January 2020 by The Walleye Magazine

FILM FREE ARTS Vol. 11 No. 1 MUSIC JANUARY FOOD 2020 CULTURE thewalleye.ca

A TEASE NO MORE 22

WE WILL ROCK YOU 35

CONNECTING ON CANVAS 42

THE ELECTRIC ANGELS 79

M I N N E S O TA

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Contents

walleye the

FEATURES

Thunder Bay’s arts & culture alternative

■ 9

Editor-in-chief Darren McChristie Editor Adrian Lysenko adrian@thewalleye.ca Assistant Editor Rebekah Skochinski Senior Editor Tiffany Jarva Copy Editors Amy Jones, Bonnie Schiedel

Marketing & Sales Manager Bradie Butler sales@thewalleye.ca Photographers Patrick Chondon, Kevin Dempsey, Damien Gilbert, Chad Kirvan, Dave Koski, Kay Lee, Shannon Lepere, Marty Mascarin, Darren McChristie, Sarah McPherson, Laura Paxton, Keegan Richard Art Directors Steve Coghill, R.G.D., Dave Koski, R.G.D. production@thewalleye.ca

Superior Outdoors Inc. 314 Bay Street Thunder Bay, ON P7B 1S1

■ 20 Smooth(ie) Operator ■ 22 A Tease No More ■ 25 Looking Forward to ■ 27 ■ 28 ■ 30 ■ 32

Beer Trends in 2020 What A Long, Strange Trip It’s Been Station Two the Scand Stop Barkeep Cocktails On the Links Extends the Golf Season

FILM&THEATRE

■ 35 We Will Rock You ■ 36 Best of 2019 ■ 38 An Epic Adventure ■ 40 Ethereal Movement ■ 42 Connecting on Canvas ■ 44 Life and Legacy ■ 46 Wolf ■ 48 Be Haute! Be Derelicte!

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

Editorial and Advertising: Submissions must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Superior Outdoors cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material.

FOOD

THE ARTS

Ad Designers Dave Koski, Miranda van den Berg

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

CoverStory: Best of 2019 Results ■ 10 Food ■ 12 Arts ■ 14 City Scene ■ 15 Living Green/Health ■ 16 Music ■ 18 Film and Theatre ■ 18 Events

OUTDOOR

■ 50 The Artesian Wells Amphitheatre

CITYSCENE

■ 52 Amalgamation ■ 54 One City, Fifty Years ■ 57 Eat Local Pizza ■ 60 The Learning Curve

■ 62 Disrupt It Weekend ■ 64 Smashing Through ■ 66 ■ 69 ■ 70

the Decade Picture Me Rollin’ Eye to Eye Answering the Call

MUSIC

■ 72 Confessions of a ■ 74 ■ 76 ■ 79 ■ 81 ■ 82 ■ 84 ■ 86

Drag Dealer Women & The Blues All in Play The Electric Angels In the Holiday Spirit A Night of Traditional Country Wandering for 20 Years or So T. Rex

ARCHITECTURE

■ 90 Thunder Bay City Halls HEALTH

■ 92 Social Media and Health GREEN

■ 98 Engaging People in the

Well-being of the Big Lake ■ 101 Cultivating Hope and Action in 2020

■ 21 Drink of the Month ■ 56 Stuff We Like ■ 58 This is Thunder Bay ■ 88 Off the Wall Reviews ■ 94 Tbaytel January EVENTS ■ 96 Music EVENTS ■ 97 LU Radio's Monthly Top 20 ■ 102 The Wall ■ 104 Horoscopes ■ 105 The Beat ■ 106 The Eye

Telephone (807) 344-3366 Fax (807) 623-5122

14 Court Street S

E-mail: info@thewalleye.ca

TheWalleye.ca

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

The Walleye

Thunder Bay City Archives 1998-13

From Our Instagram feed

(L-R) Don Inman and Mayor Saul Laskin breaking a bottle of champagne on January 1, 1970 to celebrate the amalgamation of Port Arthur and Fort William

A Mutualistic Relationship Every month, our editorial staff does the best job we can of reporting on Thunder Bay’s arts and culture scene. It’s never a difficult task to find content to fill the pages of the magazine but it is sometimes hard to keep up with the ever-growing community of artists, musicians, and small businesses—which is a great problem to have. I often describe it to people as a mutualistic relationship. Nowhere is this more apparent than in our January issue, where we present the results of our annual Best of Thunder Bay survey. Starting in October, we put together 155 questions and let our readers determine the nominees, and then in November we kick off voting for the favourites. As we present the winners in our January issue, it’s an excellent opportunity for our readers to check out those familiar and unfamiliar names, potentially discovering a new favourite. As part of the cover story, we profile some of the winners you may or may not know and try to get to the bottom of why they might have been voted the best.

The Walleye

Speaking of mutualistic relationships, this January marks the 50th anniversary of the amalgamation of Port Arthur and Fort William becoming Thunder Bay. To celebrate this milestone, we’ve put together an infographic of stats and facts around the event and Rebecca Eras kicks off a column looking back at the history of the merger. Also in this issue, Steph Skavinski catches up with singer Nancy Freeborn about her involvement in the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra’s Women & The Blues concert, Nancy Saunders sits down with Thunder Bay Police Chief Sylvie Hauth in our new Eye to Eye column, and Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey gets a sneak peek at Definitely Superior Art Gallery’s fashion odyssey Derelicte. Congratulations to all the winners featured in the results, thanks to all those who participated, and thanks Thunder Bay—as long as you keep our arts and culture scene thriving, we’ll be here covering it. -Adrian Lysenko

Featured Contributor Miranda van den Berg Being raised just south of the city in Slate River Valley helped shape Miranda’s love for the great outdoors of Northwestern Ontario. After spending three years in London, Ontario to chase her dream career through a diploma in graphic design, it became even more apparent that Thunder Bay was home. Contributing to The Walleye since 2014 as an ad designer has only fueled her love of this area more. Once her computer is shut off for the day she can be found gardening, running, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing on and around the “piece of paradise” where she and her husband have chosen to raise their son.

On the Cover Best of 2019 by Sonya Lacroix

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FRES HA IREX PE R I EN C E.C A The Walleye

DREAM BIG GET THE SKILLS DO THE JOB

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confederationcollege.ca

TheTOPFive

Fat Bike 1 Norpine Classic January 11

Lutsen, MN

Fat biking is a fun way to cruise through winter and now’s your chance to put some tread to snow and compete in the Norpine Fat Bike Classic. Held in beautiful Lutsen, Minnesota, the Classic’s course track runs predominantly on the Norpine cross country ski trails, with options for a long course (26 miles) or a short course (15 miles). New this year, the Cascade Lodge will be the start/ finish location as well as the place for the Friday check-in, featuring live music, beer and wine tasting provided by Voyageur Brewing and North Shore Winery. Plus, there’s a post-race party and awards for the top five male and top five females in both distances. Entry is $50 and is capped to 200 racers, so don’t delay, register today! norpinefatbikeclassic.com

TBSO Northern 2 Lights: Women and the Blues

Italian Cultural Centre

Sarah McPherson

January 17 & 18

Turn those winter blahs into the winter blues with Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra’s Women and the Blues concert this January. Back by popular demand, this concert is part of the Northern Lights series that showcases local stars. Women and the Blues features Nancy Freeborn, a singer with a powerful and distinctive voice, and Zoey Williams, who delivers echoes of Billie Holiday and Diana Ross. Together, this duo, along with Maria Fuller conducting and the superb TBSO, will put on an energetic and soul-stirring show. Tickets are $45 for adults, $21.50 for students, and $12 for children age 12 and under. tbso.ca

124 Derelicte A Fashion Odyssey

January 25

Black Pirates Pub

Sarah McPherson

Be haute! Be Derelicte! This annual fundraiser for Definitely Superior Art Gallery and CILU Radio is one fabulous night of fashion, wearable art, drag, music, and performance—an interactive evening that will see 34 acts on a multi-arts stage, featuring runway models on a catwalk and contemporary design elements, four live bands and DJs. It will include performances by Army of Sass, Fantasy Haus, and a premiere drag performance with Paloma Marquez. There will be a massive raffle and prizes for best DIY fashion/costume, “walk off” challenges, and paparazzi moments, plus a dance party and catered refreshments by Sweet Escape Cake Café & Bakery. This year, Def Sup promises it will be bigger, better, and cattier. Don’t miss this non-stop one-of-akind art spectacle! Doors open at 8pm and there’s a $15 cover. definitelysuperior.com

of the 3 Comedian North

January 17 & 18

DaVinci Centre

Who will be crowned this year’s Comedian of the North? You’ll have to come out to see for yourself! Join 25 professional and amateur comedians from across Canada for a weekend of laughs as they give their best five-minute set over two nights. With $2,500 for first place, the prizes are no joke, and all funds will help raise the roof for Cambrian Players—a longstanding and much-loved community theatre group. Headlined by last year’s winner Cathy Boyd and hosted by Kyle Bergstresser—who has been featured on Sirius XM, NXNE, the Oddblock Comedy Festival, Kyle Bergstresser and the Brantford Comedy Fest—tickets are just $20 in advance or $25 at the door, with VIP tables available. All tickets are available for purchase through Eventbrite or at the DaVinci Sports Bar. tbshows.com

Delights5 Northern Cabin Fever

January 26–February 8 Various

Looking for a cure for your cabin fever? Look no further. Northern Delights—a winter culinary festival— returns for its fifth year of celebrating our local restaurant and food scene. Give yourself a break in the kitchen and treat your taste buds to a delicious feast at restaurants across the city for a fixed fare. Participating restaurants will feature special set menus at either $25 or $35, giving you a great chance to try out some new places or some former favourites. Put on your Sorels, a toque, and bring your appetite and some friends! Be sure to check out the website for a full list of restaurants. You have two weeks to try them all! visitthunderbay.com/northerndelights

The Walleye Walleye

7 1

You belong here 8

The Walleye

CoverStory

Best of 2019 Results

Darren McChristie

appy New Year! Whether you agree with the mathematicians who say the new decade begins in 2021, or the ever excitable media who says the time is now, bidding farewell to 2019 means itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for the results of our Best of Thunder Bay survey. Nominated and voted on by you, our loyal readers, these results reflect the efforts of countless individuals and organizations who are contributing to the vibrant arts and culture scene in our city. Thank you for your participation, and congratulations to all of the winners!

Metric performing at Wake the Giant Music Festival, voted Best New Event

The Walleye

CoverStory 9. Best pizza

\17. Best burger

21. Best soup

1. Best Finn pancakes

1. Both Hands Wood-Fired Pizzeria & Bakery*

1.Prospector Burger Barn*

1. Soup Mama*

2.Tomlin Restaurant

1. Hoito Restaurant*

2. Eat Local Pizza

3.Bonobo’s Foods

2. The Bean Fiend Cafe and Sandwich Bar

2. Niva’s Restaurant

3. Nook

18. Best prime rib

3. Daytona’s Kitchen & Creative Catering

Food

3. Kangas Sauna

2. Best coffee

10. Best fries

1. Prospector Steakhouse*

1. Prospector Burger Barn*

2. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

1. St Paul Roastery*

2. Hodder Greeks

3. Man Vs. Meat

2. Calico Coffeehouse

3. Nippers Takeout

3. Bay Village Coffee

3. Best tea 1. International House of Tea*

11. Best perogies

19. Best ribs (new category) 1. Red Lion Smokehouse

1. Port Arthur Polish Hall (South Court St.)*

22. Best dessert 1. The Sweet North Bakery 2. Sweet Escape Cake Cafe & Bakery 3. Dolce Coffee House

23. Best ice cream/gelato 1. Prime Gelato* 2. Merla Mae

2. The Sweet North Bakery 3. Calico Coffeehouse

3. Shake Shoppe

4. Best breakfast

24. Best mixed drink 1. Tomlin Restaurant*

1. Rooster’s Bistro* 2. Daytona’s Kitchen & Creative Catering

5. Best bakery 1. The Sweet North Bakery* 2. Holland Bakery

2. London Variety 3. Royal Canadian Legion Slovak Branch #129 (Atlantic Ave.)

3. Sweet Escape Cake Cafe & Bakery

12. Best cabbage rolls

6. Best butcher/deli (new

1. Port Arthur Polish Hall (South Court St.)*

category) 1. Maltese Grocery 2. Agostino’s Deli & Bakery 3. George’s Market & Celebrations

7. Best appetizers 1. Tomlin Restaurant

2. London Variety 3. Royal Canadian Legion Polish Veterans Branch #149 (Simpson St.)

13. Best wings 1. Chicago Joe’s* 2. On Deck 3. Wacky’s

14. Best nachos Nancy Shaw

1. Madhouse*

2. The Sovereign Room* 3. The Foundry

8. Best Coney sauce 1. McKellar Confectionery* 2. Coney Island Westfort 3. Hodder Greeks

10 The Walleye

2. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar 3. On Deck

15. Best taco 1.El Tres* 2.Red Lion Smokehouse 3.The Sal - Salsbury Grill

16. Best poutine 1. La Poutine* 2. The Sovereign Room 3. Prospector Burger Barn

“There’s a lot of love and attention,” says Red Lion Smokehouse’s head chef John Murray when talking about the restaurant’s ribs. “It’s like a three-day process from start to finish by the time we prep them to the time we get them to the customer.” It all begins when the baby back pork ribs are marinated for a day or two in Red Lion’s signature barbecue rub, then smoked at a low temperature for six hours, and then to top it all off, the ribs are coated with the restaurant’s homemade barbecue sauce. “So there’s a lot of components to it and all of it is made from scratch and homemade here,” adds Murray. Possibly what sets them apart from their peers is that the sauce doesn’t have much sugar content, so they’re not overly sweet—just tender, smoky, and best enjoyed with a pint... or two.

