower levels of engagement, according to a recent Australian study6

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804629/,2https://ecancer.org/en/journal/article/631-singingmodulates-mood-stress-cortisol-cytokine-and-neuropeptide-activity-in-cancer-patients-and-carers/abstract, 3https:// onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/sms.13336. 4https://www.livescience.com/40597-playing-musical-instrumentgood-health.html, 5https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2769921/, 6https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral. com/articles/10.1186/s12889-015-2672-7, 7https://www.gov.uk/government/news/social-prescribing-new-nationalacademy-set-up, 8https://capacoa.ca/en/services/arts-promotion/statistics, 9https://www.bmj.com/content/367/bmj.l6377, 10 https://www.arts.on.ca/news-resources/news/2017/new-report-ontarians-value-the-positive-impact-of 1

The Walleye

Food

Fish Pie Serves 4–6

2 lb. floury potatoes (like Yukon Gold, or russets in a pinch) ¼ c butter 1-2 Tbsp milk or cream

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Peel potatoes and quarter. Put in a large pan, cover with cold water and add a bit of salt. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well and mash until smooth. Beat in butter and milk/cream. Season and keep warm until needed.

2 c fish stock* (see note above) ⅔ c white wine Small handful of parsley leaves, separated from thick stalks, chopped, and set aside for later 12 oz white fish and/or salmon fillets 12 oz smoked white (or other) fish

Put stock, wine, and parsley stalks into a large pan and bring to a simmer. Add the fish. Simmer for five minutes, then lift out with a slotted spoon. Remove the skins, if any, and cut into large chunks. Discard the parsley stalks.

7 oz peeled small shrimp

When Beige Isn’t Boring

¼ c butter ¼ c all-purpose flour

By Chef Rachel Globensky

hroughout my culinary career, I’ve heard again and again that you just can’t serve someone a plate of beige food. Think: chicken, noodles, and cauliflower… boooooring! But what if I told you those old fogies can stuff it, and that a big bowl of beige can go miles to soothe your raw February soul? The simple fish pie won’t be featured on any foodie fashion week spreads with its drab monotony of savoury chunks of seafood afloat in creamy sauce and covered

18 The Walleye

in fluffy mashed potatoes. What fish pie is though, is the subdued food equivalent of cozying up on the couch with a blanket and a good book on a quiet Sunday afternoon. A perfect dish to drown out a winter storm raging outside, or kids who are nutty from a frigid week’s worth of indoor recesses, fish pie is quick to make, and super adaptable, depending on your tastes or what you have on hand. You can add any fish from mackerel to mussels, and round out the sauce with sautéed leeks or spinach.

¾ c heavy (whipping) cream parsley leaves (from above) 2 anchovy fillets, minced (or 2 tsp anchovy paste)

Melt butter in a medium pan over medium-low heat, and then stir in the flour. Cook while stirring, for a couple of minutes, being careful not to let it brown—it should smell fragrant. Gradually stir in the stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in cream, parsley, and anchovies, and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Place seafood into greased 8x8” or 11x7” baking dish and pour sauce over top. Top with mashed potatoes and bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with a handful of breadcrumbs or grated parmesan, and bake 15 more minutes, until top is golden. *This recipe calls for 2 cups of fish stock, but if you don’t have any on hand, sub in 1 cup of either chicken or veggie stock, mixed with 1 cup of water. Both chicken and vegetable stock can be strong-tasting at full strength, so diluting them will ensure the delicate flavours of seafood won’t get lost in the mix.

Thanks to our generous donors, in 2019

$201,427.06 has been distributed in grants by

DRINK OF THE MONTH

Food

Strawberries & Cream Barkeep Cocktails

Story by Rebekah Skochinski, Photo by Adrian Lysenko 2019 GRANT RECIPIENTS: Our Kids Count · Roots to Harvest · Magnus Theatre · Alzheimer Society · Hospice Northwest · Thunder Bay Public Library · NorthWind Family Ministries · CNIB · CAHEP · St. Thomas Church Family Giving Centre · St. John Ambulance · Ontario Nature · Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra · Elizabeth Fry Society of Northwestern Ontario · George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation · Caring Hearts Cat Rescue & Sanctuary · Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder Bay · Underground Gym · Precious Bundles Clothing Assistance Program · Salvation Army · Thunder Bay Emergency Shelter ·

February is the ideal month for Cupid to take aim. It’s cold, we’re buried under mountains of snow, spring sparkles faintly on the horizon—who isn’t in want of a little love and affection? You will find such warmth in spades, as well as a sleek and sexy space to hang your toque, in the newly opened Barkeep Cocktails. Devoted entirely to libations, save for a few delicious bites, you’ll feel comfortable visiting solo, as a couple, or with friends, letting the attentive staff cater to your every whim. On a recent late afternoon, we stopped in for their Strawberries & Cream, a ruby-hued star of a drink made with roasted strawberries, pisco, port, topped with a snow cap of cream, sprinkled with dehydrated and roasted strawberry powder. We might not believe in love at first sight but we do believe in love at first sip—and you will, too.

Barkeep Cocktails 15c St. Paul Street

Grants are made possible through the generosity of people like you. Each project is incredibly important to our community.

Since 1971

$6,197,310 has been distributed.

tbcf.org · 807-475-7279

The Walleye

Food

A Bakery with a View

Sarah Miller

Wild Rose Baking Co. at Port Arthur Health Centre

Story by Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey, Photos by Kevin Dempsey

estled on the first floor of the Port Arthur Health Centre, Wild Rose Baking Co. offers a variety of sweet and savoury baked goods to both patients and staff working at the centre. Sarah Miller had a good, secure office job, but some days, the long commute to Grand Portage and not being able to spend enough time with her daughter seemed like too much of a compromise. As someone who had been cooking and baking for family and friends since she was

20 The Walleye

young (“my mom’s got a cookbook from 1922 that I’ve cooked out of since I was a kid,” she says) a little bakery of her own had always been in the back of her mind. Noting the vacant space at the Health Centre where there had once been a Robin’s Donuts, she inquired about it, just on a whim. After a long time, she heard back—did she want it? “I thought it must be a sign. So I went for it!” Miller says. She opened Wild Rose Baking Co. in November 2019 and calls

her little space “Thunder Bay in 132 square feet.” One side of her little shop has wall-to-wall windows overlooking downtown Port Arthur and the Sleeping Giant. “The view! This is such a gem. You look out and the Sleeping Giant is just there, napping every day,” she says. But making such a small space work takes considerable effort. She tried making soup once or twice, but found it excruciatingly difficult. In her tiny kitchen, she makes pastries, muffins, cupcakes, and some savoury lunch options such as steak bites with a maple bourbon barbecue sauce. Miller also does wraps and sandwiches, including a sweet and salty chicken, cranberry, and almond salad wrap. “That’s a family recipe—we always have chicken cranberry salad at barbecues so I turned that into a wrap,”

she explains. “The staff here are my biggest fans,” Miller says. “There’s fresh coffee [from Wolfhead Coffee] and tea [from Tea Horse] that they can grab in the morning. And there’s a doctor here who buys half-dozens of whatever is on the counter, every day, multiple times a day, and gives it out to all the staff.” Although Miller has experience as a baker, she admits being a business owner is hard. “The baking and cooking part, I’ve got that down pat. I can bake all day, then close up, go pick up my daughter from school, go home and have time to make dinner. This is what I want to do. So I’m going to do this. And hopefully it works.” For more information, visit facebook.com/wildrosebakingco.

All types of artisans are at the Market!

New Website!

Visit our new website: yesjobsnow.com to find out about YES programs, services, workshops, and success stories.

Thunder Bay Country Market We Make It, Bake It, Grow It

YES offers free individual assistance to help you reach your employment and training goals. If you are a new worker, returning to the workforce, or facing a job loss or lay-off, speak to one of our Career Development Practitioners. We have programs and services that can help.

Posting and applying for positions is easy on our new user-friendly Job Bank.

YES Employment Services

Gift Baskets for All Occasions! Visit Us:

Find/Follow Us:

Open Year Round on Wednesday 3:30-6:30pm & Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm

CLE Grounds - Dove Building Northern & May Street tbcm.ca @tbaymarket

1116 Waterford Street Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5R1 807-623-0768

Just Walk In Mon 9am-5pm Tues 9am-6pm Wed.-Fri 9am-5pm Sat. 9am-12pm

INTRODUCING THE

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downtownvw.com | 807-344-9700 The Walleye

Food

prices. Cooking instructions and fun tips are just a social media message away, as this pair love interacting with their customers, and are so into it they may just ask for a pic of the finished product. Always the entrepreneur, Lankinen is finessing some new ideas and flavours for the future. Although still in the planning stages, keep an ear to the ground, as what he is dreaming up could very well be the talk of the town. If you’re feeling ready for a fantastic flavour sensation and friendly service, head out to Current River to see what all the fuss is about. Located at 481 Hodder Avenue, Beefcake's Burger Factory is open every day of the week starting at 11 am. Call 683-6757, email beefcakesburgerfactory@gmail.com, or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Beefcake’s Burger Factory

Throwback Burger Shop Celebrates Six-Month Anniversary

eefcake’s Burger Factory calls itself “Thunder Bay's only throwback burger shop,” and it certainly fits the bill. Walking into the restaurant, customers are instantly greeted by friendly staffers, if not chef and owner Derek Lankinen himself. The name "Beefcake’s" comes from Lankinen’s childhood nickname, affectionately given to him by his sister after a South Park character sporting a shirt saying the same. For the burgers at Beefcake’s Lankinen uses quality meat, which is coarsely ground, as is his preference. The burgers are cooked using the “Maillard reaction”—searing the burgers over high heat—and served on Five Star Bakery buns. I enjoyed a double Stack It Up burger during my visit, and I practically had to unhinge my jaw while savouring the juicy goodness. The fries, made from potatoes from B&B Farms, are served up hot and salty, with a most

22 The Walleye

excellent gravy. Other menu choices abound—try the cheddar jalapeño or the mushroom swiss burger. Veggie and chicken burgers are also available, and patrons can switch up the sides by opting for poutine or salad. Beefcake’s also has an exclusive bar menu at neighbouring watering hole The Hodder, featuring house-made “mozza logs,” deep-fried avocados, jalapeño mac and cheese bombs, and a Thursday wing night with approximately 14 different flavours. Lankinen considers his shop to be a “food hub” of local products— inside, you'll also find items from Heartbeat Hot Sauce Co., Shumka Dust, Rose N Crantz Coffee Co., the Bakeshop on Boundary, and My Simply Sweet Desserts, which all adds to the community vibe. There are also fresh and frozen steaks for purchase. Elite Beef, the brainchild of Lankinen and Eat Local Pizza’s CEO Jim Stadey, is all about sourcing premium beef, but not at premium

Derek Lankinen

By Susan Pretty

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PORT ARTHUR POLISH HALL GENERAL ADMISSION $50 Foinformation r tic ket in fovisit: r m a tio n vis it : For ticket w w w . t hu n d er b ay bl u es so ci e ty. c a www.thunderbaybluessociety.ca

The Walleye

Le dimanche 1 mars / Sunday, March 1st Thunder Bay International Women‘s Day

Journée internationale de la femme Venez célébrer avec nous !

Thunder Bay’s Leading Anti Aging Spa since 1996

Come Celebrate with us!

L’Heure du thé royal

Royal High Tea

pour femmes et enfants 10 $ - adulte 5 $ - 5 à 12 ans 4 ans et moins - gratuit

for Women and Children $10 - adult $5 - 5 to 12 years 4 years and under - free

1ier service : 12 h à 13 h 30 2e service: 15 h à 16 h 30

1st sitting: 12 pm to 1:30 pm 2e sitting: 3 pm to 4:30 pm

RSVP car les places sont limitées par service

RSVP (spaces are limited during each sitting)

Centre francophone 234, rue Van Norman Street 807 684 -1955 centrelles.com/reservation

alluremedispa.com

February

WINTER BLUES

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Food

Sessionable Sips By Jeannie Dubois, Certified Pommelier and Sommelier

he weight of winter, which has been upon us here on our great, white, north shore for several months, with low-lying temperatures and a hefty helping of snow outdoors, can make anyone feel the heaviness of hibernation. Inside, however, it can be easy to lighten up and enjoy that crisp and refreshing pint of beer or full-flavoured glass of wine without the

guilt of breaking a resolution or recriminations about self-care strategies started in the new year. Currently, there is more awareness surrounding alcohol consumption and its impact on our personal and community health (and waistlines) but there is also a swing towards locally sourced commodities where fewer ingredients equals more.

Alcohol by nature is considered calorie-rich insofar as it has caloric value but absolutely no nutritional value whatsoever. In addition, there are residual sugars, such as you find in wine, or carbohydrates, like those found in beer, which can certainly tip the scales if not imbibed in moderation. Spirits don’t escape this pitfall either, as they are often paired with juicy fruit drinks

or syrupy sodas that are dense in calories. Add to that the questionable colouring agents and suspect preservation constituents and it’s no small wonder that we are all taking a more tempered perspective on what we would like in our glass. Fortunately, the market is responding to the desire for fewer ingredients in a lighter format and offering are now available—santé!

Think:

Barely There Brews Muskoka Brewery Ebb & Flow Session Sour

Partake Brewing NonAlcoholic Pale Ale

$300

$200

LCBO No. 646315

for 473ml 2.4% ABV

LCBO No. 617878

for 355ml 0.3% ABV

Light and Bright Wines Svelte Blanc – Wine Rack

Svelte Rosé – Wine Rack

for 750ml 14g/l residual sugar 8.5%ABV

$1095

Conscious Cocktails Cottage Springs Beverage Co. – Ontario Peach Vodka Soda

LCBO no. 553537

$270

for 355m Sugar & Sweetener Free 5% AB V

Aquarelle Passionfruit Spiked Sparkling Water LCBO No. 649475

$275 for 355ml 5% ABV

The Walleye

Food

Tastes of the North

Fundraiser Offers Local Gourmet Creations with a Side of Culinary Education Story by Lindsay Campbell, Photo by Scott Hobbs

orthwestern Ontario’s exceptional culinary and craft beer scene will take centre stage at Magnus Theatre’s annual dinner and auction later this month. Tastes of the North, the name of this year’s fundraising event, will feature a locally inspired three-course meal prepared by Chef Roy Maki of the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel. While Magnus Theatre’s dinner auctions have been a longstanding tradition for more than two decades, efforts to shift the focus towards regional flavours have been prominent in recent years. With Tastes of the North, menu items will be infused and inspired by beers from Kenora’s Lake of the Woods Brewery. Set to take place on the Magnus stage, the dinner will begin with

26 The Walleye

smoked salmon, honey dill aioli, and Sultana Gold Blonde Ale breadsticks. For the main course, guests will sink their teeth into an eightounce Frenched pork chop marinated in Channel Marker Citra Dry-Hopped Lite Lager, served with baby bok choy and Big Lake Pasta. Dessert will incorporate the brewery’s Forgotten Lake Blueberry Ale, using the beer as a focal point in a blueberry bannock with vanilla ice cream and maple syrup. Each course will be paired with its corresponding house brew. Thom Currie, artistic director of Magnus Theatre, says choosing a craft brewery like Lake of the Woods as a focal point not only allows people to sample a variety of local flavours, but also provides an educational experience to learn

about how beer can be central to the recipe. He adds that the event’s emphasis on regional businesses and their products seemed appropriate, as Northern Ontario has a lot to offer. “We think Thunder Bay is so fortunate to have such a thriving food and beverage scene here… so we thought it would be neat to focus on that,” he says. The Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel will supply local ingredients for the evening as a key partner in the annual event for the second year in a row. Following the dinner, a live auction will take place with products, services, and getaway packages donated by local businesses and Magnus supporters. Currie says the events would not happen without the help and support of partner businesses, including the breweries,

vineyards, and distilleries Magnus has collaborated with over the years. Ticket funds will be used to help fulfill the demand of Magnus Theatre’s programming and upgrade its iconic Central School House building. The structure itself has existed for almost 99 years longer than Magnus Theatre’s establishment. “There’s a lot to do to prepare the building for the next 100 years, to ensure this building remains an architectural centrepiece in the downtown for a long time to come,” Currie says. Tastes of the North will take place on February 29 at 6 pm at Magnus Theatre. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at the Magnus Theatre box office, by phone at 345-5552, or online at magnustheatre.com. They will be available until supplies last.

LEAPBEER 02 29 2020 CRAFT BEER APPETIZERS LIVE MUSIC

$30

FINN HALL 314 Bay St

part of the proceeds will benefit:

buy tickets online : brewhaevents.com The Walleye

FilmTheatre

The Birds and the Bees Magnus Presents Romantic Comedy Story by Savanah Tillberg, Photo by Scott Hobbs

Kristian Truelsen, Catherine Bruce, Michael Man, and Jessica Greenberg

n hopes of bringing laughter to the Thunder Bay community during this cold season, Magnus Theatre is proud to present their production of Mark Crawford’s The Birds and the Bees. This hilarious romantic comedy follows Sarah, a thirty-something woman who moves back home with her bee-keeping mother, Gail. Although predictability is a part of the nature of most rom-coms, when a young, keen university student and a crusty, old neighbour enter

the worlds of these women, it feels as though nothing in their lives can be predicted. Thom Currie, artistic director at Magnus, says that the central theme of the play, despite the cliché, is that life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. “That’s one of the beautiful aspects of Mark’s writing,” he says. “You eventually realize that the story is about these four people building a community, and that humans need humans.” Currie says that the audience

can expect to laugh. “There is a frankness to the play and a humour that makes it delightful,” he says. He adds that there is also ridiculous dialogue, physical humour, and an artificial insemination of a turkey for patrons to look forward to. “Mark is a writer who creates stories and then just injects a wonderful sense of humanity into them,” he says. “It’s also very funny.” From the moment you read this script, Currie says, it feels as though you already know the characters. “I hope we can do

[this play] justice.” While the language in this play is clean and wholesome, due to some more mature content, Currie suggests that this piece is more suitable for audiences aged 14 and up. The Birds and the Bees will run until February 15, with a pay-whatyou-can performance on February 9. Tickets are available for purchase at the Magnus Theatre box office or online at magnustheatre.com.

