February 2023 by The Walleye Magazine

FILM FREE ARTS Vol. 14 No. 2 MUSIC FEBRUARY FOOD 2023 CULTURE thewalleye.ca

Hometown Hockey Art is the Balance

Northern Reach Reaches Out Suzie Vinnick and Lloyd Spiegel World Cultural Dance

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Contents

Editor-in-chief Darren McChristie Editor Adrian Lysenko Senior Editor Tiffany Jarva Copy Editors Amy Jones, Bonnie Schiedel Marketing & Sales Manager Meagan Griffin sales@thewalleye.ca Photographers Jack Barten Anna Buske Kevin Dempsey Damien Gilbert Ryan Hill Chad Kirvan Dave Koski Shannon Lepere Marty Mascarin Darren McChristie Sarah McPherson Lois Nuttall Laura Paxton Art Directors Steve Coghill, R.G.D. Dave Koski, R.G.D. production@thewalleye.ca Ad Designers Dave Koski Miranda van den Berg The Walleye is a free monthly publication distributed on racks throughout Thunder Bay and region. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written permission is strictly forbidden. Views expressed herein are those of the author exclusively. Copyright © 2023 by Superior Outdoors Inc. All Rights Reserved. Editorial and Advertising: Submissions must be accompanied by a selfaddressed, stamped envelope. Superior Outdoors cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. Superior Outdoors Inc. 242 - 1100 Memorial Avenue Thunder Bay, ON P7B 4A3 Telephone (807) 344-3366 Fax (807) 623-5122 E-mail: info@thewalleye.ca

62 44

On the Right Track

12 70

Back Up to Speed

Where can I find The Walleye? thewalleye.ca/wherecan-i-find-the-walleye/ Ad Deadline for our March Issue February 15th

FEATURES 9 Hometown Hockey 10 Minor Hockey History in Thunder Bay 12 Wolfy's Pond Cup 14 For the Love of the Game 16 Minor Hockey by the Numbers 18 The Queens

FOOD 20 THE GRINNING BELLY 21 DRINK OF THE MONTH 23 SUPERIOR SIP 24 Cardinal Chocolate 27 OFF THE MENU

A Pioneer of Digital Mediums

Culinary Cabaret

A Call to Silence TheWalleye.ca

TheTOPFive

FILM&THEATRE 29 Culinary Cabaret 30 THE SECOND MOST PLEASURABLE THING WE DO IN THE DARK. A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES 31 CONFESSIONS OF A DRAG DEALER 33 Something Rotten! 35 World Cultural Dance THE ARTS 36 Art is the Balance 38 A THOUSAND WORDS 41 FROM THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY’S COLLECTION 42 A Pioneer of Digital Mediums OUTDOOR 44 On the Right Track CITYSCENE 46 STUFF WE LIKE 48 GO LOCAL THUNDER BAY COUNTRY MARKET 50 SECOND CHANCES 51 EYE TO EYE: With Moffat Makuto

56 58 61

Northern Reach Reaches Out THIS IS THUNDER BAY WALL SPACE: Donato’s Bakery THE ENTHUSIASTS CANNABIS CORNER

MUSIC 62 At The Top But Barely Breathing 64 Slugbate 66 BURNING TO THE SKY 68 Suzie Vinnick and Lloyd Spiegel 69 TBSO PROFILE 70 Back Up to Speed 73 Northern Jazz 74

OFF THE WALL REVIEWS

ARCHITECTURE 76 Lornehurst 78

Tbaytel February EVENTS GUIDE

LU RADIO'S MONTHLY TOP 30

TATTOOED YOU 82 A Corny Tattoo to Honour a Father GREEN 84 What’s Happening to Thunder Bay’s Food System? 86 Cosy, Cost-Effective, and Climate Positive 89 LET'S GET GROWING HEALTH 92 Lactation Support, Clinic, and Education THE WALL 94 A Call to Silence 96 98

THE BEAT THE EYE

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From Our Instagram Feed

Blades of Steel

ull disclosure: I never played minor hockey. That’s not to say I wasn’t a hockey fan; I had trading cards, my uncle took me to Leafs games, and after visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame, I even got my program book signed by Doug Gilmour during a chance encounter. It was just that I was (and still am) a terrible skater. This past December when my wife, son, and I were in Toronto during an unexpected layover, we went ice skating. I hadn’t done so in close to 30 years and it was the first time my son was on skates. Luckily, he sat on a skate-aid, which I gripped onto for dear life, and it prevented me from falling facefirst onto the ice. For our February issue, we’re all about hometown hockey, and showcasing minor hockey’s role in Thunder Bay. As part of our cover story, Matt Prokopchuk talks to hockey officials about their love for the game, Kelsey Raynard writes about the legacy of women’s competitive hockey

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with the Thunder Bay Queens, Bonnie Schiedel presents minor hockey by the numbers, Diane Imrie looks back at the history of the city’s league systems, and we play some boot hockey for a great cause at Wolfy's Pond Cup. Also in the pages of this month’s issue, Sarah McPherson catches up with musician Robin Ranger about his concert series with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, we go Eye to Eye with Moffat Makuto, and Taylor Onski gets a sneak peek at Badanai Theatre’s production of Something Rotten! Skating with my family in Toronto, there were moments when my son would bravely go off the skate-aid and my wife would hold him by the arms, letting him thrash about on the ice. His smile was ear to ear and for his age, he was pretty good. Hopefully he’s inherited his mother’s skating skills—and who knows, maybe he’ll be playing minor hockey when he’s older. -Adrian Lysenko

Featured Contributor Ryan Hill

Whether it’s through culinary pursuits, carpentry, or DIY, Ryan is passionate about finding creative outlets. One of those major outlets is photography. Born and raised in Thunder Bay (and a Lakehead University graduate), he began dabbling in photography more than six years ago, and since then has started his business PICme Photography. From the night sky and sports to nature and weddings, Ryan prides himself on capturing a moment that will last forever. Check out Ryan’s photos in our cover story on pages 9, 14, 18, and 19.

On the Cover

Fort William's Gaye Stewart, circa 1937-38 (age 14-15). Stewart played minor hockey locally and was called up from the minors in 1942 to play one game in the Stanley Cup finals where he helped the Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup. Stewart won the Calder Trophy for NHL Rookie of the Year in 1943 and a second Stanley Cup in 1947. Photo courtesy of the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

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You belong here 6

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Waterfront District’s

TheTopFive

Vinnick and 1 Suzie Lloyd Spiegel

February 11

Port Arthur Polish Hall

Experience two award-winning, longtime folk musicians under one roof! Presented by the Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society, this concert brings together Canadian folk singer and three-time Juno nominee Suzie Vinnick and award-winning Australian guitarist Lloyd Spiegel for a night of toe-tapping and hip-shaking folk music. Both artists hold a remarkable track record, with decades of international tours and accolades under their belts. At their core, both musicians exude a deep love and appreciation for the music they perform, and the show promises to be an entertaining one. Tickets are $30 each and the show starts at 8 pm. sleepinggiant.ca

2 Good Love Market February 11

Winter 3 Voyageur Carnival

February 18–20

Goods & Co. Market Love is in the air! Show some love to local businesses, vendors and artists at the second annual Good Love Market. The market will run from 10 am to 4 pm and will host 20 local pop-up vendors for one day only, filling the halls of Goods & Co. Market with pink and red. This specialty market is free to attend and will feature plenty of thoughtful gift options for Valentine’s Day, including fresh flowers, handmade jewelry, and chocolate treat boxes from Uncommon Baked Goods. Bonus: head to the market before noon for $5 mimosas from Woodside Bar. @goodscomarket on Instagram

on the 4 SnowDay Waterfront

February 20

Fort William Historical Park Make the most of your Family Day weekend at the Voyageur Winter Carnival. From 11 am to 5 pm daily, carnival-goers can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities including a snow maze, large tubing hill, small sliding hill, snowshoeing, farm animals, winter games, and crafts, historical characters from Fort William, and more. Food and beverage is available for purchase, but bring cash as there is no ATM on site. Tickets prices are $12 for adults, $9.74 for seniors, students and youth, and free for children five and under; you can purchase your tickets at the Visitor Centre the day of the event. fwhp.ca/voyaguer-winter-carnival

Presents: From 5 TBSO Broadway to the Bay

Marina Park – Prince Arthur’s Landing

February 25

Get outside this Family Day for a day of winter fun and entertainment at SnowDay on the Waterfront. On February 20 from noon to 5 pm at the Marina, you can enjoy a number of free activities, including a skating party at the Prince Arthur’s Landing skating rink, a horse-drawn shuttle service throughout the park, a winter petting zoo, snowshoeing, outdoor yoga and games, and more. The highlight of the event is the snow sculpture competition, where local artists and community groups create awe-inspiring and larger-than-life sculptures throughout the Marina. A limited amount of accessible parking spaces are available—call 684-3844 before 4 pm on Friday, February 17 to reserve a spot. thunderbay.ca/en/recreation/snowday.aspx

Broadway lovers rejoice! The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is bringing the excitement of Broadway to Thunder Bay for a night of show tunes and fun. TBSO is partnering with Badanai Theatre Co. and other talented performers to bring you the music of some of Broadway’s greatest shows, including My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, The Lion King, Les Misérables, West Side Story, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, and more. The performance will be held at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium starting at 7:30 pm. Currently, ticket prices are $61 ($50 + fees) but are subject to change through Ticketmaster. tbso.ca/concert/from-broadway-to-the-bay

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

The The Walleye Walleye

710 B AL M O R AL ST R EET

FR ES H A I R E X P E R I E N C E . C A

KEEPING YOU OUT THERE DOING WHAT YOU LOVE

a portion of all clothing sales in february is donated to ithsmus thunder bay 8

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CoverStory

Hometown Hockey

Whether you’ve stepped on the ice yourself, laced up your offspring’s skates at some ridiculous hour, cheered on a kid in your life, or even just bought the chocolate almonds and raffle tickets, minor hockey is an integral part of Thunder Bay’s culture. In this issue of The Walleye, we celebrate the best parts of minor hockey: the kids who learn skills and sportsmanship, the adults who share their love of the game, and the staff and volunteers— especially the unsung heroes behind the scenes—who make the whole thing work. Go team! - Bonnie Schiedel

Hockey Northwestern Ontario referee Davyn Farrow Photo by Ryan Hill

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 During the 1940s, Hilda Donati established Hilda’s Pee-Wee Hockey League, which she operated out of her Port Arthur coffee shop, raising the money and support for a league that grew to include 20 teams in three divisions.

Minor Hockey History in Thunder Bay

Story by Diane Imrie, Executive Director, Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, Photos courtesy of the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

 Midget hockey, known today as Under-18 (U18), has a rich and proud history in Thunder Bay dating back over a century. The 1928 Fort Beaver Midget hockey team were the Twin City and Fort William Midget Hockey League champions. Charlie Stenback (right) was a dedicated minor hockey league organizer.  When future Stanley Cup and Calder Trophy winner Gus Bodnar played minor hockey in Fort William, he was known as August Bodnarchuk (4th from left). He won a city championship title as a member of the 1935–36 Bantam Maroons.

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hunder Bay is a true breeding ground of hockey, having produced over 100 NHL players, multiple Stanley Cup champions, and many national championship teams. At the root of all of this success is a strong minor hockey league system, which

has been the backbone of the successful hockey history of our community. According to a local book published in 1933 called Hockey – World’s Fastest Sport, that history reportedly dates back over a century, with the Port Arthur Midget

 This Fort William Columbus Canadiens Bantam hockey team claimed the 1960 district title. One of the members of the team, Bob “Battleship” Kelly (back row, second from left) went on to enjoy a professional hockey career, including time in the NHL. Dave Siciliano (front row, second from right) had a successful coaching career that included guiding the 1989 and 1992 Thunder Bay Flyers to the Centennial Cup as Canadian junior hockey champions.

CoverStory Hockey League tracing its origins back to 1922, with Mr. Pavey of the Church of All Nations first heading up the association. By the start of the 1932–33 season, the organization had grown to host 18 teams competing in junior and senior divisions of bantam, midget, and juvenile. The Fort William Midget League was not far behind, with its formation taking place in December of 1925, with Elmer Pine serving as that league’s first president. The original five teams in that league included the Falcons, Beavers, Cubs, Rovers, and Westfort Maroons. By the 1933 season the league had grown to 16 teams. During those early years, not only did people volunteer their time to serve as coaches and organizers, but some of them also provided rinks for minor hockey teams to play on, including the likes of George Elliott in the west end and Tom Crompton in the north end of Port Arthur. In the east end of Fort William, it was Charlie Stenback, whose home and corner lot was described as a hotbed of minor hockey, and in west Fort William it was Reverend Dan McIvor who was noted as an early pioneer. It did not take long before city, inter-city, and district titles were vied for in each of the divisions. Over the next decade, the midget leagues, which came to be known as minor hockey associations, continued to grow in popularity, and by 1945 they were granted a seat at the executive table of the Thunder Bay Amateur Hockey Association, known today as Hockey Northwestern Ontario. As the years have progressed, more and more divisions and leagues have been added to the local minor hockey scene, including the creation of the Thunder Bay Kings and Thunder Bay Queens, whose players have brought home national hockey titles. None of this development would have been possible without the incredible contribution of the volunteers who continue to serve as coaches, organizers, board members, and officials each and every minor hockey season, for which generations of young hockey players are eternally grateful.

 The 1933–34 MacDonald-Cartier Club Midget hockey team were the City of Port Arthur champions. Two individuals in this photo, Gordon Wilson and Edgar Laprade, would go on to become honoured members of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Back row (L–R): James Sterling (vice president), Tom Crompton Sr., (president of Port Arthur Midget League), Gordon “Phat” Wilson (president, MacDonald-Cartier Club), Alex Sim (coach). Middle row: Clifford McKay, Edgar Laprade, Frank Gavin, Burt Laprade, William “Bill” Adams, Alec Chisholm. Front row: Vic Pearson, Ross Cummings, Bill Gavin, Henry Rochon, Vic Depaulo, and William “Scotty” Sim (mascot).  In addition to winning the 1925 and 1926 Allan Cup with the Port Arthur Seniors, a silver medal as a coach of the Canadian men’s hockey team at the 1936 Olympic Winter Games, and becoming the first Finnish-born hockey player in the NHL, Albert Pudas also served as a wellrespected hockey referee, officiating games from the 1920s to 1950s.

 In 1995, the Thunder Bay Kings won gold at the Air Canada Cup in Sherbrooke to claim the region’s first national AAA midget hockey title.

 In 1997, the Thunder Bay Kings AAA Midget hockey team won their second Air Canada Cup in a 4-1 final against New Liskeard.

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CoverStory

Wolfy's Pond Cup

A Boot Hockey Tournament for a Great Cause Story by Adrian Lysenko, Photos by Chondon Photography

hat started as a small boot hockey tournament with a few friends on a pond rink has evolved into something much bigger. Not including their 10th annual tournament this year, Wolfy’s Pond Cup has already raised over $17,000 for various charities. “We realized we had an opportunity to raise money and felt it was important to do what we could,” says Darren Wolframe, co-organizer and event coordinator of the tournament. “Easter Seals was our first charity

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we chose, after I played in a charity hockey tournament and saw what Easter Seals was all about [and] was inspired by the children and their families and the daily struggle with care and equipment needed.” Located in rural Thunder Bay, the way the tournament works is 10 teams of three and three goalies (rotated throughout the day) are drawn at random to battle it out for the Wolfy's Pond Cup, with a three-game guarantee for each player. “Our players put on a good show and

leave it all out on the rink,” Darren says. “They raise money, brave the cold, and play their hearts out.” From donations of food and prizes to tents, heaters, wood, and even a porta potty, organizers point out that the tournament wouldn’t be possible without local sponsors, businesses, and volunteers. “We have amazing repeat contributors each year,” Darren says. “The work that goes into building the rink each year and prepping the ice is substantial—late nights and

CoverStory countless hours.” With music, food, side games, sliding, and snow play for the kids, Mel Wolframe, Darren’s wife and co-organizer of the tournament, describes the vibe of the family-friendly tournament as fun and relaxed with great people. “[There’s] always a fire going along with a heated shack and 10’ x 20’ heated tent to keep everyone warm,” she says. “[It’s] people having a great time while raising money for a great cause.” In the summer of 2021, Darren and Mel’s four-yearold daughter, Andy, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and they shifted their focus to raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. “We raised $7,365.50 our first year,” Mel says. They hope to raise $10,000 at this year’s tournament.

From the Kam River Fighting Walleye’s mascot Chomper making an appearance to handing the Pond Cup over to the winners and watching them enjoy a beverage (or two) out of the cup, the couple says there have been many highlights from the tournament over the years. “The whole day is a highlight for me, seeing everybody enjoying the rink. I put a lot of sweat into building each year,” Darren says. “Overall, we’re just so grateful and proud of our community who supports our event. All the pieces come together each year and make for a great day.” For more information about Wolfy's Pond Cup, find them on Facebook.

Why Boot Hockey? Boot hockey (or “spongee,” as it is known in some circles) is a variation of skate hockey played with boots or broomball shoes and a sponge puck. “We play boot instead of skate to give players that don’t really skate an opportunity to play,” Darren says. “It’s a whole different game—not like skates, where you can stop and start on a dime. You really have to strategize positionally. Lots of really good skate hockey players aren't very good at boot just because it's so different.”

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CoverStory

“We’re impartial to what happens but the excitement on the ice and being out there gives us a thrill as well.”