Nancy Shaw

3. Tina’s Breakfast & Lunch

2. The Sovereign Room 3. Tony and Adam’s

25. Best locally made beer 1. Northern Logger (Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.)* 2. Border Run (Dawson Trail Craft Brewery)

-Adrian Lysenko

3. White Out (Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.)

2. Apple Chipotle’s BBQ & Grill House

26. Best beer selection

3. Tony Roma’s

20. Best sandwich 1. Maltese Grocery* 2. The Bean Fiend Cafe and Sandwich Bar 3. Daytona’s Kitchen & Creative Catering

1. Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.* 2. Red Lion Smokehouse 3. The Foundry

27. Best wine list 1. Lot 66 Restaurant and Wine Bar 2. Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar* 3. Tomlin Restaurant

CoverStory 28. Best business lunch

36. Best salad

1. In Common

1. Rebel Salad*

2. Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar

2. The Growing Season Juice Collective

3. Daytona’s Kitchen & Creative Catering*

29. Best sushi

3. In Common

1. Wasabi Japanese Restaurant*

37. Best vegetarian/ vegan restaurant

2. Tokyo House

1. Bonobo’s Foods

3. Sushi Station

2. The Growing Season Juice Collective*

30. Best pasta

3. Rebel Salad

1. Bar Italia Restaurant 2. Nook* 3. Giorg Cucina é barra

31. Best bon bons 1. Mr. Chinese* 2. Oriental Garden 3. Fort William Curling Club Kitchen

32. Best noodle bowl 1. Thai Kitchen* 2. Golden Wok Chinese & Vietnamese Restaurant 3. Oriental Garden

33. Best Indian restaurant (new category) 1. Masala Grille 2. Monsoon Thunder Bay 3. Indian Bistro

34. Best Middle Eastern restaurant (new category) 1. Damascus Donair

38. Best kid-friendly restaurant 1. Wacky’s* 2. Montana’s BBQ & Bar 3. Neebing Roadhouse

39. Best restaurant 1. Tomlin Restaurant* 2. Daytona’s Kitchen & Creative Catering 3. Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar

Morgan Zimmer

40. Best fine dining

Best Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant

1. Tomlin Restaurant* 2. Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar 3. Lot 66 Restaurant and Wine Bar

41. Best buffet 1. Prospector Steak House 2. Masala Grille 3. Tokyo House

42. Best pub food 1. The Sovereign Room* 2. Madhouse 3. The Foundry

43. Best food truck/trailer 1. Local Motion

2. Best Bite Shawarma 3. Famous Tandoor Restaurant

35. Best smoothie 1. The Growing Season Juice Collective* 2. Booster Juice 3. Kelly’s Nutrition Centre & Juice Bar

Since 2013, Pinetree Catering’s Chef Nikos Mantis and Shawna Deagle

Bonobo’s Foods Story by Michelle McChristie, Photo by Adrian Lysenko

e first introduced our readers to Bonobo’s Foods in the fall of 2010. Back then, the unassuming little restaurant on Oliver Road was brand-spanking-new and one of the few local establishments to offer plant-based take-out and groceries. Bonobo’s was founded by Tony and Sacha Vande Weghe, who were motivated by their passion for a sustainable lifestyle and ethical treatment of animals; they quickly earned a reputation for fresh and delicious vegetarian fare. When the Vande Weghes decided to retire from the restaurant biz in 2018, long-term employee Morgan Zimmer was keen to take the reins. She purchased the business last January and leads a team of six employees who cook up classics, such as six varieties of veggie burgers, poutine, sandwiches,

salads, and more. Zimmer says the restaurant is “guided by the simple Buddhist philosophy of kindness to all living things.” She has made a few changes in the past year, such as featuring weekly specials to introduce new menu items, and is contemplating expanding beyond take-out and dine-in services to include catering. Zimmer says Bonobo’s appeals to a mixed clientele—i.e., not just vegans and vegetarians—and attributes this to a general increase in awareness of health issues. A year into her career as a restaurateur, she is confident she made the right decision and is thankful for the ongoing mentorship and guidance from the Vande Weghes. Most of all, Zimmer finds it rewarding to work with amazing employees that she learns from every day and produce quality products people enjoy.

*2018 winner

The Walleye

CoverStory have been serving up some of the best food truck fare in the city. A ubiquitous summer sight, the Local Motion food truck can be found all around the city in the warmer months, with a weekly calendar posted on social media so you can plan your workday lunches accordingly. They also like a good party: the truck makes appearances at all the best festivals and events, the Thunder Bay Country Market, and private parties. With a focus on globally inspired foods with northern Ontario flair, their tasty, innovative dishes are made with as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. Fan favourites include the Herbivore Burger, pickerel tacos, and confit duck and chicken spring rolls, and there’s always a new gourmet dish to sample before you indulge in a grilled persian served with Nor’Wester maple syrup. Is it June yet?

49. Best server 1. Brian (Tomlin Restaurant)* 2. Jennifer (Daytona’s Kitchen & Creative Catering) 3. Caprice (Rooster’s Bistro)

50. Best bartender 1. Donato D’Angelo (Tomlin Restaurant)* 2. Joshua Dowbak (The Foundry) 3. Onur Altinbilek (Black Pirates Pub)

51. Best barista 1. Keenan (St Paul’s Roastery)

-Kat Lyzun 2. Hot Paddle Pizza 3. Epic Cones

Best Art Exhibit

1. Thai Kitchen*

The Butterfly Story Story by Bonnie Schiedel, Photo by Izabela Pioro

eople viewing the 40 photographs at The Butterfly Story exhibit often can’t believe their eyes. The “canvases” for these works of art are in fact breast cancer survivors, who collaborate with founder Michelle Blackburn, artist Chantal Hughes (Ouellette), photographer Izabela Pioro, and a rotating cast of hair stylists (all volunteers) to create a photo that represents their journey. The process is detailed: each participant describes some of the emotions, images, or touchstones that were part of their experience, and then Hughes develops a working sketch of the theme, which could be anything from a powerful Wonder Woman to a peaceful stand-up paddle boarder at one with the sunset. An entire dragon boat team became a crimson, scaly dragon. Then, Hughes uses body paint to bring the theme to life,

12 The Walleye

44. Best takeout

Adrian Lysenko

Michelle Blackburn

painting mostly freehand and occasionally with stencils, and painstakingly incorporating hidden symbols into each design (gemstones representing family members’ birthdays, for instance). Pioro designs a set to complement the theme, and most of the backgrounds and props are actually her digital enhancements. All the proceeds from events, calendar sales and book sales go to the Northern Cancer Fund and in turn the Thunder Bay Breast Cancer Support Group—something that Blackburn, also a survivor, didn’t dream would happen when she initially approached Hughes to turn her scars into works of art back in 2013. “When women see the final picture, they either start to cry or break out into a giant grin,” she says. “This is changing what breast cancer survivorship looks like.”

2. The Growing Season Juice Collective 3. Man Vs Meat

45. Best caterer

2. Tracy (Bay Village Coffee)

1. Salt & Pepper Catering*

3. Crystal (Up Shot Coffeehouse)

2. Pinetree Catering 3. Daytona’s Kitchen & Creative Catering

46. Best roastery 1. St Paul’s Roastery* 2. Wolfhead Coffee 3. Rose N Crantz Roasting Co.

47. Best patio 1. Bight Restaurant and Bar* 2. Red Lion Smokehouse

52. Best head chef 1. Steve Simpson (Tomlin Restaurant)* 2. Andrew Stone (Daytona’s Kitchen & Creative Catering) 3. John Murray (Red Lion Smokehouse)

Arts

3. Kelsey’s

53. Best book (2018–2019)

48. Best new restaurant

1. The Lightkeeper’s Daughters by Jean E. Pendziwol*

(2018–2019) 1. Dolce Coffee House 2. Apple Chipotle’s BBQ & Grill House 3. King Ghidrah

2. The Butterfly Story Volume 2 by Chantal Hughes (Ouellette) and Izabela Pioro 3. Alive Again by Eva Kakepetum

CoverStory

Best Dance Studio

Army of Sass By Kat Lyzun

or the second year in a row, the bold and body-positive team at Army of Sass has earned the top spot in the dance studio category. Army of Sass is a unique dance training and performance program with studios across North America. In Thunder Bay, the team is led by Stephanie DePiero, who is trained in jazz, tap, ballet, and hip hop. DePiero worked for several seasons as a dancer and promoter for the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club before returning home to Thunder Bay and opening the Army of Sass studio. At the core of Army of Sass is a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where women of all levels of dance can tap into their inner diva while building confidence and

54. Best photographer 1. Maria Maria (Ashley Kibzey) 2. Damien Gilbert 3. Keegan Richard (tie)

strength (in heels, no less!). Sassy devotees say their experiences in the program have been life-changing, both physically and emotionally. Some have never danced before and some are shy, but at the end of 10 weeks they are performing in elaborate, saucy shows with stunning self-confidence. The program has three levels: Privates are the absolute beginners and those who have a smidge

of dance training; Corporals have intermediate to advanced skills in dancing in heels and Lieutenants are advanced to professional level dancers in jazz, hip hop and heels dance. There are three different 10week sessions per year: fall, winter, and spring. Every week dancers train in drills and choreography and at the end of the session, they showcase their sassy new moves in a themed performance. The winter session

(which starts January 14) will lead up to a performance of Heartbreak Hotel, a show about broken hearts, a girls’ night out, and a hotel that is much more than they ever expected. Featuring an eclectic mix of soul, Motown, funk, and rock with songs by Billie Holiday, James Brown, Dr. Dre, Rihanna, Lizzo, Queen, Aretha Franklin and more, you know this show is going to be hot.

58. Best public art installation

installed in the Adelaide Monarch Garden on the east side of Boulevard Lake Park in April. The garden, a new addition to the park, is being developed by Dan Fulton, who has been tirelessly planting pollinator-friendly plants to create a haven for Monarch butterflies. Despres’ artwork can be seen in multiple other locations across the city as well; he has created many signs for local businesses, as well as a large, elaborate, multi-layered sculpture for the entrance of the Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area.

3. Uprising: The Power of Mother Earth (Thunder Bay Art Gallery)

1. Wall of Remembrance (Boulevard Lake)

3. Sarah McPherson (tie)

55. Best visual artist 1. boy Roland 2. Bianca Gascoigne 3. Cree Stevens

56. Best make-up artist 1. Bianca Gascoigne 2. Carly Hughes* 3. Sarah Martin

57. Best drag queen or king 1. Lady Fantasia LaPremiere* 2. Sophia Sapphire 3. Anita Blunt

Luc Despres has created another stunning piece of artwork, and his Wall of Remembrance has been voted Best Public Art Installation. Despres worked with Hospice Northwest to design the metal sculpture as a memorial for loved ones. The large work depicts dozens of butterflies, with four of them taking flight out of the frame. The sculpture was unveiled at the fundraiser Hike for Hospice in May and will be

60. Best art gallery 1. Thunder Bay Art Gallery* 2. Definitely Superior Art Gallery 3. The Creative

61. Best clothing designer 1. Ungalli Clothing Co.*

-Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey 2. The Wolves (Thunder Bay Art Gallery) 3. Cooke Street mural

59. Best art exhibit (2018-2019) 1. The Butterfly Story (The Chanterelle) 2. Urban Infill, Definitely Superior Art Gallery (Various locations)

Wearing Ungalli Clothing is a win-win. Not only is it stylish, but their clothing is made ethically in Canada from recycled and organic

*2018 winner

The Walleye

CoverStory

-Adrian Lysenko 2. Northies 3. Joyce Seppala Designs

62. Best potter 1. Dog Paw Pottery - Meg Sheepway* 2. Be Natural - Brenda Delmas 3. Island Pottery - Tim Alexander

63. Best crafter (sewing, woodworking, knitting, etc.) 1. Knits by Nat*

65. Best piercer 1. Alex Cummins (Identity Tattoo & Piercing)

73. Best weekend getaway

79. Best new business

1. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

1. Dolce Coffee House

2. Matt Bressmer (Creation Body Piercing)*

66. Best dancer 1.Harmony Appell* 2.Stephanie DePiero 3.Keaira Bobrowich

2. Grand Marais*

2. Bay Village Coffee

3. Duluth

3. The Groggy Toad Coffee House

2. Art in Motion

74. Best hair salon

80. Best blog

3. Legacy Dance Co.

1. Terra Nova Salon & Day Spa*

1. Bay Awesome

2. Trenz Hair Studio

2. People of Port Arthur

3. Modish Salon and Spa

3. Beauty & the Best

1. Stephanie DiPiero (Army of Sass)*

75. Best barber shop

81. Best Tweeter

2. Harmony Appell (Dream Dance Studio)

1. The Barber Shop*

1. @dmangilbert (Damien Gilbert)*

67. Best dance studio 1. Army of Sass*

68. Best dance instructor

2. @NotJordanTucker ( Jordan Tucker)

3. Juliana Jason (International Dance Academy)

3. @morningshowlisa (Lisa Laco)

82. Best Instagrammer

City Scene

1. @dmangilbert (Damien Gilbert)* 2. @bayawesome (Amanda Bay)

69. Best Thunder Bay-ism

3. @stephhunt (Steph Hunt)

83. Best elected politician

2. “Camp” 3. Using “right” as a descriptive word (e.g. “right deadly”)

2. Rebel Barbers & Company

70. Best place to go on a first date

76. Best clothing store

1. The Marina* 2. Tomlin Restaurant 3. Bay Village Coffee

3. Waxxed Candle Co. (tie) 3. Beauty in the Bay (tie)

64. Best tattoo artist 1. Vanessa Presenger (Red River Trade Company) 2. Remy Chunick (Identity Tattoo & Piercing) 3. Meg Niittynen (Ink Factory)

14 The Walleye

Tyler Sklazeski

3. Tabatha Andreason (Creation Body Piercing)

1. “Persians”*

2. Thread and Wood

(2018–2019)

Ontario Parks

materials. Founded in 2013 when sisters Hailey and Bree Hollinsworth recognized the negative impacts the mainstream clothing industry was having on the planet, people, and wildlife, Ungalli Clothing has since become a leader in sustainable clothing practices and processes. The sisters have won a Top 30 Under 30 award for Sustainability Leadership in Canada, the Quest Climate grant from Canadian Geographic Magazine in December 2015, and most recently named a “changemaker” by Absolut Vodka, as part of a campaign where they were given $10,000 to donate to a charity of their choice. And on top of all this, their collection of hoodies, joggers, tank tops, and t-shirts look damn good and are made to last.