WRITTEN BY

Nancy Frick Ferrazzo

DIRECTED BY Gabe

Produced. by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

14 Court Street S

MARCH 4 - 7 & 11 - 14 7:30pm • Cambrian Players

WED $20 THU - SAT $25

Shane Norrie “Run Off “ 60" x 48" Claudette Castonguay “Falling in Love with Cats “ 10" x 12"

28 The Walleye

(Senior/Student $20) Tickets: Calico • Fireweed CambrianPlayers.com • at the door

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FilmTheatre

Confessions of a Drag Dealer

I Wanna Dance with Somebody Story by Jimmy Wiggins, Photo by ELMNTL

Sara Sorrell

orking with drag performers is like nothing else. They’re always interesting people, highly creative, and you’ll never meet a shy queen or king, especially when they’re in character. Drag has always been a big part of my life and even though I’ve only ever done Halloween drag (my early 1990s Courtney Love was pretty messy), I’ve always had a lot of respect and admiration for those who are able to transform themselves into a larger-than-life character, evoking some kind of fantasy onstage using nothing but their bodies and the clothes on their back. That’s just what a good performer does. They tell a story using emotion and movement. Drag performers take this concept to the next level with physical exaggerations—big hair, big chest, big hips, and lots and lots of makeup—to

30 The Walleye

create a super character. Their stories are comedic, sultry, strange, avant-garde and everything in between and I live for all of it. So when I was given the opportunity to work with Sara Sorrell, a professional dance instructor who has taught some of my favourite local drag queens and kings, how could I say no? Sorrell has been dancing for over 15 years. Born in Dauphin, Manitoba, she moved to Thunder Bay at the age of 4 and got her start at the age of 10 when the principal at her public school noticed her passion for dancing at a school talent show. She started dance classes and hasn’t looked back. In 2017, she started her own company as a way to share her talents with others who enjoy the craft. “SS Dance is a local dance company that is LGBTQ+ based and offers different variety of

dance styles to discover and explore your own individuality, creativity, and innovation in the movement of dance,” explains Sorrell. I met Sorrell a few years ago at a cover show. One of the bands was covering pop star Sia and had hired Sorrell to dance during their set. White wig and all, Sorrell performed the dance from Sia’s video for “Chandelier.” I don’t know what it was about her, but I couldn’t stop watching. She was captivating, confident and I couldn’t take my eyes off what she was doing. After the show we started talking about collaborating on a show that would tell a story through dance with drag. We called it Beauties & Booties and debuted the show in November 2018, with a returning show featuring an even bigger cast, Beauties & Booties 2: Candy Land, last March. The show combines a wide range of dance

styles from jazz, funk, and contemporary to hip hop, fusion, booty work, and vogue/waacking, all in heels. It’s a storytelling performance through dance combined with the art of drag through training, conditioning, and rehearsals. Currently we’ve been working on the third installment of the show, Beauties & Booties 3: Iconz, with a cast of nine queens and kings. The show will celebrate pride through dance and drag to the music of some of the LBGTQ+ community’s biggest names and allies. We’re also taking the show out of the nightlife scene and moving it to a more family-friendly environment, making it more accessible and giving all audiences a chance to experience what Thunder Bay drag has to offer. Beauties & Booties 3: Iconz takes place March 6 and 7 at the Paramount Theatre.

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thunderbay.ca /recycle The Walleye

FilmTheatre The Second Most Pleasurable Thing We Do In the Dark. A Column About Movies

Films about Cabin Fever

By Michael Sobota

Why is it so dark? In the beginning, it is always dark. - Bastian (Barret Oliver) to The Childlike Empress (Tami Stronach) in The NeverEnding Story

he low sunlight of January and February drags winter forward slowly. On overcast days, winter seems to stand still and we can begin to feel trapped. We have come to know this closed-in feeling as cabin fever. There are hundreds of movies that capture that feeling—many are simplistic horror stories, but others are rich and layered examinations of our inner psyches. The antidote to cabin fever is escape: light, warmth, fantasy. Here are three fine cabin-fever films and one adventurous antidote.

Doctor Zhivago (1965) This is director David Lean’s counterbalance to his desert-anchored biopic, Lawrence of Arabia. Working again from a screenplay by Robert Bolt based on Boris Pasternak’s novel, the film is set in the years leading up to and then following the Russian Revolution in the winter of 1917. Lean uses winter to wrap around great outdoor sequences: a train steaming across a vast, empty landscape; an army charging through a frozen forest and out onto an icy lake; Zhivago (Omar Sharif) and his lover Lara’s (Julie Christie) horse-drawn sleigh ride through the countryside leading to a tryst in Zhivago’s ice-decorated dacha. Though the movie is epic in scope and cinematography, it is winter that closes in and darkens the characters’ stories, along with one of the best movie scores ever, composed by Maurice Jarre

The Shining (1980) Stanley Kubrick’s original take on Stephen King’s claustrophobic novel was disliked intensely by King, but proved a box office draw and made Jack Nicholson’s career skyrocket. Nicholson plays Jack Torrance, a writer hired to be a caretaker at the Overlook Hotel, which is closed for the winter. Once he arrives with his wife (Shelley Duvall) and son (Danny Lloyd), snow storms arrive, closing in the hotel and making access roads impassable. Torrance begins to crumple within this atmosphere until, in a climactic sequence, goes on a murderous rampage. His son, however, has a special gift—a “shining”—and can see and hear people and events happening in and around the snow-laden hotel. Kubrick, notorious for his many takes and obsession with details, took over 500 days to shoot the film, which was originally projected to be done in six months. My guess is everybody wanted out of there by the time it was done.

And here are six more winter-wrapped feverish tales: The Gold Rush (1925), Alexander Nevsky (1938), Never Cry Wolf (1983), Misery (1990), Alive (1993), and Fargo (1996).

32 The Walleye

Angelique’s Isle (2018)

The Never Ending Story (1984)

Co-directors Michelle Derosier and Marie-Hélène Cousineau brought to the screen the Northern Ontario true story of an Indigenous woman and her winter on Isle Royale. Derosier based her screenplay on local author James R. Stevens’ original novella. It is 1845, and together with her voyageur husband, Charlie (Charlie Carrick), Angelique (Julia Jones) travels with a group of company prospectors to Isle Royale on a mineral expedition. The scene of their ship on Lake Superior and then arriving at the Isle is cinematically breathtaking. Upon discovery of what seems to be a major vein of copper on the Isle, the prospecting team returns to the mainland, leaving Angelique and Charlie to protect the claim. Winter sets in and the promised return of the prospectors never happens. The story moves inside a literal cabin, and when Charlie dies, Angelique moves into an even smaller forest-made shelter. The narrative becomes a struggle between her Christian upbringing and her native survival traditions. Shot entirely in Northwestern Ontario locations, it is one of the finest films telling authentic Canadian history.

Here is a cabin fever antidote movie— one you can watch in the warmth of your living room but that will take you away from winter’s doldrums. Wolfgang Petersen gives us the story of a boy, 10 years old and bullied at school, who escapes into a bookshop. There he discovers a strange volume titled The NeverEnding Story. He takes it to his school, and holed up in an attic, discovers a fantasy world that will teach him about courage and strength, and help him change the world he feels trapped in. The narrative is full of double-meaning plot points (the darkness spreading over the land is called “The Nothing”) and could be descriptive of the world we are experiencing today. I was tipped off to take another look at this by a friend who recently watched it with his young son and daughter. Well worth another viewing.

FilmTheatre

Caught in the Act Badanai Theatre Presents Sister Act By Amy Sellors

his February, Badanai Theatre presents Sister Act. The 2006 musical, based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, played in the West End and on Broadway, won awards, and broke box office records. The high-stakes story revolves around Deloris Van Cartier, a worldly singer who witnesses a mob crime. The police hide her as a nun in a traditional convent, where she has trouble fitting in. Add some great songs, a powerful message about acceptance, and a whole lot of laughs, and you have Sister Act, the musical. If you were fortunate enough to see Mamma Mia! last year, you will see a few familiar faces in Sister Act. Among them are Jacqui Soulias, Leigh Wood, and Dennis Dubinsky. All three shared how they love working with Badanai Theatre and feel so supported by producer Lawrence Badanai, director/choreographer Candi Badanai, and director Spencer Hari. “It takes a village. We’re all in this together,” says Hari. Jacqui Soulias plays Mother Superior, whose world is plunged into turmoil when she has to hide this wayward “Sister.” With a background in teaching and choral direction, Soulias draws on her life

experience for the role. She loves the music in the show and says that “the play is far more moving than the movie,” as there are so many characters to root for. “Everyone has a gift. That’s what Deloris teaches us,” says Soulias. Leigh Wood, who plays Sister Mary Patrick, picks up on that theme. “In this day and age, with everything that’s going on in our world today, it’s so important to find common ground, and that we appreciate and celebrate everyone that comes across our path,” she says. “That’s what’s special about this musical.” The music in Sister Act has not

been easy to learn, but it has been lots of fun. Some songs are beautiful and heartwarming, while others raise the roof and will have you dancing in the aisles. “It’s cold outside. Come enjoy some excellent vocals!” says Jessica Melanson, who plays Sister Mary Theresa. Dennis Dubinsky plays Curtis, the gangster boyfriend. Audiences will see a different side of Dubinsky, as this time he’s been cast as the heavy. Used to playing comedy, he’s enjoying exploring his darker side. “We’re the contrast— the reason Deloris goes into the convent. It’s a blast to see it coming together,” says Dubinsky.

Co-director Hari is also in the show—to the delight of Thunder Bay audiences—playing Pablo, one of Curtis’ henchmen. “This show is about celebrating differences, and finding yourself and your gifts. I look forward to every rehearsal” says Hari. “I love listening to everyone sing together. It’s joyful, joyful noise!” Sister Act is playing at the Paramount Theatre and tickets are going fast! The show runs February 5–8, 12–15, and 19–22 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25 and are available at Maple Tops. Call 344-4080 for more information.

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Leah Morningstar

TheArts

Pat O’Connor

Paddy O’Boards A Second Career Now a Perfect Retirement Career

n another lifetime, Pat O’Connor was literally working on the railroad. He hails from Chapleau, Ontario and spent several years travelling around Northern Ontario by train. He loved the Thunder Bay area and in 1976 had the opportunity to step off the train, so to speak, to study at Confederation College. O’Connor completed the Law and Security Administration program at the college and then went on to work for the government (in Community Safety and Correctional Services) until his retirement five

34 The Walleye

years ago. His career spanned decades and during that time he met and married his wife, raised two children, and became a pretty accomplished triathlete. He also started a second career, something creative and artistically fulfilling. In 1987, O’Connor took a shortterm leave of absence from his correctional services job in order to return to college. This time he went with the Cabinet Making and Millwork program, which included an apprenticeship at a local shop called Handcrafted Cabinets and

Leah Morningstar

By Leah Morningstar

Furniture. When the leave of absence was over, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor returned to his day job with an extremely solid backup career plan in place. While training at school and the cabinet store, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor's work focused primarily on making cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms. It was a good way to learn to work with his hands and establish a good foundation of knowledge, but it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really allow a lot of room for creativity. So Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor used his new woodworking skills as a jumping off point for his own ideas. He expanded upon his skills and began creating designs for smaller-scale items such as cutting boards and charcuterie trays, and larger-scale items like canoes and kayaks. His workshop sits directly behind his house. It looks like a garage from the outside, but he says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely never been any cars in here!â&#x20AC;? There are many big machines, though, and they all seem to make a different noise and a different kind of wood shaving. There is a computer numerical control engraving machine, a table saw, a band saw, a scroll saw, a router, an

TheArts

electric branding iron, a planer, a drill press, and more, both big and small. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor is at a point in his artistic journey where he simply looks at the colour and grain of the wood and knows what kind it is. He picks up a board and says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tamarack, it burns really hot.â&#x20AC;? He moves fluidly and dreamily, as if nothing he does requires any effort at all, and barely even follows plans anymore. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I see something I like, or my wife sees something she likes, and I just look at it and figure it out,â&#x20AC;? he says. The blueprints and instructions magically take shape in Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind and then he creates something tangible and real. Holding one of his impossibly smooth cutting boards, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult to believe it was ever anything else. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handiwork can be found at The Cheese Encounter, Sleeping Giant Brewing Co., and online at paddyoboards.com. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor also teaches basic woodworking in a one-on-one (or two) setting. Contact him through his website about lessons or his products.

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TheArts

From Thunder Bay Art Gallery’s Collection

Untitled By Meaghan Eley, Registrar and Curatorial Assistant, Thunder Bay Art Gallery Artist: Susan Ross Title: Untitled Medium: charcoal on paper Dimensions: 61 x 46 cm

usan Ross was born in 1915 in what was then Port Arthur, Ontario. Knowing from a young age that she wanted to be an artist, she moved to Toronto to attend the Ontario College of Art in 1933, an unusual journey for a young woman at the time. Four years later, Ross returned to the Lakehead, married and subsequently had four children, but she remained an artist and continued painting, drawing, and printmaking, for much of her life. In the early 1960s, Ross met Norval Morrisseau. The two would go on to become friends, continuing a correspondence that lasted several years. It was Morrisseau who encouraged Ross to sketch scenes of life in remote Indigenous communities, offering to accompany her to Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation), Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake First Nation), and Sandy Lake First Nation. Portraits and scenes of everyday life from these communities, as well as many others, would become the main focus of her artwork throughout the rest of her career. There is nothing written on the untitled drawing pictured to indicate that Norval Morrisseau is the subject,

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however, many people have noted the resemblance to the young artist. While the information on this work is scant, it is known that Morrisseau and Ross did collaborate on a portrait in the mid-1960s done in graphite and pastel on paper and signed by them both. This drawing was included in Susan Ross: “Painting is a Way of Life” - A Retrospective Exhibition presented by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery in 1994. Morrisseau also documented his friendship with Ross in a work entitled Susan, which is now part of the collection of the National Gallery of Canada. This piece can be seen in Norval Morrisseau: Life & Work by Carmen Robertson, an online publication published by Art Canada Institute. The Thunder Bay Art Gallery houses 186 works by Susan Ross and 106 by Norval Morrisseau, making them the most represented artists in the permanent collection. The staff at the gallery are always working to expand the knowledge and understanding of the artwork in the collection through research as well as input from the public. If anything new comes to light about the drawing, it will be included in the records for future exhibitions. For now it is just speculation, but this sketch may be another link between these two important artists, enriching the story of their friendship.

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TheArts

Finger woven garter, Tiffany Miller

Popular Art Exhibition Back for Fifth Year Fibre Art on Display at the Baggage Building Arts Centre By Pat Forrest

n art exhibit that has attracted visitors from south of the border and across the region is back for its fifth year in the Baggage Building Arts Centre in Marina Park, giving some of our lesser-known artists their time in the spotlight. The dynamic new fibre art exhibition opened on

▼ Ochre River by Cheryl Tordon

38 The Walleye

January 21 and includes work from 24 different fibre artists. Often likened to painting with fabrics and threads, fibre art gives its viewers the chance to experience and interact with art in a way that doesn’t normally happen with traditional painting, and the 40 pieces on display are testimony to the wide

variety of techniques that are employed, including quilting, weaving, Japanese boro stitching, different types of embroidery, appliqué, needle felting, knitting, crocheting, and more. The exhibition has works from professional and amateur fibre artists, all displaying creations they have been working on the past year

▼ Thread Journal by Tammy Deadman

or so, and visitors will have a chance to see wall hangings, sculpture, quilts, fashion, costuming, and a 15foot dragon theatre prop. Angie Jensen, operator of the Baggage Building Arts Centre, says that fibre art has really taken off as an art form in the community. “Fibre art is not as well-known as

TheArts

Dogwood by Christina Mol other art forms but there are now so many people in Thunder Bay involved in it,” Jensen says. “Staging this exhibit is a good way to recognize the growing interest and talent.” Jensen adds that the appeal of the art form may be in the connection between the artist and nature. “There is something so soothing about working with fibre,” she says. “I believe that is why it has been making such a comeback over the last decade. The resurgence of natural fibres and dyes make fibre art a very earth-friendly art form as well, bringing together traditional methods in new and exciting ways.”

▼ Untitled by Kim Sutherland

The Baggage Building Arts Centre and the fibre art exhibit is open and free to the public for viewing Tuesday–Friday, 11 am–5 pm, Saturday and Sunday noon–4 pm. Although some areas in the building may be in use for programming when you visit, the gift gallery is always open with over 60 local artists displaying their work. Jensen predicts that you will walk away uplifted by the exhibit. “With so many awe-striking pieces, the exhibition is always inspiring and educational.” For more information, visit facebook.com/BaggageBuildingArts.