For the Love of the Game

 HNO referee Jordan Leblanc

The Dedication of Minor Hockey Officials Story by By Matt Prokopchuk, Photos by Ryan Hill

“I

f you love the game, there’s an adrenaline rush to being out there,” says Barry Caland of one of many things he’s learned since donning the stripes as a minor hockey official. Caland, who is in his 11th year of officiating, started in his early 40s as a way to get more time on the ice. He officiates not only boys’ and girls’ minor hockey, but also men’s and women’s games. Caland figures he officiates around a couple hundred youth games alone each season; however, even as a veteran, he’s no less

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enthusiastic about his role. “I was [just] doing a girls’ game, and somebody scored with one second left to tie the game,” he says. “As you’re making the goal call, in your head it’s like the enthusiasm [is there]—‘that did beat the buzzer and wow they scored’— and you get excited yourself, ‘cause it’s kind of a fun finish.” “You can’t recreate that sitting at home on the couch.” Parker Dorland, a 17-yearold official who is in his fourth season as a referee and linesman for games involving

players his age and younger, says he caught the bug early, having started umpiring baseball at 12 before putting on the skates and the stripes. He says he’s always been interested in those in charge of the rules in sports. “I just liked watching the refs a little bit more than the players and I felt that I could be a better ref than I could a player,” he says, adding that he wants to continue doing this as long as he can. Officials in youth hockey work both as referees and linesmen—sometimes in the same game, depending on

how many are available and assigned. And while NHL referees reportedly make six figures per season, Caland, Dorland, and their colleagues don’t see anywhere near that kind of money—Caland says the compensation is more like a stipend per game, and they buy and maintain their own gear, but he stresses that’s not the point. “The same reason people want to play hockey five, six days a week, we want to do this five, six days a week,” he says, adding that around larger tournaments, some officials will use vacation days from

their day jobs to be on the ice. “We’re impartial to what happens but the excitement on the ice and being out there gives us a thrill as well.” But these days, there are fewer people willing to take on the role. Bryan Graham, director of officiating for Hockey Northwestern Ontario (the regional branch of Hockey Canada) says that they have about half as many officials as a decade ago. The main reason for the decline, he adds, especially among younger referees, is the verbal harassment from coaches, parents,

CoverStory and players. To combat this, Hockey Canada and its member branches have adopted various anti-abuse initiatives, including stiffer punishments for those who cross the line, and Respect in Sport training for parents and coaches. HNO is also in its first year of a new program designed to crack down on harassment towards officials under 18 years old. “There’s a lot of great things that you can be rewarded [with] by committing to becoming an official and working at the craft and moving up to the higher levels,” Graham says. “And that’s what we want to make sure [of]— that our young officials coming into the game strive to do that and be given the best resources to do that and to make sure that, again, it’s a positive experience.” “If there’s no officials, there’s no games,” he continues, adding  HNO referee Parker Dorland

that HNO has added about 60 new officials this year across the region. Caland says he wants people to know that, at this level, the referees, while trained and certified, are still typical members of the community. “We have regular jobs. We’re regular people,” he says. “We’re doing a job, so to speak, and we are trying to do it to the best of our ability every single time we can.” And Caland and Dorland agree that clear, respectful communication on the ice is key. “Yelling at the ref is not going to change our call,” Dorland says. “For coaches especially, you can ask for an explanation and we’ll for sure give it to you and as long as you’re respectful about it, we’ll be respectful to you and the game will go smoothly.”

See the Green, Stop the Mean

Initiative Aims to Shut Out Abuse of Young Officials

ockey Northwestern O n t a r i o s a y s i t ’s encouraged by early results of a new program this season designed to crack down on harassment towards young on-ice officials. HNO adopted the See the Green, Stop the Mean initiative for the 2022– 2023 minor hockey season, which has any on-ice official under the age of 18 wear a green armband on their striped shirt. The goal, says Bryan Graham, the director of officiating for HNO, is to have players, coaches, and fans know that a young official who is still learning and developing their skills is working the game. Graham says HNO adopted the effort after it debuted in the Ottawa area. “[In] a lot of the surveys and the numbers we look at, a lot of officials—whether it be in their first year or their second year—leave officiating, and the main reason is because of the

verbal abuse they receive from coaches, parents, or spectators, and obviously the players as well,” he says. “[The initiative] is just to kind of bring notice that you may think twice about questioning a call or badgering the official over a penalty or a non-call, because they are young at this.” Graham says, as of early January, there has been one ejection of a coach for harassing a green-armband official. That, he says, happened in a U11 game early in the new year. He says Hockey Northwestern Ontario will continue to monitor the success of the program through its endof-season surveys. “We really think that this initiative is working,” Graham says. “With more education […] I think it’s going to go a long way in making our program that much more successful and our numbers hopefully increasing as well.” -Matt Prokopchuk

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Minor Hockey by the Numbers

Number of tonnes of CO2 emissions eliminated annually with the use of the new ice resurfacer, which is fully electric and not powered by propane, at Fort William Gardens. (Those tonnes of CO2 emissions are the equivalent of driving 25,674 km in a gas-powered car)4

By Bonnie Schiedel

Nearly

Did you know?

According to a NHL Analytics Team study, kids under eight who played on cross ice (a smaller rink size) touched the puck more often, took twice the number of shots, and attempted more passes compared to kids who played on full ice7

1956

Number of minor hockey associations in Northwestern Ontario

Percentage of Canadian hockey parents who spent at least $5,000 per season as of 2019. Over half spent more than 11% of their household income to cover hockey expenses and 87% said they were concerned about the impact of hockey on their personal finances5

Year the Thunder Bay Amateur Hockey Association executive agreed that the white shirt and black tie previously worn by referees could be replaced by a striped sweater

212 767

Number of HNO referees and linesmen

Number of HNO minor hockey coaches

270,150 20

Number of U20 hockey players in Canada as of 2020–216

4,082

Adrian Lysenko

Approximate weight, in kg (9,000 lbs) of popcorn kernels used by City of Thunder Bay concessions annually. Popcorn and hot dogs are the topselling items

Average number of volunteer hours per month, per person, for OMHA volunteers in 2019–203

1Information provided by Ontario Minor Hockey Association, January 2023 as well as https:// www.omha.net/news_article/show/657206-omha-year-in-review, https://e-registration.omha. net/OMHAPortal/Download/OHMA-2019-20YearinReviewFINAL.pdf 2https://e-registration. omha.net/OMHAPortal/Download/OHMA-2019-20YearinReviewFINAL.pdf 3https://eregistration.omha.net/OMHAPortal/Download/OHMA-2019-20YearinReviewFINAL.pdf 4 https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/news/city-s-new-electric-ice-resurfacer-hits-the-ice.aspx and https://www.myclimate.org/information/faq/faq-detail/how-much-is-a-tonne-of-co2/

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30,100

Number of OMHA volunteers as of 2019–202

140

Price per hour to rent ice for organized minor hockey at NorWest Arena12

4.8

Distance in km (3 miles) that an ice resurfacer travels per hockey game, if the ice is resurfaced four times per game. The average machine travels about 3,200 km (2,000 miles) per year9

Number of full-size rinks at Fort William First Nation Arena13

Number of City of Thunder Bay concessions staff

75,000

Approximate number of players registered with Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA, which includes many but not all minor hockey associations in Ontario) as of 2021–22. In 2015–16 there were 92,854 registered players, and in 2019–20 there were 87,6041

Weeks

Length of time required for up to six staff members to make ice at a city arena. Removal takes five days

Paul Krasauskas

Weight, in kg (57 lbs) of a Zamboni blade, which is 1.27 cm (one half-inch) thick10

Amount in litres (12,500 gallons) of water required to make an ice sheet for a rink8

159

Price per hour to rent ice for organized minor hockey at Thunder Bay Tournament Centre10

Amount of Port Arthur Minor League’s 1967– 68 budget, of which $2,600 paid for ice at the arena

1915

Number of HNO-sanctioned tournaments

4,066

4,000

Number of players enrolled in Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO) minor hockey, 2022–23

Year that the Port Arthur Minor Hockey Association dates back to, making it one of Canada’s oldest minor hockey associations14

Number of cityoperated arenas where minor hockey is played, maintained by 20 full-time staff members, 16 hours a day, seven days a week

Adrian Lysenko

25.85

47,317

Project Hockey: The State of Play 2019 https://d2wkegjj8g6j4.cloudfront.net/images/site/stories/ Hockey%20Survey%20Report_To%20Scotia.pdf 6IIHF Season Summary 2020-21 https://blob.iihf. com/iihf-media/iihfmvc/media/downloads/annual%20report/seasonsummary2021.pdf 7https:// activeforlife.com/small-ice-hockey-better-for-kids/ 8https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-green-tip-of-theday/c-279601524 9https://zamboni.com/about/fun-facts/ 10https://zamboni.com/about/fun-facts/ 11 http://tbtournamentcentre.com/rent-ice-time.php 12https://oliverpaipoonge.ca/services/norwestarena 13https://fwfnarena.com/ 14https://pamha.ca/about-us/ 5

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Ryan Hill

CoverStory

The Queens

A Legacy of Women’s Competitive Hockey in Thunder Bay By Kelsey Raynard

he story of hometown hockey in Thunder Bay would be incomplete without the Queens, Thunder Bay’s foremost competitive hockey league for girls and young women for almost 30 years. Looking back on the program’s humble beginnings to the growth and success they are experiencing today, the impact that the Thunder Bay Queens has had on our community is undeniable. Prior to 1997, the Thunder Bay Women’s Hockey Association (TBWHA)

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governed all aspects of girl’s and women’s hockey. “In the past, TBWHA had everything under one umbrella; it didn’t matter if you were a sevenyear-old hockey player playing rec hockey, or an 18-year-old very competitive hockey player trying to obtain scholarships. Everything was all under the same board,” explains Doug Henry, former director of the Queens. A watershed moment for the program was the division of a separate board specifically for the Queens that forged a path forward for girls’ competitive

hockey in our community. The very first official Queens team began in the 1997/1998 season. Melanie Salatino, one of the original members of this team, explains that there were some growing pains during those original years. “That first year, we went to provincials as a Midget AA team, and we lost every game. We didn’t even score a goal,” she says. “It was tough at the provincial level. Ironically, though, that happened for the first two years, and then in our third year, we won the provincial

championship.” Thus started the legacy of the Queens, who over the past 25 years have continued to make a name for themselves in the provincial and national hockey world. Under coach Denis Lavoie, the Queens won a national championship in 2010, followed by provincial championships at both the Bantam AA and Midget AA levels in 2011 and 2012. The long list of alumni on the Queens website speaks for itself. Today, there are seven

teams in the Queens organization, including new additions of a U22 and U11 team. Dave Paddington, current member of the Queens executive board and former coach, argues that the growth of the Queens is indicative of their success. “I think we’re one of the bestkept secrets in the country; there are just so many good players and really good high-end coaching with our program,” he says. “As Canadians, it’s born and bred into us.” In speaking with the

Ryan Hill

CoverStory

at large. Paddington explains that countless former players return to help run hockey camps for younger players. Lavoie recalls taking his team out in the community to volunteer at the hospital. And Salatino herself came back to both coach and serve on the board of the program after her hockey career ended.

“There’s a lot more to hockey than just hockey,” explains Lavoie. “It gives girls the chance to have camaraderie, and create friendships that last a lifetime.” Ultimately, what all involved parties reiterated was a hope for growth and success in the future, both in

Thunder Bay and beyond. “I hope we continue to grow,” says Salatino. “I hope we continue to keep the name out there and the program growing, not only for the city of Thunder Bay, but for girls and women everywhere to play hockey and have the same opportunities as men do.”

You can keep up to date with all the Queens teams @Tbayqueens on Facebook and Instagram.

Ryan Hill

Photos courtesy of the NWO Sports Hall of Fame

many people who have been involved with the Queens over the years, what is remarkable is both the long-lasting relationships that are forged within the organization, but also the commitment of the people within to constantly give back both to the Queens and to the Thunder Bay community

In 2010, the Thunder Bay Queens won the region’s first national women’s midget hockey title at the Esso Cup held in Regina, in a 4-3 overtime final against Notre Dame

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Food

Loaded Baked Breakfast Sweet Potatoes serves 2–4

2 medium sweet potatoes

I Yam in Love with You By Chef Rachel Bayes

THE NING IN R G E B LLY

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Scrub the sweet potatoes, and pat dry with a towel. Place them right on the oven rack and bake for 40–50 minutes, until a fork can easily pierce the centre. Cut a slit down the centre (or cut in half for smaller appetites), and fluff the insides using a fork.

Toppings – choose your own adventure: • Fresh fruit: berries, banana slices, stewed apples, pears, a squeeze of citrus juice • Dried fruit: raisins, cranberries, blueberries • Butter/fats: almond, cashew, peanut, cookie, pumpkin, tahini, avocado chunks • Seeds: chia, hemp, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame • Nuts: walnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, granola • Sweets: maple syrup, agave, honey, brown sugar • Spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, basil • Savoury: chives, goat cheese or feta, chopped fresh herbs, tomatoes, chopped spinach • Protein: eggs (poached, scrambled, fried), cooked legumes or beans, ham, cooked bacon

weet potatoes for breakfast? Yes. Though many people use the terms interchangeably, a yam is not a sweet potato. And also confusingly, though yams and regular potatoes are both edible stem tubers, they aren’t really related either. So, what the heck is the difference between the three? “I’ll take ‘Edible Tuber Varieties’ for $100, please, Alex.”

Yam

Sweet Potato

Regular Potato

Rough-textured brown skin

Thin, reddishbrown skin

Thin, brown, red, or purple skin

Starchy, pale flesh

White, orange, pink, yellow, or purple flesh Sweet flavour

Yellow, white, red, or purple flesh; waxy or floury texture

Convolvulaceae family (with bindweeds and morning glory)

Neutral flavour Solanaceae family (with peppers and tomatoes)

Sometimes called a yam in North American grocery stores

5000 cultivated varieties and 200 wild species found worldwide

Originated in South/ Central America

Domesticated first in Peru and Bolivia

Neutral flavour Dioscorea family (with grasses and lilies) Not widely available in North American grocery stores Originated in Africa and Asia

Yams and regular potatoes are great and all, but we’re here to talk about sweet potatoes—wonderfully delicious, high in fibre, beta carotene, vitamin C, and potassium, and versatile. Many people are familiar with the usual: fries, wedges, roasted, baked, curries, hash, mash, pie, and the decadent marshmallow-topped side dish. But, did you know you can serve ‘em up for breakfast? Oh yes indeedy, and how! With some easy meal prep at the beginning of your week (baking sweet potatoes in the oven, or using a pressure cooker or microwave for super-speedy results mid-week) busy breakfast time can be a snap. Gather some toppings you love—the sky’s the limit here!

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Food

The Italian Mocha Dolce Coffee House Story by Jeannie Dubois, Photo by Adrian Lysenko

TUESDAY, JULY 11 - 7:30 PM

he art of crafting a fine Italian coffee is transportive, reminiscent of cobbled streets, salt-tinged coastal air, the ever-present whiff of shatteringly good food, and the melodious hum of the romantic language. Enter John Minnella, owner of the lovely Dolce Coffee House, who takes you on this journey by fashioning a truly next-level mocha that is as inspired as it is

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delicious. He starts with freshpressed Lavazza super crema espresso, which is then mixed with rich and velvety melted milk chocolate (be still my heart) and a hearty kick of Amaretto (stop!) and finally hot steamed milk topped with a touch of panna. Well folks, all I can say is “that’s amore!” Dolce Coffee House 345 Kingsway 622-3130

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Food

Bring on the Sweet Heat By Jeannie Dubois, Certified Pommelier and Sommelier

W R SUPERIO SIP

Bee Mine Saucy Hot Chocolate

(makes 4 mugs) Ingredients: 4 c whole milk 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped 2 Tbsp honey ¼ c bourbon (think Maker’s Mark) 2 tsp vanilla extract Whipped cream (optional) Baking cocoa (optional) Method: In a large saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until bubbles form around the sides of the pan. Remove from heat; whisk in chopped chocolate and honey until chocolate is completely melted. Return to heat; stir until heated through. Remove from heat; stir in bourbon and vanilla. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cocoa, if desired.

hile we patiently await the anticipated spring thaw in our cosy northern corner of the world, it’s good to remember there is a pleasant lassitude to this season as well. After a brisk and sunny day on the slopes or a bracing meander through the tree farm paths, we can rest easy on the couch, noses pink from the cold, legs akimbo after their hard work, thermals strewn off, woollies on the heat register. Hallmark aside, it also is the holiday season of love, which, coming out of the coldest,

Sultry Spiked Tea For Two

(makes 2 mugs) Ingredients: 2 mugs brewed chai (bagged or loose leaf) 2 oz cream liqueur (think Bailey’s) 1 oz crème de cacao 4 cinnamon sticks Method: Boil water, add to two mugs with chai and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Add cream liqueur, crème de cacao, and stir. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and let sit for 1 minute before serving.

darkest time of the year, can be a wonderful boon. Rewind back to ancient Greece—yes, yes, the gorgeous Aegean weather, I know, but they also had some truly beautiful ideas about love. Eros was their concept of romantic love— embrace your partner, as they are your lodestone in this world! Philos was their idea of family and friendship love—wrap your arms around the people who hold you up! Agape was their belief in universal love—we’re all in this together, and a little love goes a long way! Flex that heart muscle,

Nuts for You Boozy Latte

(makes 4 mugs) Ingredients: 2 c 2% milk ¼ c chocolate hazelnut spread (think Nutella) 1 c brewed strong coffee ½ c hazelnut liqueur (think Frangelico) ½ c 35% whipping cream (optional) ¼ c hazelnuts, toasted and chopped (optional) Pinch cinnamon (optional) Method: Heat milk with hazelnut spread in a small saucepan over mediumhigh heat, stirring often, until hot and smooth. Meanwhile, if making whipped cream, beat with an electric hand mixer or whisk in a small bowl until soft peaks form. Set aside. Divide hot coffee and liqueur among 4 large mugs. Top with milk/hazelnut spread mixture, dividing evenly. If using whipped cream, load on top, and then if desired sprinkle with finely chopped hazelnut and a dash of cinnamon.

as it’s a big one and you’ve got three billion reps in this life. The perfect Valentine’s Day? Cold hands wrapped around a lovingly made warm mug of all the best winter has to offer, a whole chapter of a book (uninterrupted!), the faint thrum of your favourite band in the background, dare we say a foot rub in the works (we can always hope!). However your perfect Valentine’s Day looks, here’s to a heart overflowing and a cup that runneth over. Much love, Thunder Bay.