71. Best place to people-watch 1. Intercity Mall* 2.Thunder Bay Country Market

3. Red Beard’s On Bay

1. Ungalli Clothing Co. 2. The Loop 3. Mars. Clothing

77. Best market vendor 1. Pie.ology 2. Hot Paddle Pizza* 3. Boreal Bakery

3. The Marina

78. Best window displays

72. Best place to impress a visitor

1. The Loop*

1. Kakabeka Falls* 2. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park 3. The Marina

1. Patty Hajdu*

2. The Kitchen Nook/Finnish Bookstore 3. Hey Sailor!

2. Brian Hamilton 3. Bill Mauro

84. Best local humanitarian 1. Jim Stadey 2. Brian Hamilton* 3. Erin Beagle

CoverStory 85. Best radio personality

93. Best place to play pool

1. Lisa Laco (CBC)

1. On Deck*

2. Dee (Rock 94)*

2. Shooter’s Tavern

3. John Ongaro (99.9 The Bay)

3. Black Pirates Pub

86. Best comedian 1. Trevor Green

94. Best place to watch the game

2. Eric Laughton

1. Wacky’s*

3. Aaron Gee

2. On Deck

87. Best busker 1. The Bay Street Bastards*

3. Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill

95. Best local sports team 1. Thunderwolves Men’s Hockey*

2. Cory Hoogsteen 3. Arden Bruyere

88. Best grassroots organization 1. Roots to Harvest*

2. Thunderwolves Women’s Basketball

2. Our Kids Count

3. Border Cats

3. EcoSuperior

89. Best place for a shag

96. Best local NHL player

1. The Moose Hall

1. Matt Murray*

2. Coliseum Building*

2. Eric Staal

3. The Heritage Building

3. Robert Bortuzzo

90. Best place to get married

97. Best athlete

1. The Chanterelle on Park

2. Hannah Gula

2. Fort William Historical Park*

3. Adam Hopkins

1. Krista McCarville

3. Stepstone Center

91. Best golf course 1. Whitewater Golf Club*

Living Green/Health

2. Northern Lights Golf Complex

98. Best park

3. Strathcona Golf Course

1. Centennial Park

92. Best hotel 1. Delta Hotels by Marriott

2. Marina Park* 3. Hillcrest Park

2. Best Western Plus Nor’Wester Hotel & Conference Centre*

99. Best playground

3. Valhalla Inn Hotel

2. Vickers Park

1. Marina Park* 3. Centennial Park

Best Market Vendor

Pie.ology

Story by Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey, Photo by Marty Mascarin

t looks like everybody’s favourite breakfast/snack/lunch at the Thunder Bay Country Market is a hand pie! Pie.ology has been voted best market vendor of the year, and we’re not surprised. A trip to the market isn’t complete without one of their pies, fresh and piping hot. Made from scratch with an all-butter pastry, the pies are perfect throughout with fillings ranging from savoury (various smoked meats from local butchers, Thunder Oak cheese, eggs, mac n’ cheese with pasta from Big Lake Pasta) to sweet (apple, pear, pumpkin, etc.) Owners Malcolm and Amanda Hope were regular customers of Pie. ology when the previous owners announced that they were moving

out of town and closing up. “What if we put in an offer,” joked Amanda, and the couple ended up buying the business in October 2018. Neither of them had any experience in the food industry, but they didn’t want their Saturday morning family ritual of a walk through the market and a hand pie from Pie.ology to disappear. While the Hopes have experimented with various fillings, they keep old favourites on a regular rotation. They have introduced some new items such as sausage rolls, which are popular in Scotland, where Malcolm is from. Passionate about gardening, he occasionally uses produce from his own garden, and from other local gardeners, in the pies.

*2018 winner

The Walleye

CoverStory 100. Best antique store

108. Best beach

111. Best outdoor rink

120. Best album (2018–2019)

1. Sleeping Giant Antiques*

1. Marina Park*

2. Weyward Sisters

1. Marie Louise Lake, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park*

2. North End Community Centre

1. The Honest Heart Collective Grief Rights*

3. Black Cat Antiques

2. Wild Goose Beach

3. Tarbutt Park

2. Jean-Paul De Roover - Love

3. Amethyst Harbour (tie) 3. Sandy Beach (tie)

2. Belluz Farms

109. Best place to toboggan

3. DeBruin’s Greenhouses

1. Balsam Pit*

1. Thunder Oak Cheese Farm*

102. Best locally made product

2. Centennial Park 3. Hillcrest Park

2. Thunder Oak Cheese Farm

110. Best place to cross-country ski

3. Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.

1. Kamview Nordic Centre*

1. Heartbeat Hot Sauce*

112. Best fitness instructor

(2018–2019)

2. Jennifer Poirier

1. The Honest Heart Collective “North American Dream”

3. Kim Francis

113. Best gym/ fitness club 1. Movati Athletic Thunder Bay* 2. Red Zone X 3. PUSH Fitness Centre

114. Best yoga studio

1.Tim’s Whole Health*

2.La Luna Wellness Studio

2.Kelly’s Nutrition Centre & Juice Bar

3.PUSH Fitness Centre

3.Compass Foods

115. Best yoga instructor

1.The Bodymind Centre*

1. Paula DiGiuseppe*

107. Best campground

With its towering evergreens, stands of silver birch, serene meadows, and a scenic vista of the Nor’Westers, the cross-country ski trails at Kamview Nordic Centre’s home base are as picturesque as they are a pleasure to traverse. From the Jackrabbit, Aspen, and Tamarack to the Northern Lights and the Lookout, the trails offer a variety of classic and skate skiing opportunities for young, old, and four-legged—Dudley’s is open to dogs. The chalet provides a cosy and warm respite as well as homemade soup and chili, and giant fresh-baked cookies. You’ll find a welcoming sense of community at Kamview whether you’re a longtime member, fair-weather friend, or a first-timer. A snow phone and live webcam keep everyone up-todate on the latest conditions, the Kamview Jackrabbits Youth Program is a popular Saturday morning ritual, and there are plenty of special events throughout the season like candlelit ski nights and the Tour de Kamview.

1. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park*

-Rebekah Skochinski

2. Quetico Provincial Park

2. Lappe Nordic Ski Club

3. Whispering Hills Campground Kakabeka Falls

3. Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park

1. Boulevard Lake* 2. Centennial Park 3. Shuniah Mines

105. Best day paddle

Ontario Parks

1. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park*

2. Hazelwood Lake 3. Boulevard Lake

106. Best swimming hole 1. The Cascades* 2. Soldier’s Hole 3. Trowbridge Falls

16 The Walleye

121. Best music video

1. Sarah Baryluk

103. Best health food store

104. Best place for a bike ride

3. Phoebe the Feeb - The Pink Album

2. Kayla Younger 3. Erin May

116. Best spa 1. Drift Day/Medi Spa* 2. Terra Nova Salon & Day Spa 3. A Spa for You

Music 117. Best bar to see a live band

2. The Bay Street Bastards “Hooligan Crew” 3. Page 38 “Gypsy Soul”

122. Best singer 1. Nancy Freeborn* 2. Ryan MacDonald 3. Megan Nadin

123. Best guitarist 1. Kevin Heerema* 2. Will Lockyer 3. Jacob Goodman

124. Best bassist 1. Joey Miller* 2. Will Lockyer 3. Ryan Redemption

125. Best drummer 1. Jay Savage* 2. Colin Craig 3. Lui Tassone

126. Best keyboardist/ pianist 1. Danny Johnson*

1. The Foundry* 2. Black Pirates Pub 3. The Apollo

118. Best karaoke 1. The Foundry* 2. The Bar 3. The Fastlane Bar & Grill

119. Best place to dance 1. The Foundry* 2. NV Music Hall 3. Paulucci’s Wayland Bar & Grill

Emily Kohne

101. Best local food producer

One of Thunder Bay’s most talented and diverse musicians, Danny Johnson has been involved in the local scene for almost 30 years. He’s opened for Bob Dylan, the Tragically Hip, and Colin James. He’s also toured with legendary musicians

CoverStory

Best Place to Get Married

The Chanterelle on Park

Story by Justin Allec, Photo by Jamie Dawn Photography

eddings can bring out the best in people…and also the worst. Many couples pin so much on that special day that expectations are impossible to meet, especially if they have to do the planning themselves. Fortunately, The Chanterelle is here is make those special days easier. A multi-use space reconditioned from an old dry goods store in the heart of downtown Port Arthur, The

Chanterelle offers smooth elegance and all the elements (and staff!) necessary to plan and pull off an event to remember. In the few years The Chanterelle has been in operation, its name has already become synonymous with running sophisticated, stress-free events. One of The Chanterelle’s advantages is that as much as the building has been renovated and updated to meet a variety of needs, the

changes are unobtrusive and act as an attractively blank canvas. The lounge and the ballroom are both expansive enough to allow guests to enjoy themselves, whether they’re sitting down to dinner or dancing the night away. The focus is on having space that can be transformed, so to that end there are enormous windows letting in light from the waterfront, tall ceilings with sparkling chandeliers, and the natural,

warm tones of wood and brick that complement any decor. It’s a great backdrop that allows patrons to work with The Chanterelle’s experienced staff on what they want for their wedding day. Add in the unique and mouth-watering catering from the Tomlin’s in-house kitchen, and you’ve already addressed many of the big headaches that come with the big day.

like Johnny Cash and George Jones. Aside from being an accomplished jazz pianist, Johnson is a singer/ songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actor, musical director, and has been the featured soloist with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. He’s scored local films by Kelly Saxberg and Ron Harpelle, executive produced the TBSO’s Junonominated album Into the Wonder, and worked as a producer/engineer for other Juno-nominated albums: Rodney Brown’s The Big Lonely and Pierre Schryer’s Blue Drag. If there’s one thing that the accomplished pianist can’t do, it’s slow down. And that’s just fine with us.