▲ Wise Old Owl by Christina Meadwell ▼ Kindred by Meghan Hannam-Arpin

The Walleye

TheArts

Exploring New Mediums

Workshops to Survive the Winter By Deanne Gagnon

ebruary may be the month with the fewest number of days, but after the holiday buzz and the frigid temperatures hitting their lowest points, it can certainly feel like the longest month of the year. Fortunately, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery is offering a variety of interesting workshops to help make it more enjoyable. “Each season we have different local artists lead workshops for adults in a variety of different areas, such as ceramics, textiles, printmaking, drawing, jewelry, painting, and more. There is always a good mix of participants who are beginners, as well as those who may have

40 The Walleye

had some prior experience registered in each workshop,” explains Denise Smith, education coordinator at the gallery. “Folks of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in learning new skills, exploring new mediums, and an opportunity to be creative in a relaxed setting [are welcome].” This winter, on February 2, multi-disciplinary artist Aaron Veldstra will teach participants how to design and create their own stencils and ultimately produce a composite image using layering techniques in a workshop aptly titled Stencil Me In. On February 9, textile artist Tuija Hansen will lead

an Embroidered Moss Garden workshop where students will learn a variety of embroidery stitches that will be used to create the appearance of moss and lichens to make their own decorative moss garden. They will also have the good fortune of experiencing some of Hansen’s work up close and personal as it is currently on display at the art gallery as part of The North Now juried exhibition. Laura Paxton, photographer, artist, and jeweler of Mossberry Moon, will teach a beaded chain necklace workshop on March 1. In this introductory jewelry-making workshop participants will learn jewelry-making techniques including how to use links, connectors, jump rings, and head and eye pins, and create their own unique necklaces with links of chain, beads, and stones to take home. Adults aren’t the only ones with the opportunity to get their creative

juices flowing. There is also a selection of children’s classes available for children ages five and up, taught by local artists Courtney Davis, Kamila Westerback, and Crystal Sohlman. These include Saturday afternoon drawing classes, a cartooning and anime class on Tuesday evenings, and a new offering on Wednesday evenings—a clay pottery class for older children who will learn to design, build, and glaze their own clay cup and plate. The workshops provide an opportunity for people to work oneon-one with Thunder Bay's talented artists in an intimate setting, with a small class size of 12 people. All materials are provided for workshops and classes. Check out theag.ca for more information on prices, times and future workshop and class offerings.

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Outdoor

The Devil’s in the Details

Snowshoeing in Northern Minnesota

Story and photos by Tyler Sklazeski

his month, lakes and rivers will lose their battle against the relentless cold and soon become trapped under dense sheets of ice and snow. With this change, streams turn to highways for the intrepid snowshoer, offering up some of the North Shore’s best-kept secrets. In search of such places, one morning we packed our bags (consisting of trail beers, energy bars, and coffee...the essentials) and drove into the heart of northern Minnesota. Our destination—the blood red canyons of the Devil’s Track river. Our first steps into the river valley reminded us why snowshoes are a crucial piece of kit for this type of trek—lightweight, with metal crampons for grip, as traction is as important as spreading out weight on the ice. We surveyed the winding path ahead for any signs of instability, walking first on thick shelves that formed on either side of the banks. Littered with arrowhead-shaped islands and tufts of marsh grass poking out like fur on some strange alien creature, the mouth of the

42 The Walleye

river is wide and beautiful. Heading upstream, we were greeted by the echoing crunch of our snowshoes against the canyon walls. While the Devil’s Track runs shallow in the winter, the river was still fast moving and was open in the centre, posing a few problems as the open water widened and ice on the banks disappeared. But each time our route was cut off, narrow ice bridges had formed across the open water, ferrying us across as though a path had been constructed for us. With the canyon walls swelling from rolling banks to jagged 100-foot cliffs, each bend brought indescribable changes in the texture and colour of the landscape. Cedars exploded out of fissures in the narrow rock walls and deep reds streaked across ferrous cliffs. Soon the ice had fully encased the river, save for small portholes revealing the soft chatter of the stream. In sections where the elevation shifted dramatically, ice had separated into phyllo-like layers, allowing us to peer into tiny caves sandwiched between the sheets. After roughly two

Outdoor kilometres, we rounded a wild bend where the river continued to narrow while the cliffs towered upwards. Looking up, we discovered we had made it to the crown jewel of the Devil’s Track— Nightfall. Towering at an incredible 180 feet, this rose-coloured ice formation is the highest climb of its kind in Minnesota, and a sight to behold. Blending with the soil, this rose-tinted monolith descends a cleft in the west wall of the canyon and is only active in the winter months. With a few climbers from nearby Duluth dangling off the top of the formation, we took a short break and continued to the final destination of our journey—Barrier Falls. As we rounded the last corner, the gorge opened into a 120-foot punch bowl, terminating at a waterfall encased in bulbous ice and melting stalagmites. Small windows cut from the face of the falls offered a glimpse into the raw power that lies beneath the North Shore’s many rivers. After a brief rest, we took a few moments to take in the experience and, bottling some for later reflection, we headed back along our path. Arriving at our vehicles, I couldn’t help but think about the tradition and ritual of travelling these waterways, and how the snowshoe facilitates this journey. How, when breaking trail in places like this, every step is an investment that pays upon your return. And what seems like work quickly becomes something much greater—a communion with your surroundings.

The Walleye

CityScene

Justin Campbell

Hearts of Gold

Talking to Local Athletes Competing in the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Story and photos by Kim Latimer

ocal athletes have been training hard for the upcoming Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. The Walleye caught up with three of them during their January training sessions.

Gabby Hannusch Snowshoe, Age 25

abby Hannusch is quick to smile. Her eyes light up behind the round lenses of her glasses. She patiently waits for questions, but seems eager to share her excitement about the Games. “It’s been amazing, and lots of hard work. I feel really healthy and I work out at least an hour everyday,” she says. “It’s special because everyone treats you the same in Special Olympics, because they all know how you feel and everyone has a disability.” Hannusch also has a twin sister who also competes in sport, and she says she usually cheers her sister on from the sidelines. But this year, it’s Hannusch who’s competing. Training means she goes to the track at Lakehead University once a week to practice sprinting, and she swims, works out at home, and has a running coach. “It feels great, it feels like people believe in me and that I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”

44 The Walleye

“We encourage each other to do our best and keep going,” she adds. “We laugh… At Provincials we had a dance at the end of the night in our hotel room. We laughed a lot. If you’re not laughing, it’s not having fun, and we try our best and don’t give up.” “Gabby has worked extremely hard; she’s lost weight and she’s really come out of her shell,” says coach Nancy Rissanen. “She used to be extremely shy and now she’s getting social and very motivated, and she’s a very good team leader who is extremely positive. After Nationals there’s a possibility that if they qualify, they could go to Worlds and compete with Team Canada in 2021, in Sweden.” Hannusch lights up. “That’s my goal, to go to Worlds in one of my sports [she also does floor hockey, track and field, swimming and softball].”

(L-R) Justin and Dave Campbell

Justin Campbell

Cross-Country Skiing, Age 21, Thunder Bay

t’s a mild January evening, only -3°C, and the snow is falling sideways in tandem with the light wind—perfect cross-country evening conditions at Kamview Nordic Centre. Inside the chalet is Justin Campbell, wearing a national ski team toque with the NTDC National Team Development Centre logo on it. It’s still damp with melting snowflakes. Justin is bright-eyed, polite, and quiet, but inquisitive. He’s tall and lean; towering over his father, he looks like a pro skier. He’ll be representing Thunder Bay in the one- and two-kilometre cross-country ski races at the games. Last February, he competed at the Provincials and brought home two golds and one silver. His training consists of routine skiing, cycling, and floor hockey as well as bike riding, and track and field in the summer. It’s a rigorous schedule that he often does alongside his very supportive, loving parents Dave Campbell and Sandra Caputi-Campbell. He is always happy to come skiing, according to Dave. “I’ll say ‘Justin, let’s go for a cycle’ (on a stationary indoor bike he trains on at home) and he’ll say, Let’s go skiing.’ He never says ‘no.” Dave

describes Justin as very positive and easy-going. Justin grew up on classic cross-country skis. He was diagnosed with autism at age three and began skiing around the same age. His parents enrolled him in Jackrabbits, a cross-country ski program for kids offered at Kamview Nordic Centre. However, Justin was on the trails much earlier. Dave recalls how, when Justin was a baby, he used to like to ride in the Chariot sled all bundled up, and Dave or Sandra would pull him along while they skied. Justin would often drift off to sleep while gliding along the trails. “It’s great that the Special Olympics is around and gives people a chance to show their talent,” says Dave. “The Games are incredible, it’s so unique because the atmosphere is very friendly and uninhibited.” Kamview Nordic Centre has also been very supportive; they donated a free season membership to Justin, and the NTDC donated race and training wear. As for his family, they’ve supported him the most and will be there to cheer him on. “I’m a very proud momma. We love him so much,” says Sandra.

Caring Careers Start Here Gabby Hannusch and Tyler Rissanen

Tyler Rissanen Snowshoe, Age 17

printing in racing snowshoes is Tyler Rissanen’s strength. He’s the youngest local athlete to compete on the Ontario Snowshoe Team for Special Olympics. His intense training schedule for the past few months has consisted of pool running, track running, personal training sessions twice a week, snowshoeing twice a week, swimming, and snowshoe sprinting with some of the cross-country skiers. Rissanen got into the sport through his school’s program and this is his first time competing at the national level. “The most exciting thing is having the games in Thunder Bay,” he says. He competed in Regionals in Pembroke, Ontario, where he took home a gold. He also competed in Sault Ste. Marie for Provincials where he took home gold, silver, and bronze. He is one of only two athletes from Thunder Bay to qualify for Nationals. “I feel motivated but you don’t know what the competition is going to be like,” he

says. “Everybody has had a positive attitude … but I haven’t seen what Nationals are like so I’m a little bit nervous.” The Snowshoe Team (Team Ontario) consists of 33 athletes and 11 coaches. The races will be held at Chapples Park. Tyler is competing in four races, one a day. “It’s a lot of training, motivation and dedication, and these two are so easy to coach,” says Nancy Rissanen, who’s been coaching snowshoeing for the past three winters, and is Tyler’s very dedicated and supportive mom. She is also coaching Gabby Hannusch, the only other Thunder Bay member of the Ontario Snowshoe Team. “They happily do what they need to do, and I report back to a head coach in Ottawa. It’s very professional,” she says. “Tyler has finally found a place where he can do sport and he can be himself, but also be successful at it. He’s done really well for being only 17 and already at the national level.”

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CityScene

Half Past 4:20 A Consideration of Cannabis Legalization By Justin Allec

eel free to make jokes about my tardiness. I know this article comes well after the actual anniversary of Canada’s legalization, but to be fair, The Walleye didn’t start publishing our cannabis-focused content until January of 2019, which means I’m only a month late. Whatever; in hindsight, legalization feels an awful lot like the day after Y2K. After the hype, it’s still amazing that legalization happened at all, and while a walk downtown on a Saturday night shows people are taking advantage, we’re still at the start of this whole process. The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) is hardly the retailer I envisioned, cannabis tourism is non-existent, and while we now know which economic models are working, Ontario isn’t using one of them. Access to cannabis ties directly to people’s consumption habits, and for many, it’s still an elusive product. While the OCS has vastly improved their delivery times to Thunder Bay, there’s a huge segment of Ontarians that aren’t reached because they don’t feel comfortable with online shopping or live in more remote areas. A brick-and-mortar store seems to be the best way to sell cannabis, and my stars has this provincial government had a time with that. There are still only 25 licensed cannabis retailers in Ontario, with the two most “northern” stores famously in Sudbury. Cannabis is a visceral product, and people like to see

46 The Walleye

what they’re buying—they want to shop and talk to a knowledgeable salesperson. Retail locations aren’t just a convenience, they’re necessary for the industry to be able to grow. Canada-wide, cannabis proved to be viable, as it contributed $8.26 billion in 2019 and led to over 9,000 jobs. That’s nothing to dismiss, but the hardest economic lesson to learn is the price-per-gram. The federal Liberals claimed they were introducing legalization because they wanted to eliminate the black market and that hasn’t happened. Some surveys reported that only around 23% of consumers use legal

methods of purchase like OCS—the black market, with its lack of oversight, still reigns. It’s difficult to find any strain on the OCS site that’s less than $10 a gram, while online black market sites can offer a priceper-gram as low as $5. Quebec’s counter to this is ingenious, as they removed themselves as the middleman and linked consumers directly to suppliers. With less overhead, Quebec’s prices are competitive, and they can offer a greater amount of quality control. After a year of purchasing from the OCS, I now have a large collection of useless plastic containers. Without a recycling or deposit

plant, they’ve piled up, but get used occasionally when I’m gifted some homegrown cannabis. It’s there that I’m most optimistic about consumers getting to have some control within the industry. Friends who did the hard work of growing, harvesting, and curing (usually) ended up with a fresher, tastier, organic product. The price-per-gram and carbon impact becomes inconsequential. I’m hoping that we’re not too many years away from a local “farmers’ market” for cannabis, with craft growers and homemade products. The industry is only a year old; who knows how it’ll grow?

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CityScene Puzzle

Stuff We Like

Toy Sense

309 Bay Street A dog isn’t just man’s best friend, a dog is everyone’s best friend, which is why we’re fairly certain that you’ll love this Eurographics puzzle from Toy Sense. Made of recycled board and printed with vegetable-based ink, you can piece together pooches from bulldog and schnauzer to corgi and poodle. And, at 2,000 pieces, there are hours (and hours!) of enjoyment.

For Leap Day

By Rebekah Skochinski

orget FOMO (fear of missing out) and embrace JOMO ( joy of missing out), because on February 29, you have an extra 24 hours to do whatever the heck you want! Obviously, however you decide to spend this bonus time is entirely up to you, but we came up with a few ideas to help you make the most (or the least!) of it. Here’s Stuff We Like for Leap Day.

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Book

Tea

Chapters Indigo

International House of Tea

797 Memorial Avenue Longlisted for the 2019 Scotiabank Giller Prize, Thunder Bay-born and raised Michael Christie’s sprawling multigenerational tale, Greenwood, leapfrogs through several decades revealing and unravelling family secrets. Tuck in and get cosy under a blanket with this book to discover, or re-discover, the magical wonder of trees.

205 Algoma Street South If all you dream about is getting more sleep, we will not judge you for sleeping the (leap) day away. In fact, we will see you some sleep and raise you some slumber by suggesting you swing by International House of Tea for their Sweet Dreams Tea Sampler. Featuring restconducive top sellers like Shanti, Blue Buddha, Elixir 333, Passionflower, and Rooibos, all you need to do is steep, sip, and let yourself be lulled into la la land.

$12

$35

Viili

Needle Felting Kit

Hoito Restaurant

Olives and Bananas Fibre Art

314 Bay Street Fascinated with fermentation? Try your hand at viili—a mesophilic fermented milk product similar to yogourt that is found in Finland and on Bay Street! Get your order from the Hoito to go, enjoy a bowl of it and then use the rest as a starter to make more. The recipe is: 2 Tbsp of viili mixed with a cup of homogenized milk left at room temperature until it gets solid; store in the fridge. Serve it up the traditional way with strawberry sauce or sweetened with a bit of sugar or honey.

49 Cumberland Street South Maybe you’re more of an “idle hands make for a fretful mind” sort of a person—if that’s the case, then what you need is a DIY project. Great for beginners, this needle felting kit comes with everything you need to make a persian keychain and/or ornament, with enough wool to craft either two small persians or one actual size. The kit includes a keychain attachment, felting needle, and instructions.

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Smoker

The Power Centre

707 Memorial Avenue Good things take time. And with time on your side and a Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker, you can take things low and slow. Featuring a porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, a glass reinforced nylon lid handle and built-in thermometer, it’s practically foolproof. Plus, heavy cooking grates allow you to load up for some double duty work, which means there’s room for ribs and a roast.

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48 The Walleye

Bath Bomb Set Lovely Body

264 Red River Road Luxurious soaks for Leap Day? Yes, please. Turn on the taps and toss in one of these gorgeous hand-painted bath bombs to soothe your cares away. Available in a set of four that includes amethyst, sapphire, emerald, and citrine, they come with a gift box tied with a satin ribbon and gemstone tag. Not just another pretty face, these gems contain skin-loving grapeseed oil—a balm for winter’s chill.

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The Walleye

ALPINE SKIING

Loch Lomond 1800 Loch Lomond Road Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1E9

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FIGURE SKATING Thunder Bay Tournament Centre 2050 Mountain Road Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1C8

FLOOR HOCKEY

Galaxy Lanes 636 Arthur Street West Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5R8

Lakehead University C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse 955 Sanders Drive Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

SNOWSHOEING

Kamview Nordic Centre 851 20th Side Road Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1M6

Chapples Golf Course 530 Chapples Park Drive Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S4

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Fort William Curling Club 218 Vickers Street North Thunder Bay, ON P7C 6A3

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Visit specialolympics2020.com for complete schedule details 50 The Walleye

PURE INSPIRATION Please join us and support Special Olympics athletes from across Canada as they compete on the national stage.