Heartwarming Scotch Mulled Cider

(serves a whole house) Ingredients: 1 gal hard (with alcohol) or soft (without alcohol) dry cider 2 c butterscotch schnapps liqueur 8 cinnamon sticks Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional) Method: In a slow cooker, combine cider, schnapps, and 8 cinnamon sticks. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours until heated through (and your house smells amazing). To serve, ladle into mugs and garnish with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick, if desired.

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Food

Cardinal Chocolate Local Chef Returns to His Sweet Roots By Jack Barten

S  John Murray, owner of Cardinal Chocolate and Red Lion Smokehouse

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ometimes it’s easy to get caught up in a routine. That's what inspired Red Lion Smokehouse chef/owner John Murray to change pace and start Cardinal Chocolate. Diverging from the typical Red Lion fare, Cardinal Chocolate creates artisanal chocolate truffles. The seed of Cardinal was planted long ago, when Murray trained to be a chef in London, England. He received training in a Michelin-starred kitchen, working the pastry section. Here he refined skills and learned new techniques. Later, Murray moved back to Thunder Bay and started Red Lion, gaining acclaim for his work in the savoury side of the kitchen. However, his fascination and training with chocolate remained until November 2022, when it finally manifested as Cardinal Chocolate. “The name Cardinal basically is a nod to my grandma. It was her favourite bird,” Murray says. Cardinal’s marquee product is their truffles, with a soft ganache centre infused with unique flavours like peanut butter

banana, lime and coconut, cherry and champagne, and hazelnut, to name a few. The truffle is then coated in tempered chocolate to get that perfect hard shell on the outside. Cardinal uses a traditional process of handtempering their chocolate; the chocolate is heated to specific temperatures and then worked to get the desired result. You can taste the tradition when you try a Cardinal truffle. The creamy texture and distinct flavour really set it a cut above the commercial truffles commonly available at the supermarket. Launching in late November at Craft Revival, the truffles quickly took off. “They ended up being really popular and we sold out,” Murray says. Cardinal is establishing a new nest in Red Lion, where they will be sold regularly for those of us who have an appreciation for artisanal sweets with a local story. For more information, follow @cardinal. chocolate.company on Instagram.

Family Meal made easy

Family Meal Includes: One Handmade Savory Pie One Handmade loaf of bread two salads $58 + HST

TALK TO US Nomad by Pinetree Catering 307 Bay Street (807) 577-8564 nomadbay.ca

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Food

Carne Asada Taco

E OFF TH U N ME

El Tres

Story and photo by Jack Barten

hen it opened in 2016, El Tres nearly instantly gained a place in the pantheon of Thunder Bay restaurants. At the time it was the only independently owned Mexican restaurant in the entire city, and it has remained a Tuesday night contender ever since. This month, chef Allan Rebelo presents an off-the-menu taco option for readers that need a bit more cheese and steak in their lives. Before we get to the taco talk, this

writer should disclose that my family does actually partially own El Tres restaurant. But considering it's not a publicly traded company and steak and cheese is always going to be good; you have my word there will be no bias presented. On to the tacos! With the Philly cheese steak as its inspiration, the carne asada taco is a fun and spicy addition to the El Tres taco lineup. “Basically, some friends and I were talking about how delicious flank steak is and how cool it

would be to make a taco similar to a Philly cheese steak,” Rebelo says. Marinated flank steak, roasted poblano and red peppers, Oaxaca, chihuahua cheese, and pickled jalapeños are served on a crispy corn tortilla (made inhouse) and then plated with cilantro salsa and chipotle crema. The combination of steak and Mexican cheese is fantastic. With texture from the crispy tortilla and a good kick of spice from the peppers, the carne

asada taco really offers the full package for those of us looking for a complex, spicy, and decadent taco experience. Then you factor in the sauces served on the side—cilantro salsa for an earthy freshness and a chipotle crema for some extra creaminess. It really elevates a good steak taco to being the final word in steak taco lore. The carne asada taco will be available as a feature at El Tres for the month of February.

“Basically, some friends and I were talking about how delicious flank steak is and how cool it would be to make a taco similar to a Philly cheese steak.” The Walleye

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FilmTheatre

Culinary Cabaret

A Gala for a Cause Story by Kim Latimer, photo courtesy of Vibe Music Performance Academy

“M

usic has been my passion since I was a child,” says Kathleen Moore-Kochan, owner and director of Vibe Music Perfor mance Academy. She relocated to Thunder Bay from southern Ontario two decades ago, and spent 13 years working at George Jeffrey Children’s Centre as the city’s only certified music therapist. “I knew that I always wanted to work in pediatrics. My sister was living in Thunder Bay and I thought, I'm going to come up and see if there's a pediatric rehabilitation program.” Moore-Kochan explains how at that time “we didn't have a music therapist, and the CEO of George Jeffrey Children’s Centre felt it would be a really beneficial program knowing that children are very responsive to music.” She would later branch out on her own to open a private music education business, known locally as Vibe. Fast-forward to today—a “post-pandemic” world that is still reeling on the heels of the greatest single historic downturn in both child and adult mental health— and Moore-Kochan finds herself delivering music therapy once again. Cue the Culinary Cabaret! The Culinary Cabaret will be the city’s premiere Broadway revuestyle dinner theatre event, and it’s just in time for Valentine’s Day. A formalwear gala, it’s aimed at an adult audience. A ticket includes a three-course dinner in the classic Valhalla Inn Ballroom, live and silent auctions, and the full performance, in which performers ages eight to 20 will be singing and dancing to Broadway hits from Hamilton, Hair Spray, Tick Tick Boom, Momma Mia, Mary Poppins, Cabaret, The Greatest Showman, and more. All proceeds go to George Jeffrey Children’s Centre. It’s a more universal music therapy of sorts—healing and enriching the lives of children,

The cast of the Culinary Cabaret at George Jeffrey Children’s Centre with CEO Tina Bennett

parents, grandparents, families, friends and community members— for all those rediscovering the joy of live performing arts. And it’s a sight for sore eyes after quarantine and seclusion. “We really want to teach children the importance of giving back

to children,” Moore-Kochan explains. “We wanted to do something different, and with a Broadway revue, we’re not locked into any single storyline or set of songs. It’s the perfect marriage of the best of musical theatre and fundraiser.” “Last year over 3,000

children accessed George Jeffery Children Centre’s programs,” she adds. “They’re in need of new equipment, improved access, and additional programming. We’re doing this to give them an opportunity.”

Culinary Cabaret is happening Saturday, February 11 at the Valhalla Inn Ballroom. For more information and tickets, visit vibemusicacademy.ca.

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FilmTheatre

Hockey Films By Michael Sobota

THE T D MOS SECONURABLE S PLEA G WE THIN HE DO IN TK DAR A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES

Right now, given the current situation, we are suspending you indefinitely. -Coach (Kurt Max Runte) How long is indefinitely? -Tyson Burr (Jared Abrahamson) in Hello Destroyer

ollywood has been enamoured with sports—particularly hockey—from as early as the silent picture era. But it is independent filmmakers who have given us some of the finest hockey stories on film. Here are four hockey movies worthy of attention. One of them is a Hollywood studio film. The other three are Canadian.

Slap Shot (1977)

If there is one studio-produced hockey film to revisit, this is the one. It likely could not be made today for its outrageous content. It is racist, misogynistic, homophobic, politically incorrect, and, if it bothers you, blasphemous. It is also wickedly funny. Director George Roy Hill, working from a wildly energetic script by Nancy Dowd, gives us a story about a losing small-town hockey team coached by Reggie Dunlop (Paul Newman, who is on record saying this is his personal favourite film, having had so much fun making it). Dunlop learns this will be the losing team’s final season as the owner is selling it. This loosens the coach’s grip on professionalism, his ethics, and his tongue. Using a trio of young players—what we would now call goons—he ramps up the violent play and the team starts winning. There is also a smart but disillusioned young player (Michael Ontkean) who plays for the love of the game. Probably only Hollywood could make this dark drama funny.

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Hello Destroyer (2016)

I consider this one of the best hockey films I’ve ever seen, and maybe one of the top 10 Canadian films ever made. Certainly it’s in the top 20. Written and directed by Kevan Funk, it gives us the story of a small town junior hockey team, this one in British Columbia. The heart of the story is a teenage player, Tyson Burr, played by Jared Abrahamson in a performance that is near-perfect, both physically and emotionally. The film begins with a closeup of a hockey hit-and-clinch, followed by a win, the coach’s locker-room victory speech, and a hazing ritual whereby the rookies get their heads roughly shaved. All this occurs within the first five minutes. Burr is praised for his play and encouraged to get even rougher. In a subsequent game, he is caught up in a fight and an opposing player is taken off the ice on a stretcher, critically injured. From that moment forward, Burr’s life changes. He gets suspended by his team and eventually becomes a pariah in the small town community, and then even within his own family. He moves from the passion and enthusiasm of youth through disillusionment, isolation, and ultimately despair, to the point of contemplating suicide. Abrahamson’s performance will open your heart. This is a brutally honest examination of youth hockey culture.

Indian Horse (2017)

Stephen S. Campanelli directs a script by Canadian playwright Dennis Foon, based on Richard Wagamese’s novel. The story is an examination of Canadian colonization, residential schools, and how hockey offers hopeful joy to a young Indigenous player, Saul (played as a youth by Sladen Peltier). He excels on ice and is encouraged to continue ascending in the ranks of the Canadian hockey structure through community teams to regional play, and is eventually on the brink of joining a minor pro team. The story is narrated by an older, adult Saul (played by Ajuawak Kapashesit) and in the finely honed script by Foon we eventually learn what happened to Saul at that residential school and the lingering effects it has on his adult life and behaviours. This is another important Canadian story finely told and executed.

Cup Confidential (2020) Director and co-writer Ryan La Via (together with Kris Ketonen) gives us a local hockey story about a lost trophy recently discovered in a Thunder Bay garage. The trophy is the silver cup won by the 1992 Thunder Hawks, a semi-pro hockey team. They won the first-ever Colonial Hockey League Championship. What makes this modest (it runs under 50 minutes) documentary so worthy is the stellar interviews conducted by La Via, interlaced with historical game footage and other local hockey memorabilia. The interviews, the editing, and the pacing make this winning story a model for how to build an engaging short documentary. You can access the film from La Via’s website.

Here are six more hockey stories put on film that are both entertaining and worth revisiting; they are all Canadian: Winter Comes Early/Face Off (1971), Paperback Hero (1973), Roch Carrier’s famous short story animated by the National Film Board of Canada, The Sweater (1979), Les Boys (1997), Breakfast With Scot (2007), and Score: A Hockey Musical (2010).

FilmTheatre

Read for Filth By Jimmy Wiggins

hey say you only roast the ones you love, and in the case of the drag scene in Thunder Bay, there’s arguably no other queen beloved by the community quite like Amber Ail. With her impending 30th birthday, we thought of no better way to honour this queen than to get all her cohorts together, fire up the grill, and roast the hell out of her. A roast is a form of insult comedy where a group of friends, fans, and colleagues get together and one by one make jokes at the expense of the guest of honour. The idea is that everyone involved is coming from a place of love and respect, no matter how brutal the jokes may be. In the drag world, cleverly insulting each other is known as “reading” or “throwing shade,” and it happens a lot amongst drag performers, especially close friends. “I’m so excited. It will be hilarious,” says Amber Ail. “We are reading each other constantly. It’s how we show love.” A m b e r A i l i s T B a y ’s bearded beauty and is known for her striking looks, memorable performances, and killer lip syncs. Being on the mic isn’t usually part of her act, but this queen knows what it takes to entertain a crowd. “Honestly, I’m a bit nervous,” says Ail. “Public speaking has never been my thing, but it’s an important skill to have in this art form. I respect that Mz. Molly Poppinz can always do it so well.” During a roast, it’s not just the guest of honour who has a target on their head— everyone roasting is fair game.

“As host, I tend to get the most opportunities to gently roast and toast the rest of the community,” says Amber’s drag mother and roast MC Mz. Molly Poppinz. “So for me, it's going to be business as usual. I love when my fellow performers get their moment in the sun and I know they've all been dying to have mic time to give it back to me. We don't always get to see everyone else's comedic chops so I'd say fair is fair and let them come for me!” One rule of a roast is “if you can’t take it, don’t dish it,” and while there may be some topics that are taboo, for the most part everything is on the table as far as what roasters can take shots at. “Oh, there is too much ammo,” says Ail. “It’s honestly going to be too easy for them. I’m always running behind, constantly panicking at shows, not to mention I’m in a relationship with the guy who runs these shows and wrote this article.” When asked whose jokes they’re most excited to hear, there was zero hesitation. “My drag daughter, Miss Take,” Ail says. “She has the most savage reads, and I know for a fact she has been preparing a set for months. I pray for us all.” “I'm really excited to hear from some of the performers who are known to be our group's darling angels,” says Molly. “It's always the quiet ones who end up tearing you to filth.” Catch The Roast of Amber Ail on March 4 at Black Pirates Pub

“If you can’t take it, don’t dish it.”

Local drag queen Amber Ail whose upcoming 30th birthday will be celebrated with a roast

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FilmTheatre

(L–R) Ken Horton and Chris Talarico

(L–R) Breanne Yesno and Cady Dreger

Something Rotten!

Badanai Theatre Welcomes You to the Renaissance By Taylor Onski

hat happens when two struggling playwright brothers go toe-to-toe with Shakespeare? The answer is Badanai Theatre’s production of Something Rotten! Set during the English Renaissance, this production of the Tony award-winning musical follows brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom (Chris Talarico and Ken Horton, respectively) attempting to write the one thing they believe will make them even bigger stars than William Shakespeare (Daniel Hannah): a musical. During the writing process,

the brothers endure what actors Hannah and Horton refer to as both “trouble” and “hijinks”—all while this ensemble cast of 24 sing, dance, and act to ensure laughter. “The show is a really engaging and hilarious time,” Horton says. “It’s a musical so you get to break away from the seriousness of the build to this musical number that’s both amazing and hilarious.” Rehearsing since October, the cast has been busily learning harmonies, tap dancing, and choreography for their February run, something

both Hannah and Horton call rewarding and challenging. “We’re constantly cracking each other up and laughing at the show itself,” Hannah says. “I think we've all found the show is definitely stretching us as actors, singers, and dancers. But that makes for good theatre. You're not just going through the motions, you actually have to work hard.” Whether it’s staging Shakespeare’s sonnets as rock concerts, tap dance battles, or—in the words of Horton—being a “disorienting bubble at times,” Something Rotten! is filled with allusions and nods

to the art of live theatre. Yet, anyone, whether a theatre fanatic or a first-time theatre-goer, can expect to enjoy the show with its characters, comedy, and craziness. “One of the things I love about the show is that it’s absolutely ridiculous, but weirdly moving at times,” says Hannah. “You are still invested in these characters and there's something about them that's vulnerable and human and you identify with them no matter how ridiculous they get. So I think the audience will be cheering them along.”

“The show is a really engaging and hilarious time.”

Something Rotten! runs from February 1–3, 8–11, and 15–18 at the Paramount Theatre. Purchase tickets online at badanai.eventbrite. ca. For more information, find Badanai Theatre on Facebook.

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FilmTheatre

World Cultural Dance Bringing International Dance Styles to the Bay By Taylor Onski

rom flamenco to classical Persian dancing and many more, World Cultural Dance is ready to show you the world’s range of cultures through the art of dance. “We take those dances and lear n about their culture, dig deep into some of the movements, and support local communities and other groups around the city,” says studio owner Danielle Kushner. “We’re also interested in learning dances from people who come to our country.” A bank worker by day

and studio owner by night, Kushner has instructors— both local or sometimes via Zoom—who teach Bollywood, ballroom solo, Colombian and Mexican folklore, and shaabi (Egyptian street dancing), just to name a few. The group breaks down the dance section by section, p u t s i t t o g e t h e r, a n d performs it. The group has graced the stages of Culture Days, Folklore Festival, Festival of India, Buskers Fest, Vox Popular Media Arts Festival, Superior Theatre Festival, and many

seniors homes. The group also does pop-up classes and performances at the waterfront, which became a lot more than just a performance space for the group. “I had a gentleman who ran over because he heard his language with our music and said he had just come from a Middle Eastern country,” she says. “He said that hearing his language made him feel so good. We try to integrate people like that and make them feel like they’re at home too.” World Cultural Dance is

more than just a studio, but is a safe space for people of all ages, cultures, and body types to explore dance, gain confidence, and give back to the community. Kushner’s goals for the studio include more fundraising opportunities (their student show raised $150 for the Cultural Kitchen at Roots to Harvest), classes in high schools that utilize dance as a healthy confidence builder, and continuing on their mission of using dance to promote a message of acceptance within our community.

“We take those dances and learn about their culture, dig deep into some of the movements, and support local communities and other groups around the city.” For more information, contact Danielle Kushner at kush-dani @shaw. ca or 632-8700 or find World Cultural Dance on Facebook.