127. Best DJ

129. Best rock band

131. Best metal band

1. DJ Big D*

1. The Honest Heart Collective*

1. Femur*

-Adrian Lysenko 2. Charlie Lockyer 3. Elle Kay *2018 winner

2. Deaf Monarch 3. ArchAnger

Patrick Chondon

132. Best rap artist Kay Lee

1. Kross Kid 2. Andy Raynak 3. Webby D

135. Best jazz act

2. Miss Temperance

2. The Bay Street Bastards

3. Bevz

3. Page 38

2. Robin Ranger

128. Best solo artist

130. Best folk group

3. Martin Blanchet Jazz Quintet

1. Jean-Paul De Roover

1. The Bay Street Bastards*

2. Megan Nadin

2. Greenbank

133. Best punk band

3. Arley Cox*

3. Kris Tonkens & the Innocent Bystanders

1. Mood Indigo Jazz*

1. The Bay Street Bastards* 2. Forever Dead! 3. I.R. Idiot

The Walleye

CoverStory Film and Theatre

1. Sydney Blu 2. Pat Jones 3. rKill

135. Best blues act

140. Best film (2018–2019) 1. Where the Poppies Grow: The Lakehead at War*

1. The Roosters

2. Copenhagen Road

2. Sunday wilde

3. Angelique’s Isle

3. James Boraski & Momentary Evolution

141. Best film director

136. Best choral group

1. Damien Gilbert*

1. Sounds of Superior Chorus

2. Michelle Derosier

2. Lakehead University Vocal Ensemble

3. Lee Chambers

3. Fort William Male Choir

137. Best country band 1. Chris Talarico

(2018–2019)

142. Best film festival 1. North of Superior Film Festival* 2. Terror in the Bay Film Festival 3. Banff Mountain Film Festival

143. Best theatre production (2018–2019) 1. Mamma Mia! - Badanai Theatre

The energy of live theatre can’t be beat, and Thunder Bay is lucky to have Magnus Theatre, the only professional producing theatre company between Sudbury and Winnipeg. Since 1971, Magnus has been a cornerstone in the Thunder Bay arts scene, producing a wide range of performances, from zany comedies to lively musicals to searing dramas. Today, it’s helmed by artistic director Thom Currie and supported by dedicated staff, patrons, and volunteers, who in turn make it possible for the troupe—actors from both Thunder Bay and across Canada— to shine. In what Currie called “a season for everyone,” performances included SHOUT! The Mod Musical, This is How We Got Here, and It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play in the last half of 2019, and Huff, Buying the Farm, and Boeing Boeing in the first half of the year. Bravo, brava! -Bonnie Schiedel

149. Best fundraiser 1. Wake The Giant 2. The Hunger* 3. Empty Bowls, Caring Hearts

150. Best free event 1. Live on the Waterfront*

Keegan Richard

134. Best electronic act

2. Bay & Algoma Buskers Festival 3. Canada Day on the Waterfront

151. Best street fair 1. Bay & Algoma Buskers Festival*

2. Paramount Live 3. Badanai Theatre

146. Best actress 1. Leah Rantala 2. Olivia McInnis* 3. Tegin Menei

147. Best actor 1. Spencer Hari*

2. Back Forty

144. Best theatre director (2018–2019)

3. Scott vanTeeffelen*

1. Lawrence Badanai

138. Best cover band

3. Marcia Arpin

1. Plan B (the band)* 2. Lockyer Boys 3. Morning Light

2. Olivia McInnis

3. Eric Laughton

Events

18 The Walleye

145. Best theatre troupe 1. Magnus Theatre*

Matt Goertz

152. Best green event 1. BrewHa! Craft Beer Festival

1. Thunder Bay Bluesfest*

1. Denise Krawczuk* 3. Maria Lynn Tassone

3. Thunder Pride

148. Best festival

139. Best music instructor 2. Arley Cox

2. Westfort Street Fair

Patrick Chondon

3. Les Miserables All the DAZE Productions

2. Charlie Lockyer

Patrick Chondon

Keegan Richard

2. Little Shop of Horrors Badanai Theatre

2. Wake The Giant

2. EcoSuperior Spring Up to Clean Up

3. BrewHa! Craft Beer Festival

3. VegFest Thunder Bay

CoverStory

Best Cover Band

Plan B (the band) Story by Adrian Lysenko, Photo by Keegan Richard

ersatility might just be the reason why Plan B (the band) has been voted best cover band for the last three years in a row. “[We] play everything, learn anything, play anything and everything,” says Derek Kenney, the band’s rhythm guitarist. “And be aware of your audience. Be able to play music that serves the venue/

function you are playing.” ]Formed in 2014–2015, Plan B is currently made up of Kenney, Peter Reslinski (drums), Joey Miller (bass/vocals), Scott Van Teeffelen (keys/vocals), and Greg Schultz (guitar/vocals). Kenney says the band members are their own biggest cheer squad as well as harshest critics. “But all of that

comes with a love of music, and performance, and a deep and committed respect for what each of us brings to the table creatively, and the roles each of us has in motivating and encouraging each other to challenge ourselves, and to have fun doing it,” he says. From the 1950s to contemporary music, Plan B has a big

catalogue of covers that they have performed over the years. “A lot of our shows are essentially the all-request hour, but we get asked to do our mashup of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Eminem a fair bit, which is a good time,” Kenney says. “If I make it through the whole thing without laughing or needing an inhaler.”

153. Best kids’ event

2. Willow Springs’ Harry Potter Festival

the waterfront, the Wake the Giant Music Festival had something to offer everyone, from a welcoming venue layout to performances by some of the best, and most diverse, names in Canadian and Indigenous music. Drum groups, hard-rocking blues, and synth-driven pop-rock all took turns pushing decibels and getting people dancing. Cheery volunteers kept the event running all day and night, so no matter when you attended the festival it was easy to get in and get what you needed from the vendors before heading up to the stage. If you arrived early you had the advantage of picking your vantage point, because this place was packed by the time the

sun went down. By linking a music festival loaded with vital performers to a project encouraging cultural awareness, and the issues facing Indigenous youth, Wake the Giant succeeded—and continues to make significant change as they lead into their second year.

1. Teddy Bears Picnic

3. Bay & Algoma Buskers Festival

154. Best new event (2018–2019)

Darren McChristie

1. Wake The Giant Music Festival

Held on a perfect September day at

-Justin Allec 2. Thunder Pride 3. Kraft. Pop-Up Market

155. Best question we forgot to ask 1. Best reason to live in Thunder Bay 2. Best aesthetician 3. Best videographer

*2018 winner

The Walleye

Food

Fruit

Veggies

1–1½ c

Protein

1–2 Tbsp

(fresh/ frozen) Banana

Basil

Berries

Beets (shredded)

Cherries Mango Melon Orange (segments) Peach Pineapple

20 The Walleye

Cucumber Frozen squash cubes

Kale Parsley Spinach Sweet potato (shredded)

By Chef Rachel Globensky at École Gron Morgan’s Breakfast Club—often, the smoothies have squash or kale in them, and the kids gobble them up. These mix and match recipe builders are a favourite of mine—so easy to pick and choose what you like. I’ve also included some delicious combinations, too, for those days when you literally can’t even. Whiz the ingredients around in a blender for a few minutes until everything is smooth—what a cinch! A few tips: frozen fruit makes your smoothie nice and thick without watering it down; kale stems can be bitter, so remove them before adding; protein and healthy fats make your smoothie taste fantastic and help to keep you going longer; some of the protein sources double as healthy fats, liquids, and add-ins, so add what seems reasonable to you. Also, play around with the ratios—you may like your smoothie thinner, thicker, or chunkier.

Collard greens

Greens powder

Smooth(ie) Operator appy New Year! I’m sorry, but how is it 2020 already?! I remember Y2K like it was yesterday. We had a big bonfire in the yard, some horribly sweet Baby Duck, and my poor mom was flat on her back with the flu. We rang in the new millennium with enthusiasm and maybe a bit of a hangover. On January 1, I’m not too sure who felt worse—my mom or the rest of us rabble rousers! Whether you’ve woken at noon feeling like your bell’s been rung, or you’re up early and enjoying peace and quiet before life commands your attention, I’ve got the perfect way to start your day: smoothies! Not only for summertime, or a quick breakfast to slurp as you’re running out the door, smoothies are refreshing and hydrating anytime. They’re easy to customize, whether you like savoury or sweet, and depending on what you have in the fridge. We make them for the students

Carrot (shredded)

Healthy Fats

Liquid

Add-Ins

Just a pinch

Chia seeds (1 Tbsp)

Acacia fibre Coconut

Bee pollen

milk (1 Coconut milk c)

Avocado

water

Cacao nibs

Cashews

Coffee (chilled)

Cinnamon

Flax seeds (1 Tbsp) Greek yogurt (½ c)

Chia seeds

Coconut oil Dairy milk Flaxseed Juice meal PlantHemp based milk hearts

Nut butter (1 Tbsp) Nut butter Oats (¼ c) Sesame seeds Protein powder Sunflower seeds (1 scoop) Pumpkin seeds (1 Tbsp) Quinoa (¼ c cooked) Seaweed strips

Walnuts

Citrus zest & juice Cocoa powder Coconut flakes

Tea (chilled)

Dates

Water

Honey

Ginger Mint Nutmeg Sea salt Turmeric Vanilla or other extracts

(¼ c) Ideas: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries ( ½ c each) + squash cubes + Greek yogurt + chia seeds + almond milk 1 banana + spinach + protein powder + peanut butter + milk + cocoa powder + cinnamon Raspberries and strawberries + grated cucumber + almond butter + chilled green tea + grated fresh ginger + lemon zest and juice + turmeric

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Food

DRINK OF THE MONTH

Hot Chocolate The Groggy Toad Coffee House

Story by Rebekah Skochinski, Photo by Adrian Lysenko We love you December, but you’re a tough act to follow with all of your cosy gatherings and good cheer. However, now that January is here, we’re meeting the month with the resolve it deserves: making it as hygge as possible. To start, we’re recommending a comforting treat from The Groggy Toad Coffee House. This cheerful café serves a hot chocolate that is a little bit old-school and a whole lot of fun. Using four (four!) different kinds of chocolate, including fudge and a crème de cacao syrup for hints of creamy vanilla, they top it with oodles of whipped cream, mini marshmallows, and a drizzle of fudge. It’s delicious. Aside from getting a mood-boosting sugar buzz, cocoa contains flavonoids that are known to have health benefits. But really, what’s better than warm hands and a belly full of chocolate on a cold winter’s day. Nothing at all, we say.

The Groggy Toad Coffee House 8 Cumberland Street South

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The Walleye

Food

A Tease No More Authentic Bubble Tea Shop Comes to Port Arthur Story and Photos by Michael Charlebois

aron Parrilla has been living in Thunder Bay for nine years, but it took a trip back to his hometown to realize a business opportunity here. His “aha” moment occurred in his hometown of Ormoc City, Philippines. “I realized all the [young] people talk about is milk tea,” he says. “I got back here, and was talking to one of my friends who told me it is a multi-million dollar industry in Asia.” Invented in Taiwan in the 1980s, the bubble tea market has grown into an industry worth nearly $2 million as of 2016, according to an Allied Market Research report. Its bright colours and squishy tapioca balls that sit at the bottom of the cup make it something more than a delicious caffeine boost in the age of Instagram. It comes with a sealed lid, a specialty straw, and has become a cultural phenomenon with young Asians. “Shake. Stab. Suck,” Parilla describes as the order of drinking bubble tea.“There’s a joke in the Philippines... if you hit someone, they don’t bleed blood, they bleed bubble tea.” Yet, in Thunder Bay, the only place to buy the product was from a chain restaurant in

22 The Walleye

the Intercity Shopping Centre. Seeing the potential of catering a familiar product to a rapidly growing, young, international section of the population, Parrilla got his friend and girlfriend to start making the drink. The three-person operation initially began making the tea in bulk, and delivering it to consumers. It wasn’t until the group attended local festivals that the potential for a physical location became real. “Different people from different cultures started gaining interest,” Parrilla says. “We heard things like ‘We’re so happy. We’ve been looking for it here…’ or ‘My goodness, you have to have a store!’” he says. Now with a location on Red River Road, Milktease is hoping to become a hub for young students in Thunder Bay. “We want our spot to be the spot for Asians,” Parrilla says. “It’s a small amount of the population, but we know it’s big enough to become the norm in Thunder Bay.” Orders will also be available via Skip the Dishes. The store will feature weekly Filipino-style snacks alongside a selection of drinks. For more information, visit facebook.com/milktease.tbay.

. r a e Y w e N y p p a H . t e g d u b w e n y p p Ha

At Rapport Credit Union, we encourage our members to build a yearly budget to keep themselves financially healthy.

That means knowing your ongoing HOLIDAY LOANS expenses and not overspending. AS LOW AS Saving for planned expenditures like a vacation or a new car - and for unplanned expenditures. Only borrowing if it’s good debt, like paying off your credit card with a lower rate loan, or investing in something that will make you money over the long term like your house or RRSP.

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24 The Walleye

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Food

Brew It Yourself

Looking Forward to Beer Trends in 2020 By Josh Armstrong, PhD, BJCP Certified Beer Judge

or this year’s Best Of Thunder Bay issue of The Walleye, I decided to take a look into some potential trends in beer styles that may be coming at us in this new decade. With the explosion that we have seen in the number of craft breweries, there always seems to be something new to try at the pub or LCBO. Hazy beers (also known as New England Style IPAs) have been trending for the past couple years and I don’t think this will end in 2020. People love the soft mouthfeel, juicy hops, and low bitterness that are associated with this style. Some local examples are Bae’s Haze from Dawson Trail and the White Out from Sleeping Giant. Hopefully sometime this month One Time Brewing Company, a new brewery in town, will open their doors and we can finally get our hands on their take on this popular style. A second style that has gained popularity in America is pastry stouts. While not a sanctioned Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) style, pastry stouts are dessert-like

stouts that have been loaded up with extra ingredients to taste like cookies, chocolate bars, cakes, or whatever sweet treat you can think of. There aren’t too many brews like this around but look for this style to grow in Ontario in the upcoming year. There are also several future trends that may be coming our way in 2020. My first guess is that “session beers” will grow in popularity. Session beers are typically defined as being low in alcohol (≤5%) usually with a dry, clean finish. These beers tend to be easy-to-drink and don’t pile on the calories like pastry stouts or hazy IPAs do. A related low-calorie trend that is growing in the beverage industry is hard seltzers. By adding different flavourings to a mixture of seltzer water and alcohol, craft breweries have begun creating flavourful alcoholic beverages that don’t contain nearly the same amount of calories as other beer beverages. Another trend related to this trend of session beers is the return to glory of lagers. Lager styles like Japanese-rice lagers, German/Czech

pilsners, and traditional German Helles are all gaining in popularity and will likely continue to do so. One newish lager style that excites me is the Italian Pilsner. Italian pilsners are brewed similarly to German pilsners but are typically dry-hopped for more noble hop aroma. A third trend that appears to be coming down the beer pipeline are brews made with Kveik ale yeasts. Kveik (pronounced “kwike”) are farmhouse yeasts from Norway and can produce all sorts of flavours like pineapple, orange, and other tropical fruits. Dawson Trail has used Kveik yeast to create some delicious brews, and hopefully they continue to experiment with these foreign yeast strains to make fun fruity ales. With commercial production of Kveik yeasts growing steadily, I believe

more breweries and home brewers will try to use these interesting yeast strains and learn how to blend them with fruity North American hops. Wine-forward beers also seem to be gaining in popularity. From rosé-inspired beers to sour beers aged in wine barrels, brewers are beginning to create new and exciting flavours by blending grains with grapes. Here in Ontario, expect new wine-forward beers from Niagara region’s Bench Brewing and Toronto’s Bellwoods Brewery. Beer trends come and beer trends go, and only time will tell what will gain traction with beer drinkers. Who knows, with the legalization of cannabis in Canada, perhaps we will even start seeing good-tasting brews made with CBD oil in 2020! Happy New Year!