Cheer on the athletes at one of the eight exhilarating sporting events: alpine skiing, five-pin bowling, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating. Show your PURE HEART at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. Get competition schedules and stay in touch with the latest Games information at www.specialolympics2020.com. @socgames2020

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Show your support and use #socgames2020 and #tbay in your related social media posts Games Merchandise now for sale! Buy now at www.specialolympics2020.com

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“It is my great honour to welcome everyone to the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2020 and our beautiful city of Thunder Bay! We hope everyone enjoys the spirit of our games and experiences moments of pure heart, pure joy, pure commitment and pure inspiration. We look forward to an exciting week of competition and unforgettable memories.” BARRY STREIB Games Chair

Toutes les informations sur les Jeux sont également disponibles en français. Visitez specialolympics2020.com/fr The Walleye

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CityScene

Eye to Eye

With Michelle Derosier As told to Nancy Saunders, Photo by Kay Lee

he Anishinaabe artist/filmmaker on what she’s listening to, her favourite local breakfast, and her first love. What’s the last book you read? The Trail of Nenaboozhoo and Other Creation Stories by Isaac Murdock (Bombgiizhik). What’s your favourite breakfast? Nola Granola (you can find it at the Thunder Bay Country Market), blueberries, and non-dairy yogurt. How do you take your coffee? With soy milk. What’s on your playlist? Hmmm. Too much to add, but here's a few: Jeremy Dutcher, The Tragically Hip, A Tribe Called Red, Burton Cummings, Buffy SainteMarie, Lucinda Williams, LP, Billy Joel, Ansley Simpson, Aretha

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314 Bay St. 2nd floor

(807) 344-3366 More merch at

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Franklin, Northern Cree, Neil Diamond, Roberta Flack, Alicia Keys, Prince, Digging Roots. What’s your favourite app? I'm really into podcasts these days—my most recent favourite is 1619. It is a very powerful podcast about slavery in America. What’s your hidden talent? Singing; it was always my first love. What’s the last photo on your phone’s camera roll? A photo of me and my dear friend Jana-Rae. I have the most beautiful and amazing friends, they keep me going. What’s your guilty pleasure? Doritos. What do you do to unwind? Reading, yoga, and ceremony.

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March 6 – 8 A conference about creating sustainable lives as artists.

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CityScene

This is Thunder Bay Interviews by Nancy Saunders, Photos by Laura Paxton With love and well-being at the forefront of our minds this month, we asked The Walleye readers what’s the secret to a healthy and happy relationship.

Sara: It’s all about communication. You have to be open, you have to be yourself, you have to say what’s on your mind, and you have to be able to listen to what’s on their mind.

Tanya: I’m single for life and incredibly happy about it. I hear everybody’s miserable in relationships so I avoid that.

Stephanie: I would say that you have to listen to the other person’s needs, and Joe: It’s a tough question. I think maybe you have to... in the dating phase, you have to pick properly, and then hope for the best from there.

56 The Walleye

also be selfless wherever possible. You’re not always going to get what you want in a relationship, but if you consider the other person’s needs usually there’s a good balance to be found. Because if you’re both considering each other, then hopefully that balance comes and everyone’s happy.

Need someone to talk to? We’re here to help.

Thunder Bay’s FREE and QUICK ACCESS Walk-In Counselling Clinic provides singlesession counselling services to people of all ages, on a first come-first served basis.

Wednesday 12pm - 8pm at the following locations:

1st & 3rd Wednesday each month Thunder Bay Counselling | 544 Winnipeg Ave.

2nd & 4th Wednesday each month Children’s Centre Thunder Bay | 283 Lisgar St.

Both locations open to all ages. Last session at 6:30pm.

Filipovic, Conway & Associates Law Firm has been providing a full range of legal services to Thunder Bay and Region for over 60 years. Our legal team continues to thrive as a group of dedicated and hardworking individuals. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you.

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Tammy Wilson Studio of the Performing Arts PROFESSIONAL SINGER • VOCAL MUSIC EDUCATOR • CONSULTANT PRIVATE VOCAL LESSONS CHORAL WORKSHOPS MENTORING/CONSULTING Private Lessons

She offers private voice lessons for aspiring beginners (13 years +), singers preparing for a career, beginner amateur adults, and professional singers.

Choral Workshops

Her approach in the workshops is to enable the singers to use and understand voice techniques based on solid contemporary voice pedagogy.

Mentoring/Consulting

She offers Ontario K-8 music curriculum mentoring and consulting services to school boards, individual teachers and groups of teachers.

TRANSFORMATIONAL ARTS COURSE Expressive Arts Course for Adults

10 week course Thursdays 7:30-9:00pm Mar 26 -May 28 This course is an interactive exploration of the creative process using music, movement, poetic narrative, drawing, individual and group dance, reflective exchanges, performance and witnessing practices combined to bring about self-awareness, growth, healing, and wellness. Expressive Arts does not require art training or talent in the arts. It is about working with your creative process, igniting inspiration, and following it to where it leads you. Gentle meditation is part of this class. This course is designed to empower individuals to utilize expressive arts as a catalyst for change and transformation in their personal lives, in their communities, and throughout the world.

Tammy Wilson is a professional singer, songwriter, musician, writer, vocal music educator, dance educator, choir educator, and arts & culture consultant. Tammy has 30 years of experience in the performing arts as a professional singer and 20 years of experience as a music educator and commercial voice coach for professional singers. She holds an honours bachelor of music degree in vocal performance and a bachelor of education degree. For private lessons, mentorship/consultation, or registration for classes, contact Tammy at 807-358-2233 or email: dove_songs@hotmail.com

The Walleye

CityScene

Wall Space

Linda Brown

Raising the Hammer The Metamorphosis of Metal

Story by Betty Carpick, Photos by Kay Lee

inda Brown articulates her fascination with structures of growth in the natural world through her elegant and luxurious silver, copper, and bronze jewelry and hollow ware. To create the textures, lines, and forms for her distinctive work, she’s drawn to two ancient hammering techniques that allow for diversity of expression,

58 The Walleye

economy of metal, and the use of simple tools and materials. With the repoussé method, the design is raised in relief from the back, and with the chasing method, the metal is sunk from the front. Brown’s “cosy little fishbowl,” the Northern Lights Gallery & Studio at 316 Bay Street, was the Communist Party of Canada’s lumber workers’

CityScene meeting place in 1921. “I needed a small space because I make small things,” Brown says. For the past 17 years, Brown’s attractive studio and storefront with its southwest-facing windows has added a quiet refinement to the neighbourhood’s personality. Upstairs in the former “Little Finn Hall,” she has a “dirty space” with a fire station to anneal larger pieces. Brown picked up a hammer at a young age, beginning with a PoundA-Peg and graduating to straightening bent nails. She recalls, “It wasn’t until years later that I realized that I was always attracted to a hammer.” In 1978, Brown was Lakehead University’s first full-time fine arts major graduate. Interwoven with her painting practice, she was a picture framer with a shop on Red River Road. As a metalsmith, Brown is mostly self-taught. Under the guidance of seasoned artists and designers like her sister Marianne Brown, Wally Gilbert from Great Britain, and, most recently, Brian Clarke in Ireland, Brown has developed her own techniques by taking what she really wants to hold on to and refining her style. Today, she’s happily changing the shape of

metals in more dramatic ways utilizing synclastic (sunken) and anticlastic (raised) curvature techniques. Similar to nature, which is paradoxically both ordered and chaotic, Brown’s working process is intuitive and evolutionary. She uses various silversmith hammers at different stages to transform the metal organically. “It allows the metal to have its own energy rather than forcing it,” she says. “I really like the meditative process which requires focus and attention.” In her intimate workstation, Brown concentrates intently using some of her coveted tools: a set of chasing tools that were a gift from a friend, and half a dozen of the 25 hammers essential to her work. “A lot has to do with hand-eye coordination,” she explains. “It’s the skills that make you good.” She can become so focused that everything disappears. When a piece is completed, she often experiences a sense of euphoria. Brown laughs, “I look at the work and think, I can’t believe I made this!” For more information, visit facebook.com/pg/ northernlightsgalleryandstudio.

The Walleye

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60 The Walleye

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CityScene

GO LOCAL THUNDER BAY COUNTRY MARKET

If I Were A Carpenter Story by Wendy Wright, Photos by Kristen Pouru

im Smith is a cabinet maker by trade, but in his home studio he produces a vast selection of items ranging from potato boxes to coat trees to small ornaments for his clients at the Thunder Bay Country Market. “I never thought they would sell,” says Smith about the potato boxes that have become his bestseller. He and his partner (in life and work), Kandy, work together to come up with new ideas and take suggestions from the public. Special requests and orders come in to satisfy curiosities and widen the range of quality products for sale. Pinterest, magazines, and everyday life also help to supply inspiration to the artist. Smith’s range of products expands all the time and he has also been crafting guitars for the past few years. He explains how he has been learning to play guitar while simultaneously teaching himself how to build them, they take a lot of work over a few months and according to Smith. “It’s harder to learn to play guitar than it is to

make them.” Over time the joy of the challenge of working with different materials and designs has kept it exciting. “I never know what it will be like until it’s complete. Every piece of wood is different and therefore the sound is too.” A couple of handmade pieces even made it into the hands of American country music singers Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis (Smith’s a fan). Seasonal items are always popular, with benches for the garden coming into season soon. Paintyour-own items for Halloween and Christmas all have their spot too. One speciality is Thunder Bay items. “If it says Thunder Bay on it, they sell, whether it’s a visitor to the city or locals,” says Smith. He happily takes custom orders and mentions that signs are all the rage right now, especially dog-inspired ones, and he’s always coming up with new ideas. To contact Tim Smith for custom orders, find If I Were A Carpenter on Facebook or visit them at the Thunder Bay Country Market.

Tim Smith

The Walleye

Music

Metafloor

Calgary DJ Brings Musical Stylings to Atmos By Kris Ketonen

J Blaine Kingcott will be bringing a lot of musical style with him to Thunder Bay’s Atmos nightclub this month. “I make dubstep, I make bass music, I make half time, I make footwork,” Kingcott, who performs as Metafloor, says. “Stuff that’s hybrid, kind of a combination of everything.” And offering that variety is a big part of Kingcott’s live gigs. “Hopefully, [the audience] can expect something that they haven’t heard before. That’s kind of the only way I conceptualize Metafloor— bringing something new.” The Calgary-based Kingcott has been working as a DJ, producer, and promoter for about nine years, after having discovered bass and dubstep in 2010. “I got totally hooked, and decided that that was something that I wanted to do,” Kingcott says. “I always kind of had this passion for wanting to deliver a certain sound to people, because there [were] always these certain sounds that I thought that weren’t being heard enough. I

DJ Blaine Kingcott

62 The Walleye

started making music and DJing and throwing shows.” Kingcott is the founder of Calgary’s Sub Chakra cew, and released an EP in 2018. “Right now, I’m working on my … debut album,” Kingcott says. “I just submitted the pre-masters [at] Christmas, so that should be coming out just a couple of months from now, if everything goes to plan. It’s kind of a culmination of everything that I do.” However, an album wasn’t always the goal. “I was just sharing music with guys around the label. They were like, ‘do you think you have enough for an album?’ And I didn’t really want to do one at first, because it felt like an album was something you do quite a ways down the line. Then I was like, well, I’ve actually been doing this for quite a long time when I think about it, so maybe it is a good time.” Kingcott plays Atmos on February 7. For more information, find Metafloor on Facebook.

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TBSO Spotlight

Martin Blanchet

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t’s been a challenging season for Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra’s Martin Blanchet— in a good way. “I had a chance to play a concerto earlier in the season, a double-bass concerto,” says Blanchet, the TBSO’s principal bass. “And now, there’s another big challenge.” The new challenge he’s referring to is a pair of shows happening later this month called La Vie en Rose. The performances will feature Blanchet, along with the TBSO, fiddler Katie Stevens, conductor Maria

Fuller, and Blanchet’s jazz quintet. “This is something actually really interesting in terms of music for me, because I am writing the arrangement, the musical arrangement, for the whole symphony,” Blanchet says. “This is the first time we’re doing this. It’s a good opportunity, and it’s a big challenge.” La Vie en Rose will be a symphonic performance, but the shows will also feature a strong jazz element, with plenty of improvisation, Blanchet says. That improvisation, in fact, is what fuels his love of jazz overall. “It’s the first thing that comes up when you say jazz,” he says. “And also, I like the groove. It’s a different approach. Even though I play the same instrument…it makes for more variety, and more stuff to play on the same instrument.” The La Vie en Rose shows— which are part of the TBSO’s Northern Lights series—will run February 14 and 15 at 7:30 pm at the Italian Cultural Centre in Thunder Bay. And Blanchet promises some surprises at the shows, but those will have to remain secret until the performances. For more information, visit tbso.ca.

The Walleye

Music

Music from the North

Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra Presents Finnish and Russian music Story by Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey, Photo by Patrick Chondon

he Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra continues their season with the third concert of their Masters series, bringing hearty Finnish and Russian music to local audiences on February 6. Ease into the evening with Russian-Canadian composer Airat Ichmouratov’s Chamber Symphony No. 4. Light, airy, and ethereal, the music is often restless, with a clock-like ticking motif recurring throughout. Composed in 2013 as a string quartet, then arranged by the composer for string orchestra, the four-movement piece was “inspired by the music of Shostakovich and Prokofiev,” according to Ichmouratov himself.

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Thomas Cosbey “He’s clearly been influenced by the Russian greats, especially Prokofiev, but his style and writing remain very individual and distinctive. I’m a big fan of Ichmouratov and his music,” says the TBSO’s artistic director Paul Haas. “In my mind, Ichmouratov is one of the most exciting contemporary Canadian composers I’ve had the privilege of hearing and working with. He’s a big audience favourite, and the TBSO musicians love playing his music.” Next comes Russian composer Sergey Prokofiev’s second violin concerto, with the TBSO’s own concertmaster Thomas Cosbey performing the solo part. Fluid,

somewhat elusive, and hauntingly beautiful, this concerto starts off with a simple melody inspired by Russian folk music and continues with a dreamy second movement reminiscent of his ballet Romeo and Juliet (which he was also working on at the time) before culminating with a dance-like finale. In typical Prokofiev fashion, the dance here is off-kilter with a touch of the grotesque. As a nod to the location of the concerto’s premiere, Madrid, Prokofiev added castanets to the last movement. Next on the programme is Finnish composer Jean SIbelius’ Finlandia, with the Thunder Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra joining

the TBSO. The evening ends with Sibelius’s most beloved Second Symphony, an epic and rousing orchestral work that resonated with many Finns when it premiered in 1902. During a time in history when Russia was suppressing Finnish nationalism, the symphony with its optimistic and triumphant finale was received by the public as a work of patriotism and made its composer into something of a national hero. Haas has been bringing larger-scale works to the auditorium this season, and the next Masters concert will be on March 12, where Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony will be the main attraction.

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Music

Celebrating Life Through Music DJ Big D’s Birthday Bash

Story by Adrian Lysenko, Photo by Patrick Chondon

hunder Bay’s favourite DJ will be spinning tunes and sharing his love for music at a special celebration this month. Delon Thomas, known as DJ Big D, is hosting his Birthday Bash at The Foundry on February 8. “Every day I open my eyes, I feel blessed that I get to do what I love, which is DJing,” says Thomas. “So this is just a birthday bash to celebrate life, blessings, and achievements.” Born in Grenada, Thomas grew

up in Trinidad, where he developed a love of soca (short for “soul of calypso”) and calypso music. In his youth, he held block parties, bringing speakers and a cassette player outside and entertaining his neighbourhood. At the age of 18, Thomas emigrated with his family to Toronto, where he says he got serious about DJing and played many events and competitions. He then met his wife Melisa and moved to her hometown of Thunder Bay in 2004.

Because Thomas turned 40 last year, his wife wanted to do something big for him. “She helped me organize it, sold my merchandise at the event, and surprised me with a cake on stage. Hearing the whole bar sing ‘Happy Birthday’ left me speechless and in tears,” he says. “My two DJ friends, Tim Dowling, a.k.a. DJ Rudone, and Shane Burton, a.k.a. DJ Supa, helped me celebrate by playing along with me. It was such a great turnout and was so much fun that I’ve decided to do it again.” This year Steven Chambers, a.k.a. DJ Villain, will be taking part in the festivities. There will also be prizes to give away, and everyone 19 or over is welcome to attend. “I would eventually love to make the event into a ‘fete’—a big Caribbean party with people waving flags and rags, dancing to soca, calypso, reggae and dancehall music,” he says.

“In my Trinidadian culture, we celebrate life in general.” Having been in Thunder Bay now for almost 16 years now, Thomas has become an ambassador for Caribbean music in the city. Aside from being the resident DJ at The Foundry, he hosts the radio show Tropical Storm on CILU 102.7 FM (you can tune in on Mondays from 6–8 pm). “When I see and talk to ethnic groups that come into The Foundry, I try my best to mix in sounds that are familiar to them because I remember that longing feeling when I first arrived in Thunder Bay, wanting to find a place that felt like I belonged and wanting to feel at home,” he says. “I do feel at home now and want to be an ambassador for newcomers, as best as I know how— through music.”

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Music

Return of the Storyteller Benjamin Dakota Rogers to Play Port Arthur Polish Hall

By Melanie Larson

ollowing a stint of shows around his own southern Ontario stompin’ grounds, singer-songwriter Benjamin Dakota Rogers will make a detour up north on February 15 to play the Port Arthur Polish Hall. Rogers’ upcoming performance places him neatly in the middle of the Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society’s 2019/20 concert series, and in the perfect position to keep the momentum of the season going. Hailing from the small community of Scotland, Ontario, Benjamin Dakota Rogers became enthralled

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by music at a young age. “My mum and dad would play guitar and sing at night in the kitchen, just old covers and such, but I remember wanting to play my dad's guitar,” he recalls. “When I was six I inherited my great-grandfather's old fiddle and then went on to take lessons until I was out of high school. In that time I picked up banjo and mandolin and eventually guitar and started writing songs.” Since those moments of childhood encouragement, Rogers has gone on to release three studio albums since 2015. His latest release, Better By Now,

represents a pivotal moment in his journey as a musician—one that saw the singer shift focus to further develop his craft as a songwriter. “I think I'm just writing songs that are more me,” says Rogers. “I'm just trying to be honest with what I'm saying and hopefully doing that in a poetic way that connects with people.” His dedication to storytelling coupled with an increasingly prevalent blues influence helps make the tales of heartache, longing, and redemption on Better By Now all the more compelling. Having performed at the Live

from the Rock Folk Festival in 2015 and 2019, Benjamin Dakota Rogers is no stranger to Thunder Bay audiences. However, it doesn’t matter if you’re a long-time fan or first-time listener; Rogers, alongside his best friend and upright bassist Peter Klaassen, aims to connect with all who attend on February 15. “We try to make the performance fun, yet touch on the heavier ‘stuff’ that is often in my music,” he explains. “I hope that the audience will walk away with not just a fun experience, but also with some moments that will remain with them.”