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TheArts

Bailey Fowler of Embark and Embrace Creations

Art is the Balance Embark and Embrace Creations By Amy Sellors

ocal artist Bailey Fowler of Embark and Embrace Creations is surrounded by things that inspire her to create. From a young age, Fowler expressed her creativity. “As a shy person growing up, I didn’t blossom into my extroverted self until later on. I journaled, I wrote poetry, and I drew a lot,” she says. “It was an outlet for me to express myself and my emotions.” The goal was just to express herself, not to put it on display for the world. As she grew older, she started painting, and the finished

pieces drew accolades from her friends. One night in October of 2019, Fowler found herself drawing on a piece of birch bark. She posted the finished product to social media and people loved it. They wanted it. And so, Embrace and Embark Creations on Instagram was born. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Fowler is surrounded by nature, and by extension, inspiration. “I appreciate the natural beauty Thunder Bay brings, and the diverseness that it brings in so many aspects to

our lives,” she says. “Thunder Bay is an artist’s dream.” The vast majority of the mediums Fowler uses come from the boreal forest. She uses birch bark, sticks, pine cones, driftwood, and mushrooms. Each item inspires her and teaches her to see things from a different perspective. “The items’ qualities teach me to go along with it, to ride the wave.” Her canvases are found and foraged. By using what’s fallen, she’s keeping her work natural and sustainable. Sometimes friends gift her treasures from their own woodland adventures. Her partner works in forestry, so wood and bark are easy to come across. The mediums Fowler uses are only part of the story. The other part is what she brings to

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TheArts her art. “I’ve just completed a piece for a friend who is a chef. His resiliency, the story and strength of how hard he’s worked to create this new beautiful restaurant spoke to me. Being able to connect with other people inspires me,” she says. “I like doing custom pieces. When someone asks me to do a piece on their grandparents, or their family name, something that’s very important to them, I get to live vicariously through that love.” An adventure seeker, different cultures spark her creativity—whether that be the different cultures she finds here at home, or the different cultures she experiences on her travels. Art is only one part of Fowler’s life. By trade, she’s a social worker. She specializes in mental health and addiction, working closely with clients in active addiction going through treatment. “As someone who is in recovery and has loved ones in recovery, I see how they have found art or creative outlets as a way to continue their recovery

and stay strong. It’s all about balance,” she says. “Thinking about the four quadrants of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, creativity is so important to help fill any gaps we may feel in ourselves. There’s so much fulfillment, and you build on your true authentic self through your artwork.” Local art tells a story and starts a conversation. Fowler’s work tells the stories of people and items who inspire her. She wants to see her work shown outside of Thunder Bay. “Having local pieces of birchbark, wood, and amethyst scattered all over would be a true dream. I want to share my love of my home with the world.” Local art lovers have likely seen Fowler’s work at art and craft festivals in recent years. Keep your eyes open for her art drops, when suddenly a bunch of new creations will land on the site. Message her if you want a little Embark and Embrace in your home.

For more information, follow @embarkandembracecreations on Instagram.

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TheArts A AND U O TH S DS R WO

Fleeting Moments

Photographer Patrick Chondon Loves to Capture the Everyday and the Once-in-a-Lifetime

 Lake Superior Float Plane  Winter Train, Westfort

F  Terry Fox

 Mission Island Car

or Thunder Bay photographer and The Walleye contributor Patrick Chondon, photography is about “slowing down, embracing the moment, and just seeing what’s in front of you.” Chondon first learned the basics of analog photography in the late 90s when he was a graphic design student at Sheridan College in southern Ontario, and while he always enjoyed street photography with a point-and-shoot, he didn’t really get into photography until he moved back to Thunder Bay after 15 years working as a graphic designer in Toronto and Vancouver. He intended to set up a business as a real estate photographer but soon realized that wasn’t the path for him. “Just by happenstance, I shot a cousin’s wedding [as a guest] and I fell in love with it again, this time on the digital side.” Chondon taught himself the ins and outs of digital photography and videography and built his business, Chondon Photography, with a focus on weddings and portraits. “It’s not an easy job, but it’s a very rewarding one because you really have to know what you’re doing. You also have to really enjoy it. You can’t check out; you have to be in the moment. I’m always just constantly looking for the once-in-alifetime memories, as cheesy as that sounds. I feel honoured to be able to do that. And it’s fun,” he says, adding that 90% of the photos he shoots at weddings are natural, candid, real-life moments. “That’s kind of what I thrive on.” In addition to some corporate work and an ongoing role at Westfort Productions, Chondon has started taking on some minor hockey photography assignments as well. “I enjoy it immensely.

 Single Goose, Westfort Overpass

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Story by Bonnie Schiedel, Photos by Patrick Chondon Not only do I get to photograph kids, which I love photographing, but also the on-ice action, which I absolutely love to do; just the challenge of capturing those moments, which are extremely fleeting.” A scroll through his personal Instagram account @patrickchondon further reveals Chondon’s love of everyday moments, with an emphasis on street photography. “I always have my camera with me. There’s always something to capture and I am always looking at things. I think that comes from my graphic design career in a way. Because with graphic design, you know, I see a billboard, and I notice the font, or I notice the colour composition they used,” he notes. “And then that’s translated into photography, where I look at composition, like, ‘oh, look at that, if I shoot that a certain way, I bet I can make that look interesting, or those colours are complementary or look, that’s completely symmetrical’ and whatnot. I just like creating interesting things out of nothing.” To see more of Patrick Chondon’s work, visit @patrickchondon and @chondonphotography on Instagram, or chondonphotography.com.

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Sony A1 Sony a7IV Sony 70-200mm GM OSS II Tamron 28-75mm G2 Sony 85mm 1.8 Samyang 135mm 1.8

TheArts

 Centennial Park Horse

 Grocery Carts

 Frank’s Laundromat

 Intercity Stop Sign

 Supreme Cleaners Sign

 Pigeons Taking Off

 Chippewa Park Carousel

 Happyland Telephone

 Photographer Patrick Chondon

 Shoreline Hotel

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TheArts

Quilled Birch Bark Basket

HE FROM T BAY R E THUND ERY’S LL ART GA TION COLLEC

By Caitlyn Bird, Curatorial Intern, Thunder Bay Art Gallery Artist: Maime Migwans Title: Quilled Birch Bark Basket Date: 1982 Size: 17 x 12 cm Medium: Porcupine quills, sweetgrass, and birch bark Collection of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery n a recent visit to our Permanent Collections, a high school student from Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School said “Wow, you can still smell the sweetgrass!” as we unwrapped this basket made 40 years ago. Sweet grass is a sacred medicine among Indigenous communities serving many purposes and functions, some of which manifests into the arts. Maime Migwans, from West Bay, Manitoulin Island, was a master artist of her time—a visionary in basketry. The dark outer bark of this piece, likely from a black birch tree, is an indication of her style. The image on the top of the basket, embraced by coiled sweet grass, of three beings standing

side-by-side, including a horned spirit, was designed by artist Carl Beam. His designs would also inspire other baskets made by Migwans. Every porcupine quill is meticulously placed, creating a visual of brilliancy. Very fine quills contribute to the detail of the design— when placed, the quills and bark absorb into one another, acting as an adhesive. On the bottom of the basket, the inscription “M. MIGWANS, 1982” is quilled; a signature for the ages, it documents important information on the artist’s identity and the year it was made for generations to come. Check out birch bark works from the Thunder Bay Art Gallery’s collection, curated by Jean and Leanna Marshall, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, on now until spring 2023.

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TheArts

Mark Nisenholt

A Pioneer of Digital Mediums Artist Receives Royal Academy Induction By Lindsay Campbell

efore the age of NFTs, Mark Nisenholt was bringing computer-made art into the world. Many artists have their sources of inspiration, but Nisenholt often doesn’t know what will drive his creativity until he’s turned on his computer. “To me, the computer feels like an open faucet. Images are in constant flow, hitting you right in the face” he says. “When I see a photograph or a picture that’s interesting to me, I try to pick up on that. ” Nisenholt describes his art-making process as improvised reactions to the world around him. It all began with a computer and a dot matrix printer in the 1980s. These days, if there’s a digital tool that exists—computers, cameras, graphic software— Nisenholt will use it, and often meld it with more traditional materials. In his

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mind, technology exists to advance or cultivate a creative impulse. That forward-thinking approach granted him an induction into the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts this past fall. The Lakehead University professor emeritus, deemed a pioneer in digital art, received the honour in November 2022 for his work in computer illustration, One of Canada’s longest artist-run cultural institutions, the RCA was established in 1880 by the Governor General under the direction of Queen Victoria to coincide with the opening of the National Gallery in Ottawa. Its goal is to recognize accomplished fine artists and architects. With his induction into the academy, Nisenholt joins other known Northwestern Ontario artists such as Norval Morrisseau, Rebecca Belmore, Sarah Link, and Ann Clarke.

 Kids' Room 2  Kids' Room 3

TheArts Those who frequent Thunder Bay’s public spaces have likely seen Nisenholt’s art on display. In 2010, his images were selected by a national jury for Prince Arthur’s Landing Public Art. Three pieces— Paleo Girl, The Swimmers, and Ulysses—are rendered in the glass of the three lanterns on the Picnic Dock. They were the first installation completed on the waterfront and were unveiled in 2011.

Although he no doubt considers this an accomplishment, when asked about what work he’s most proud of, it’s the more recent pieces he’s been working on that are his pride and joy. “They’re like my new kids, my new ones that I’m so passionately thinking about all of the time,” he says. Right now, his attention falls on two series of works. The first is a number of watercolour-like

images of kids and their toys he’s digitally manufactured, mostly in Photoshop. The second includes vibrant and geometric computer art improvisations of photographs of the famous Italian aristocrat, La Castiglione. Beyond his own works, Nisenholt considers his teaching career as something he has contributed to the art world. He was a Lakehead University professor from 1979

until 2015, and was the first full-time faculty member in the visual arts department. “When I think about my legacy, it is my hope that people will remember me as a good artist, a decent teacher, and a contributor to the local culture,” he says. “Working with art has always been something that I’ve enjoyed. It enhances my being, my existence, and I’ve always known that if I have nothing

 Kids' Room 1

 La Castiglione 3

 La Castiglione 1

 La Castiglione 2

else, I’ll always have that.” To showcase his pieces as a way to celebrate his recent induction, Nisenholt says he’s currently in the process of finalizing details for an art show. More information will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, find Nisenholt on Facebook or Instagram.

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Outdoor

On the Right Track Story and photos by Jesse Milani

t’s the middle of January, you’re exploring the frozen shoreline of Lake Superior, and you come across some animal tracks that are about the size of your palm. Surely, you think, this is just a person and their dog who decided to go for a winter adventure. You look around, and see no indication that any people have travelled the area recently. Upon further inspection, you find feathers spread out further up the track line as if they were thrown around, a possible feeding site. You have just stumbled upon the tracks of a coyote. Winter offers a small glimpse into an oftenoverlooked world. Animal species that tend to be more elusive during the summer months now leave tracks revealing their presence. Identifying animal tracks

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can be incorporated into almost any outdoor activity, be it snowshoeing or skiing. Whether you are walking around Boulevard Lake or exploring Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, there will be animal tracks that you can identify. Many Thunder Bay residents are aware of the coyotes that frequent Lake Superior through the winter months. The frozen lake offers a perfect opportunity to travel long distances that at other times of the year are unachievable. Amazingly, these coyotes will travel from the Thunder Bay Marina across the ice to Fort William First Nation. Distinguishing canine and feline tracks can be a starting point for identification. Canine tracks will always have claw marks in their tracks and are longer

than they are wide, while feline tracks typically have no claw marks and have an even height-to-width ratio. Toe arrangement is a key indicator when comparing canine and feline. Canine toes are symmetrical, and you can draw an X between the outer toes and heel pad, while feline toes follow a similar pattern to human hands with a prominent front toe with additional fingers slightly behind. C o y o t e a n d domesticated dog tracks can be difficult to distinguish due to their similar size and print layout, thus other characteristics need to be studied. The travel path of a dog tends to be less direct and more of a chaotic, zigzag route when compared to a coyote’s, which has a purposeful, energy-efficient, direct route. A much better

 A coyote crossing a frozen Lake Superior from Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area  Snowshoe hare tracks

Outdoor indicator of coyote tracks is to look around for scat. Coyote scat will often be filled with bones, fur, and feathers, and will not be as solidly formed as a dog’s, which has a more consistent diet. Like coyotes, just about every species of animal will have key track characteristics that can be used to distinguish them. Field guides can assist when starting the identification process (Mammal Tracks & Sign: A Guide To North American Species by Mark Elbroch and Casey McFarland is worth a look). One of the most important aspects of investigating tracks is to always respect wildlife. It’s unlikely you will come across many of the animals that left the tracks that you observed, but remembering to always keep a safe distance from the animal may save your life—and the animal’s.

 A young male white-tailed deer shedding its rack

 A ruffed grouse seen through the understory at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

 A snowshoe hare’s winter coat seen in the spring transition phase

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CityScene

Stuff We Like

For the Chocolate Lover By Kelsey Raynard

February is a month associated with love. However, regardless of your relationship status, I think we can all appreciate one universally adored symbol of love: chocolate. Whether you bake it, dip it, drink it, or devour it, we have compiled a list of our favourite local chocolate products for you to enjoy this month (alone or with a loved one). Here is Stuff We Like for the Chocolate Lover. 6

1 Hot Chocolate Bombs Yum Yum Hot Cocoa Bombs @yumyumhotcocoabombs on Facebook Level up your hot chocolate game with a Yum Yum hot cocoa bomb. Simply place the bomb in a mug and pour hot milk over it to create your own chocolate masterpiece. Available in a variety of colours, flavours, and decorations, these treats are as fun as they are delicious. Grab one bomb for $6 each or bundle four for $22.

$6–22

Triple Chocolate Fudge 2

Sprucedale Farms sprucedalefarms.com This. Is. Decadence. For chocolate on chocolate on chocolate, try the triple chocolate fudge from local chocolatier Sprucedale Farms. Made locally on a hobby farm in South Gillies, Sprucedale Farms chocolate is available for purchase online or in person at the Thunder Bay Country Market and Nomad Bakeshop and Sandwich Bar. If fudge isn’t your thing, check out their website for many more delicious chocolate products.

$10

Chocolate Cow Mexi Joe 3

Cheese Encounter 198 Algoma Street South What is sweet, salty, and spicy all over? A Mexi Joe from Chocolate Cow, of course! These crispy, caramel-filled milk chocolates are reminiscent of a Turtles chocolate, but are spiced up (literally) with a hint of chili for extra kick. Grab some cheese, crackers, and jam from the Cheese Encounter while you’re there for the perfect Valentine’s Day spread.

$3.99

Chocolate Freckled Cold Brew Gelato 4

8 3

1 5

Prime Gelato 200 Red River Road Chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven; combine these two in gelato form and you have a whole new level of indulgence. Prime Gelato’s chocolate freckled cold brew gelato is made with cold brew from local coffee roaster St Paul Roastery and infused with flecks of rich, dark chocolate. Grab a pint in store or at various retailers around town.

$10.99

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5 Sisu Beer Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. 712 Macdonell Street While we know this is not a traditional chocolate product, Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. has crafted an excellent new beer that can satisfy your chocolate craving (and without all the sugar of a candy bar). Created in homage to the local Finnish community and the legacy of the Hoito, Sisu is a classic brown ale with hints of chocolate, caramel, and toastiness, finished with maple and coffee as a reminder of breakfasts’ past. We will cheers to that!

$3.62

6 Chocolate-Covered Berry Box

Ling Lee’s Fresh Fruit Bouquets 276 Cumberland Street North Chocolate and strawberries are another classic combination we could not leave off this list. Composed of 12 beautiful chocolate-dipped and decorated strawberries, Ling Lee’s chocolate-covered berry box is fresh, fun, and most importantly, delicious. Whether you are gifting this to a chocolate lover for Valentine’s Day or ordering it for yourself, this is one sweet treat worth trying.

$40

Chocolate Lover’s Gift Basket 7

Grower Direct Thunder Bay 777 Red River Road Warning: major sugar rush ahead! If you have a chocolate lover in your life, look no further than the chocolate lover’s gift basket from Grower Direct Thunder Bay. Packed with a custom selection of chocolate and candy, this gift basket promises to deliver sugar, spice, and everything nice—just don’t tell your dentist.

$75–85

8 Chocolate Trance Tea Sampler

International House of Tea 205 Algoma Street South For a more mellow dose of chocolate, International House of Tea has compiled a lovely collection of chocolate infused teas for all the chocolate lovers out there. With 12 g each of five different teas (including Strawberry Chocolate Ceylon and Chocolate Cream Rooibos), this tea sampler is perfect for cosying up on Valentine’s Day.

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CityScene

Kerstin Wiebe of Embrace Embroidery

Embrace Embroidery

AL GO LOC R E D N U TH NTRY U O C Y BA T MARKE

Story and photos by Paul Krasauskas

inding a craft or hobby that becomes a passion then a business is something many artists strive to achieve, but too few accomplish. Having a place to nurture and grow that venture is a necessity in every community. Kerstin Wiebe of Embrace Embroidery is bringing her eclectic and imaginative embroidered jewelry, clothing, and other creations to the Thunder Bay Country Market, along with a selection of embroidery supplies, giving her customers ways to express themselves and maybe find a new craft at the same time. Wiebe is influenced by two generations of craftswomen— her grandmother and mother, who both helped her build a foundation for her business. Growing up, Wiebe would watch her mother sew beautiful

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and cherished Christmas stockings for family members, and she also spent 10 weeks learning to crochet from her grandmother during a college practicum. Recently, Wiebe purchased a flower embroidery kit at an art store and found herself hooked on this new craft. There is something special about embroidery for Wiebe. “It was the combination of two things, the textile arts and creating an image,” she says. “I could crochet a million touques, but [embroidery] was able to give me something to put a message behind. It is powerful for me having one of my pieces go viral, a six-second Instagram post getting 500,000 views and 26,000 likes.” “This business is about showcasing what I find interesting, focusing on apparel

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and jewelry, and embroidered hanging art. I also do custom art, logos, and personal pieces that people want,” Wiebe adds. “I tend to do floral, nature-themed [items]. I like bold, I like bright. I want to evolve in the new year and create art that makes you think.” Along with all her hypoallergenic jewelry, clothing, and custom art, she also has accessories for embroidering like scissors, needle minders, and bobbins, with the goal of having all her sourced products from female-owned small businesses. Wiebe began by bringing Embrace Embroidery to craft markets during the summer, but the delicate nature of her products made a more stable location important to building and maintaining her business.