The Walleye

Sponsored Content

Our Cheese Board

The rush of the holidays is over, and the reality of a cold winter has set in. This can only mean one thing—time to hunker down inside with some tasty cheese. We present to you a guide to craft your masterpiece, your piece de resistance… your epic cheese board. We recommend using the best quality ingredients you can afford (a little goes a long way) made by small-scale farmers and artisans who take care of their craft and honour flora and fauna from which their products come. Delicious food and thoughtful farming practices go hand in hand. A great place to find good ingredients for your cheese board is the local farmer’s market, many of the locally owned delis around town, and of course, The Cheese Encounter. Most importantly, do what you like. Eating is about enjoyment. So think of this as an advice column, and you do you.

26 The Walleye

Our Cheese Board

• Thunder Oak Extra Old Gouda Locally made, hard, sharp, nutty, salty, and sweet. The pride of Thunder Bay • Ticklemore - Creamy, milky, crumbly, goat cheese from the U.K. with hints of cereal • Morbier - World-renowned, semisoft, French cheese with a distinct layer of vegetable ash • Saint Agur - Soft, spreadable, balanced French blue cheese. A Cheese Encounter favourite • Golden Child - Gooey, soft, whey washed cheese spiked with Ontario-grown saffron. Made by the Canadian cheesemaking legends at the Monforte Dairy in Stratford, Ontario • Cacio di Fossa - Hard, sharp, tangy, flavour-packed Italian cheese. This one is aged underground for 100 days, where it develops its extremely complex flavour • Valencian almonds - Super crunchy, and roasted in sunflower oil and sea salt • Wildflower honey from Bears’ Bees & Honey - Local, unpasteurized honey. Unpasteurized honey is always more flavourful, nutritionally beneficial, and representative of the area in which it was harvested • Tomlin Restaurant + Sleeping Giant Brewery 360 Pale Ale Mustard - Locally made, and goes great with charcuterie • Provisions Food Company Cherry and Merlot Jelly - Made in St. Catharines, Ontario • CXBO Ghanaian single-origin chocolate - Especially good with goat cheeses • Prosciutto di Parma - Made in Parma, Italy with pigs fed Parmigiano Reggiano whey • Sarment Droit - Dry-cured pork sausage from the Savoie region of France • Bresaola - Italian, air dried, lean cured beef • Carr’s Original, and Raincoast Crisp hazelnut and cranberry crackers • Mandarin orange (in season), and grapes (they’re pretty)

Picking your Cheese

We like to use a variety of textures, flavours, and milk types (cow, goat, sheep, and water buffalo are the norm in artisan cheesemaking), and if

serving a crowd, we will choose at least one super eye-catching number. Some other interesting ways to pick your cheeses could be: • Cheeses made in the same country, province, or town • Cheeses of the same type, but different ages (age can change the taste and texture drastically) • Different cheeses all made with the same type of milk • Different cheeses made by the s ame farm

Serving your Cheese

We recommend leaving your cheese out at room temperature for an hour or so before serving. This will improve the flavour and texture; however, we get it if you can’t wait and tuck into your cheese before that. We like to serve the cheese whole, feeling it gives a sense of the beautiful shape of the cheese itself and gives you the pleasure of slicing into the wedge before having a bite. But if you want to cut it up, that’s totally cool. If you’re cutting it up try a variety of shapes, and widths to keep things looking interesting.

Accoutrements

If your cheese is a little lonely, we recommend pairing it with things that contrast the cheeses texturally, and flavour-wise. Some of our favorites are: • Crackers - Duh. We like something plain so the cheese can shine, but anything with fruit, nuts, or whole grains will complement most cheeses very well • Unpasteurized honey - The sweet and floral flavors are delicious with most soft, creamy, sharp, or blue cheeses • Jams or jellies - Be they sweet or tart, they complement most cheeses very well • Nuts • Cured meat - a.k.a. charcuterie • Mustard - Great with charcuterie and some richer harder cheeses like aged Cheddars • Fruit - Fresh, tart, and bursting with life. A great palate cleanser between cheeses

What A Long, Strange Trip It’s Been

Food

By Jeannie Dubois, Certified Pommelier and Sommelier

nother year has passed us by, here on the sunny north shores of Lake Superior. And as the great wheel of time continues to turn we can look back on the eclectic current that guided the past

year and look forward to the exciting evolutions of the year to come. Overshadowing all the trends in the drinks industry at large was the opening of the cannabis market in Ontario, and while we can look

forward to collaborative drink offerings available through the OCS sometime in 2020, these THCdriven concoctions are not readily accessible as of now.

In the distilling world in 2019, brown spirits took the wheel from previous darlings tequila and gin, with a wide variety of both premium and flavoured offerings for use in mixed drinks. In addition, barrel ageing got a heightened awareness, with pedigree and particulars of oak and longevity getting special attention. Think:

Form over function ruled in the wine sphere last year with the single serving can being king of packaging and an explosion of offerings in that format. Vegan wines were at the top of the sustainability list as well (most commercial wineries utilize animal/fish byproducts to fine/filter their wines) with a conscientious move towards other methodologies. Think:

Craft beer continued to evolve with juicy New England-Style hazy India Pale Ales giving way to more subtle brut India Pale Ales that more closely resemble champagne in their crisp, bubbly austerity. Pilsner, the time-honoured Czech lager bumped sours down a notch with refreshing “crispy boi” offerings cropping up all over the globe. Think:

Finally, cider saw a distinct shift from a singular saccharine style to drier, more subtle sub-categories in response a general desire for more food-friendly offerings and complexity in the products available. Although always driven by its apple base, cider also embraced the co-ferment craze and was doling out some distinct drinks that had various fresh fruits to complement the contributions. Think:

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The Walleye

Food

Station Two the Scand Stop Westfort’s Newest Gem By Susan Pretty

tation Two the Scand Stop is Westfort’s newest gem. Located right beside The Westfort, this cozy little resto is home to some big dreams. While Red Seal chef and owner Shelley Simon calls this place “an inspiring location,” a major renovation was in order, so Simon called upon her staff and friends to give her a hand, and the result is cosy and welcoming. If one wonders about the other stations, the original is Silver Mountain Station, which is known for its murder mystery parties. Station Three Steakhouse is in Sesekinika (Kirkland Lake District), and Station Four Steakhouse on the North Shore is in Marathon. Running all these locations wouldn’t be possible without a loyal, hard-working staff, of which Simon speaks proudly. And if you happen to notice the jaunty fedora on the cover of the menu, it’s because Chef Simon chooses to wear them rather than the traditional chef’s hat (she has 27 at last count).

28 The Walleye

The breakfast crowd makes up for 90% of the business, but Station Two has increased its hours and is now open for lunch and dinner. The menu at Station Two has a range of unique food items for all tastes. One can get their Finnish pancake fix here in the heart of Westfort, and the Finnish bread is made from scratch as well. All soups, sauces, and mayos are also made on site. Lunch and dinner can be a clubhouse or burger, but check out the spiraling salad, with spiralized veggies and vodka sauce, or even a saskatoon berry salad in a homemade saskatoon dressing. The Reuben is served with Montreal smoked meat rather than corned beef. Sadly, my Reuben was missing the pickle and the gravy tasted a little off, but the fries were treated to a trio of handmade pesto, tomato, and jalapeno mayonnaise to make up for it. Catering is available, and they have a banquet room just down the stairs. Thinking of popping in? Find them at 1408 Brown Street, or give them a call at 622-7760.

sam. 11 janvier : Galette des Rois février : Mois de l’histoire des Noirs Repas, conférence, causerie, film 15, 16 et 17 fév. : Cabane à sucre Parc historique du Fort William mars : La francophonie dans tous ses états 1er mars : Cabane à sucre - Marina 10 mars : Soirée humour 19 mars : Dictée Gabrielle Roy 21 mars : Soirée cabaret 29 mars : Concert Andy St-Louis

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION WEEK

Monday, January 27 - Friday, January 31, 2020 We are excited to offer full-time (full-day, every day) learning for our Junior (Year One) and Senior (Year Two) Kindergarten students in all Lakehead Public Schools. Children who will be 4 on or before December 31st, 2020 are invited to attend Junior Kindergarten (Kindergarten Year One) in September. We are proud to welcome you to our family! Kindergarten Information Session Monday, January 27 | 7:00 PM Valhalla Inn

You are invited to explore the world of Kindergarten, discover the learning adventure that awaits your child, and take a moment to enjoy the expo of community early learning partners.

Kindergarten Open House Thursday, January 30 | 6:30-7:30 PM All Schools

Join us at your neighbourhood elementary school to celebrate school communities and young learners. Explore the Kindergarten classroom, meet your Kindergarten team, get comfortable in the school, and register your child for school in September.

Food

few non-alcoholic cocktails. “On the food side of things, we are doing charcuterie that Tomlin will be making for us; there will be a French focus on the charcuterie,” says Gerow. “There is a selection of cheeses as well. We’ve partnered with Matt [Wilkins] from Cheese Encounter.” If you’re looking for a relaxing place to have a drink or two in a prime location, Barkeep has got you covered. Located at 15C St. Paul Street. Follow Barkeep on Instagram @barkeep_cocktails or check out their website at barkeepcocktails.com for more information.

Barkeep Cocktails A Casually, Classy Place for a Drink

Story by Deanne Gagnon, Photos by Scott Mackay

eghan Krys and Duran Gerow, two of the original bartenders at Tomlin Restaurant, had talked about opening a place of their own one day, but that dream did come true this past month with the opening of Barkeep cocktail bar on St. Paul Street. “Duran and I started at Tomlin together,” says Krys. “We bartended there and fell in love with the craft and got pretty good at it. We decided that we would eventually want to open our own spot and then Steve and Nancy of Tomlin approached us with the opportunity of a lifetime to partner with them and open this place.” The cocktail bar is part of the same restaurant group that includes Tomlin and Tomlin Catering, which operates out of The Chanterelle.

30 The Walleye

With a classy and sophisticated atmosphere lush with rich dark wood finishes, elegant design, and a big beautiful bar as the focal point, there is no question that Barkeep cocktail bar has arrived in style. Its warm lighting and intimate setting creates the perfect ambiance for a date or an after-work beverage, or just to catch up with a friend or two. “It’s just a nice place to have a drink where it’s a little bit more adult. It’s not a place that is overly fancy but just the right amount of class,” says Krys. The menu features 10 of their own original cocktails as well as a few classics. A variety of both European and local craft beer are also available, along with a small but interesting wine list and a

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The Walleye

Food

On the Links Extends the Golf Season

New Virtual Golf Bar Offers a One-of-aKind Experience Story and photos by Michael Charlebois

hris Ferguson felt like he was in heaven. Or at least, it was the perfect setting during a night out in Windsor, Ontario. His brother-in-law took him to a “virtual sports bar,” and suddenly he was teeing off at the historic Pebble Beach, while enjoying beer, food, and a Montreal Canadiens playoff game. “It was just a perfect setting… a very fun night,” Ferguson recalls.

32 The Walleye

The concept left such an impression on the young entrepreneur that he began picking the brain of his closest confidants and members of the golf community in Thunder Bay. The combination of golf, food, and drink has been thriving in town for ages—just not during the winter. “We have nine courses and people are constantly playing in the summertime,” says Ferguson. “I thought

this would give the golfing community something to do in the winter months.” With that in mind, the idea of On The Links Virtual Golf & Sports Bar was born. Ferguson eventually settled on property appropriately located on Golf Links Road. The building, which formerly homed a Quality Market, had sat vacant for nearly seven years, but Ferguson—who

is only utilizing half the building—sees it as a place of opportunity. He hopes the bar will act as a training facility for competitive golfer by day, and a sports bar with a unique feature by night. He intends to have the facility operating as a golf course would; with men’s night, ladies’ night, and competitive tournaments—one is already slated for the new year. “You can’t do this anywhere else,” he says. “It’s unique. I think especially in the winter months we’ll attract a lot of people.” The bar was quickly renovated with four state-of-the-art golf simulators, a bar, and pool tables. In order to simulate the true golfing experience, the menu options feature classic course snacks such as hot dogs, sausages, and nachos with cheese. The bar is sourcing bigger bites out to Eat Local Pizza for specialty orders. “Even people who don’t really golf… I could see them coming here, trying it out,” Ferguson says. For those looking to work on their game, Ferguson says if demand is high enough, he expects open a league in the new year. For more information, visit facebook.com/OnTheLinksTbay.

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The Walleye

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

SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING SERVICES

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Come for a breath of fresh air!