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Music

Primitive Rituals

Bang Your Head with Soulfly and Toxic Holocaust By Justin Allec

egendary metal frontman Max Cavalera will be returning to Thunder Bay with his band Soulfly at Crocks/NV Music Hall on February 18, hell-bent on giving us another memorable night. We had our first taste of Soulfly’s madness two years ago with a 20th anniversary performance of Cavalera’s Nailbomb side project. This time, Soulfly will be dedicating the show to their eleventh album, 2019’s Ritual. “We wanted to lean into that idea of a metal show being a ritual… We gather, there’s music, the lights, the smells—beer, sweat— and the movement from moshing,” he says, which pretty much lays the groundwork for a chaotic night out. Hearing Ritual live, in all its crushing glory, would be reason enough attend, but Soulfly’s travelling with veteran scuzz thrashers Toxic Holocaust and giving space to local heavies VHS, ArchAnger, and Alienatör. Cavalera perfectly resembles a heavy metal grandpa, except he has the curiosity and drive of someone half his age. To him, that means

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still challenging himself in the studio and on stage. The successful anniversary tours Cavalera has led motivated him to focus more on his present work, rather than the classics he’s produced: “Soulfly’s been around for a long time, so when we do a new album and then tour, we don’t get to perform much new stuff. [But] We’ve been working towards making an album like this for a long time and we’re proud of it.” There are twenty years between Soulfly’s first album and Ritual; white-hot death metal grooves have long jettisoned the nü-metal stylings as the band’s weapon of choice, an evolution of Soulfly’s sound that incorporates more of the band’s interests. Toxic Holocaust represents an enlightened choice as opener, as the Portland-based band, almost entirely the work of multi-instrumentalist and studio wizard Joel Grind, plays fast ‘n’ filthy thrash in line with Cavalera’s earliest work in Sepultura. Toxic’s latest, Primitive Future: 2019, is a dystopia nightmare concept wedded to some urgent,

ugly metal: “The riffs are simple, but they’re hard to play because of that… I’m going for a specific feel,” Grind says about his sixth album, “I keep it fast, loose, with lots of room for that early 80s attitude I love.” Subscribing to the “keep it simple, stupid” philosophy also lets Toxic do

more on stage, as Grind is less concerned with technical skill and more on dispensing auditory pummelling. It’s in regards to attitude, then, that Toxic aligns with Soulfly, which adds up to a violently transcendental night for those of us in the pit.

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Music

With Love Comes Loss

Jean-Paul De Roover’s New Album Takes Musician in Different Direction Story by Amy Sellors, Photo by Shannon Lepere

ast June, Jean-Paul De Roover released his album Love. But this folky, acoustic, lyric-driven offering was only half of the story. On February 21, the other half, Loss, lands on your favourite music and streaming platform. These two albums together demonstrate how love has inspired De Roover’s lyrics and how loss has driven his music. Brooding and dark, Loss will take

your senses on a journey. De Roover found different instrumentations for this album and explored the many sounds of loss. While love may evoke similar sounds for many, loss is so varied, and this musical departure has De Roover feeling a bit nervous. “What is my core audience?” he muses. “I have always dabbled. I have never belonged somewhere, I have always existed.” Having played many

types of music all over the world, this time the theme of loss will unite the room. De Roover realizes he is going to surprise people and “subvert expectations, in a good way.” He’s working with a live band, which his core fans aren’t used to, and he’s creating a raw, thrashing, rock experience to accompany his music. The tracks on this album have been percolating for a long time— some since 2006. “It’s weird to have these songs finally see the light of day,” says De Roover. Perhaps the hardest part of writing this album was getting into the mindset. To write about loss, you revisit your past, and sometimes put yourself in someone’s shoes. At the same time, you have to still go about your life, and interact with your family and friends. “That swing is part of the reason these albums need to

be paired together. Love and Loss. These sister albums belong together because there are so many common elements between them while still being violently different,” says De Roover. In creating Love, De Roover felt vulnerability in a positive way. Loss invited a more uncomfortable vulnerability, and his strategy was to get away from everything that makes him comfortable. No looping, a more aggressive sound, forcing himself into uncomfortable places to creatively grow. Listen to Loss on February 21 when the digital album is released online to multiple streaming platforms, and experience the sweat and tears live at Black Pirates Pub on February 29. Doors open at 9 pm. For more information, visit jeanpaulderoover.com.

The Walleye

Music

Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey

The Baron of Baroque

Consortium Aurora Borealis Closes Season with the Music of Bach Story by Steph Skavinski, Photo by Kevin Dempsey

hen asked to think of classical music, there are three names most people come up with: Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach. To cap off their 41st season, Consortium Aurora Borealis is celebrating the 335th birthday of the Father of the Fugue, the Baron of Baroque—the one and only Johann Sebastian Bach. Though there are many members of the Bach family who became composers after him, this concert will be strictly a J.S. Bach affair.

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Artistic director Elizabeth Ganiatsos explains that, “the speciality of Consortium Aurora Borealis is the music of the Baroque, and J.S. Bach is the composer who surpassed all others during this period, and is undoubtedly one of the greatest composers of all time.” The works on the February 8 program will consist of pieces of chamber music for Baroque flute, violin, cello, and harpsichord. These include a selection of sonatas, two toccatas for solo harpsichord, and the Cello

Suite No.6 (heard not nearly as often as the very famous Cello Suite No.1). Consortium is Northwestern Ontario’s only early music concert series, meaning they feature primarily Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles alongside some Classical and Romantic works. “Consortium takes a very historic, authentic approach to what we do, giving stylistically appropriate performances,” Ganiatsos says. “I am paying particular attention to articulating and phrasing the notes in my harpsichord parts as they would have been performed in Bach’s time, without any reference to the way a pianist would perform them. They were written for harpsichord, a totally different instrument which requires a totally different approach.” Ganiatsos is particularly enthusiastic about showcasing the “glorious, recently acquired French

harpsichord, purchased through generous donations from our community. Its robust, noble tone, precise, reliable action, and extended range make it an ideal vehicle for Bach’s soloistic writing.” With this instrument and attention to detail (performed by Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey and Ganiatsos), the audience will hear the music as close to Bach himself would have heard it when he composed it. One of the most wonderful aspects of the Consortium concerts is the element of collaboration among the local professional musicians who perform in the series. Ganiatsos expresses that “the performing of chamber music is an intimate and most rewarding experience. That we are also friends enhances the pleasure yet further!” Come celebrate the music of J.S. Bach on Saturday, February 8, 8 pm at St. Paul’s United Church on Waverley Street.

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Music

Live@Loch

Thunder Bay Ski Hill Offering a Season of Live Music Story by Kris Ketonen, Photo by Michelle Addison

Cartwrights

rom the swish of skis to the strum of guitars, Thunder Bay’s Loch Lomond Ski Area is offering its skiers and snowboarders something unique this year: the Live@Loch concert series. And while this season isn’t the first to feature live music out at Loch Lomond, there’s a lot more of it when compared to previous years, says manager Alisia Cameron. “This year, we’ve really tried to step up the game,” she says. “We’ve always wanted to make this bigger, and more frequent.” Live@Loch promoter Michelle Addison says, in total, there are 26

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shows taking place at Loch Lomond this winter. The performances will run most Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons throughout the season. “The idea was to have real diversity in the music itself, but also in the ages of the artists,” Addison says, adding the shows are so far attracting both skiers fresh off the slopes as well as non-skiers who make the drive out to Loch just for the music. This year’s lineup includes all manner of Thunder Bay performers, such as The Gin Tonics, LockyerBoys, Southern Comfort, the Cartwrights, and James Boraski.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Boraski says. “It’s a nice room; you’re playing in front of a fireplace. It’s just something unique, and different than going to a club or a bar. It’s been a welcome opportunity for us.” Boraski is scheduled to play Loch Lomond twice this season. He played a Friday night show in January with his full band, James Boraski & MomentaryEvolution, and then he’ll be back on stage on February 8 with the James Boraski Trio. “We’re always looking at these as unique opportunities to increase our listenership, because not everybody goes to the bars, not

everybody goes to the restaurants, not everybody goes to the blues festival where they might hear us,” he says. “It just is an opportunity for people … to have a listen to something that maybe they didn’t expect when they got there.” Live@Loch concerts run Friday nights and Saturday afternoons in the Loch Lomond Ski Area lounge. The shows are all ages, and admission is free (no lift ticket is required). For more information about upcoming events, find Live@Loch on Facebook.

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Music

BURNING TO THE SKY

Five Great Blues Albums By Gord Ellis

f you love the blues, the chances are you have an impressive collection of albums piled up. Probably the majority are vinyl, but there might be some CDs, cassettes, or even 8-tracks mixed in. My love of the blues started in my teens, and the collecting commenced shortly thereafter. Although my tastes in blues run a bit old school, there are a lot of really great artists working in 2020. But if you are looking for a solid grounding in blues music, these five albums—and artists—are worth tracking down.

Buddy Guy

A Man & the Blues When it comes to sheer, raw passion, Buddy Guy is the man. Although in later years his singing and guitar playing could verge on histrionic, this album captures Guy at his absolute peak. The balance between taste and aggression here is perfect. Guy’s Fender Stratocaster, his tool of choice for years, is milked of every possible emotion. Wild bends, blinding riffs, slow blues, and his powerful tools as a rhythm player are all featured. And Guy sings with fire and excitement. The backing band is amazing as well. Just about everyone from Clapton to Stevie Ray Vaughan have tapped this album for inspiration. Highlights include “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” “Money (That’s What I Want),” and “A Man and the Blues.”

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BB King Live in Cook County Jail

There are few names as synonymous with the blues genre as BB King. And there are countless recordings of BB King that show off his utterly unique singing and wide guitar vibrato. Yet none of them capture BB King in his full powers of showmanship and guitar virtuosity as does this live album. Recorded at an Illinois jail, the album starts with the hapless emcee introducing the local sheriff and judge to boos. However, the album takes flight from there when King kicks into “Everyday I Have the Blues.” King’s guitar Lucille sounds especially stinging here, and is high in the mix. The album has so many high points, but features the pretty much ultimate versions of “The Thrill is Gone,” “Worry, Worry, Worry,” and an edge of feedback on “How Blue Can You Get?” Epicness.

Howlin’ Wolf

Koko Taylor

Little Walter

Yes, this album, recorded in 1971, features the crème de la crème of 60s and 70s English musicians backing the legendary Howlin’ Wolf. And it could be argued this is pale stuff when compared to some of the dark and scary originals. Yet there is a genuine excitement evident in this recording, with Eric Clapton and Stones rhythm section bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts especially sharp. Hubert Sumlin, Wolf’s long-time guitarist, is also here and is a welcome addition. But it’s the Wolf, with his growl and his sneer and his exquisitely nasty harp playing, that rules the day. Highlights include “I Ain’t Superstitious,” “Rockin’ Daddy,” and the nearly perfect “Little Red Rooster,” which features Wolf correcting Clapton’s slide licks at the beginning. Beautiful stuff.

Koko Taylor, who was born on a farm in Tennessee, had one of those voices that could peel paint off a barn. She was also one of those artists that could straddle the line between blues and soul, and make it seem all as one. Which it is, really—you can’t have one without the other. Taylor's version of "Wang Dang Doodle," a classic penned by the legendary Willie Dixon, was scary, exciting, and oh so sexy. It made her a star. This album includes that song and a few other Taylor classics, including "Love You Like A Woman." She was the queen of the blues.

Little Walter was as close to a rock star as the classic blues ever had. He backed everyone from Muddy Waters to Willie Dixon and pushed the limits of what a harmonica could do. He embraced amplification and used reverb, echo, and overdrive to make his harp sound otherworldly. He was also a gifted singer/ songwriter and his ability with a turn of phrase influenced everyone from Mick Jagger to Van Morrison. The album Confessin' the Blues gives you a good selection of great cuts, like “Up the Line” and “One More Chance with You.” But there are really very few of his songs that have not been covered repeatedly by blues bands through the decades. Honestly, just about any compilation of Little Walter songs will be full of beauty and groove. If you have never heard this man play harmonica, you really need to.

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OfftheWall

REVIEWS

Live at the Horseshoe

The Neon Skyline

The Honest Heart Collective The Honest Heart Collective’s studio albums are a little bit like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. The musicianship and energy are there, but they’re one of those bands that you have to see live to get the full effect. Luckily, the band has released Live at the Horseshoe. Recorded last September at the legendary Toronto bar and music venue, the album showcases what the boys do best: playing anthemic rock and roll to a rowdy crowd. Live at the Horseshoe features banging versions of songs from their previous records, including “Liar’s Club,” "North American Dream,” and “Haymaker.” With a slight southern twang in his voice, singer Ryan MacDonald owns the room while the rest of the band never misses a beat. And if that isn’t enough, the album also features covers of “Helter Skelter” (catapulting the band’s energy to 11) and “Born to Run,” a great homage to The Boss. - Adrian Lysenko

Andy Shauf

Following a precedent set by his previous album, The Party, Andy Shauf’s latest release, The Neon Skyline, is yet another concept album. It tells the story of a group of friends—Judy, Charlie, Claire, and Shauf’s narrator—as they navigate a night out gone awry. Though each story on The Neon Skyline is graced with Shauf’s knack for realism, it’s the emotional vulnerability and rich, jazzy compositions of “Things I Do” and “Thirteen Hours” that push these tracks to perfection. A lonely, lingering clarinet becomes a recurring motif on The Neon Skyline that not only adds to the jazz influence, but simultaneously recalls the nostalgia of 1970s soft rock and old Hollywood melodrama, which adds to the album’s already theatrical concept. Not to mention, almost every track ends with an abrupt immediacy—a full stop—that creates the illusion of a scene fading to black, leaving the listener anxiously waiting to see what Shauf’s fictional quartet will face next. - Melanie Larson

Bubba

The Hot Rats Sessions

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Frank Zappa

It goes without saying that Frank Zappa is the epitome of a riddle wrapped in an enigma; a songwriting legend in the American music scene who few can be compared to. In 1969, Zappa released the album Hot Rats and for the 50-year anniversary of that album, The Hot Rats Sessions was released at the end of last year and gives Zappa fans a glimpse at the inner workings of how that album came to be. The “short” album of 67 tracks is definitely what I’d call a “specialty work” that will only really matter to fans looking at getting a feel for the maestro’s creative process. Personally, I loved hearing the vague instructions to his bandmates take after take and comparing the first jams of the songs with the final results. “Peaches en Regalia” and “Willie the Pimp” are two of my favourite Zappa songs so I really enjoyed hearing them come together. Put on The Hot Rats Sessions and go off into the cold days of winter; if you love Zappa, you’ll be right at home. - Jamie Varga

It has been over three years since Kaytranada, Canada’s vibe king, released a full-length project. The Montreal-based producer’s unmistakable chords and baselines had been kept under the boards with next to no singles or short listens, but on Bubba, R&B’s waviest producer gives us over 50 minutes of material with a loaded cast of vocal features. Starting off with a simmer, Bubba hits its peak with the trance-inducing “Gray Area,” and the lead single “10%,” which features the album’s most inspired vocal performance courtesy of Kali Uchis. After these two tracks, Bubba goes through pockets of semi-memorable grooves with no standouts until the uber-wavy “Freefall” does what its title suggests, and the closer—“Midsection”—gives us the Kaytranada-Pharrell dream duo that any beat-maker would salivate over. At its best, Kaytranada offers a glimpse into what J Dilla might have sounded like in an underground nightclub. At its worst, the onslaught of guests gets lost in a groove that fails to keep the momentum the rhythm suggests. Still, the highlights will satisfy anyone on a dance floor for months to come. - Michael Charlebois

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Comfort for the Contemporary Ukkon3n

Above all, know this—you can trust these guys with your ears. Push play on Ukkon3n’s debut album, Comfort for the Contemporary, and you’ll find yourself cradled within one of catchiest, strangest, and most accomplished albums that our city has produced. From the first epic notes of “War Cry,” it’s obvious that Ukkon3n are incredibly adept at blending whatever sounds they want. This first song starts by mixing whacked-out prog with a crushing death metal stomp, then layers tenor vocal melodies overtop. And that’s just the start. It’s exhilarating—but hang on, because there’s a lot more that this local four-piece can do. Over the next 12 songs, Comfort for the Contemporary keeps you slightly off-balance, but all these melodies are skillfully designed to get bodies dancing or to just bounce around the inside of your skull. Maybe these musical geniuses are working within the broadest definition of 1970s prog metal, but they chuck that label so often in favour of… what would you call it? Indie? Neo-folk? Prog-funk? Popmetal? I’m not sure, but it’s something wholly unique—maybe especially so because of that dang accordion. With trust comes comfort, and Ukkon3n has plenty of both to offer.