“Finding this market space where I come, create, decorate how I want, move it around, and leave it at the end of day took a whole lot of stress away and gave me more space to create,” she says. “Since being here my exposure has gone up. I’ve seen an uptake in my products, and my social media has gained a lot of traction, so it has been a really great business move being here. [...] I have absolutely fallen in love with this community and the amount of support they give artisans and small businesses.” For more information, visit embraceembroidery. com or follow @embraceembroidery.co on Instagram.

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CityScene

D SECONES C N CHA

Twice the Life with Twice as Nice Thrift Store By Kelsey Raynard

n addition to clothes, many items we have around the house eventually lose their purpose and end up in landfills. Twice as Nice Thrift Store has committed to collecting these unwanted items and giving them a second (and even third, fourth, or fifth) chance at life. Twice as Nice Thrift Store is a not-for-profit organization where 100% of profits are donated to the Thunder Bay Christian School. In addition to collecting clothes and reselling them secondhand, Twice as Nice also operates as an e-waste depot, where you can donate everything from used furniture, electronics, and even medical equipment and supplies. Rose Drewek, one of the managers of Twice as Nice, explains that the organization is committed to ensuring nothing that comes through their doors goes to waste. “We try to find homes for everything,” Drewek says. “Our goal is that nothing goes in the dumpster.” If furniture isn’t in the greatest shape, local community members will come and refurbish it. If old fabric isn’t selling, church members will come and sew curtains from it. If medical supplies like blood pressure cuffs or eyeglasses are no longer used, they are donated through MEMO (the Medical Equipment Modernization Opportunity). And of course, all clothes that are donated are washed, mended, and put up for sale in their storefront. Drewek believes that it is the younger generation— led by public figures such as Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist known for her school strikes as a teenager— are both changing the stigma

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associated with thrifting as well as shifting consumer behaviour trends. “Vintage is in!” she laughs. Like many others, Twice as Nice has moved some of their business online, showcasing and selling various items on their Facebook page. Drewek said that almost 20% of their business now comes from e-commerce, demonstrating that anyone, anywhere can access highquality secondhand goods from our community. This month, Twice as Nice is featuring a stylish and functional collection of secondhand clothing for the interesting spring weather we have in Thunder Bay. Up top, we have a Minnesota Wild baseball cap, new with tags, for $5. Next, you can prepare for the (eventual) warmer weather with a hooded jacket from Ascend, new with tags, for $15 (size large). While we are all looking forward to spring, we also all know that the snow isn’t gone just yet. Finish off the winter months in a Burton Ronin Casa Nostra snowboard jacket ($30 for a size large). Below, Twice as Nice has a pair of functional and fashionable Tailoredge cotton blend trousers (36” waist/34” inseam) for $5. Lastly, we all know that a good pair of workboots can be hard to find, and even more expensive to purchase. Grab this pair of Rock outdoor leather tactical boots with a Vibram rubber sole ($20 for a size 9.5). Make sure to check out the rest of the stock at Twice as Nice Thrift Store, located at 250 May Street North, and follow along on Facebook for new arrivals.

CityScene

With Moffat Makuto As told to Matt Prokopchuk, Photo by Lois Nuttall

offat Makuto has had an immensely positive impact on the lives of untold numbers of children and youth across Northwestern Ontario. The executive director and youth advisor at the Regional Multicultural Youth Council has been at the helm of the organization since its creation in 1985, and has dedicated his time to creating a safe space for young people, bringing Indigenous and nonIndigenous youth together, and fostering support, inclusion, and leadership. After immigrating to Canada in the 1970s from Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia), Makuto, now 73, has been at the forefront of numerous local multicultural and antiracism efforts. He spoke with The Walleye about his work, his recent trip to Africa, and those he looks up to. The Walleye: How has the RMYC and youth centre been able to navigate the past three pandemic years? Moffat Makuto: It really helped us to understand when many people mentioned that COVID really exposed some of the discrepancies. That became very real for us. In the schools we have what we call a peer mentoring program—we really believe that teachers and guidance counsellors are doing their best, but sometimes in the classroom and the hallways, young people can see the one who is lonely, the one who they didn’t see at school last week and wonder what happened. The pandemic helped us to realize that there were some kids who were definitely in not safe spaces—the kids had relied on the breakfast club or for lunch. Once schools were closed and things were online, some of the homes were not

EYE EYE TO

Moffat Makuto (centre) with members of the Regional Multicultural Youth Council

the best places for the young people to be. COVID and the challenges of being isolated at home exposed the whole issues of poverty, of a home climate that wasn’t very healthy for some young people. Yes, others who had parents who could tutor them or mentor them seemed to excel or do very well in that environment, but others in very crowded homes or impoverished homes where parents had relied on the schools to feed the kids now had to deal with that reality. TW: Before Christmas you visited Africa for vacation. Tell us about your trip. MM: It was really nice, the weather there when it’s winter here. My shock was when I came back just before Christmas [laughs]. It was just nice to touch base, but again you start seeing how systems fail because current governments read from the same textbooks of former governments, where the privileged ones seem to get richer. It opens your eyes to the need to really empower people, and that they cannot always wait for the government to make changes. Yes, government needs to create the environment and supports, but it has to be

the ideas that the young people have, or all citizens have, that will make their community what they want it to be. TW: Did you go to visit family? MM: Yes, I saw family. I try to go as often as I can, once a year or so, because everyone is aging, so you still want to see relatives and touch base. Because of COVID, I had not gone back for the past few [years], so I was very keen to just see what things are like. That’s the reason I’ve gone—and to get some ideas. TW: Away from work, what do you enjoy spending time doing? MM: Most people might know that [my wife and I] run the Mandarin restaurant. I met my wife at Lakehead University. She’s from Hong Kong but we got married in Africa—in fact, my father did the ceremony, because he’s a church minister. When I’m not at the centre, I’m helping out a little bit at the restaurant. My hobbies have really been just hanging out with the young people and doing fun stuff with them—playing

games, supervising them, and so forth. One of the real benefits has been my two daughters and I know, when we talk about racism, how they were struggling in the school system. They faced a lot of racism, people saying “go back where you came from,” and those things really had an impact on them. It was really surprising that they felt comfortable coming to the RMYC, and they did a lot of work helping to design the website, producing books about the ABCs of multiculturalism or family violence or mental health, stuff like that. I was never caught up in winter sports like skiing or anything, so my hobbies have been doing anything indoors with the youth, watching movies, discussing them and so forth. TW: Who is a personal hero to you, or someone you look up to? MM: Definitely people like Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. To me, they’ve really been pioneers in a lot of things. When I was growing up in Africa

we knew about Pelé, the football player. We didn’t have television then, but we had known about this great football player and we’re running in the field wanting to be Pelé, who I had never seen [laughs]. It’s really like when people say how he transcended football— almost every young kid growing up in Africa heard about Pelé and football. Those were people I kind of really grew up [seeing as] heroes. Especially like Martin Luther King— discrimination or racism is not going to solve anything. So given the context that we are also dealing with issues of racism and discrimination and homophobia in Canada, you kind of reach out to those people to see how they managed to end up where they did. And it has really helped me a lot working in this field of bringing people together and finding common denominators to really make Canada or Thunder Bay a much more inclusive and prosperous community. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

The Walleye

Paul Krasauskas

CityScene

 The Bark Bus arrives in Thunder Bay with dogs from remote communities throughout Northwestern Ontario

Northern Reach Reaches Out Local Organization Has Rescued Thousands of Dogs By Pat Forrest

bout ten years ago, Thunder Bay’s Erin Manahan was told she had two years to live. After receiving a successful stem cell transplant, she faced a long recuperation and the boredom that often comes with it. As she had always been a lover of animals, she started volunteering to help those in need and before long, as she puts it, “it grabbed her and never let her go.” She is now the president of Northern Reach Rescue Network. The Northern Reach Rescue Network is a not-forprofit organization founded in 2014 by Darlene Vezina. Yet another animal lover, the late Vezina worked as a nurse in remote fly-in northern communities. When she

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retired, she was contacted by a resident of one of those communities who was looking for help for a dog needing veterinary care. Vezina started reaching out to pet rescue operations for advice, and soon the rescue network was born. In the network’s first year, 285 puppies and dogs were brought into rescue. Now they are averaging about 1,500 cases annually. The network not only rescues sick, homeless, and stray dogs, but also takes in dogs surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them. Once the dogs are flown into Thunder Bay, they are given veterinary care if needed and fostered locally until they are ready to travel to various southern Ontario organizations, where

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they are fostered and eventually adopted. Other dogs are spayed or neutered and sent back home to their owners. “There are no spaying or neutering services in the remote communities currently,” says Manahan. “We want to do all that we can to support these responsible pet owners who want to help to control the population.” Asked what Vezina would say about the work of the rescue today, Manahan doesn’t hesitate. “It would blow her mind and she would be so grateful and amazed at all that we do,” she says. Manahan says that their work is not just about helping animals, but also about assisting people

in need. “We hear from partners who have surplus clothing or other supplies and want to offer them to us. The network is very strong and focused on providing help where it is needed.” Supported by about 200 volunteers and with no paid staff, Northern Reach Rescue Network relies solely on donations to continue its work. Funds go towards flights, ground transportation, emergency veterinarian services, food, supplies, and more. The need is especially great right now as their van—which they were still paying off—hit a moose, and having to rent vehicles has tripled their costs. Tax receipts are available.

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2020-11-17 9:35 AM

CityScene

This is Thunder Bay Interviews and photos by Leah Morningstar

This month we asked The Walleye readers: What is the most romantic thing someone has done for you?

Lisa: I went on a first date with a cute guy in February 12 years ago. He took me snowshoeing along the shore of a frozen lake. After an hour, he asked if I wanted hot cocoa; I assumed he had a thermos in his backpack. Instead, he took off his snowshoe and used it to clear a space in the snow, found a dead tree, and broke it into pieces. He lit a fire, pulled out a pot, boiled down some snow and then made cocoa in the pot. We talked for two hours around that fire and then headed back to civilization. By then I was totally in love. We're still together!

Brandon: I was having a rough day and the girl I was with brought me a Red Bull and a large chocolate bar to make me feel better.

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Brennon: No one person has ever done anything super romantic for me, or at least I can’t think of a specific incident. But honestly, life itself has shown me again and again that romance and beauty is everywhere.

Eureka: I had 13 years of my poetry stored and online. My good friend printed everything out, did some proofreading, and got everything compiled in a big hardcover book. It was one of the most romantic and thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received.

Janet: After a really long, stressful, and tiring week, my husband decided to surprise me by ordering take-out and buying a strawberry cheesecake (my absolute favourite) after work. We curled up on the couch and ate dinner and cheesecake. It was the best night.

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CityScene

Donato’s Bakery

WALL SPACE

By Adrian Lysenko

“S

ome things never change, and never should.” The quote, featured on the jar of Donato’s marinara sauce, is from the family’s greatgrandmother Caterina Primerano (di la Marinara). Donato’s has been jarring the marinara sauce for almost 10 years, but the recipe goes back longer. “We’ve been doing this as a family for just over 100 years,” says David Bruno, the youngest of the three brothers who make up the business. F e a t u re d i n l o c a l

Metro grocery stores through their Spotlight on Local initiative, the sauce has gained fame, twice winning the People’s Choice Award at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. And now, the business owners are looking to expand their market by getting the sauce into stores in southern Ontario. “This is one of the only sauces in a jar that you’ll find at the grocery store that doesn’t have sugar,” Bruno says. “The success behind it is its simplicity.”

 David Bruno of Donato’s Bakery, holding a pizza fresh from the oven made with their famous marinara artisan tomato sauce  Donato’s Bakery’s tomato marinara sauce.

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CityScene

 Stirring the sauce The sauce is cooked for five hours straight. “The science behind that is it slowly caramelizes the natural sugars inside the tomatoes and it de-acidizes it,” he says. “And that’s the secret behind it.”

 Seasoning “Our seasoning is very simple. I mean, you can’t hide it, you have to tell them what it is. It’s oregano, basil, parsley, and just a tiny, tiny bit, just a hint of garlic powder,” Bruno says, stating that this is all his great-grandmother would use in the old country.

 Jars ready to be filled with the bakery’s marinara sauce.

 Donato’s Bakery’s tomato marinara sauce.

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CityScene

Lakehead Dart League Story by Wendy Wright, Photos by Paul Krasauskas

or the past 30 years the Lakehead Dart League has been a mainstay in competitive d a r t p l a y i n g a ro u n d Thunder Bay. The league has approximately 30 teams with seven people per team. These include mixed teams and a couple of teams that are all-female as well. As a competitive league, Lakehead Dart League is split into three separate divisions based on skill level. “Nobody

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 Lakehead Dart League teams Barber Bullseyes and Looney Toones at the Da Vinci Centre  Graham McIntyre, captain of the Barber Bullseyes

THE S USIAST H T N E

wants to play against someone else that is not close to their own abilities. Whether it’s someone who’s much better and you don’t have a chance or the other way around,” says Phil Doucette, president of the Lakehead Dart League. E v e r y We d n e s d a y night from October to M a y, p l a y e r s c a n b e found competing at one of a variety of watering holes around the city. The location changes each

CityScene “There’s a great social aspect and people don’t even think about the math lessons.” week and works to support many small businesses throughout the city. Each venue has around 15 hours of home games, and there is a windup each May with playoffs and an awards banquet. “The camaraderie and social aspect of playing together is wonderful. It’s a break to come together,” Doucette says. “We also have a traditional charity event in January or February each year that supports local charities. We like to give back.” The Lakehead Dart League is open to everyone. “Beginners are welcome. We encourage beginners to come out. We also work hand in hand with the

Thunder Bay Youth Dart League. Getting involved as a youngster is good. There’s a great social aspect and people don’t even think about the math lessons,” Doucette says. “Anyone can contact a member of the executive to get on a team, whether as a spare to begin with or regular player. Everyone starts somewhere and adjustments can be made throughout the season.” Visit thunderbaydarts. com to find more information regarding upcoming evenings of league play and how to get involved.

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CityScene

Heavenly Pipes

BIS CANNAER CORN

By Justin Allec

nd so we finally turn our attention to the humble glass pipe. While head shop display cases are filled with all manner of smoking devices made from every substance found on earth, the simple glass pipe occupies a cherished place in cannabis culture. Look at a brand new pipe: sleek, smooth, graceful colours, and easy to hold. Affordable and durable, chances are the first time you used cannabis was with a glass pipe. I know that a glass pipe is my tool of choice. The big reason is simplicity. Aside from some kind of flame and the cannabis

itself, there isn’t anything to worry about with a glass pipe. Put however much cannabis you need, head outside, apply heat, use the carb (or shotgun, depending on where you grew up) to cherry the bowl, and boom! You’re on your way. Glass has several advantages over other materials. It’s an inert substance, which means that your pipe won’t transfer or leach flavours while you’re smoking. Glass also withstands temperature changes well, so you won’t burn your hand even during a longer session. Probably one of the biggest attractions of glass

pipes is the myriad of shapes and sizes available—to say nothing of the colours! While machine-made glass pipes are fairly common, they’re usually priced on the lower end and just aren’t as nice. They work fine, but the difference between machinemade and handcrafted is obvious once you hold it. Artists use glass-blowing techniques to shape and form the pipe, and it’s an intense process thanks to the heat and timing needed to produce a perfect piece. They begin with a precast tube of glass, and then use a combination of hightemperature torches and blowing techniques to

shape the pipe. First, heat is applied to the precast tube, and it is stretched and spun to create the neck of the pipe. The bowl comes second—heat is applied to the end of the neck and the artist blows into the cool end, which will form a bulb. Again, spinning and stretching is used to shape the bowl. Next, a rod is pushed down into the center of the bulb to create the perfect bowl depression. Another tool is used to punch a hole in the bottom of the bowl and on the side for a carb hole. The final steps are to shape the mouthpiece and clean up any rough spots. And finally, we come

to colour. There are a lot of specialized processes artists can use to add colour to glass. Some techniques involve vapourizing metals or adding other kinds of glass into the pipe during the forming process. With use, as cannabis resin builds up inside the bowl and neck, the glass pipe will slowly change colours. This is one of the best parts of owning a nice glass piece—using it until the colours come strong to the forefront, only to clean it and have those colours fade away, ready to appear again. If you are in the market for a new piece, there’s a lot to appreciate, but not a lot to consider.

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Music

(L–R) Kevin Heerema, Ryan and Nic MacDonald, and Jay Savage of The Honest Heart Collective

At The Top But Barely Breathing

The Honest Heart Collective Return with New Single By Michael Charlebois

fter 10 years of ascending into one of the city’s most beloved homegrown acts, The Honest Heart Collective finds themselves under a profound reckoning with their new single “Suffocate.” “The song kind of came

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out of nowhere,” says lead vocalist Ryan MacDonald. “The vibe is really different from what we’re currently writing for our record.” The four rock and rollers last released a full-length in 2021, but their newest song is so powerful they felt the

urge to release it purely as a single. Breaking from their catalogue, “Suffocate” greets its audience with dreamy guitar flourishes and an airtight bassline before swinging into a chorus of pure exhilaration where MacDonald asks, “Do I still want it now?” “As a kid we’ve always dreamed of having fans all over the place,” says Nic MacDonald, who plays bass on the track. “It feels awesome, but at the same time it’s like… ‘I don’t know if I’m ever going to make enough money at this to ever really do it and commit a lot of time to it.’” An anthem for the existential artist, “Suffocate”

justifies its duality with the smoothest moment the band has released to date, and a thrashing chorus that’s bound to fit snugly into any HHC show. “It’s kind of like there’s two characters,” Nic says. “The verse is sung very smooth and sort of suave. There’s sort of this flowing nature… It’s kind of like the smooth talker, the facade. [Then] we’re kinda cutting through the bullshit with the chorus. We just wanted to hammer as hard as we can.” The track is unmistakably Honest Heart, but has a certain shine to it that shows the band isn’t quite ready to throw in the towel just yet. “We can kind of bet on this one,” Ryan says.