Saturday, January 11, 2020

8 PM

Johann Sebastian Bach

Celebration

Violin, baroque flute, cello & harpsichord

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Classic, Romantic and Modern •

e Sunday wildjac ks

Tamarack Wind Quintet in Concert

St. Paul’s United Church 349 Waverley St, Thunder Bay, ON

The Thunder Bay Blues Society will be hosting a

“Band”

$15 Adults/Seniors; $10 Students, at the door

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34 The Walleye

FilmTheatre

We Will Rock You Queen Musical Visits Thunder Bay This Month Story by Kris Ketonen, Photos by Randy Feere

e Will Rock You may tackle some heavy topics. But that doesn’t mean it won’t get the audience up on its feet. “People can definitely expect a journey, from feeling like dancing and having a great time, to really connecting to the music and the story in multiple ways,” says Alysse Ernewein, who plays Oz, named after Ozzy Osbourne. “It’s definitely a spectacle.” We Will Rock You is, of course, an officially endorsed Queen musical. But the production doesn’t tell the Queen story; rather, it makes use of Queen’s music to tell “a fictional story of a society that suppresses individuals, so that nobody really has their freedom of thought or expression,” says Ernewein. “It’s a story of overcoming that, and freeing people to be who they want to be.” “Me and my partner Brit— Britney Spears—we are both the leaders of the Bohemians,” she says. “So when we come across the two lead characters, Galileo and Scaramouche, it is definitely a pivotal moment in their journey, because we basically take them in and help them fulfill this prophecy.” As for the show itself, Ernewein says she hopes it allows the audience to celebrate the music of Queen as much as it gets them thinking. “The story and the meaning behind what the music’s talking about is extremely important,” she says. “In a society that we’re all on our phones all the time, and kind of brainwashed in the technological side of things, it’s so important to remember who you are, and what you want, and what you’re really looking for in your individuality.” And while Ernewein, a Queen fan, admits there’s a bit of a

“weight” associated with performing Queen songs as part of the cast of We Will Rock You. But that isn’t a bad thing. “I get a lovely moment in the show where I sing a song that Brian May wrote for Freddie Mercury after he had passed,” she says. “When I first knew that I got the role [there] was definitely a moment of ‘wow, this is a lot,’ but I wouldn’t say in a bad way, at all.” “I’m honoured to get to sing that every night.” We Will Rock You comes to Thunder Bay on January 28. For ticket information, contact the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium box office.

The Walleye

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

Best of 2019

By Michael Sobota

When you come to the end of the line with a buddy who is more than a brother and a little less than a wife, getting blind drunk together is really the only way to say farewell. - Voice-over narrator near the end of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

019 was a year of some truly fine movies—but not very many. Over the course of the year, I looked at close to 150 films. About 60 of those are new that I experienced for the first time. My favourite films start with good writing that tells me an engaging story about characters I come to care about, and almost all of them are ordinary people (without any superpowers). Here are ten of my favourite films from the past year, listed alphabetically. I add my standard qualifier that this list was compiled by mid-December so I haven’t seen some possibly fine films that were released at the end of the year.

Before The Plate

Dark Waters

This documentary by Canadian director Sagi Kahane-Rapport, written and produced by Dylon Sher, is likely to make you drool. KahaneRapport introduces us to Chef John Horne, the owner of Canoe, a fairly exclusive restaurant on the 54th floor of a downtown Toronto highrise. Horne explains that he is about to prepare his menu for that evening’s dining and he’s going to show us how he does that “before the plate.” Kahane-Rapport takes his camera and accompanies Horne to nearby (southern Ontario) farmers that supply the ingredients Horne uses to build “the plate.” It is a fascinating expose on Ontario produce and animal husbandry as well as a showcase of Horne’s artistry in the kitchen, where he transforms raw ingredients into a meal fit for kings and queens. Have you ever had tater tots made from organic potatoes and cheese? I want to be a king at this table. The documentary is a jewel in the crown of food films.

In the long line of David vs Goliath social-justice thrillers that would include The Rainmaker, Erin Brokovich, The Coca-Cola Case, and Spotlight, director Todd Haynes gives us a dazzling, illuminating dark melodrama. You know this genre and that good will triumph in the end. And this is a true story about a farmer and a lawyer fighting one of the world’s largest industrial giants, DuPont. But it’s how Haynes tells the story that is captivating. He gives us an eerie opening where a group of teenagers are driving down a rural road one summer evening enroute to a pond. Arriving, they giddily go skinny dipping only to be scared off by what seem to be police in a patrol boat. Haynes carefully moves the narrative steadily forward over the course of nearly two decades, from the time a farmer raises a complaint about what is contained in that pond. The farmer is Wilbur Tennant (in brilliant character portrayal by Bill Camp). The lawyer he convinces to pick up the case is Robert Bilott (Mark Ruffalo in a captivating, understated performance) and the law firm Bilott works for is a real law firm. This is an industrial thriller that talks to us about the weighty powers corporations hold over not just us, but the governments who should be regulating them.

36 The Walleye

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film is an homage to an era many say is gone. Using a cowboy actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) who is sliding past the best years of his career, his buddy and stunt double (Brad Pitt), and a starlet at the beginning of her career (Margot Robbie) Tarantino examines the Hollywood studio system in its decline. And he sets this against the background of the Charles Manson murders of Sharon Tate (Robbie) and her friends. The film is rich in period detail and menacing atmosphere, and with the exception of a yet another case of Tarantino’s over-indulgence of cinematic violence near the end of this story, it is one of his bestwritten and -executed films.

Woman At War This Icelandic environmental thriller comes from director Benedikt Erlingsson. A middle-aged single woman (Halldora Geirharosdottir) is a choir director. In her off hours she is a secret environmental fighter—the government and Iceland’s hydro producers consider her a terrorist. We see her out in the beautiful, barren Icelandic landscape, alone, executing industrial sabotage. A driving energy in the narrative is her capacity to stay one step ahead of the authorities. But Erlingsson complicates her life by introducing her longed-for prospect of becoming a mother by adopting a foreign child, awaiting her in an orphanage. How can she be everything she wants to be? This woman is, to my mind, the most fascinating female character created on screen this year. And Gerharosdottir’s performance is layered, nuanced, and deeply affecting. Oh—she also plays her twin sister.

And six more worthy titles from 2019: The Grizzlies, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Tel Aviv on Fire, The Mustang, The Peanut Butter Falcon, and The Wild Pear Tree.

2020

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The Walleye

FilmTheatre

An Epic Adventure

Eleanor Drury Children’s Theatre Presents The Odyssey By Amy Sellors

n January 30, The Odyssey begins. Adapted by Eleanor Drury Children’s Theatre, The Odyssey is sure to delight audiences. Eleanor Drury Children’s Theatre (EDCT) is an essential part of Thunder Bay’s theatre scene. Formed in 1981 and rejuvenated seven years ago with a new board of directors, EDCT produces theatre that is for children, by children. Producer Catherine Forbes explains that EDCT is engagement-based and student-centric: “We create theatre that works with children where the children are at.” Everyone is cast no matter who they are or what their experience. The production team looks for ways to make each cast member feel valued and important “It’s one of our more challenging shows,” says director Aleksa Shermack, of The Odyssey. Homer’s classic tale isn’t exactly PG-13, so a few creative re-writes were needed to keep the core of the story while making it more family-friendly. “How do we keep the essence of The Odyssey and adapt it in a way that is fun and friendly and takes the darkness out of it?” Shermack says. Her solution: invite some of the group’s more longstanding members to workshop the story and write the script. It’s new, it’s modern, and it incorporates what kids see in the story. Quinn Stewart plays Odysseus. This is Stewart’s seventh year with EDCT. He loves EDCT because the wide age range of kids inspires a mentorship mindset; they learn not just from the adults in charge, but also from each other. “It is such an accepting environment,” he says.

38 The Walleye

“If you come here, everyone will be so positive and let you be the best you that you can be. Kids who are shy and who feel they don’t fit in at school turn into different people. It brings out the best aspect of themselves that they might not be able to show. EDCT is a perfect place to find your footing. You will be blown away by what some of these actors can do.” Participants range in age from 7 to 17, and are all incredibly talented. “They are a team and they hold each other accountable,” says Shermack. “All the kids are incorporated. Even if they just have a small speaking role, they are still a big part of the show.” Drawing on her broadcasting background and the knowledge that screens are an inseparable part of our daily lives, Shermack makes sure EDCT’s shows involve multimedia created by the kids and creative team. All children should have the opportunity to experience theatre, and with so many people feeling pinched financially, that can be challenging. As a charitable organization, EDCT has launched their “Take a child to the theatre” campaign. Even if you don’t have a child to take to the theatre, your donation goes toward purchasing tickets for other children to attend. Go on an amazing adventure. See The Odyssey and this amazing troupe of kids. EDCT will present two shows for schools ( January 30 and 31) and two shows for the general public ( January 31 and February 1) in their new location at St. Patrick High School in the Selkirk Auditorium.Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

ATHLETE PROFILES TEAM PEI

ERIN PIPPY Erin Pippy is a member of Team PEI 5-Pin Bowling. The 2020 National Winter Games will be Erinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first National Games! Erin has been involved with Special Olympics for 13 years. In addition to bowling, Erin also participates in Bocce. Off

the fields of play, Erin is quick to volunteer at fundraising events, especially during the Staples Give a Toonie, Share a Dream BBQ each May. Erin is most looking forward to the Opening Ceremonies, and meeting new people.

HEIDI MALLETT Heidi Mallett joined Special Olympics PEI in 2006, and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been an active member both on and off the field of play. She participates in Golf, Bocce, Snowshoeing, and 5-Pin Bowling, and is also an athlete representative of Special Olympics PEI Board of Directors. She has recently seen some significant changes in her life since her father passed away, so Heidi made a decision to become more active in her community. Special Olympics

Presented by:

has allowed Heidi to meet many friends in PEI, and across Canada. She is looking forward to competing with her bowling team, and all of the athletes at the 2020 Winter Games!

specialolympics2020.com

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TheArts

Ethereal Movement

Performance and Multimedia Artist Brings Beauty and Magic to the World Story and photos by Leah Morningstar

hen she’s painting a picture, her name is Sandy Hoshizaki; when she’s on the stage, her name is Ethereal. Hoshizaki is a watercolour and acrylic painter, but Ethereal is a flow dancer. When she’s at home working on a painting, she likes to say she’s a multimedia artist; when she’s performing, she’s a flow dancer. Why flow? When Hoshizaki is moving on stage, everything flows.

“When I’m dancing and performing, it’s like I don’t even have to think about it,” she says. “Everything is so easy; everything else falls away and what remains is the beat and the music.” Hoshizaki was born and raised in Thunder Bay and grew up with parents who encouraged her to be creative and to try at least everything once. Figure skating was her passion for almost 14 years before she moved onto a new passion:

InCompass Photography

Sandy Hoshizaki

40 The Walleye

TheArts musical theatre. She began singing and dancing and doing theatre all while still putting in many practice hours at the rink. The busy schedule became overwhelming, so she closed the chapter on skating. Hoshizaki continued dancing and doing theatre, and began teaching herself to paint and draw and work with clay and other mediums. In the home she shares with her partner and puppy, Hoshizaki is fortunate to have enough space for a cosy home studio. Her partner, a carpenter, has fitted the walls with sturdy shelving and Hoshizaki has filled each one. Every wall is covered with artwork and dancing accessories; every shelf and surface is full of plants and rocks and mementos. Looking around the studio, it’s clear that Hoshizaki doesn’t have just one focus. She does a bit of everything and she does it well. A year ago, Hoshizaki discovered flow dancing through a local group called Compelling Characters. They put on visually stunning performances involving fire breathing, poi spinning, silk fan dancing, hula hoop routines, and other fantastical bits of eccentric mayhem. Hoshizaki is becoming quite gifted with poi spinning, silk fan dancing, and hula hooping. “I’m excited to start incorporating fire spinning into my routines as well!” she says. Hoshizaki makes most of her own stage props and costumes. Last year she made an outfit with puzzle pieces and wore it on stage for a performance at Derelicte. She’s always working on something unique and she does so comfortably at home. Her dancing and spinning moves can be practiced anywhere, often outside in warm weather or at the gym. It’s as if every part of Hoshizaki’s existence circles around the desire to create art. Whether she’s painting or making clay sculptures or putting costumes together or learning a new dance move, it’s all about being creative. Hoshizaki moves ethereally through the world, bringing beauty and magic to whatever she touches.