Front Burner

Jayme Poisson

Good Citizens Need Not Fear

Essential Guide to Winter Recreation

Every weekday morning, while waiting for your cup of java or patiently following a snow plough to work, do yourself a favour and tune into Front Burner. Produced by CBC News and CBC Podcasts, this show will give you the run-down on current Canadian and international news in a compact, well-researched, and informative 20 minutes. Jayme Poisson, an award-winning investigative journalist, digs into events unfolding across the world, and in particular, how they can or will affect Canadians. There are often guests who specialize in the topic(s) at hand, which I have found help weed through the often messy media reports. Poisson maintains an enthusiastic and inquisitive attitude with each new headline, making the listen really engaging. Although at times there may be more U.S. topics than desired, Front Burner still manages to draw the listener in and provide a quality podcast that I’m sure will soon become your new morning essential.

Good Citizens Need Not Fear is a collection of connected short stories, but a fuller description is a bit more complicated. Set in a small, late Soviet-era Ukrainian town, the stories build upon the previous ones and often bleed into the stories that follow, creating an ongoing narrative that showcases the lives of a recurring cast as it approaches and survives the fall of the U.S.S.R. Throughout, Maria Reva explores how ordinary citizens adapt to desperate times within an uncaring system. A number of stories employ the narrative to explore and comment on a central concept in compelling ways, and characters frequently have organic arcs that allow the narratives to build effectively to a satisfying payoff, though this does fall short in the occasional story. All in all, the stories in Good Citizens Need Not Fear are interesting and straightforward, with a few smart and unique elements thrown into the mix.

While getting outside to enjoy the winter is fun, it also comes with many additional challenges that aren’t present during the warmer months. That’s why the Essential Guide to Winter Recreation by Andrew Vietze deals first and foremost with keeping you safe during cold-weather activities. The book covers everything you need, including trip planning, navigation, and safety concerns that are unique to winter; after that it talks about the gear and tips for hiking, snowshoeing, splitboarding, ice climbing, fat biking, and using a pulk. I liked that the book is designed to be read from cover to cover, but can also be a quick reference for experienced winter adventurers. I also love how Vietze dedicates a large part of the book to respecting the environment by leaving no trace, so others can enjoy it as well. I would have liked to see a little more information on other winter activities, though.

- Andrea Lysenko

Maria Reva

- Alexander Kosoris

Andrew Vietze

- Shauna Kosoris

- Justin Allec

OPEN FAMILY DAY I

♥ Valentines Day

SAUNA

379 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 2G1 807 344 6761 info@kangassauna.ca

The Walleye

Architecture

Adrian Lysenko

Fort William Gardens By Laurie Abthorpe

Adrian Lysenko

he first week of March 1951 saw local newspapers abuzz with articles about the opening of Fort William Gardens. Billed as the “finest of size in Canada” and “Northwestern Ontario’s Most Modern Sports and Entertainment Centre,” the long-anticipated facility was a great boon, not just for sports enthusiasts but the community as a whole. Fort William Gardens was built beside and upon land long associated with athletic grounds and ice surfaces. The Young Men’s Association (YMA), under agreement with the McKellar brothers, established a sports field between Vickers Street North and Archibald Street North near Leith Street in 1903. They expanded their facilities in 1905 to include an indoor rink adjacent to the athletic grounds along Leith Street at the corner Archibald Street North. The Arena Rink, built of wood enclosing an 85’ x 185’ ice surface, was lost to fire in April 1912. An outdoor rink operated on the site until it was replaced by the Prince of Wales Arena constructed by the Fort William Arena Company in 1919. For over two decades, the Prince of Wales Arena hosted

84 The Walleye

recreational skating and countless thrilling hockey games. However, in the spring of 1942 during WWII, the Canadian government’s requirement of training facilities saw the Prince of Wales Arena transformed into the Fort William Armoury. The loss of the indoor rink was felt throughout the community, with players and spectators forced to attend their popular indoor hockey games at the Port Arthur Arena. A fundraising campaign organized by the Fort William Junior Chamber of Commerce ( Jaycees) kicked off in 1945. A total of $105,292.00 was raised towards a new arena in less than a year through special events along with donations from local businesses, sporting groups, and residents. Local support was high and the construction of a community centre was successfully legislated under the Community Centres Act. Prior to the sod turning in the fall of 1949, the not-quite-largeenough site selected for the new facility required some agreements. Using the City-owned former market site at the corner of Miles Street East and Vickers Street North as its basis, the site was expanded to the north by closing Leith Street west

Architecture

▲ Athletic Grounds/McKellar Park circa 1915 ▼ McKellar Park with Fort William Armoury (former Prince of Wales Arena) in the background

TBA 1996-02-58

TBA 1991-02-03

▼ Little league hockey, outdoor rink at McKellar Park

Adrian Lysenko

live performances. Continuing with its longstanding experience in hosting local and national sporting events, Fort William Gardens will play host to the 40th edition of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts 2021 Canadian Women’s Curling Championship next February. Laurie Abthorpe is the heritage researcher for 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/heritage

TBA 1991-01-255

of Archibald St. North. Earlier in 1946, the Curling Club had agreed to turn over their property, which had housed their clubroom and rinks since 1908, to the City with new facilities for their use incorporated into the future structure. A further 30 feet of land from McKellar Park (formerly the Athletic Grounds established by the YMA) between the Curling Club and the grandstand was given to the project from the Fort William Parks Board. Construction of the Fort William Gardens, designed by Kitchener, Ontario architects Jenkins and Wright, took approximately 18 months. Built of concrete and steel, the $750,000 facility was constructed by local general contractor Claydon Company with numerous local contractors taking part. Opening night on March 6, 1951 saw the Fort William Gardens filled to its 5,400 (4,700 seated) spectator capacity. Following the opening ceremonies, the inaugural hockey game took place on the 190’ x 85’ ice surface between the Fort William Columbus Canadiens and the Fort William Hurricanes. For nearly 70 years the Fort William Gardens has served the community well as a sports, recreational, and entertainment venue playing host to numerous events, cultural festivals, concerts, and

The Walleye

Health

Participants in the Minds in Motion exercise program

Minds in Motion

Social and Fitness Program for Individuals with Dementia and Their Caregivers By Kat Lyzun On a grey Wednesday in January, the Oliver Road Community Centre is a bright spot of music and laughter. About a dozen people, most of them seniors, bend and stretch, laugh and sing along with tunes pumping from a portable speaker. Once the workout is over, they gather around tables in small groups, talking about things like their favourite pet or the last place they went on vacation. Some recall these memories easily; others need a bit of nudging from their companions. Everyone in the group has one thing in common: they live with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. About half of them have the disease and the rest are caregivers—often spouses or children. They come to the community centre once a week for eight

trigger good memories and positive feelings. “The most rewarding thing for me is seeing the participants light up as soon as I turn the music on,” she says. “It’s so heartwarming; it’s just the best. They are a complete joy. They know it’s going to be a good day.” “Not only is it important for

the person with dementia, but for the caregivers,” she adds. “You see friendships formed and continue outside of the programs. They love just seeing each other.” Dementia describes a set of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain, such as memory loss, difficulties with thinking and problem-solving, and language and behavioural changes. In addition to improved physical health, the Minds in Motion program helps sharpen mental functioning in participants, with effects sometimes lasting for days. “We look forward to coming,” says Betty, whose husband Andre has dementia. “It gets us up and out and with other people who know what it’s like living with dementia.” Andre jokes that Gorst-Vigliarolo is tough on him but a good instructor. Betty laughs. “I like that it gets Andre moving and out of the house. Plus he’s more likely to follow Karen’s instructions than mine when I tell him to get moving.” “The girls putting this on do a wonderful job. They make you feel welcome,” says Brent, who lives with dementia. “I was active all my life. You can’t stop. You have to keep going.” To learn more about Minds in Motion and other programs offered by the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay, visit alzheimer.ca/thunderbay or call 345-9556.

weeks for the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay’s Minds in Motion program, which involves one hour of physical activity and one hour of mental stimulation through conversation. “It is such an amazing program,” says Deanna Bessel, public education coordinator with the society. “We hear from our participants that they are really grateful for the opportunity to meet others in similar situations while getting a bit of exercise and socializing at the same time. Even as staff we leave the sessions feeling so uplifted.” Karen Gorst-Vigliarolo has been the fitness instructor for Minds in Motion since it started in 2014. She leads the group through light cardiovascular, strength, and balance exercises with music that’s likely to

(Middle) Fitness instructor Karen Gorst-Vigliarolo

86 The Walleye

Health

How to Beat the Winter Blues By Sara Chow, Health Promotion and Communications Planner, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

horter, darker days and sub-zero temperatures causing snow and ice to swirl around you every time you go outside can affect your mood. You might feel more lethargic or generally more down, and you are not alone. You may be experiencing something called the “winter blues,” which many people experience. A lack of exposure to natural sunlight in the winter months is the main reason we experience the winter blues. Less natural light can impact serotonin levels, circadian rhythms, and melatonin. Altering

levels of these neurotransmitters, sleep-wake cycles, and hormones can leave you feeling a bit more down than usual. Don’t let the winter blues get you down. Here are some helpful tips for beating the blues: • Light up your life - Since the main culprit for the winter blues is not enough natural light, find ways to brighten your home and maximize your exposure to natural sunlight. Open your window coverings and make sure windows aren’t blocked by too many tree branches, etc. Find sunny places to sit at home and at work, and spend time outside where the natural light is. • Spend time with family and friends - Make an effort to be social. Being around other people and socializing with them can boost your mood, and theirs too. • Get into the rhythm of a routine - Since circadian rhythms are impacted during the winter months, try and help yourself by getting into a routine. Create an everyday schedule and stick to it, including regular meal times, bedtimes, and wake ups. Aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. • Accomplish a goal - Give yourself

something to strive for that will keep you motivated. Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution or some smaller tasks around your home, you’ll feel better when you achieve your goal and cross it off your list. Try a new recipe, do a puzzle, read a book, or do a craft. • Lead a healthy lifestyle - Give your body the energy boosts and nutrition it needs to be at its best. Make time to be physically active every day (even if it’s just walking the stairs at your workplace) and eat your fruits and veggies. Fuel your body with good quality energy. While winter blues are

commonly experienced, make sure that you know the signs of something more serious. Signs of the winter blues are having difficulty with sleep, feeling down, and having trouble taking initiative. However, if you are feeling down and depressed most of the day almost every day, are losing interest in activities that you typically enjoy, withdrawing and isolating yourself from friends, struggling to focus or perform at work, feeling constantly fatigued or lethargic, or feeling hopeless about your future, don’t ignore your these signs and symptoms. Talk to a friend, a family member, or your healthcare provider.

Working for the North Judith Monteith-Farrell

MPP Thunder Bay—Atikokan

409 George St. Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5Y9 Tel: 807-622-1920 Toll-free: 1-833-673-4129 jmonteith-farrell-co@ndp.on.ca JudithMPP.ca

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ming

FebruaryEventsGuide January 26–February 8

Northern Delights— Cabin Fever Various Locations

A winter culinary festival celebrating our local restaurant and food scene.

visitthunderbay.com/ northerndelights

January 31–February 1

The Odyssey

St. Patrick High School, Selkirk Auditorium

Eleanor Drury Children’s Theatre presents a family-friendly adaptation of the classic tale.

February 2, 12:30–4:30 pm

Stencil Me In

Thunder Bay Art Gallery

Artist Aaron Veldstra will teach you how to create an image built from two to three hand-cut stencils, guiding you through the design, cutting, and stencil printing process. $60 to register, $55 for gallery members.

theag.ca

February 2, 2–4 pm

Winter Fun Days: Snow Sculpting Fun Prince Arthur’s Landing

February 5, 12, 19, 26, 7:30 pm

February 7 & 8, 7 pm

February 8 & 9, 7 pm

The Foundry

Fort William Gardens

Weekly Wednesday Trivia Night Test your trivia knowledge every week with host Chris Barstow.

thefoundrypub.com

February 5–April 29, 2–4 pm

Babies & Brews (New Parent Meet-Up) Red Lion Smokehouse

Every Wednesday, you can connect with new moms and dads at Red Lion Smokehouse! Nursing is welcome and both washrooms include changing facilities.

January 30–February 15

Outdoor snow sculpting activity at Marina Park with Willow Springs Creative Centre.

Magnus Theatre

February 4, 6–9 am

Fresh Air Race Series

Kamview Nordic Centre

Fresh Air is sponsoring the Thursday evening race series! The races cater to all levels of skiers.

facebook.com/EDCTheatre

The Birds and the Bees A laugh-out-loud comedy with a huge, honeyed heart. See this month’s Film and Theatre section for more info.

magnustheatre.com

January 31–February 2

Disrupt It Weekend Lakehead University

Do you have an idea that could re-imagine your city? Generate your idea and re-imagine your city at the sixth annual Disrupt It weekend.

disruptit.ca

thunderbay.ca/winterfundays

Early Morning Ski & Cinnamon Buns The lights will be on at 6 am for you to get in a ski before you start your day. Breakfast of champions will be served! Fresh, homemade cinnamon buns to go with your coffee or tea.

tbnordictrails.com

February 4–March 31, 10 am–12 pm

Lettuce Walk

Victoriaville Centre

February 1, 6 pm

Fish & Game Sportsman Dinner DaVinci Centre

An evening highlighting exotic cuisine incorporating seafood and wild game.

623-2415

February 1, 7 pm

LU Thunderwolves vs Brock Badgers Fort William Gardens

Catch the Lakehead University Thunderwolves on the ice at Fort William Gardens for a home game against the Brock Badgers.

Need a way to stay healthy and active during the cold seasons? Come join the Northern Walkers as they make their way around Victoriaville Centre. The group meets every Tuesday and Thursday.

norwestchc.org

February 5–6, 12-15, 19-22, 7:30 pm

Sister Act

Paramount Theatre

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent! Tickets are $25. See this month’s Film and Theatre section for more info!

Daily Roaming

thunderwolveshockey.com

redlionsmokehouse.ca

February 6 & 13, 6:30–8:30 pm Lappe Nordic Ski

lappenordic.ca

February 7, 6 pm

2020 Conservation Dinner & Auction DaVinci Centre

Join the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority and the Lakehead Conservation Foundation at the DaVinci Centre for the 2020 Conservation Dinner & Auction. Event features a delicious meal and live and silent auctions, including a hand-signed Robert Bateman print. Tickets are $60.

lakeheadca.com

February 7, 6:30-11 pm

Spirit of Thunder Bay presented by Lakehead Rotary Valhalla Inn

Lakehead Rotary presents its annual Scotch-tasting evening in support of local charities, with special guest Jonathan MacPherson from PMA Canada.

lakeheadrotary.org

LU Thunderwolves vs Waterloo Warriors Catch the Lakehead University Thunderwolves on the ice at Fort William Gardens for a home game against the Waterloo Warriors.

thunderwolveshockey.com

LU Thunderwolves vs Waterloo Warriors Catch the Lakehead University Thunderwolves at the Fort William Gardens for a home game against the Waterloo Warriors.

thunderwolveshockey.com

February 7 & 8, 7:30–10:30 pm February 9, 10 am–4:30 pm

A Roaring 20 Follies

Confederation College Shuniah Building Lecture Theatre Confederation College Performing Arts Club is celebrating two decades of song and dance with A Roaring 20 Follies in support of Our Kids Count.

confederationcollege.ca

February 7–9

Bearskin Airlines Hope Classic

Fort William Curling Club

This 24th annual women’s curling tournament is in support of the Linda Buchan Centre through the Northern Cancer Fund.

bearskinairlineshopeclassic.com

February 8, 9 am–5 pm

22nd Annual Scrabble Tournament Intercity Shopping Centre Promotions Court

Join the Thunder Bay Literacy Group for the 22nd Annual Scrabble Tournament Fundraiser on February 8 at Intercity Shopping Centre’s Promotions Court. The gameplay is morning and/or afternoon and registration is only $40.

Lead Climbing & Rappelling Course Outdoor Skills and Thrills

Are you ready to transition from toproping to lead climbing on ice? The Lead Climbing & Rappelling on Ice Course will help prepare you with the necessary skills and knowledge you’ll need to climb safely outdoors on ice.

outdoorskillsandthrills.com

February 9, 12:30–4:30 pm

Embroidered Moss Garden

Textile artist Tuija Hansen will teach you a variety of embroidery stitches that she uses to create the appearance of moss and lichens. Perfect for beginners or experienced embroiderers looking to expand their techniques.

theag.ca

February 9, 2–4 pm

Winter Fun Days: Thunderwolves Day on the Waterfront Prince Arthur’s Landing

Visit the skating rink at Prince Arthur’s Landing to skate with hometown hockey players!

tblg.org

thunderbay.ca/winterfundays

February 8, 1–3:30 pm

February 10, 4–8:30 pm

Royal Canadian Legion Port Arthur Branch 5

Kamview Nordic Centre

Valentine Tea

Featuring delicious sandwiches, wonderful dainties, your choice of tea or coffee alongside a fun afternoon of a draw table, meat draw, bake table, money tree, and so much more!

Northern Lights Trail is Going to the Dogs Northern Lights Trail is opening up so you can ski with your dog.

tbnordictrails.com

facebook.com/portarthurlegion

facebook.com/plivetbay

U.S. Bundles

The all-new

Roam Away DailyPass $ Away DailyPass 8

/day

M I N N E S O TA

WISCONSIN

Roa Roam Away Mo

tbaytel.net/roamaway TM

88 The Walleye 2

U.S. B

Rogers and the Mobius Design are trademarks of or used under license from Rogers Communication Inc. or an affiliate.