Indeed, the track is backed by a visually stunning music video and industryleading mix courtesy of Gus van Gogh. Thriving in its conflicts, “Suffocate” openly displays the wounds of four overworked artists, but boasts all the confidence of an indie band obsessed with their craft. The winner in the end will be the fans. “I can’t wait to play it live, man,” Ryan says. Follow The Honest Heart Collective on social media to get updates about their upcoming Thunder Bay concert.

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Music

Slugbate

Tragedy Isn’t the Only Story By Justin Allec

ometimes opportunity forces change. Local musicians Johnny Longfeather and Nathan Pakka had been jamming together and playing in the acoustic act Swan Society when a friend approached the pair about playing a wedding benefit. While the gig was only two weeks away, they committed. With Longfeather handling guitar and Pakka on drums, the duo recruited friend Morningstar Derosier for bass duties and spread the vocal responsibilities around. “Jamming and writing in such a short time really helped develop a sense of kinship between all of us, really allowing us to have an amazing flow

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with the writing process,” Longfeather says about the quick birth of Slugbate. You’ll know that “flow” is a force if you’ve had the chance to experience this band live or heard their 2022 EP, Palmate. Moving from origin to established doesn’t always happen nicely, but Slugbate are one of those rare acts where talent and vision produce some damn great music right away. Taking the slow boil of sludge metal into a more vulnerable area, Slugbate’s songs splice in ethereal space and vocal harmonizing. It’s a unique combination of darkness and light that makes the songs instantly approachable. As well, the trio’s songwriting process invests

more in the lyrics than your typical heavy metal tropes. “With the topics and stories we share, metal seemed like a suitable fit,” Longfeather says. “The topics we sing about are very ugly truths that link all Indigenous peoples within this country and beyond.” By presenting stories and issues important to Anishinaabe youth in a decibel-heavy format, Slugbate are acting as both ambassadors and entertainers. Their Bandcamp page actually lists their genre as “Indigenous Sludge Metal,” which helps structure the band’s outlook. Longfeather gives the example of the recent discoveries of unmarked residential school graves. In their song “Palmate”, the topic gets exorcised through heavy riffs and wailing vocals, a true cathartic response. “We can still feel the pain that has happened

throughout our history in ourselves, our families, and our community,” Longfeather says. “Sharing and singing these stories is a chance for us to release, reflect, and to ultimately work on self-healing.” Serious subjects for sure, even within the gloomy world of metal. Thankfully, Slugbate doesn't just want to berate you with misery. The band has too much fun playing together and writing songs to just focus on the tragic. With new songs on the way, you can expect a lot more from Slugbate in the near future. “Performing and sharing the songs we create is honestly such a fun experience,” Longfeather concludes. “There are so many places we draw inspiration from, especially when we reflect on the strength of our people. We have so many other stories that we are planning to share.”

(L–R) Morningstar Derosier, Nathan Pakka, and Johnny Longfeather of Slugbate

“Performing and sharing the songs we create is honestly such a fun experience.”

For more information, visit facebook.com/ SlugbateTheBand.

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Music

Shania Twain

G BURNINE H T TO SKY

The Queen of Me

Story by Gord Ellis, Photo by Louie Banks

hania Twain is a true Canadian music icon. No, she may not have the same songwriting gravitas as Joni Mitchell or Neil Young, but that should not lead anyone to think she has had any less of an impact. She’s arguably had even more impact, as much for her music as for her sheer panache. When Shania burst onto the music scene in the mid 1990s, country had lines you did not cross. You could be a country Barbie like Dolly Parton, but you could not dress too sexily. You did not see Dolly in a midriff shirt bearing her belly button. In the same way, country music had invisible lines that kept rock hooks, loud drums, and electronica out of the mix. Shania blew all

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these things right out of the water, creating a landscape in country music that paved the way for artists like Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift to have airtime. Shania’s appearance on the music scene was something of an explosion. It is hard to explain just how pervasive her music was in the late 90s and early 2000s, but it was everywhere. Also, people loved her—men and women. In 1995, I was on a muskie fishing trip to Lake of the Woods and was staying with a friend in Kenora. One night we went out to a local watering hole to have a drink. At some point, the jukebox began playing “Any Man of Mine,” an anthemic Shania Twain song that melds classic country with some

very identifiable nods to country rock. Well, that bar, which had been relatively quiet, suddenly burst into a room full of line-dancing cowgirls and (mostly) hapless, dad-dancing men. It was like being in an 1980s music video, except this was real. The music had moved people. Speaking of videos, you really cannot underestimate the power of Shania’s amazingly memorable videos on her success. Twain was a natural beauty for sure, but her attitude in the videos was fun and accessible. She was the girl next door, who had found the costume drawer. So many of her videos were both playful and sexy. The all-time classic may be the video for “Man! I Feel Like

a Woman!” where Twain turned the tables on the video for Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love,” which featured a band of beautiful women dressed the same. Could Shania have had any more fun gyrating with her band of hunky air guitarists? Probably not. However, Shania Twain could not have done what she did without the singing and performing skills she’d been honing since she was a child. Her childhood story (she was born Eilleen Edwards in Windsor and raised in Timmins) is not without tragedy. Seek out Why Not? the docu-series about Twain, for the whole amazing story. Yet that hard early life forged an identity and drive that served her well in the business. Her voice was also the perfect conduit for the incredible, hook-laden songs she and her then-husband/producer Mutt Lange wrote and

rolled out for many years. Twain could soar, growl, purr and be down-home effortlessly. Twain struggled with her singing after a Lyme disease diagnosis in 2004 and for a time lost her voice completely. Yet, in recent years she has posted an impressive comeback. A whole new generation is now discovering her many hits, which include “From This Moment On,” “I’m Gonna Getcha Good,” and the hilarious “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” Twain is coming out with a new album this month called The Queen of Me. While it is unlikely to have the kind of cultural impact of Come On Over or Up it will undoubtedly cement her comeback. It will also provide her with new songs to play on the already announced tour. Twain has nothing to prove and is doing things exactly the way she wants to. She is truly the queen.

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Music

Suzie Vinnick and Lloyd Spiegel Singer-Songwriters Perform Across Northwestern Ontario By Kris Ketonen

uzie Vinnick and Lloyd S p i e g e l ’s o n g o i n g Canadian tour is not only bringing some fantastic blues and roots music to stages across the country, it’s also giving the two singersongwriters a chance to get to know each other a bit better. “We’ve met each other, I think, once in person,” the Toronto-based Vinnick told The Walleye prior to the start of the tour. “He’s a real gifted, gifted musician,” she says of the multiple-award-winning Spiegel, who’s from Australia. “He’s been at it since he was really young.” “We’re going to be each doing our own set, it’s like a double bill,” Vinnick adds. “We might end up, at the end of the night, playing a song or two together, we’ll see.” The Saskatoon-bor n Vinnick is, of course, a very accomplished musician herself. She’s a 10-time Maple Blues Award winner, a threetime Juno nominee, and has released seven solo albums. She got her start at a young age, jamming with friends, who then took her to a jam session at a local blues bar. “They had a jam session on Saturdays from three to seven, and at that point it was a restaurant, so as an underage teen I could go in and play,” she says. “I didn’t really know anything about blues music, other than I had just heard of this guy Stevie Ray Vaughan and went ‘wow.’” Vinnick then found herself being allowed in during the week to listen to the blues bands performing. “I spent I’m sure a couple of years coming in occasionally for some of the artists,” she says. “It was pretty sweet to have

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that kind of education hearing live bands. I got to be friends with some of the musicians, and sometimes they even brought me up on stage.” Thunder Bay music fans will have a chance to hear Vinnick and Spiegel perform live this month when they take the stage at the Port Arthur Polish Hall on February 11. For more information, visit sleepinggiant.ca

Music

Marc Palmquist Principal Cello

TBSO E PROFIL

By Kris Ketonen Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota Instrument: Cello Age you started to study music: Choir at about age seven How long have you been with TBSO: Since 1985 What’s on your personal playlist: Palmquist doesn’t listen to much music, but does enjoy listening to people who “analyze music and tear it apart,” such as Rick Beato on YouTube arc Palmquist never expected to spend nearly four decades with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. “It was a one-year deal,” Palmquist says of his mindset when joining the symphony back in 1985. “I wanted to be gone in a year.” At the time, Palmquist recalls playing with two other orchestras simultaneously, and commuting between Minneapolis and Thunder Bay for several years. While he hoped “to remain at home,” Palmquist says “it didn’t work out, so we’re here.”

That isn’t to say, of course, that Palmquist hasn’t enjoyed his time in Thunder Bay, and with the TBSO. “The environment is very much a place I’m familiar with, and it’s beautiful,” Palmquist says. But the biggest draw for him is the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. “It really is a phenomenal building,” he says. “It’s hard to beat in terms of its acoustic quality.” His first concert with the TBSO was, in fact, the Auditorium’s opening concert, an event he calls “amazing.” Palmquist got his start in music as a member of a boys’ choir when he was about seven years old. A few years later, he began studying piano, and following that, he was introduced to the cello through his school music program. “The school music director was looking for students who could fill certain voids,” Palmquist recalls. “And one of those gaps was the cello.” “I got handed a cello, and I loved it,” he says. “I just kept going with it.”

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Music

Back Up to Speed

Dulcisono Women’s Choir to Present A Tempo By Matt Prokopchuk

longstanding Thunder Bay choir dedicated to showcasing female voices will be back on stage this month, and the show’s theme ties in with their drive to return to a more familiar performing schedule. The Dulcisono Women’s Choir is set to present A Tempo: Music in the Afternoon on February 5. The concert will feature an eclectic mix of music in styles ranging from the Baroque era to modern day pop music, says Theresa Thibert, the choir’s artistic director and conductor. It will also include a threesong set composed by Thunder Bay musician and choir member Kim Fuzzen

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entitled “Seasons of True Love,” as well as guest performances, including the glee choir from Nor'wester View Public School. The name of the show, Thibert adds, also has a special meaning. “‘A tempo,’ musically, is a return to the previous speed after a change in speed in the music,” Thibert says. “So we thought this is kind of a perfect title for the concert, as we’re trying to return to our normal speed in terms of performance and scheduled programming.” The choir, which initially formed in 2003, has had an intermittent schedule— as many performers have— since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but

they were able to stage a couple of concerts in late 2021 before returning to play at 2022’s Holiday Craft Revival. Thibert says that the upcoming concert is slated to signal a return to a more typical schedule. The group currently features a core group of eight to 10 singers, with many working or having worked in professional careers like teaching and the medical field. The choir also boasts singers ranging in age from their 20s to their mid-70s. “The standard of music is very high,” says Thibert, who took the reins in September 2017. “What Dulcisono—in the past and presently—is committed to is exploring

and performing a wide variety of music for women’s voices specifically, [with] an eclectic mix of familiar and rarely heard works,” Thibert says. “So it’s not necessarily your run-ofthe-mill repertoire.” Along with modern standards, the group has also been known to perform in much more historical styles, even going as far back as medieval chant. Thibert says it’s great to be a part of such a thriving arts scene in Thunder Bay. “There’s so much rich culture, musically and theatrically, in this city that we don’t need to look far to find something to go to anymore,” she says.

“‘A tempo,’ musically, is a return to the previous speed after a change in speed in the music.”

Dulcisono’s concert is scheduled for February 5 at 3 pm at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Ridgeway Street. Tickets are $20, $15 for students and seniors. Dulcisono can be found on Facebook at @Dulcisono.Choir.

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Music

(L–R) Mario Potestio, Robin Ranger, and Dino Pepe

Northern Jazz Robin Ranger and the TBSO

Story by Sarah McPherson, Photo by Scott Hobbs

obin Ranger is no stranger to fans of the Thunder Bay music scene. From open mic nights to live performances at the Foundry, Ranger’s rich, deep voice and unique sound have been loved by many, and have made him a must-hear on Thunder Bay’s lengthy roster of talented musicians. On February 17 and 18, Ranger will be taking the stage alongside the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra at the Italian Cultural Centre as part of the TBSO’s long-standing Northern Lights series, with Ranger’s musical partners

Dino Pepe on saxophone and Mario Potestio on guitar. Reflecting on his history h e re i n T h u n d e r B a y, Ranger recalls his own early exposure to performances by the TBSO. “In my 20s I worked at the coat check at the Auditorium, and I would sneak into the back rows to enjoy the Masterworks series,” he says. Ranger’s musical career has spanned nearly two decades, and, impressively, he hasn’t formally studied music. As a result, he’s built his phenomenal career on the passion he has for the music he creates. “This

symphony job is huge,” he says. “I have no classical training, and I come from a reserve, so it really breaks down class barriers.” “Every single show I’ve ever played has been by invitation,” Ranger says, in discussing how his upcoming performance fits into his musical career. “To be invited to play by the TBSO is amazing.” He attributes this opportunity to his virtual performances during the early years of COVID-19, recalling that the TBSO’s general manager, Ryleigh Dupuis, was an audience member. “It truly

is an incredible feeling,” Ranger said, when asked about having his own original songs arranged to be played with an orchestra. “That I get to perform with musicians of that calibre is out of sight.” He also points out the crucial roles played by musical partners Pepe and Potestio: “I’m really grateful for [them].” Northern Jazz with Robin Ranger will be a presentation of Ranger’s original compositions, with arrangements for the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra done by Martin Blanchet and Ted Vaillant.

“That I get to perform with musicians of that calibre is out of sight.”

To find more information about Ranger’s performance, the Northern Lights series, and other upcoming shows, or to purchase tickets, visit tbso.ca.

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OfftheWall

Long Way to Paradise KC Westfort

It feels a bit weird to be reviewing this album from local singersongwriter KC Westfort in the dead of winter. Aside from the comfortably desolate album art, Long Way to Paradise sounds a lot more like kicking back on a hot summer day. Part of that is due to Westfort using an altrock template for his 12 original tracks. Each song plays with the ol’ quiet-then-loud dynamic and levers heavy distortion at just the right moments, usually to help the chorus hit harder. It’s a fun sound and one that definitely brushes against some grungy memories, but Westfort makes it work throughout with some creative guitar lines and ballistic solos. The other reminder of summer is Westfort’s vocals. While his singing is never less than earnest, Westfort’s lyrics invoke blue skies, endless highways, and best friends. A decent listen for that weird fugue time that happens when the days seem endless. -Justin Allec

Reviews

The Five Easy Legendary Hot Dogs Mac DeMarco Typewriter performing in San Francisco, Tape: 6/25/64 After Mac DeMarco packed up a recording system and Jorma’s House portable travelled across North America, Janis Joplin and Jorma Kaukonen

Omnivore Records’ official release of The Legendary Typewriter Tape: 6/25/64 Jorma’s House listens in on Janis Joplin and Jorma Kaukonen during a relaxed rehearsal session at a pivotal moment in their early careers. While the six-song mix of Joplin originals and blues classics clocks in at a meager 23 minutes, the album is much more than a passing curiosity. Kaukonen is heard perfecting the fingerpicking style of guitar playing destined to define the sound of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. His foot tapping and the background clicking of his wife’s typewriter add a charming rhythmic informality. Just 21 at the time, a pre-hippie Joplin is two years away from fame with Big Brother and the Holding Company. Artistically, she is precocious and fully formed. Confident and soulful, Joplin’s signature gutsy vocal rasp in the vein of a Bessie Smith already holds court. -Ken Wright

intending to record his fifth studio album along the way. While Five Easy Hot Dogs materialized as an acoustic instrumental album, its personality and storytelling emanate from the lo-fi synthesizers that DeMarco scatters throughout. On “Gualala 2,” gentle synths infuse the track with a sweet yet ominous disposition, conveying the directionless drive of DeMarco’s travels. Without these synths tip-toeing across the droning soundscape, DeMarco’s meditative guitar work might feel more akin to eavesdropping on a soft rock jam session. However, on tracks like “Chicago,” DeMarco revisits the jangly guitar stylings that once epitomized his sound, resulting in a slick, infectious groove that leaves me wanting more. Luckily, “Chicago” falls towards the end of the album’s chronological tracklist, so here’s hoping that whatever inspired DeMarco’s brief return to jangle pop managed to hitch a ride with him back to L.A. -Melanie Larson

Norm

Andy Shauf

In the age of consuming music through algorithm-dominated streaming services, there’s something refreshing about listening to a concept album from start to finish, where each track adds to a theme or arc that ties everything together. And Andy Shauf is one of the best contemporary artists creating these sonic narratives. Instead of focusing on a house party (the excellent The Party) or a bar (the equally good The Neon Skyline), the thread tying the Toronto-based singer-songwriter’s latest concept album isn’t limited to one setting. With songs like “Paradise Cinema” and “Halloween Store,” Shauf takes the listener on an autumn stroll through Toronto while presenting four different narratives. The musician’s work has been compared to the American writer Raymond Carver because of his less-is-more approach, and he’s even stated that “most of the action takes place in the gaps between tracks” in Norm. But as much as the album should be listened to from beginning to end, standalone songs like “Wasted On You” and “Catch Your Eye” showcase Shauf’s immense talent as a singer-songwriter that’s evolving with every release. -Adrian Lysenko

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Time’s Arrow Ladytron

It has been all quiet with the Liverpool-based dream pop group Ladytron since 2019, when they celebrated 20 years in the industry with their sixth studio album. While the world has seen a profound change, Ladytron's latest newest release suggests mastery of the dream pop wave is suitable for any era. Time’s Arrow opens with the lead single “City of Angels,” a synthpop standout that captures everything to love about Ladytron: decadent layers of reverb-heavy vocals and synths over distorted drums and Helen Marnie’s ominous vocals. The album holds true to this formula while doubling down on the haziness in the mix. Ladytron has no time for the urgency of contemporary music; this album is truly in a dream throughout. Songs like “Faces,” “Misery Remember Me,” and “Sargasso Sea” are clear reminders of why they have been considered one of Britain’s best synthpop acts for nearly two decades. Ladytron is nothing if not consistent, as they continue to make their case as having one of Britain’s best discographies with their seventh studio album. -Michael Charlebois

Avatar: The Way of Water James Cameron

Three and a half hours for a movie is ridiculous. But what is even more ridiculous is for a director and cast to be so talented they keep you invested for that entire time. You don’t have to be a film fanatic or have an eye for cinematography to see that Avatar: The Way of Water is an incredible movie. Sure, you have to stomach the way James Cameron totally romanticizes colonization, sexualizes alien bodies, and minimizes the severity of climate chaos on Earth, but somehow the beautiful visuals make this all easier to swallow. While the repetition was a bit disappointing, Cameron’s efforts to remind viewers of the original film were probably needed, seeing as we waited over 10 years for its sequel. With tonnes of action, a little bit of comedy, and a lot of familial love, this is one of those feel-good films that has the potential to be tearjerking. Let’s just hope we don’t have to wait another ten years for the story to continue.