The Walleye

TheArts

Cinque Terra, Italy, Acrylic on Canvas, 2016

Caterina Tolone

Connecting on Canvas

The Artistic Journey of Caterina Tolone By Lindsay Campbell

hen Caterina Tolone puts paint to canvas, her hope is that the illustration will evoke a particular memory or connection for her audience. Tolone, who began paving her artistic career path throughout high school, says a lot of her early inspiration came from city scenery or familiar landmarks in Port Arthur. As a student, she says it was a regular activity for her to look out the windows of Port Arthur

Tropea, Italy, Acrylic on Canvas, 4x3’, 2018

42 The Walleye

Collegiate Institute and become captivated by the beauty of the Sleeping Giant and its surrounding landscape. “I loved that I lived in a city that has this gorgeous wonder of nature as its backdrop,” she says. And though Tolone says she has been creating art for most of her life, she explains her art teacher Mr. Magnusson gave her the confidence to pursue a profession in the field. Since then, Tolone has acquired many years of artistic education

TheArts and experience while selling her own pieces. For the past 13 years, she has worked at St. Ignatius High School teaching various classes in the arts, eager to make an impact on her students, just as her teacher once did. Her work includes a lot of wellknown local sights like the Sleeping Giant, Hillcrest Park, or the waterfront at Prince Arthur’s Landing. Tolone says she also attempts to depict “the colour of life” she sees around the world. Other picturesque paintings feature a number of international destinations, from Mexico to Portugal to Italy. Tolone adds that has a general tendency to gravitate towards bodies of water as focal points. “We all have a connection to that horizon line we look at where the sky meets the water,” she says. “It could be on a beach staring at a sunset, sitting in a boat, looking out the window of a plane…this is a very personal time where you reflect and think, ask yourself questions or contemplate life.” While her pieces are generally colourful and highly textured, Tolone says that over the years, she’s become more comfortable with expression in her work. Each individual creation is an important part in her evolution as an artist, she adds. She predominantly uses mediums like acrylic paint and found papers, but says that she’s frequently experimenting with materials from acrylic gels to sand and shells—even maps. She also recently started selling her original paintings printed on blankets. What she incorporates in her work depends on whom she is creating the piece for. “I find magic in the process every time,” she says. “Having artwork that is meaningful to you in your environment, I think, can subliminally affect you on a daily basis.” In the future, Tolone says eventually she would like to have her own space in Thunder Bay to showcase her work. Her pieces can be found at toloneart.com or on Facebook and Instagram by following Tolone Art.

Porto, Portugal, Acrylic on Canvas, 4x3’, 2016

Riomaggiore, Italy, Mixed Media, 4x4’, 2019

Portofino, Italy, Mixed Media, 4x4’, 2019

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TheArts

Untitled, 1975, Acrylic on paper, 61 x 45.5 cm

Life and Legacy The Art of Benjamin Chee Chee By Savanah Tillberg

hunder Bay Art Gallery is proud to present the third retrospective exhibition of work from renowned Canadian artist Benjamin Chee Chee. While his work can be easily found and recognized, his name is lesser known; he can likely be described as the artist you didn’t know you knew. One of his most popular pieces, friends, which features three geese, is often printed on retail items such as T-shirts, bags, and wallets. Felicity Buckell, curator of the Benjamin Chee Chee: Life and Legacy, says, “This exhibition is particularly important in northern Ontario because he was from this region and there is a lot of room for us to be celebrating his work more

44 The Walleye

stridently [as Ontarians].” Buckwell adds that this exhibition is different from others that have celebrated Chee Chee’s work because it stems from a more personal perspective. “I spent nearly a year researching and speaking with friends and family of Chee Chee’s, and this exhibition has that personal perspective that has lacked from previous ones,” she says. In addition to pieces on loan from various art galleries, several individuals have loaned pieces of Chee Chee’s from their personal collections for this particular exhibition. Buckwell has also included an audio component to the exhibition. Following his passing in the late 1970s, CBC Radio produced a program

about Chee Chee’s life which included some of his past recorded conversations as well as interviews with his friends and family speaking to his career and passions. The compilation used for the exhibition also includes recordings of traditional drumming and singing. Buckwell explains, “It’s really beautiful to hear his voice while you’re standing there looking at the paintings. You can hear him speaking about what they meant to him and it is really moving.” She adds that through these audio clips it becomes clear that it was important to Chee Chee to be viewed as a Canadian contemporary and abstract artist, and not to be solely categorized as an Indigenous artist. Benjamin Chee Chee: Life and Legacy will be displayed at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery until February 23, 2019.

Untitled, 1975, Acrylic on paper, 92.1 x 61.2 cm

TheArts

Untitled [In Flight], 1977, Acrylic on paper, 45.7 x 60.7 cm

Untitled, 1975, Acrylic on paper, 61.2 x 92.1 cm

Untitled [Family In Flight], 1977, Acrylic on paper, 45.7 x 60.7 cm

Untitled [Mother and Son], 1977, Acrylic on paper, 45.7 x 60.7 cm

Untitled, 1975, Acrylic on paper, 61.6 x 92 cm

Untitled [Together], 1977, Acrylic on paper, 45.7 x 60.7 cm

Untitled, 1975, Acrylic on paper, 61 x 45.5 cm

The Walleye

TheArts

From Thunder Bay Art Gallery’s Collection

Wolf By Meaghan Eley, Registrar and Curatorial Assistant, Thunder Bay Art Gallery Artist: Mary Anne Barkhouse Title: Wolf Date: 1999 Medium: Bronze

ome of the most beloved artworks in the permanent collection of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery aren't inside the building. Wolf is one of three sculptures created by the artist Mary Anne Barkhouse and installed on the grounds of the gallery in 2000. Barkhouse was born in Vancouver in 1961 and currently resides in Minden, Ontario. The same year the wolves were installed, she collaborated on a profile by the Museum of Anthropology in Old Punk Rockers Never Die, They Just Do Installation Art by Jennifer Dysart and Tanya Bob. Revised and updated in 2012, this sourcebook provides a great overview of Barkhouse's work, which examines “environmental concerns, Indigenous culture, and colonization through the use of animal imagery.” Wolf was installed alongside two other wolf sculptures by Barkhouse and Fireline by Michael Belmore as

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46 The Walleye

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part of a public art commissioning project by the gallery, financially supported by the Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Program and The Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation. "The good thing about public art is that the people who would never go into a gallery react to it and come up and tell [me] different stories," Barkhouse says. She has realized that people have really bonded with the animals and in some cases become very protective of them. Even though the wolves have been a part of the gallery’s landscape for almost 20 years, they’re continually being discovered and seen anew. With the Thunder Bay Art Gallery’s new location, many people have asked about the future of the outdoor public art. The works by Mary Anne Barkhouse, Michael Belmore, and Ahmoo Angeconeb at 1080 Keewatin Street will make the journey to the water for their new home, from which they’ll animate the outdoor experience, engage visitors with the permanent collection, and make the gallery experience more compelling.

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TheArts

Be Haute! Be Derelicte!

A Feast for the Eyes and Ears Story by Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey, Photos by Sarah McPherson

efinitely Superior Art Gallery is gearing up to for Derelicte 12—one fabulous night of art, music, dance, and fashion. If you’re thinking it’s going to be a typical fashion show or an art exhibition, or a concert, you’re in for a surprise. Derelicte is an explosion of all things creative and expressive. The evening, which starts at 8 pm, is loosely divided into three sections, each with its own wearable art and fashion show and mixed

48 The Walleye

with live music and performance art. “The event is one fluid art experience from beginning to end,” says David Karasiewicz, DefSup’s executive and artistic director. Last year’s event attracted over a hundred participants and over 500 guests. But the lines between artists/performers and guests blur at Derelicte—and that’s where the crazy fun comes in. Everyone’s welcome to strut down the catwalk, and there are prizes for the most creative and out-there costumes. If

you succeed in pushing limits and make a statement, you may even be asked to create wearable art as an artist yourself for next year’s Derelicte. Wearable art is “art that’s worn and modelled on bodies, rather than just on a wall,” explains DefSup’s development/administrator Renee Terpstra. For some artists, such as ceramic artists, wearing their art isn’t practical—but that’s where thinking outside the box comes in. And simply wearing the art is not where it stops, adds Karasiewicz; the movement of the artist or model wearing it is also part of the work, adding elements of performance art to it. “We’re always trying to challenge our artists; this is an opportunity for artists to really take some chances and do something completely different,” he says. “Many of the artists have gone on and shown their wearable art in galleries, not just regionally but nationally. Some have done better in their wearable art than they’ve done in their more two-dimensional art.”

Multiple local clothing stores, such as mars. clothing, Hey Sailor, and The Loop are participating in the fashion shows—they, too, are featured as artists making a statement. “The fashion houses aren’t just showing their catalogue; they’re doing something related with the world, whatever’s going on in the news. It’s a unique performance vibe,” says Karasiewicz. There will be a drag performance by Paloma Marquez, a burlesque performance by Miss Be.Muse, belly dancing by Lisa Rose, and much more. The evening culminates with a DJ dance party, where audience members can jump onto the catwalk to dance. But come early, says Terpstra: “There are treats from Sweet Escape Cake Cafe & Bakery for the early birds.”

TheArts

Black Pirates Pub January 25, 8 pm definitelysuperior.com

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Outdoor

The Artesian Wells Amphitheatre

An Ice Climbing Adventure at Whitefish Lake

Story by Frank Pianka, Photos by Wes Bender

Shawn Morgan making the long walk across Whitefish Lake

ention Whitefish Lake to anyone in Northwestern Ontario, and you will hear stories from generations of families about their first pickerel fishing experience. As part of the Northern Lights Lake corridor and its traditional focus on cottaging, sport fishing, hunting, tourism, and Crown land recreation, Whitefish Lake continues to build memories for those exploring forms of recreation from a list that grows every year—peregrine falcon watching, ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skijoring, iceboating, kiteboarding, and definitely out there on the fringe, ice climbing. Looking south from Artesian Wells Resort at the west end of the lake, a trickle of water glistens in the early winter sun, high up on the south shore cliff directly behind the west end of the island in the foreground. As the seepage continues into the late winter and the north wind works its magic, the ice grows, visible above the treeline, seeming to rise out of the forest below. To an ice climber looking through binoculars, the questions start. What

50 The Walleye

property is it on? How tall is it? What’s the best approach? Can it be climbed? What are the risks? Those questions were answered more than 25 years ago when members of the Thunder Bay Section of the Alpine Club of Canada did an exhaustive reconnaissance of the area and ascended the first half of the ice. Shortly after, the ice was climbed in its entirety and the route named “Artesian Wells,” a gesture of thanks to resort owner Paul Seidel, who let us park at his place and promised he’d keep an eye on us through his binoculars. So, yes, the ice can be climbed and has been countless times since the early days, but it’s definitely a serious undertaking. The ice climbing area lies in what has become known as the Artesian Wells Amphitheatre, on a block of Crown land surrounded by Castle Creek Provincial Park, which is classed as a nature reserve. The typical approach is to beeline across the lake, south from Artesian Wells Resort to the south shore, then work up through the drainage gully. It’s a workout, but late-season climbers may enjoy a trail packed

Outdoor down by previous climbers. Approaching the base of the ice can be very dangerous, as the windblown fingers of ice at the top could let go at any time, and the ice underfoot, while not too steep, could send you for a ride that’s hard to stop if you should slip. Helmets and crampons on! Climbers serious about trying the main climb or any of the variations in the Amphitheatre should bring two things in abundance—fitness and experience. Hauling a load of gear in to the base of the climb is just the first in a series of workouts before the day Is over, but it’s an experience that makes a climber aware of how many ways things can go wrong and what to do about it. It’s an experience that makes climbers very picky about who they climb with and it’s an experience that reminds climbers to remember the first rule, “It’s higher and steeper than it looks.” Professional guides joke that if it wasn’t for the optical effect of foreshortening while looking up at a climb, no one would have climbed anything. This is so true for Artesian Wells, which now tops out deceptively at about 70 metres, having gained a few metres due to erosion of the base after a season of heavy rain. Experience also means you never forget that the top is only the halfway point of the climb. To learn how to get started or about ice climbing routes in the region, visit acctbay.ca.

Brian Bottan tossing the ropes high above Whitefish Lake

Artesian Wells - 70 meters

The Walleye

CityScene

Walleye 101

Amalgamation By Bonnie Schiedel

ust in time for water cooler and coffee shop talk about Thunder Bay’s 50th birthday and the merging of the separate cities, we present your handy guide to amalgamation by the numbers. And really, whether you still stick with “Fort William” and “Port Arthur” or are a proud Thunder Bayer, I think we can all agree that we’re glad we’re not “Port Fort.”

1,923

Number of votes cast in the 1920 public vote about amalgamation. Results: 1,183 in favour, 740 against. (Nothing happened though.)3

1910

The year that amalgamating the cities of Fort William and Port Arthur was first formally discussed by city officials.1

20+

Number of names suggested and discarded over the years. Some rejects include Port Fort, Grainopolis, Fort Artwill, Thurwilliam, WestgatePort, Westport, Williamsport, Silver City, Thunder City, Thunderhead, and Port Edward.2

1958

The number of communities that became the city of Thunder Bay—Port Arthur, Fort William, and Neebing and McIntyre townships.

Year of a plebiscite that again asked for voters’ opinion on the matter of amalgamation. Fort William voted 4,209 in favour and 6,827 against, while Port Arthur voted 5,468 in favour and 5,331 against.

1969

Year the Ontario government issued the “City of the Lakehead Act” ordering amalgamation. (Also the year all communities involved were ticked off about not being consulted.)4

Darren McChristie

52 The Walleye

Number of symbols added to the new city’s coat of arms. The Sleeping Giant was added as a unifying element to the mash-up of symbols that included a moose with a silver collar, a sheaf of wheat and a salmon from the Port Arthur coat of arms, and the beaver, voyageur canoe, and voyageur from the Fort William coat of arms.7

The results were

15,870 in favour of

“Lakehead”

while

“Lakehead” received

and

“The Lakehead” garnered

15,302 8,377

City of Thunder Bay Archives TBA 990.56.1534

“Thunder Bay”

of voters in the 1969 name referendum who wanted a version that included

City of Thunder Bay Archives TBA 990.56.2136A

60%

CityScene

(L-R) Don Inman and Mayor Saul Laskin celebrating the formation of Thunder Bay on January 1, 1970

January 1,

1970

Date on which the city of Thunder Bay came into existence. A proclamation issued by Mayor Saul Laskin said, in part, “Therefore it is fitting that this great occasion shall be celebrated with all suitable pageantry by all our citizenry with great feats on land, sea and air, with exhibitions of skills of all sorts with music and contests of physical prowess.”5

Mayor Saul Laskin raising the city's newly adopted flag

1972 50 Year the city’s flag was adopted. The flag was designed by city resident and contest winner Cliff Redden.9

Number of years we have officially been “Thunder Bay”!