February 11, 7 pm

Felting Film Screening: On Gentle Threads

North House Folk School

Join felting instructor Elise Kyllo for a screening and discussion of the film On Gentle Threads. This Hungarian documentary follows the phases of felt production from shearing to carding, dyeing to felting.

northhouse.org

February 12, 6–8 pm

Kamview by Candlelight

Kamview Nordic Centre

Come out for a magical evening on the trails! See this month’s Top Five for more info.

February 14, 6:30–11:30 pm

Smitten Kitten Valentine’s Gala

Airlane Hotel & Conference Centre

This event, featuring a five-course sit-down dinner with entertainment and prizes all night, is to help with veterinary costs and sanctuary build to keep Caring Hearts going.

caringheartscatrescue.ca

February 15, 1–4 pm

Seedy Saturday

Oliver Road Community Centre

Get into spring with this annual event! Seed exchange table, local seed sellers, community displays and informative workshops. Fun activities for kids! Admission is $2 at the door.

tbnordictrails.com

kim@rootstoharvest.org

February 12, 7–9 pm

February 15–17, 11 am–5 pm

Write In Wednesday Seattle Coffee House

Once a month, Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop writers gather at a coffee shop with their writing materials and a desire to be productive on their own projects among other writers.

Voyageur Winter Carnival

Fort William Historical Park

A weekend of winter fun during Family Day weekend. Come out and enjoy human bowling alleys, tubing hills, skating, winter games, and so much more!

nowwwriters.ca

fwhp.ca

February 12, 7 pm

Until February 15, 2020

Skill Share: Steeking with Annie Albertson North House Folk School

Expand your knitting skills and gain design freedom by incorporating the traditional northern knitting technique of steeking into your projects.

The North Now: Northern Ontario Juried Exhibition

Thunder Bay Art Gallery

February 13, 7–10pm

Featuring art from across Northern Ontario, this multi-disciplinary juried exhibition provides a glimpse of the immense creativity, diversity and innovation by established and emerging artists living in the north of the province.

Auto Home Paints

February 16, 2–5 pm

northhouse.org/events/fiber-week

Who Gives a Frock? An exclusive cocktail evening hosted by Auto Home Paints will feature a boutique of gently used dresses, a Chinese Coin Purse Grab, and specially curated prizes. Enjoy a night filled with tasty treats and delicious appetizers. Tickets are $50.

Bundles

hospicenorthwest.ca

February 13, 7:30 pm

Thunder Bay North Stars vs Wisconsin Lumberjacks

theag.ca

Pre-SnowDay Fun on the Waterfront Prince Arthur’s Landing

Fun outdoor activities at the skating rink, green lawn area across from the rink, and festival area!

thunderbay.ca/winterfundays

Thunder Bay Horticultural Society General Meeting

Oliver Road Community Centre

Get rid of the winter blues! Come and see a slide show of the 2019 Summer Garden Tours!

facebook.com/ORCCThunderBay

February 20, 7–8:30 pm

Waverley Colouring Club Waverley Resource Library

Join Colour Me Calm, the drop-in adult colouring club at Waverley Library. Supplies and refreshments will be provided.

tbpl.evanced.info/signup

February 21, 6:30–9:30 pm

Annual Beer Lover’s Dinner

Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior Come enjoy a great pairing of craft beer and tasty food at the Annual Beer Lover’s Dinner in Lutsen, Minnesota.

lutsenresort.com

February 22, 1:30–4:30 pm

Yoga and Painting Workshop with Vik Wilen Modo Yoga

Join Vik for this yoga and painting class. Spend three hours with Vik, learning to paint and be inspired through yoga practice. Register on Modo Yoga’s website!

modoyoga.com/thunder-bay

February 22, 6–8 pm

Food Cinema Finlandia Hall

Partnering with Tomlin Catering, Eaten & Told is bringing Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel to life through food! Expect full sensory immersion as snack-sized tasting are paired with scenes from the film and delivered right to your seat.

eatenandtold.com

facebook.com/funtasticcastles

February 13–16

February 19, 1–1:45 pm

The vision and intent of this tournament is to connect all First Nation and non-First Nation youth as a unified community, all-embracing their love of the sport of hockey, regardless of background.

Brodie Resource Library

fwfn.com

tbpl.evanced.info/signup

am Away MonthlyPass onthlyPass

redlionsmokehouse.ca

Until February 23

Benjamin Chee Chee: Anemki Winter Classic I Read Canadian Day - Life and Legacy Fort William First Nation Area Drop-In Storytime Thunder Bay Art Gallery Come out for a special afternoon storytime as we enjoy tales by some beloved Canadian authors. Daycares and school groups are welcome! All ages, drop in!

The Chanterelle

Feel the thrill of adrenaline while braving the cold weather and witness a staple to Thunder Bay, ice racing.

thunderbayautosportclub.com

February 23, 1–5 pm

Science Carnival Victoriaville Centre

This free, one-day community event provides families with the opportunity to participate in engaging and fun science and technology activities.

sciencenorth.ca/thunder-bay

February 23, 2–4 pm

Winter Fun Days: Bannock Over the Fire Prince Arthur’s Landing

Make your own bannock over a fire! Come to the green lawn area across from the rink!

thunderbay.ca/winterfundays

February 25, 6–8 pm

Making Mats for the Homeless St. Paul’s Anglican Church

Come for an evening to learn how to reuse plastic shopping/grocery bags and turn them into sleeping mats for the homeless. Donate non-perishable food if you are able.

facebook.com/ foodforthesoulstpauls

February 25–29

Benjamin Chee Chee: Life and Legacy is the third major retrospective exhibition of Benjamin Chee Chee, comprising a comprehensive selection of Chee Chee’s works gathered from galleries and individuals across Ontario.

theag.ca

Dine with Doc

Dine with Doc will be an entertaining and heartwarming evening of dining and cooking demonstrations in support of “Our Hearts at Home” cardiovascular campaign. The fourcourse, heart-healthy meal will be prepared by Dr. Chris Lai, along with the award-winning chefs of The Chanterelle.

healthsciencesfoundation.ca

February 28, 7–8:30 pm

Il a déjà tes yeux Centre Francophone

As a part of Black History Month, the Francophone Cultural Club is showing the film Il a déjà tes yeux.

facebook.com/ccftbay

February 28, 7 pm–2 am

Women In Technology Mixer and Social Tony and Adam’s

Come together to build women in tech up! Wind down after work with colleagues, mentors, and fellow trailblazers!

tonyandadams.com

February 29–March 1, 9 am–12 am

Scrap for Heart 2020 Current River Community Centre

Fifteen hours of fun, food, friends, and crafting while supporting a great cause! All crafting types welcome.

currentrivercom.com Special Olympics Canada Winter Games February 29, 6–10 pm 2020 Taste of the North Various Locations Dinner + Auction The Special Olympics Canada Games began in 1974 and are national multi-sport games for athletes with an intellectual disability. See this month’s City Scene section for more info.

specialolympics2020.com

February 26, 7–10pm

An evening celebrating our relationship with Lake Superior through the arts. Tickets are limited and can be purchased for $15 from the EcoSuperior website.

Music Bingo combines your favourite tune with bingo! Each player will receive a Music Bingo card with a mix of song titles and artists. Instead of calling out numbers, our DJ plays the music!

thunderbaynorthstars.com

Mission Bay, Fort William First Nation

Red Lion Smokehouse

CLE Coliseum

See the Thunder Bay North Stars at the Fort William Gardens against the Wisconsin Lumberjacks.

February 27, 6:30–10 pm

Ice Racing

Big Lake Reflections

Music Bingo

FamJam 2020

February 23, noon

February 22, 9:30–11:30 pm

February 17, 11 am–4 pm

Fun-Tastic Castles is holding FamJam 2020 in the CLE Coliseum, where you can spend Family Day surrounded by bouncy castles, face painting, balloon animals, music, food, and door prizes!

Fort William Gardens

February 20, 7 pm

The Chanterelle

ecosuperior.org

February 26, 8–10:30 pm

Quiz Night

Magnus Theatre

Magnus Theatre invites you to celebrate this extra day of the year with our annual Dinner + Auction. See this month’s Food section for more info.

magnustheatre.com/dinner

February 29, 7–10 pm

LeapBeer

Finlandia Hall

Can’t wait for the BrewHa! Craft Beer Festival? Celebrate the extra day of the year in an evening of craft beer and appetizers! Each ticket comes with three tokens for beer samples and three tokens for food. See this month’s Top 5 for more info.

brewhafestival.com

Red Lion Smokehouse

The last Wednesday of every month is quiz night at Red Lion Smokehouse, brought to you by Lake of the Woods Brewing Company. Teams of up to 6 players. $2 per person.

redlionsmokehouse.ca

EVENTS GUIDE KEY

General Food Art Sports Film/Theatre

The Walleye Walleye

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FebruaryMusicGuide February 1 Folk’n Saturday Afternoons The Foundry 1 pm • No Cover • 19+

The Gin Tonics

Loch Lomond Ski Area Lounge 3:30 pm • No Cover • AA

TBSO Chamber Players present Beethoven’s 250th The Courthouse Hotel 7 pm • $20–$60 • AA

Frontier’s 80’s Bash Slovak Legion 9 pm • $15–$20 • 19+

The Cover Show XXV Black Pirates Pub 10 pm • $5 • 19+

Tourist Bureau w/ DJ Big D The Foundry 10 pm • $5 • 19+

February 2 All-Star Karaoke

Port Arthur Legion Branch 5 3 pm • No Cover • 19+

TBSO Family 2: Game On! Hockey Sweater & Casey Grassroots Church 3:30 pm • $9–$18 • AA

Open Jam

Port Arthur Legion Branch 5 8 pm • No Cover • AA

February 3 Every Folk’n Monday

The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

February 4 Open Mic

Cheer’s The Village Pub 8 pm • No Cover • AA

The Best Karaoke In TBay The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

February 5 Weekly Wednesday Trivia Night with Chris Barstow

The Foundry 7:30 pm • No Cover • 19+

Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar Shooter’s Tavern 8 pm • No Cover • 19+

The Best Karaoke In TBay The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

February 6 Jazzy Thursday Nights

The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

James Boraski Solo

The Groggy Toad Coffee House 7 pm • $5 • AA

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TBSO Masters 3: Nordic Sibelius Sings!

The Best Karaoke In TBay

Open Jam

All-Star Karaoke

February 12 Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar

February 17 Every Folk’n Monday

February 24 Every Folk’n Monday

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium 7:30 pm • $12–$53 • AA PA Legion Branch 5 8 pm • No Cover • 19+

Open Stage with Craig Smyth & Tiina Flank The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

February 7 James Boraski & MomentaryEvolution

The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

Shooter’s Tavern 8 pm • No Cover • 19+

The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

February 13 Jazzy Thursday Nights

Cheer’s the Village Pub 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

Maple Suns

All-Star Karaoke

Loch Lomond Ski Area Lounge 7:30 pm • No Cover • AA

PA Legion Branch 5 8 pm • No Cover • 19+

Metafloor

Open Stage with Craig Smyth & Tiina Flank

Rogue

King Ghidrah 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

Mixed Bag of Awesomeness Black Pirates Pub 10 pm • $5 • 19+

February 8 Folk’n Saturday Afternoons

The Foundry 1 pm • No Cover • 19+

James Boraski Trio

Loch Lomond Ski Area Lounge 3 pm • No Cover • AA

Consortium Aurora Borealis presents A Johann Sebastian Bach Celebration St. Paul’s United Church 8 pm • $10–$15 • AA

DJ Big D’s BDay Bash ft. DJ Villain

The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

February 14 TBSO Northern Lights: Third Light La Vie En Rose Night One

Italian Cultural Centre 7:30 pm • $12–$45 • AA

Rogue

King Ghidrah 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

Thunder Pride DJ Night ft. Stilla The Foundry 10 pm • $5 • 19+

Game Over! Emo Night pt 2 Black Pirates Pub 10 pm • $5 • 19+

February 15 Folk’n Saturday Afternoons

The Foundry 10 pm • $5 • 19+

The Foundry 1 pm • No Cover • 19+

Fantasy Haus Drag Show

Southern Comfort

Black Pirates Pub 10 pm • $10 • 19+

February 9 All-Star Karaoke

Port Arthur Legion Branch 5 3 pm • No Cover • 19+

Open Jam

Port Arthur Legion Branch 5 8 pm • No Cover • AA

February 10 Every Folk’n Monday The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

February 11 Open Mic

Cheer’s The Village Pub 8 pm • No Cover • AA

The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

Port Arthur Legion Branch 5 8 pm • No Cover • AA

The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

The Best Karaoke In TBay

The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

Atmos 9 pm • $15+ • 19+

Port Arthur Legion Branch 5 8 pm • No Cover • AA

Loch Lomond Ski Area Lounge 4 pm • No Cover • AA

SGFMS presents Benjamin Dakota Rogers Port Arthur Polish Hall 7 pm • $30 • AA

TBSO Northern Lights: Third Light La Vie En Rose Night Two

February 18 Soulfly w/ Toxic Holocaust + locals Crocks at NV Music Hall 6 pm • $30 • 19+

Open Mic

Cheer’s The Village Pub 8 pm • No Cover • AA

The Best Karaoke In TBay The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

February 19 Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar Shooter’s Tavern 8 pm • No Cover • 19+

The Best Karaoke In TBay The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

February 20 Jazzy Thursday Nights The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

Cheer’s The Village Pub 8 pm • No Cover • AA

The Best Karaoke In TBay The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

February 26 Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar Shooter’s Tavern 8 pm • No Cover • 19+

The Best Karaoke In TBay The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

February 27 Jazzy Thursday Nights The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

TBSO Players’ Concert: TBSO Soars! Hilldale Lutheran Church 7:30 pm • $12–$43 • AA

All-Star Karaoke

Open Stage with Craig Smyth & Tiina Flank

February 21 The Shortstops

February 28 Richard Veurink

PA Legion Branch 5 8 pm • No Cover • 19+

The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

Loch Lomond Ski Area Lounge 7 pm • No Cover • AA

Rogue

King Ghidrah 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

Greenbank w/ DJ Big D The Foundry 10 pm • $5 • 19+

February 22 Folk’n Saturday Afternoons

Italian Cultural Centre 7:30 pm • $12–$45 • AA

The Foundry 1 pm • No Cover • 19+

Pretty Ugly

The Roosters

PA Legion Branch 5 8:30 pm • $10 • 19+

Loch Lomond Ski Area Lounge 3 pm • No Cover • AA

DJ Big D

The Foundry 10 pm • $5 • 19+

February 16 All-Star Karaoke

February 23 All-Star Karaoke

Port Arthur Legion Branch 5 3 pm • No Cover • 19+

February 25 Open Mic

Port Arthur Legion Branch 5 3 pm • No Cover • 19+

PA Legion Branch 5 8 pm • No Cover • 19+

The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

Loch Lomond Ski Area Lounge 7 pm • No Cover • AA

Rogue

King Ghidrah 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

DJ Big D

The Foundry 10 pm • $5 • 19+

February 29 Folk’n Saturday Afternoons The Foundry 1 pm • No Cover • 19+

Loss: Jean-Paul De Roover Album Release Party Black Pirates Pub 9 pm • $5 • 19+

Brought to you by:

For more info visit tbshows.com

LU RADIO’S MONTHLY TOP February Show Spotlight

Top 20 1

Music

Woolworm* Awe Mint

14 Big Dave McLean* Pocket Full Of Nothin’ Black Hen 15 O’Haara* Lore•Big High A Person Disguised As People

CILU 102.7fm’s Monthly Charts for this issue reflect airplay for the month ending January 21, 2020. Check out our weekly charts online at luradio.ca and tune in to the Top 20 Countdown, Mondays from 7 - 9 am. Keep it locked on 102.7fm - online streaming at luradio.ca

Hip Hop 1

Anthony Rinaldi* The Infinite Sky Self-Released

16 Bombay Bicycle Club Everything Else Has Gone Wrong Arts & Crafts 17 Nick Sherman* Made Of Self-Released 2

Top of the Bops Hosted by Ryan McCullough Mondays from 9 – 10 pm Hey! It’s me, Ryan McCulloch, the host of the brand new radio show Top of the Bops from 9–10 pm on Monday on CILU 102.7 fm. Music is the absolute biggest part of my life whether I’m DJing on air or playing in my band, the LOVE below; the love, excitement and charisma I bring to my subject matter can be felt from a mile away. On my show I try to bring the message that all genres are equal! This means that I play all music, from all eras, because it’s all deserving of attention. So far on my show I have played a wide array of artists, spanning from Charli XCX to Def Leppard to Playboi Carti to Phoebe Bridgers and everything in between. When a song is not playing you will hear me geeking out about the music that has been played and explaining why I love that song or artist, often to a hysterical point. You will eventually hear something you like and maybe even discover something new.