Operation Morning Light Dëneze Nakehk'o

On a bitterly cold morning in January 1978, a blinding white light was witnessed burning across the sub-Arctic skies as though something from a dream. What the Métis, Dene, and Inuit people of these lands didn’t realize until much later was that the bright light was a nuclearpowered Soviet espionage satellite, Kosmos 954, that had crashed to Earth and scattered highly radioactive debris across the Northwest Territories. Operation Morning Light unfolds a shocking chapter in Canadian history that many are completely unaware of. The awestruck eyewitness testimonies are gripping, and the harsh realities of radiation exposure truly unimaginable. One of Nakehk'o’s goals for this podcast, which I admired deeply, was to ensure that listeners knew the crippling impacts Kosmos 954 had on the Dene people, and how despite years of challenges, they have still preserved their land and culture. Everyone, please listen to this podcast. -Andrea Lysenko

-Emily Turner

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Jessica Johns

“Before I look down, I know it’s there. The crow’s head I was clutching in my dream is now in bed with me.” This is the opening of Bad Cree, the debut novel from Jessica Johns, a haunting story about family, trauma, and our connection to the spirit world. The main character, Mackenzie, has been plagued with dreams of her sister who has passed away, but every time she wakes she has taken something from the dream world with her. Eerie events start happening in the real world around her, and she decides she must return home in order to end this nightmare. This novel starts dark and continues getting darker with each piece of the story revealed. But to contrast that darkness, we see the relationships between the women in the family start to heal after so much tragedy. The tension is maintained up until the end, but it’s a slow burn. At points the pacing does seem to dwindle to a crawl, but the imagery is lasting. While a beautiful exploration of Cree culture, the dialogue at points felt very surface level and would have benefited from a deeper dive into the folk tales surrounding Mackenzie. Overall, a very unique voice in an expressive female-driven novel, and a new author to keep an eye on. -Avery Huotari

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT MARISHA CHAMBERLAIN

Bad Cree

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Paul Krasauskas

Courtesy of Thunder Bay Museum

Architecture

Lornehurst By Jennifer Bonazzo

Paul Krasauskas

he unique property located at 294 Court Street North has always been something of an enigma. Is it the one known as Lornehurst, or the castle on the hill? Is it a heritage property, or one that hasn’t yet reached its full potential? Does it have a history every bit as interesting as its architecture? The answer to all of these is yes. Lornehurst, as it is commonly known, was built for William and Rebecca White in 1906 as part of the Court Street Ridge, a desirable area once offering the best city views of Lake Superior. White had found success in a sash and door factory partnership with James Sheppard—whose own home was next to his—and White wanted Lornehurst to reflect his accomplishments. Although the architect

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is unknown, both White and Sheppard were the contractors, building the house in the Second Empire style that had become popular in Canada in the 1870s and 1880s. Known for its eclectic style and uneven silhouettes, Lornehurst’s two asymmetrical towers—one with the round Queen Anne turret, and the other with its square mansard roof and pedimented dormers—clearly achieved this vision. At this time, a two-storey veranda stretched across the front and sides of the house. Local products were used in the building, including lime bricks from the Port Arthur SandLime Brick Company and lumber from the Pigeon River Lumber Company. The Whites had barely moved into the house when troubles began. A disagreement between Sheppard and White led to their partnership ending, White being

Paul Krasauskas Paul Krasauskas

Paul Krasauskas

Jennifer Bonazzo is a member of the Heritage Advisory Committee, which advises city council on the conservation of heritage buildings, sites, and resources, and their integration into development. For more information on the city’s heritage resources, visit thunderbay.ca.

Paul Krasauskas

sued by his creditors (including Sheppard), and ultimately their loss of Lornehurst. Its new owner was none other than Sheppard himself, who promptly sold the house for a tidy profit to an owner who would use the house as a rental property. This would start a pattern that would ultimately repeat throughout the years. After World War II, the house was officially divided into apartments, with that owner adding to the third-floor servant’s quarters and closing off the basement entrance. The front veranda was removed around this time, and windows were changed, altering the exterior look of the property. Throughout the next few decades, property owners and tenants would come and go, with the owners only seldomly residing in it themselves. One exception was Dr. Bruce Minore, who purchased Lornehurst in 1984, retaining ownership for over 30 years. He owned the home when the City of Thunder Bay designated it as a heritage property in 1991. It is also featured on the city’s McVicar-Harrington Walking Tour. When Minore passed away in 2018, misfortune struck again. Frozen pipes inside the house burst, causing extensive flooding damage. His estate sold the property two years ago, and it was purchased by the current owner, who is repairing it. With the main floor finished, the second and third floors remain to be completed before it will once more become a rental property. Throughout it all, Lornehurst still stands. It might not have achieved its original vision of a grand family home the property first intended to be, but throughout the ups and downs, it remains our city’s own unique castle on a hill.

Paul Krasauskas

Architecture

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FebruaryEventsGuide Due to ongoing and changing pandemic-related restrictions, we recommend checking for updates with each venue.

February 1, 8, 15, 22, 2–4 pm

Babies & Brews

Red Lion Smokehouse Connect with new moms and dads in the Red Lion Smokehouse lounge. Come by every Wednesday, bring your little one, and hang out with other new parents. Nursing is welcome and both washrooms include changing facilities.

@redlionsmokehouse

February 1–3, 8–11, & 15–18, 7:30 pm

Something Rotten!

Paramount Theatre Badanai Theatre brings the outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce Something Rotten! to the Paramount Theatre stage. See this month’s Film & Theatre section for more info.

facebook.com/ BadanaiTheatre

February 1, 8, 15, & 22, 8 pm

Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar Wednesdays Shooter’s Tavern

Come see one of Thunder Bay’s most prolific musicians as Danny Johnson turns Shooter’s Tavern into a piano bar every Wednesday night. Requests are welcome, and there’s an extra mic for singers. No cover.

shooterstavern.com February 2, 9, 16, & 23, 3 pm

Blissful Beading County Park Library

Drop in after school and relax while you create

beaded trinkets. Ages 4+. Program ends 30 minutes before closing. Call 3458275 ext. 7401 or email cpark@tbpl.ca for more info.

tbpl.ca

February 2, 9, 16, & 23, 4:15 & 6:30 pm

YOUth: Art and Writers Clubs

Mary J.L. Black Library Calling all creatives and writers! Art clubs (4:15 pm) allow you to drop in and create the weekly craft (painting, recycled art, and more), or work on your own projects. Grades 7–12. At the writers clubs (6:30 pm), you can work on writing prompts, games, and more! Grades 8–12.

tbpl.ca

February 3, 10, 17, & 24, 6 pm

Jazz & Old Fashioned Fridays Anchor & Ore

Join in for spectacular scenery, smooth jazz, and incredibly crafted cocktails and food at Anchor & Ore in The Delta for Jazz & Old Fashioned Fridays with Mood Indigo.

facebook.com/ AnchorandOre

February 3, 4, 10, 17, & 24

Live @ Loch

Loch Lomond Ski Area Live @ Loch continues with more concerts of fresh live music and great local talent. This month, come see Just Me, Handsome Grandsons, Tim Albertson, and Maple Suns. Most shows run 8–10 pm, except February 4, which is 7–9 pm.

facebook.com/ LochLomondSkiArea

EVENTS GUIDE KEY General Art Food Sports Music

February 3, 8 pm

you with “delusions” that will make you question everything you thought you knew about magic.

Port Arthur Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5

facebook.com/ mackinleys.delusion

Join The Gin Tonics for a fun night of classic hits with an acoustic twist. $10 cover, 19+.

Rock the Westfort

The Gin Tonics Live

@portarthurlegion

February 4, 8 am

Valentine’s Market

CLE Heritage Building A special Valentine’s market is happening at the CLE Heritage Building on the first Saturday of February, with free admission and a gift for the first 50 people. There will be over 70 tables of local businesses where you can find that special something for that special someone.

facebook.com/ shoplocaltbay

February 4, 7:30 pm

TBSO Pops: The Music of John Williams

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium From Jaws to Jurassic Park, and Star Wars to Schindler’s List, John Williams’s film scores have the power to warm hearts and make them beat faster—often at the same time. Join the TBSO as they pay tribute to one of the most iconic composers of our time.

tbso.ca

February 4, 8 pm

Delirium

Port Arthur Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5 Believe in magic? Be prepared for a mesmerizing night— Mackinley will captivate

February 4, 9 pm

The Westfort

Arts Centre.

thunderbay.ca/en/ recreation/winter-fundays.aspx

February 5, noon

Electric Vehicle Ice Racing Show

Thunder Bay Autosport Club Ice Racing Track

Rock the Westfort will feature three rock bands (12 Gauge Prayer, Hopeless Ghost, and Forever Dead) and three hip-hop acts (O’ROSE, G Ocean, and JT Thunder). There will be free samples from sponsors when doors open at 9 pm, so come early as food and drinks are first-come, first-serve.

Join the Electric Vehicle Association of Northern Ontario at the Thunder Bay Autosport Club’s February 5 ice race (backup date for inclement weather is February 12) to get your questions answered about winter driving, range, cabin climate, and life with an EV. The event will include a parade lap and photo shoot on the track.

facebook.com/ TheWESTFORT

facebook.com/ norontarioev

February 4 & 5

February 5, 3 pm

Oliver Jr.

Trinity Hall Theatre This classic musical about home, family, and love features a talented ensemble of children aged eight to 14 under the helm of Denise Krawczuk and Angela Valela of Applauze Theatre. Show time on February 4 is 6 pm and there are two showings on February 5 at 2 pm and 6 pm. Tickets are $20, $15 for students.

applauzeproductions.com

February 5, 12, 19, & 26

Winter Fun Days 2023 Around Town

Weekly outdoor activities will be held at Marina Park and at other locations throughout the city. This month, enjoy a DJ’d skating party, bannock making, outdoor tracking, snow sculptures, and snowshoeing (at Chapples Park). Indoor activities also at the Baggage Building

A Tempo: Music in the Afternoon St. Paul’s Anglican Church

Come out and see Dulcisono, Thunder Bay’s all-female choir, perform an eclectic and varied program. A Tempo: Music in the Afternoon also marks a return to a more typical performing schedule for the group. See this month’s Music section for more info.

@Dulcisono.Choir

February 5, 7:30 pm

Beer Yoga

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Open Stage Jam Sessions Port Arthur Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5

Calling all musicians and live music-lovers. The Branch 5 Legion is hosting Sunday night open jam sessions. All are welcome; the music runs from 8–11pm.

@portarthurlegion

February 7, 14, 21, & 28, 10 pm

Karaoke

The Foundry Karaoke is back at The Foundry. Every Tuesday night, dust off your old performing gear, warm up your vocal cords, grab your friends, and show everyone what you can do.

thefoundrypub.com

February 8 & 22, 5:30 pm

Games & LEGO Fun For Kids

Brodie Resource Library Build a tower, a house, or a pirate ship, try out the light table, or play a board game. Families are invited to join in at the Brodie Library’s programming room for a drop-in games/ LEGO extravaganza. All ages welcome, but there will be small pieces. Just drop in!

Red Lion Smokehouse

tbpl.ca

Try something new with an evening of beer yoga, led by certified yoga instructor Mel Ollivier of New Earth Wellness. The beer is incorporated into the movements and can be enjoyed before or after the class. Great for beginners and those more advanced looking for something different.

February 10, 7:30 pm

@redlionsmokehouse

tbaytel.net/5G

78 2

February 5, 12, 19, & 26, 8 pm

TBSO Masterworks: SHHH!!

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium The old and new will live together on the same stage as the TBSO presents SHHH!!, featuring Brahms’ exuberant 2nd

Symphony, Kelly Marie Murphy’s double concerto for piano and percussion, and Laura Sgroi’s “We’re Not Done Drumming.”

February 11, 8 pm

tbso.ca

Port Arthur Polish Hall

February 11, 10 am–4 pm

Good Love Market

Goods & Co. Market Come see 20 local pop-up vendors for one day only, filling the halls of Goods & Co. Market with pink and red. This specialty market is free to attend and will feature plenty of thoughtful gift options for Valentine’s Day. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

@goodscomarket

February 11, noon & 2 pm

Valentine’s Tea Port Arthur Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5

Branch 5’s Valentine’s Day tea will be in the Imperial’s Memorial Lounge, at the legion building at 229 Van Norman St. There will be two sittings: noon–1:30 pm, and 2–3:30 pm. Advance tickets only available at the clubroom bar. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children under 11. Everyone is welcome.

@portarthurlegion

February 11, 5:30 pm

Culinary Cabaret Valhalla Inn

Come out for a night of Broadway revue-style dinner theatre. The evening features a three-course dinner, live and silent auctions, and a full performance, in which performers ages eight to 20 will be singing and dancing to Broadway hits. See this month’s Film & Theatre section for more info.

vibemusicacademy.ca

February 11, 8 pm

The Manifest Tour

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Gather your girlfriends and plan your night out on the town at the 2023 Manifest Tour. Wine, Women & Well-Being welcomes the hilarious best friend duo Cat & Nat, along with the transformative Coach Carey, and WWWB’s founder, Lisa Webb.

tbca.com

Suzie Vinnick and Lloyd Spiegel

Presented by the Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society, this concert brings together Canadian folk singer and three-time Juno nominee Suzie Vinnick and award-winning Australian guitarist Lloyd Spiegel for a night of toe-tapping and hip-shaking folk music. Tickets $30 each. See this month’s Top Five and Music section for more info.

sleepinggiant.ca

February 11, 10 pm

DJ Big D’s Birthday Bash

needle crafts—it doesn’t matter. Get together to work on a project, compare patterns, share techniques, and trade tips. And of course, get to know each other and gab! All experience levels welcome.

@redlionsmokehouse

February 14, 7 pm

De Amores y de Música feat. Natalia Arroyo The Foundry

Presented in collaboration with Go Beyond The Show, award-winning multi-instrumentalist and composer Natalia Arroyo performs traditional music from northern Mexico, consolidating her sound in a fresh and innovative way. Tickets are $25.57.

The Foundry

thefoundrypub.com

You’re invited to DJ Big D’s Bday Bash and Red & Black Affair. Dress in red or black or both for this dance party. The music starts at 10 pm, $5 entry before midnight, $10 after. 19+ and photo ID required. Music by DJ Big D & Friends.

February 14, 7 pm

thefoundrypub.com

Until February 11

Dock Spider Magnus Theatre

Join Magnus Theatre for this comedy/thriller, which tells the story of two men stranded alone on a dock in the middle of a remote lake. The circumstances surrounding their abandonment are mysterious, but what is obvious is the mistrust the two characters have for one another.

magnustheatre.com

February 12, noon

Winter Chef’s Table

Red Lion Smokehouse Celebrate all of winter’s glory with Red Lion Smokehouse’s outdoor chef’s table, featuring a four-course meal on our winter patio (indoor and outdoor dining elements). Tickets $75+ taxes. Menu will be released closer to the date.

@redlionsmokehouse

February 12, 2 pm

Stitch & Bitch Crafters Meet-Up

Red Lion Smokehouse Knit, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, or other

Valentine’s for Jazz Lovers Anchor & Ore

Whether you’re celebrating romance, Valentine’s Day, or the love of jazz on February 14, join Mood Indigo for a night of food and music (and maybe even dancing!) at Anchor & Ore. A prix fixe menu will be served to accompany your favourite cocktails and tunes.

344-0777

February 15, 6:30 pm

The Vagina Monologues

The Study Coffeehouse Lakehead University Student Union’s Gender Equity Centre is staging a production of the classic episodic play The Vagina Monologues on the Lakehead University campus. Doors are at 6 pm and curtains are at 6:30 pm. Admission is by donation.

gec@lusu.ca

February 16–18

Shakespeare High: A Midsummer Night’s Mixup Magnus Theatre

Eleanor Drury Children’s Theatre presents A Midsummer Night’s Mixup. This adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream empowers the characters to express who they are and get what they want. With a fun, 90s high school twist, this story will be enjoyed by theatre goers of all ages. Tickets $15.

345-5552

February 17, 18, 7:30 pm

TBSO Northern Lights: Northern Jazz with Robin Ranger

Italian Cultural Centre

Robin Ranger brings his distinct sound to the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Ranger’s deep, soulful voice tells a uniquely northern jazz story that the TBSO is thrilled to share. See this month’s Music section for more info.

tbso.ca

February 18, 6 pm

A Taste of Scotland Scotch Tasting Port Arthur Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5

A Taste of Scotland is a scotch tasting fundraiser for Port Arthur Branch 5 at Imperial’s Memorial Lounge. Doors open at 6 pm, event starts at 7 pm. Food will be provided, and there will be prizes. Tickets (non-refundable) available at the clubroom bar. $100 for tasters, $30 for nontasters. This is a 19+ event.