Song of the moment: “Me & You Together Song” The 1975 Notes on a Conditional Form

Andy Shauf* The Neon Skyline Arts & Crafts

Little Scream* Speed Queen Merge

Badge Époque Ensemble* Nature, Man & Woman Telephone Explosion

Sam Weber* Everything Comes True Sonic Unyon

TR•ST* The Destroyer-2 Grouch•House Arrest

18 WHOOP-Szo* Warrior Down You’ve Changed

Andy Ballantyne* Play On Words G-B

Leslie Pintchik Same Day Delivery Pintch Hard

Chelsea McBride Socialist Night School* Aftermath Self-Released

Loud 2

1 Clipping The Deep Sub Pop

Crimson Witch Satanic Panic Self-Released

Woodhawk* Violent Nature Self-Released

19 Sleepy Gonzales* mellowtrauma Light Organ

20 Men I Trust* Oncle Jazz Self-Released

DJ Shadow Our Pathetic Age Mass Appeal

Alaclair Ensemble* AMERICA vol. 2 7ieme Ciel

Sandveiss* Saboteur Sexy Sloth

Cartel Madras* Age of the Goonda Royal Mountain

WHOOP-Szo* Warrior Down You’ve Changed

Sunn O))) Pyroclasts Southern Lord

Electronic 1

TR•ST* The Destroyer-2 Grouch•House Arrest

International

Folk•Roots•Blues

Corridor* Junior Bonsound

Geoff Berner* Grand Hotel Cosmopolis Coax

Dead Soft* Big Blue Arts & Crafts

Chelsea Stewart* Chelsea Stewart Self-Released

Fox Glove* Dead of Winter Self-Released

Ukkon3n* Comfort for the Contemporary 673917 Records DK

Kacy & Clayton* Carrying On New West

RIIT* ataataga Six Shooter

Delhi 2 Dublin* We Got This Inside Pocket•Warner

Corin Raymond* Dirty Mansions Self-Released

O’Haara* Lore•Big High A Person Disguised As People

Mazacote* Patria Justin Time

Orchid Ensemble* From a Dream Self-Released

Luke Lalonde* The Perpetual Optimist Paper Bag

Nick Sherman* Made Of Self-Released

10 Natalie MacMaster* Sketches Self-Released

11 Cate Le Bon & Bradford Cox Myths 004 Mexican Summer

12 Debate Club* Phosphorescent Michel

nêhiyawak* nipiy Arts & Crafts

Blue Hawaii* Open Reduction Internal Fixation Arbutus

13 nêhiyawak* nipiy Arts & Crafts

Jazz 1

Bria Skonberg* Nothing Never Happens Self-Released

Ted Quinlan* Absolutely Dreaming Self-Released

* Indicates Canadian Content

Walleye The Walleye

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LET'S TALK.

Big Lake

WE LISTEN. WE CAN HELP.

Reflections

If you or someone you know needs support, we are here to help youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis.

An Evening Celebrating Our Relationship with

Lake Superior through the Arts Shaun Hedican

Wednesday February 26th 7-10 pm Hosted by EcoSuperior at the Chanterelle

$15 - Purchase tickets

at ecosuperior.org or at the door (if not sold out).

CRISIS RESPONSE 24/7 MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES CALL 807-346-8282 District / Toll-Free: 1-888-269-3100 www.thunderbay.cmha.ca

DON’T PLACE WASTE AND RECYCLING BAGS ON SNOWBANKS Waste on snowbanks poses dangers to residents and waste collection crews. Crews are not permitted to climb on snowbanks to retrieve items.

SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING SERVICES

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Green

Slowing Down and Embracing Your Blue Mind By Sue Hamel, Executive Director, EcoSuperior

hat a privilege, and a gift, for all of us in this region to call the shores of Lake Superior home. Anyone who has had the pleasure to greet this powerful body of water can attest to a sense of awe when looking out at the beauty, regardless of the season. Recent research has shown both the importance of experiencing awe, and how connecting to water provides cognitive, social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual benefits. As you may have noticed, most people are drawn to water, whether to walk their dog, vacation, go sailing, or even to relax in a bath or hot tub at the end of the day. Interestingly, there is increasing research from neuroscientists of just how valuable these experiences are for our brains, and our overall well-being. Author and scientist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols even coined a term for this human-water connection—“blue mind”—and describes in his book by the same name the “surprising science that shows how being near, in, on, or under water can make you

happier, healthier, more connected, and better at what you do.” What is “blue mind”? Blue mind describes the mildly meditative state we fall into when near, in, on, or under water. It’s the antidote to what Nichols refers to as “red mind,” which is the anxious, “always on,” over-connected, over-stimulated state that unfortunately defines the new norm of modern life. Research has proven that spending time near the water is essential to achieving an elevated and sustained happiness, and makes you more creative, focused, and calm. Plus, there’s a bonus: the more you become aware and realize this, your brain experiences significantly increased benefits. So simply learning about the concept of blue mind significantly increases your blue mind benefits! Water often evokes a sense of awe, and the important role of this emotional response is increasingly becoming clear both for us as individuals, and collectively. For example, it increases our capacity for empathy, and can improve our

relationships, even our romantic ones. It has been found that experiencing awe together binds us together, motivating us to act in collaborative ways and enabling strong and cohesive communities. According to Dr. Paul Piff, assistant professor of psychology and social behavior at the University of California, Berkeley, it is important to seek out experiences of awe, attune to them, and to protect those things that bring them about. Since water plays such a vital role in our well-being and in our ability and tendency to experience a sense of awe, it is no surprise that Nichols hopes that we will both cherish and protect it. Furthermore, Anishinaabe women, men, and youth, including Water Walkers, are actively reminding us that water is both precious and sacred. One such Water Walker was Elder Josephine Mandamin, whose inspiring quest to protect nibi (water) for all generations led her to circumnavigate the shores of the Great Lakes, covering over 17,000 km on foot. Her message, and mission, lives on.

The good news is, as we all know, this region has an abundance of opportunities to experience awe, and water. Water, including Lake Superior, is vulnerable to pollution, waste, and a changing climate. Since water is indeed medicine for your body, mind and relationships, let’s all deepen our connection to water, embrace our blue minds, and in the process, protect it for future generations. Join us in celebrating our relationship with Lake Superior through the Arts: Big Lake Reflections, hosted by EcoSuperior at The Chanterelle, on February 26.

The Walleye

TheWall perception of what it means to be healthy and well. For an increasing number of brands, marketing through the wellness lens has become an easy way to encourage consumerism (the ever-increasing acquisition of goods and services) and boost bottom lines. Consequently, the number of things you “need” to buy to start doing yoga, for example, can include everything from a yoga mat to a new house with a yoga room. There are an infinite number of ways to spend time and money in the name of health and wellness without actually doing anything particularly healthy or good for our well-being. In fact, shopping sprees following well-intended New Year’s resolutions can be excellent ways to avoid taking real action. I love the passage in Eat, Pray, Love when the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, describes herself fantasizing about building, outfitting, and decorating the perfect meditation room in her future home instead of meditating. I’ve

In the Name of Wellness Story by Curniss McGoldrick, Photo by Britt Gill

few weeks ago, I found myself wanting to go for a run, but didn’t do it because I “needed” new shoes. My regular running shoes, I concluded, wouldn’t give me enough traction for the snowy conditions. Many of us find ourselves in situations like this when good intentions succumb to the fear of being ill-prepared. Are our concerns founded, or are they a product of good marketing aimed to capitalize on rapidly growing market trends of the modern wellness

94 The Walleye

industry? If I ask you to picture someone doing yoga, running, or working out at the gym, the first image to pop into your mind is likely to be based on an ad you’ve seen in the past. For many of us, modern concepts of wellness are defined and exemplified by the health and wellness industry, which was reported to be worth $4.2 trillion in 2017. Models, sponsored athletes, and a growing number of social media influencers all play a role in shaping our

definitely been there, and there’s a good chance you have too. It’s easy to say “I’m not ready yet” or “I’ll start when…” instead of taking action. We often convince ourselves that making changes in our life requires significant action, and tend to put pressure on ourselves to go all in, all at once, and only when we feel ready. In reality, the small actions we take on a daily basis are what ultimately determine our long term health and well-being. Start small, and start before you’re ready. There is no need to buy a kettlebell to work out at home, a meditation cushion to meditate, or a yoga mat (invented and marketed in the 1980s) to practice yoga. I did end up buying a new pair of running shoes with better grip, and am grateful for them. After all, most wellness products and services available to us do serve a purpose; however, choosing what we consume is a privilege. Let’s do our best to do so mindfully, for our well-being, and the well-being of our planet.

Something for Everyone. Support local businesses and discover the magic in Thunder Bay's Waterfront District!

thewaterfrontdistrict.ca

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www.paintedturtleart.com The Walleye

Horoscopes By Sunny Disposish

Aries If you got through last month with your health and sanity intact, you did very well. Pat yourself on the back, Ram! This month is a strong social month. Love is in the air as Venus enters your sign and stays there for the rest of the month. Romantic opportunities pursue you rather than the other way around. Expect some career success mid-month, which you have definitely earned. Your hard work is paying off. You have a lot of personal power these days—you can and should have things your way.

Taurus Way to stay true to your New Year’s resolutions, Bull! You are a stubborn one, but usually in a good way. You may be fixed and unmovable at times, but this is understandable as you don’t normally care for change. Sometimes you don’t even like changing your own mind! You are in an amazing career period all month, but especially from the 20th onward. You have your eye on that corner office, and keep it up—you just might get it. You have family support for all your hard work and dedication, so be sure to show them your thanks. Perhaps an outing at Barkeep might be in order with a close loved one.

Gemini Here’s the thing: we already know you are planning your birthday—you Twins are just like that! It’s still a few months to go, but it’s going to be a big deal. Milestone birthdays this year will be celebrated greatly. Pay special attention to family members this month, particularly around the full moon on the 8th. Sometimes it’s in one ear and out the other because you always have a lot to say, but give them the floor this time. Your postholiday detox regime is working well too, and others are noticing. Keep up the great work!

Cancer You’ve been spending a lot of time around children this month, Cancer, which can be a good thing because you’re a kid at heart yourself. Family

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Day this month proves to be extra special this time around—make sure you invite the whole gang to celebrate the festivities with you. The more the merrier, right? A new relationship is blossoming and your spirits are high. This could be your most romantic Valentine’s Day yet—perhaps a reservation at Bistro One is in order? Your close inner circle notices your rosy glow. After the long weekend, you look forward to going back to work.

Leo You’ve been wearing a lot of hats lately Lion, but please remember that you only have one head. Finances are good this month, but become more complicated as your financial planet starts to retrograde on the 17th. Make important decisions and investments before then. Home is where the heart is right now, and after a busy period of extending yourself, you realize that a bit of self-care is important. Some fun in the sun is to be expected this month. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Virgo This is a social month, Virgo. It’s all about others and not yourself. Your good comes through the good graces of others rather than your own doing this month. Oddly, watch out for other Virgos this month! Let others have their way—so long as their way isn’t destructive. You prosper by decluttering and cutting back this month. Reducing waste and needless expenses is a great way to clear your thoughts and calm your mind! Get rid of possessions you don’t need around the 9th—pairing this activity with the full moon will ensure you do the best job possible! If you have a good business idea, this is also a good time to attract outside interest to your projects.

Libra You have a good connection to the healing power of the water element these days. You will benefit from being near water, so if you find yourself at a beach on Reading Week, you are exactly where you are supposed to be! Those Spanish lessons are paying off

too, and you just might find yourself at the height of popularity this month. You are in Libra heaven! This is a busy month, so make sure you stay organized and add to your to-do list as yet another item to remember pops into your head. Later in the month, head over to El Tres to enjoy some time with friends.

Scorpio The Scorpio mind is deep, and no one goes deeper into any subject than Scorpio. Take courses that interest you and seek out some higher learning. Love is more challenging this month. There’s a tendency to jump into relationships too quickly. You definitely need to look before you leap! Speaking of leaping, it’s that kind of year, so plan something special on the 29th. It’s a whole extra day to have fun with. Indulge the child within. And if a certain critter sees his shadow this month, hole up with a viewing of Groundhog Day.

Sagittarius Sorry to hear about your seemingly endless seasonal slump so far, Sag. Sometimes that just happens when one lives in the northern climate. Spend some time outdoors and breathe in that fresh air! Once you’ve finished coughing, breathe again. There is no bad weather, just bad clothing. Why not drop in to see your friends at Fresh Air to get suitably suited up? Stay on the social scene, even if you don’t feel like it. It’s important to be around others and get those positive vibes going again. Do something new, like plan a festive Fort frolic with family or friends. The sun will shine again… promise!

Capricorn Your personal independence is strong this month, my Goat friend. On the 16th, Mars enters your sign and stays for the rest of the month ( just what you need, one more person in the house). All kidding aside, you have more energy, you are courageous, and you don’t back away from conflict. You are excelling at your new health regime, so acknowledge all those

admiring glances being thrown your way—you deserve it! You are typically a dedicated hard worker, and all kinds of doors are opening up for you. Things that were once considered impossible now seem doable. Your focus now should be on the home, family, and emotional wellness. You’ve had a bit of a rollercoaster ride over the last few months, and now it’s time to pause. A change of career direction can occur now and will give you food for thought.

Aquarius If you just happen to be celebrating a birthday this month, Water-Bearer, you need to celebrate to the fullest! Shrug off that “just another day” mentality and enjoy it. In fact, why not celebrate the whole month? Life is precious, and that can be realized now more than ever. You get an unexpected present from a new admirer. It’s hard for you to trust sometimes, but you may be pleasantly surprised with this person. Don’t go crazy overspending, particularly mid-month. Let others pick up the tab. They want to treat you! You find solace in animals this month so spend some good quality time with furry friends. Pay extra attention to your dreams.

Pisces If this is a birthday month for the folks of the Fish variety, then please enjoy! Any Leap Year babies out there? You will be particularly lucky not only this month, but this year. Major goals will be attained. Careerwise, you are enjoying smooth sailing at the office and are offered up accolades for a recent project. In or around the 14th, you share a romantic evening with a loved one. Enjoy being wined and dined! Enhance your health by booking a spiritualtype therapy—you’ll be glad you did. The New Moon on the 22nd brings some much-needed peace and quiet. Enjoy the solitude while you can.

TheBeat

Dental Work, digital illustration, boy Roland

The Shot By Phil Bullough The temperature was around -15 degrees and with a slight wind it felt more like -25 so I bent my chin down to try and tuck it into my parka as I loped along with that adrenalin rush I always got before a hockey game. Rounding the corner, there was the Brent Park outdoor rink with the smoke curling up from the little warm-up shack and the mounds of newly shovelled snow hugging the top of the boards. A mist hung over the ice and the breeze was pushing it into strange shapes that looked like people gliding over the ice surface.

It spooked me a bit until I got closer and realized it was just my imagination playing “hat tricks” on me, as my Dad would say. We were outdoor kids and our winter recreation centred around the rink where we played hockey. I loved that rink. Our Saturday night’s entertainment was to gather around the radio and later, the TV to listen to Foster Hewitt on Hockey Night in Canada. I can still hear that fan at Maple Leaf Gardens with the really loud voice yelling: “come on Teeder!” As I sat in the warm-up shack putting on my skates, I was shaking

in anticipation of the big game against the South End Rangers. We hadn’t beaten them all season and to make it even more exciting Coach Miller, Porky’s dad, promised to take us to a big banquet meal at the Arthur Cafe if we won. We were determined to win and get that treat. So, it was our team, the Brent Park Rockets against the South End Rangers in the final game of the season. I nudged Porky and whispered: “Do you think we can beat these guys?” “Sure, but we gotta find a way to score on their goalie cuz he’s awful good.” We gathered around Coach Miller for our usual pep talk: “Boys, you’ve come a long way this season and all I can ask is that you give it your best today. Remember, you’re not playing for yourself or me but for the love of the game and the respect of your teammates. Kenny Pascoe, number 14, is their best player, so Rusty, keep a close check on him all the time. Get on him early in their end of the rink before he gets his speed up. We need a win to get into the playoffs so play hard, play fair and have fun out there!” Boy was I pumped! After two periods there was no score and when Kenny Pascoe did finally break by me, our goalie made a tremendous glove save that caused a cheer from our fans. Both goalies made great saves as the puck went from end to end at a furious pace. With 20 seconds left, we knew that a tie wouldn’t cut it with Porky’s dad. Looking at their goalie, I got an idea. We had been shooting low shots because most of us couldn't raise the puck very high and this goalie was terrific on low shots. He had big buck teeth and I thought if I shoot high, he would have to be worried about getting hit in the teeth and just might flinch enough to let one in. Porky and I cooked up a plan. On the next shift, he would go to the front of the net to screen the goalie and I would try a high shot. Skinny won the face off and away we streaked. I deked their defence out and wheeling into the

slot, I fired the puck as high and hard as I could. Their goalie stood up and peered around Porky just as the puck arrived. A cold puck on enamel at -15 degrees makes a loud, sickening, clicking noise that old man Crosby could have heard all the way over in the warm-up shack! Their goalie went down like a sack of potatoes. Porky got to the loose puck and shoved it into the net with seconds to spare. We whooped and hollered like we had just won the Stanley Cup! I looked over at my dad to get his reaction but he was running towards their goalie with a worried look on his face. That’s when I saw the blood splattered all over the crease. “Jeez, Rusty, I didn't think you could shoot that high!” said Porky. I started to feel sick. Coach Miller said: “Boys, that gets us into the playoffs but let me ask you something. Do you feel like winners? Winners should be proud that they played an honest sportsmanlike game and that they respected their opponents. Winners don’t try to deliberately hurt their opponents. I didn’t see a lot of respect from some of you out there today. Porky and Rusty decided on their own to try and shoot a high shot against a screened goalie to deliberately hit him in the face in order to win. Yes, it worked but his parents will have to pay a lot of money for dental work not to mention how much that must have hurt the little guy. I’m really disappointed in you guys. By the way, let me know if you think we should have that banquet meal or not.” I stumbled into the warm-up shack to take off my skates but 15 minutes later I was still sitting there feeling miserable and rubbing tears from my eyes. My dad came in to hustle me along and as he sat down beside me, he said: “Rusty, sometimes winning feels like losing when you know you didn’t play fair. You think about that the next time. Now let’s go home son.” As we walked slowly home, I turned to look back at the rink. Snow was falling now and try as I might, I couldn’t see the rink anymore.

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