@portarthurlegion

February 18–20, 11 am–5 pm

Voyageur Winter Carnival Fort William Historical Park

Enjoy a variety of familyfriendly activities including a snow maze, tubing and sliding hills, snowshoeing, farm animals, historical characters from Fort William, and more. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

fwhp.ca

February 20, noon–5 pm

SnowDay on the Waterfront Marina Park—Prince Arthur’s Landing

A day of winter fun for Family Day. Free activities include a skating party at the Prince Arthur’s Landing skating rink. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

thunderbay.ca/en/ recreation/snowday.aspx

February 22, 5–7 pm

Northern Lights School Open House Redwood Park Church

Organizers at the Northern Lights School are hosting an open house with a theme of re-imagining education in Thunder Bay. Explore this alternative and holistic option. Participants can see the school and meet the teachers. Free event.

577-3463

February 23, 10 am

Valentine’s Market

Da Vinci Centre The Valentine’s Market is all about shopping, with over 55 local vendors, crafters, and small business owners. The Da Vinci Centre will also have a spaghetti takeout in the afternoon. Free admission and door prizes.

facebook.com/DaVinciCentreTbay

February 25, 7:30 pm

TBSO Pops: From Broadway to the Bay

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium The TBSO is bringing the excitement of Broadway to Thunder Bay for a night of show tunes, in partnership with Badanai Theatre Co. and other performers. Music from My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, The Lion King, and more. Tickets are $61 ($50 + fees) but are subject to change through Ticketmaster. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

tbso.ca

February 25, 9 pm

Full Circle Tour Atmos

Dirt Monkey, the alias of Patrick Megeath, brings his cutting-edge sound design to Thunder Bay. The show will also feature Jantsen, and local support from Samo the Mofo, and Bevz. Tickets $40, 19+.

atmostbay.ca

18 and up. Categories are short fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, prose, short crime fiction, and literary critical writing. Closes February 28. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in each category.

nowwwriters.ca

Until March 19

Jason Baerg: Tawâskweyâw Thunder Bay Art Gallery

This exhibition charts key contributions Jason Baerg has made in the first 25 years of his dynamic practice, which includes interactive immersive generative media projection pieces, and laser cut painting installations.

theag.ca

Until March 19

Waabigwanii-we-Aadizookewinan: Legends of the Flowers Thunder Bay Art Gallery

Waabigwanii-weAadizookewinan: Legends of the Flowers, is an intimate look at a beaded breechcloth, made by master bead artist Ogimaabinasiik Bella Roy, and worn by hereditary chief, Paabamasagaa of Naotkamegwanning First Nation.

theag.ca

Until March 19

NWO, NOW Juried Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is proud to welcome the return of the Northern Ontario Juried Exhibition, showcasing a compelling selection of works created over the past three years. The exhibition is co-jurored by Anong Beam and Maria Hupfield, and includes painting, sculpture, beadwork, digital media, and more.

theag.ca

Until February 28

Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop Annual International Writing Contest The Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop presents its annual writing contest, open to everyone aged

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379

Music

LU RADIO’S MONTHLY TOP 1 Alvvays* Blue Rev

Polyvinyl

7 Status/Non-Status* Surely Travel

You’ve Changed

8 Planet Giza*

You Don’t Understand [EP]

Self-Released

9 Blue Moon Marquee*

Scream, Holler & Howl

2 Dumb*

Pray 4 Tomorrow

Mint

3 Dry Cleaning

Self-Released

10 MorMor*

Semblance

Don’t Guess

Self-Released

16 Ian Davies*

New Country

Self-Released

17 Christine and the Queens

Redcar les adorables étoiles

Because Music

18 Heaven for Real* Energy Bar

21 Les Shirley 11 Tegan And Sara*

More is More

Self-Released

Crybaby

NoiseAgonyMayhem

26 Living Hour*

Someday is Today

Kanine

27 By Divine Right* Otto Motto

Fortune Stellar

Chrysalism

Bonsound

A Sterling Murmuration

29 Pony Girl*

13 White Lung*

Paper Bag

Enny One Will Love You

Paper Bag

Premonition

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Nuclear Free Nanaimo Vol. 3

28 Milk & Bone*

12 Zoon*

The Walleye

25 Various*

Mint

Mom + Pop

Circuitous

Flemish Eye

Constellation

5 Sloan*

24 Blessed*

Everything Returns

Sub Pop

604

Forever Living Originals

20 Black Ox Orkestar*

And In Darkness, Hearts Aglow

Before The Album: a love letter to the moons of mars

NO THANK YOU

Mothland

4 Weyes Blood

6 Mauvey*

23 Little Simz

We Found This

4AD

Yep Roc

Circle Around the Free

Check out our weekly charts online at luradio.ca and tune in to the Top 20 Countdown, Mondays from 7-9 am, or catch one of the rebroadcasts throughout the week! Keep it locked on 102.7 FM, online streaming at luradio.ca.

19 Gloin*

Stumpwork

Steady

15 Self-Cut Bangs*

CILU 102.7fm’s Monthly Charts for this issue reflect airplay for the month ending January 10, 2023.

Domino

14 Sudan Archives Natural Brown Prom Queen

Stones Throw

22 Yes We Mystic* Trust Fall

30 Rooms*

Don’t Be Yourself

No Sun

Self-Released * Indicates Canadian Content

Advertising Feature

The Journey Home Program “As the bag of birch makes its way around the table, I watch as a new friend at Kwae Kii Win Managed Alcohol Program breathes in the bark’s comforting scent before holding it to her chest. The residents here, despite their deep grief and ongoing trauma, are able to enjoy the small gifts life brings.” ~ Jillian Glousher, Journey Home volunteer, Hospice Northwest In 2019, Hospice Northwest launched “Journey Home”, a palliative program for the vulnerably housed. Jillian Glousher, a specially trained volunteer with Hospice Northwest, began visiting the residents of Kwae Kii Win, the Managed Alcohol Program facilitated through Shelter House. During her visits, clients shared their stories over board games, spent time creating crafts and worked together in the garden. Trusting relationships were built with the residents and also with the staff. Death is a very difficult subject for many of us. Imagine having to deal with a palliative diagnosis when you are vulnerably housed. Who can you turn to for support? Where do you want to die? What do you need? These questions are some that Jillian addressed during her visits with Thunder Bay’s vulnerably housed individuals. Understanding the need for such programs to be available to our vulnerable population, work was underway to expand the Journey Home volunteer program to other shelters in Thunder Bay. When Covid-19 struck, the work was paused despite the increasing needs of our community. Hospice Northwest is once again focused on recruiting and training volunteers to support our clients through the Journey Home Team program, with a dedicated volunteer recruitment campaign.

Currently, we have one Journey Home volunteer providing support to vulnerably housed clients at TBRHSC. It is our goal to be able to The need for volunteers in have our volunteer these settings is great and the teams support impact, truly significant. clients in all of our local shelters. Our new Journey Home volunteers will work in pairs, providing compassionate support, advocating for their clients, driving them to appointments and connecting them to resources. The one-day training program will be held in February 2023. The need for volunteers in these settings is great and the impact, truly significant. If you would like more information about becoming a Journey Home volunteer, please contact Melissa Hazen, Volunteer Coordinator at 807-626-5572 or email her at melissa@hospicenorthwest.ca

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TattooedYou

A Corny Tattoo to Honour a Father Story and photos by Leah Morningstar Tattoo by Lauren Harper of Studio Four Four Nine

 Sarah McCart

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arah McCart spent an idyllic childhood on a dairy farm just outside of Thunder Bay. She and her three siblings grew up running through fields, going to cattle auctions, and driving tractors. They built endless forts in the bush and threw countless bales of hay off the back of the baler. “Growing up on a farm and having access to cows and so many other animals was such a unique experience,” McCart says. “We learned to work hard, and we had so much fun too.” Life took a turn when McCart’s father, Jed Blekkenhorst, passed away in 2018. He was only 52 and should have had many years left, but cancer took him quickly. It was a devastating loss and nobody was really prepared to handle the farm without Jed’s lifetime of experience and guidance. The youngest son assumed the role of head farmer and tried to keep everything running, but it was so challenging. Ultimately, the family decided

to sell the farm one year after Jed’s passing. Before selling, McCart’s sister planted six stalks of corn in the front of the property, one stalk for each member of their little family unit. McCart isn’t sure if that corn actually grew, but it was more about doing something to honour Jed’s memory. Even though they lived on a dairy farm, that image of corn had always been so important to them. It’s something McCart remembers planting and harvesting with her entire family. Eating fresh corn right off the cob has always been a tangible symbol of farm life. McCart had Lauren Harper of Studio Four Four Nine put six cobs of corn on her left forearm. The corn looks great situated among different kinds of flowers and plants, also (mostly) inked by Harper. “These corncob tattoos honour my father’s lifetime of farming, and the amazing life he provided for his family of six, and I love being reminded of his legacy every day when I see my arm,” she says.

ELIMINATE BOREDOM

SuperiorKiteboarding.ca The Walleye

Green

What’s Happening to Thunder Bay’s Food System? By Karen Kerk, Coordinator, Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy

e’ve heard a lot about pressures on our food systems over the past few years: rising food costs, increasing numbers of people going hungry, the impacts of climate change on food production and harvesting, and much more. How do these constantly changing forces impact the overall state of our regional food system? In 2015, the Thunder Bay + Area Food Strategy created the Community Food System Report Card. A Community Food System Report Card aims to assess the food system as a whole, compiling local food data on the economic, environmental, and social factors included in food production, processing, retail, consumption, and waste or repurposing. Indicators across the seven different food strategy pillars (see icons

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below) measure progress or change on food system issues over time, ranging from the persistence of poverty to the state of urban agriculture to the size and strength of the farming sector. In January, the Food Strategy launched the 2022 Community Food Systems Report Card, which provides an updated snapshot of the changes, trends, challenges, and opportunities related to our regional food system. “Food systems are dynamic and constantly evolving. Being able to identify what is happening in our food systems and compare it to previous years allows us to see the changes over time, and to know where we need to direct our attention and efforts to ensure those food systems are more equitable and sustainable,” says Charles Levkoe, director of the Sustainable Food Systems

Lab and acting chair of the Food Strategy. This extensive report captures two years of research and data collection and is presented through data indicators, infographics, narrative analyses, and highlight stories and videos. With over 100 different indicators captured in the 2022 Report Card, it’s impossible to speak to all of the information in just one article. Some interesting changes include increased demand for food access supports, a reduction in the number of farmers and farmland, and the growth of Indigenous Food Sovereignty initiatives in our region. The Report Card doesn’t provide a grade nor a pass/fail, rather it presents a snapshot of our current food system with a call to action to get involved in building a more equitable and sustainable food system for all.

Whether you’re an eater, a food producer or harvester, work for a community organization or the private sector, or you are involved in policy creation, the information in the Report Card will be essential for our whole community, and beyond. Food impacts us all and learning about our local food system is a great way to get involved in our community. The 2022 Thunder Bay + Area Community Food System Report Card is now live on the Food Strategy website at tbfoodstrategy. com. Follow their social media and newsletter to see updates and deeper dives into each of the pillars over the coming months. For more information, visit tbfoodstrategy.com or foodsystemreportcard.ca.

Need someone to talk to? Our counsellors are here to help. We’ve adapted our Walk-In Counselling Clinic with Talk-In Counselling now available 3 days a week.

FREE and QUICK-ACCESS single session counselling: TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Talk-In Counselling

12:00pm - 3:00pm

3:00pm - 6:00pm

12:00pm - 3:00pm

Call (807) 700-0090 to access phone or video counselling. In-person sessions may be offered on a case by case basis. Services en français disponibles.

Walk-In Counselling Clinic Proudly Presented By: tbaycounselling.com | childrenscentre.ca

BLUES HOUSE

PART Y 4 PORT ARTHUR POLISH HALL 102 S. COURT ST.

JAMES BORASKI &

THE B5 BLUES BAND

Y MOMENTAR N IO T U L EVO

THE BLUE RS PRETENDE

VOODOO BLUE

SATURDAY | MARCH 25 | DOOR 6:30 PM

F O R

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Green

Cosy, Cost-Effective, and Climate Positive By Katherine Brooks, Communications Coordinator, EcoSuperior

s we enter the coldest month of the year, keeping warm and cosy is top of mind, but so are energy costs. An efficient home can help you live more comfortably, save money, and cut energy consumption and emissions—climate action right at home. Warming, cooling, and powering our residential and commercial-institutional buildings makes up 22% of our end-use greenhouse gas emissions. Renovating/ retrofitting your house to be more energy efficient is important as we all work to do our part in achieving a net-zero emission future. And although the initial costs can be expensive, it’s

cheaper in the long run, and homeowners can apply for rebates to help with improvement costs. When looking at the efficiency of your home, there are a wide range of retrofits from big to small that can all make a positive difference. Start small with fixes like a drafty door or windows. Work your way up to addressing the bigger changes, like powering your home with solar power. Before you start your work, book a visit with a home energy auditor. Programs like the Home Efficiency Rebate through Enbridge Gas and the Government of Canada’s Greener Homes Grant require their services before renovations start to

determine what homeowners need to improve their spaces. These auditors are experts in energy efficiency. They give information and pinpoint what changes can be made, but don’t make the fixes themselves. Once you know what needs to be done, you can hire a contractor or do it yourself. Thunder Bay homeowner and EcoSuperior’s program director Ashley Priem received a home energy audit and the Home Efficiency Rebate. She was surprised at all the places in her home that were identified as inefficient. “I wasn’t aware of the small areas in our home that we could address to make a big difference,” Priem says.

“We insulated the headers in our basement and used shrink wrap on our attic hatch to stop the warm air from escaping.” Every home is different, but the most common culprits of inefficiency are: • Inefficient windows and doors – types and locations of doors and windows • Drafts – where does the warm air escape and cold air enter • Insulation – the quality and quantity of insulation from your foundation to your attic • Space and water heating systems – older energysucking systems can use 70% more electricity

EcoSuperior is committed to helping you reduce your energy costs while reducing your carbon footprint. Book a home energy audit with one of our three trained auditors, learn more about climate action at home through energy efficiency, and the Home Efficiency Rebate at ecosuperior.org/ homeenergy.

Comprehensive Care with Each Visit! We offer all of the dental services you need for a healthy, beautiful smile. From cleaning to cosmetic dentistry to dental restorations, we can provide you the treatments you need to ensure optimum oral health.

Family & General Dentistry Checkups & Fillings • Implants, Removals, Root Canals & more!

Cosmetic Dentistry Veneers • Whitening • Crowns • Implants & more!

More information at lakeheadfamilydental.ca 86

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1144 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON

1.807.699.7801

Locally-made treats, baked goods & unique gifts for Valentine’s Day.

LOCAL LOVE

me all the ti (SERVE CHILLED)

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

Dinner In?

Everything you need for a lovely locally-made dinner. Visit Us:

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

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

ORDER BEER ONLINE FOR FREE DELIVERY EVERY FRIDAY!

GET BEER & GEAR AT LOWBREWCO.COM #MAKEITLAKETIME

full-service car washing & detailing available 7 days / week If you are looking to get your interior cleaned we are ready for you! Car Wash Auto Detailing Rust Protection Gas Station

centralcarwash.ca | 807-346-0405

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SO SO CHIC... CHIC...

DERELICTE 13

A FASHION ODYSSEY

SAT. MAR.11 @ 8PM-2AM-BLACK PIRATES PUB

$20 19+EVENT

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11.03.23

FUNDRAISER: DEFINITELY SUPERIOR ART GALLERY | LU RADIO

Green

Fresh Herbs When You Need Them By Hedy Koski

e all know the struggle of buying fresh-cut herbs for a recipe you’re making and ending up with more than you need. Then, they sit in your fridge until you have another recipe that calls for fresh herbs, but you find the package you purchased days earlier is now wilted, black, dried up, or even mouldy. Very frustrating. Now you have to stop what you’re doing, run around from store to store trying to find the fresh herb again. Seeding herbs indoors yourself may sound difficult but it isn’t. If you have not started fresh herbs indoors before, I recommend starting small. Pick your

most used herbs (everyone has a favourite). Let’s keep this simple and easy. You got this!

add 1/8“ of moist soil— because you left one inch of space to the rim, you’ll have room.

Herbs can be seeded right in the pot you want them to grow in. I use four-inch plastic pots (they fit on a window sill) but any size will work as long as the pot has drainage holes on the bottom. Moisten your potting mix and fill pots up to one inch from the rim.

There are a lot of seeds in these packages for about two to three dollars, and one seed package is usually viable for two years or more if stored properly, giving you many plants in that time. Compare that to the price of a cut herb bunch, especially these days.

Whichever seed you choose, the seed package will have a wealth of information on it—from seeding depth to days to sprout and days to harvest. Sprinkle some seeds on top of the soil, and if the seed package recommends 1/8” seed depth then just

To ensure the soil stays moist at all times, cover the pot lightly with clear cling wrap. Doing this will help prevent the soil from drying out when you’re not watching. Place it in a warm, sunny window with at least six hours of full direct sunlight to avoid

long, spindly seedlings. If you don’t have a window with enough direct sunlight, you can get yourself some grow lights. When the seeds sprout, immediately remove the clear wrap, then water and fertilize regularly. Then, just cut what you need, knowing more fresh (not black and mouldy) pieces will be there the next time you need them for a recipe.

t Let’s Gewith g in w Gro dy He

It’s a rewarding feeling to watch the growth happen, and you’ll save money too— not to mention your meals will be delicious.