Number of songs in a handout called “Songs to Amalgamate By,” distributed on New Year’s Eve, 1969. The customized lyrics accompanied the tunes of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” and “Auld Lang Syne.”8

https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-hall/amalgamation.aspx, 2https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-hall/amalgamation.aspx, https://www.northernontario.travel/thunder-bay/5-cool-factsabout-thunder-bay, Montreal Gazette, July 7, 1969, 3https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-hall/amalgamation.aspx, 4https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-hall/city-of-the-lakehead-act--1969. aspx, 5City of Thunder Bay archives City of Thunder Bay archives, 6https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunder_Bay, 7https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-hall/thunder-bay-coat-of-arms.aspx, 8 https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-hall/-songs-to-amalgamate-by-.aspx, 9https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunder_Bay 1

The Walleye

Photo courtesy of the Thunder Bay Museum

CityScene

Mayor Saul Laskin at midnight December 31, 1969 ringing in the new year in the new City of Thunder Bay

One City, Fifty Years By Rebecca Eras, Communications Officer, City of Thunder Bay

n January 1, 1970, Mayor Saul Laskin rang the H.M.C.S. Fort William and H.M.C.S. Port Arthur ships’ bells simultaneously, ushering in a new era that officially merged Port Arthur, Fort William, and the Townships of Neebing and McIntyre. After more than 50 years of discussing amalgamation including two public plebiscites in 1920 and 1958, the issue was finally settled. Well, sort of. Prior to the official amalgamation, citizens from Fort William and Port Arthur voted on what name the new city should be. However, the options to choose from were limited. The choices to pick from

54 The Walleye

included Thunder Bay, Lakehead, or the Lakehead. This ultimately led to a split vote where the majority of citizens chose a variation of Lakehead, and yet the name Thunder Bay won. Despite where one sits on the name front, Thunder Bay definitely beat previous suggestions before the vote, which included the awkward-sounding Port Fort and the cringeworthy Grainopolis. There’s a historic context to the name Thunder Bay, too. Europeans arriving in the 17th century learned that local Indigenous people often referred to the area as Anemki, which is Ojibway for “thunder.” In addition, during the days of the fur

trade, the French voyageurs called the place Baie du Tonnerre, or “Bay of Thunder.” The newly minted city of Thunder Bay did not entirely erase old rivalries between Port Arthur and Fort William, but we have come a long way since Rudyard Kipling’s visit that resulted in this observation, quoted from Letters of Travel 1892 - 1913, published in New York, 1920: “They [Fort William and Port Arthur] hate each other with the pure, poisonous, passionate hatred which makes towns grow. If Providence wiped out one of them, the survivor would pine away and die—a mateless hatebird. Someday, they must unite and the question of the composite name they should carry already vexes them.” Despite some growing pains and squabbles about what side of the city new developments should go— which to some degree still occurs, our young city continues to be a place where people come together and are stronger for it. Residents of Thunder Bay love sharing in the success of those who left our city for bigger things, too. When one of our own makes it, we widely share in their fame as though it is our own. And on some level it is, as we all form a city and culture that inspires and grows talent. When someone breaks through on a larger scale, such as Coleman Hell with his certified quadruple platinum hit, “2 Heads”, (which has

been streamed more than 125 million times in 79 countries on Spotify alone), we all celebrate. In 2019 Wake the Giant came into being, an initiative that promotes inclusion and respect for Indigenous youth, particularly those coming from northern communities. So far, it includes more than 225 organizations stepping up to show their support by displaying a Wake the Giant decal, indicating theirs is a safe space for Indigenous youth. In addition, Wake the Giant launched a music festival that saw thousands attend in 2019 with plans for a second concert now underway for 2020. The success of Wake the Giant further demonstrates the unity in our community, as relationships we share with all those who live, work, play or visit here continue to grow stronger. As we move forward into 2020, the City of Thunder Bay invites everyone to celebrate our 50th anniversary since amalgamation. It is a time to reflect on our collective past, and in doing so, the public is invited to submit images and memories on the city’s website of moments that they feel define our history. Friends and family from out of town are encouraged to visit this year as well to continue our city’s legacy as a gathering place well into the future. Visit thunderbay.ca/OneCityFiftyYears for more information.

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CityScene Sleek and Sporty Fresh Air

Stuff We Like

710 Balmoral Street This thin, light, and surprisingly warm hat is ideal for all types of outdoor physical activity, but is an especially great pick for casual skiers and racers alike. Unisex and one-size-fits-most, it’s made from a polyknit stretch material with flatlock seams for comfort and a bright shade of blue. In fact, this exact shade is called Aquarius, which just so happens to be the next astrological season, so it’s practically in the stars.

For National Hat Day By Rebekah Skochinski

ou could argue that every day is hat day in the winter, but on January 15 it’s National Hat Day, which calls for a chapeau celebration! The origin of the hat dates back to ancient Egypt and has evolved significantly to be something that can be either ritual, uniform, protection, or fashion statement. We’ve rounded up a bunch of local offerings from sporty to glam.

$35

Sun-Friendly Fedora Sand ‘n Sea

273 Algoma Street South Have plans for some fun in the sun on a beach vacation this winter? Be sure to stow this straw tweed fedora in your carry-on. With its neutral colour palette and frayed denim blue trim, it’s casual enough for the swim-up bar but versatile enough to wear out to dinner. Comes with an adjustable sizer on the inside—so it won’t blow away as easily when there’s a tropical breeze—and a UPF 50+ rating.

FashionForward Fur Silver Cedar Studio

silvercedarstudio.com Nothing says iconic northerner like a fur trapper hat. Katie Ball, a local trapper and custom fashion fur designer, makes these gorgeous trapper hats with a variety of furs, leathers, and fabrics. Using animals like wolf, silver/red fox, and raccoon, you can choose your materials and get a one-of-a-kind hat that fits your head perfectly, with options to create longer ear flaps to cover your cheeks all the way to under your chin. Function meet fashion! Also warm beyond measure.

$33

Starting at $200

Hop Head Hero

Dawson Trail Craft Brewery

905 Copper Crescent Sure you can wear your heart on your sleeve, but have you tried wearing your heart on your head? If you love beer—and more specifically, beer from Dawson Trail Craft Brewery—you can show the world just how much with this classic knit hops-inspired toque. We like it because it’s green and hops are green and trees are green and green is good.

$25

For Repping Thunder Bay Lost Art

shop.lostart.ca We love it here in the 807 and we love this here eye-catching snapback cap. Not your standard baseball lid, this one, designed by illustrator and artist Jordan Danielsson, has a flat brim and a cool streetwear vibe. We dig the details on this eye-catching black and white combo with a raised “807” embroidery on the front panel. Hometown represent!

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Western Flair Thunder Bay Feeds

5221 Townline Road Lean into your western side! Here is a classic topper made of premium waterproof oilskin, making it rugged and durable. With a marinestyle chin cord that can be adjusted to fit tightly at the back of the head and under the chin to stay in place when you take it adventuring. Also has screened eyelets, a snap-up brim option, and offers UV protection. Stylish as heck.

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Felt with a Traditional Twist Sister Bear Designs

sisterbeardesigns.com/Thunder Bay Country Market Show your appreciation for Indigenous cultures and beautiful beadwork with this unisex black felt hat. Sister Bear Designs is proudly Anishinaabe-owned and -operated and the pride is evident in their designs. The hat band is hand loomed beaded in traditional fire colours and turquoise highlights and has an adjustable tieback in golden tanned deer hide. Stunning in any season.

56 The Walleye

$80

CityScene

GO LOCAL THUNDER BAY COUNTRY MARKET

Eat Local Pizza Story by Adrian Lysenko, Photos by Kristen Pouru

lthough Eat Local Pizza is a “new” vendor at the Thunder Bay Country Market, it’s a bit of a homecoming for them. “We used to be at the Thunder Bay Country Market... I believe five years ago and we always planned on returning eventually,” says Jim Stadey, CEO of Eat Local Pizza. With Eat Local sourcing ingredients from Thunder Bay farmers, artisans, and producers, Stadey says the market is a perfect location. “We’re always looking for different ways to connect with people,” he says. “It’s been fantastic so far.” Eat Local currently sells their frozen pizzas, lasagnas, dough balls, “carm onions” (made with local Nor'Wester Maple Co. syrup), pasta sauces, and meatballs at the market. The frozen pizzas are a relatively new venture. Early last year, Eat Local announced their plans

to develop a frozen pizza factory through grants received by the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre and with guidance from the Community Economic Development Commission. The frozen pizzas are developed and tested here in the city—and of course made with Northwestern Ontario produced flour, cheese, and meat. Other than the classics like pepperoni and favourites like their perogie pizza, they’re also offering keto, vegan, and gluten-free options—perfect if you want to stock your freezer with delicious pizza goodness. Find Eat Local Pizza downstairs at the Thunder Bay Country Market between Kumbaya Kombucha and H&P Jams & Jellies. For more information, visit facebook.com/ eatlocalpizzas.

Cadie Palovuori

The Walleye

CityScene

This is Thunder Bay Interviews by Nancy Saunders, Photos by Laura Paxton With January 1, 2020 marking the 50th anniversary of the amalgamation of Fort William and Port Arthur, this month we asked The Walleye readers if they consider Thunder Bay to be one big city, or a city divided in halves. Louise: I know it’s Thunder Bay, Ontario, but I was raised in Fort William so I still

think of that as home, so to me it is still Fort William. I live on the Port Arthur side.

Monique: My dad’s family lived in the East End, so we are used to going to Fort

Liane: They still feel like pretty separate cities to me. People you’re friends with

Heather: I feel like it is one big city. Thunder Bay will always exist as Port Arthur and

George: I’m an old guy so it’ll always be Port Arthur and Fort William. I was born in

William and we still call it that. It’s divided. People still say Port Arthur and Fort William in terms of directions and where they’re going.

Fort William but not in a competitive way, which it might have once.

58 The Walleye

tend to cluster in neighbourhoods, and to drive all the way over to Fort William or all the way over to Port Arthur seems like a big deal to a lot of people. As someone who didn’t grow up here, it’s not as big a deal to me, but I do notice that it’s kind of how people cluster and even how they choose their activities.

Port Arthur. Thunder Bay is a grand name. I think we’ve done well.

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CityScene

Wall Space

The Learning Curve Curtis Mackay Wilson’s Off-Grid Space Story by Betty Carpick, Photos by Kay Lee

uring the past 10 years, the economies of Curtis Mackay Wilson’s workshop have evolved alongside the realities of homesteading with his partner Kerry Crooks, their four-year-old son, Beckett, and an orbiting throng of chickens, goats, and dogs. The rigours of clearing a mature forest and building the family’s home from

60 The Walleye

scratch on Silver Mountain 75 kilometres southwest of Thunder Bay meant setting up his tools in the best way possible to suit the job at hand. Today, the workshop is defined by the scope of Wilson’s current work as an accomplished woodcarver and handle smith. He crafts elegant hand-carved and flame-hardened objects from local lumber and

CityScene reclaimed wood—maple, cherry, apple, black ash, birch, hickory, and white ash. He’s known for his hand-restored functional axes, hatchets, and sledges, as well as spoons, and bowls for Fablewood Homestead, an artisan business he shares with Crooks. The detached, fully insulated shop has proper storage for new and vintage tools, a workbench, a woodstove, and natural light from south and east facing windows. A range of carving tools allow him to follow an object through controlled stages: froes for cleaving; a shave horse for holding the wood; draw knives for shaping; sandpaper, spokeshaves, scrapers, and rasps for finishing; and, finally, boiled linseed oil to enrich the wood. For the striking tools, he finds high-quality steel to bring back to life and selects raw wood or sapwood handles with

a lengthwise grain for strength and durability. A self-professed scavenger and packrat, Wilson has also managed to shoehorn all manner of useful materials into the workshop. Or, as he puts it, “You have to cover your ass for all the projects down the road.” After Beckett heads to school, Wilson fires up the woodstove, tunes the radio to CBC Radio One, and begins his day. Woodworking demands patience, precision, excellent hand-eye coordination, the ability to conceptualize a form from start to finish, and the flexibility to account for unexpected flaws in the wood. His studies and interest in arboriculture and forestry resources have taken many turns. With dedication, he’s discovered his happy place of giving new life to the distinctive character and beauty of reclaimed wood.

The Walleye

CityScene inclusive food-secure ecosystem that increases access to affordable, nutritious food by 50%, where “waste” becomes a resource. Does this get you thinking about ideas that could re-imagine your city? Maybe you have an idea for your city that can improve its recycling, or even its safety! Generate your idea and re-imagine your city at the sixth annual Disrupt It weekend. Disrupt It kicks off on Friday evening ( January 31) with participants presenting their ideas in a two-minute pitch. From here, the participants vote on what ideas they would like to move forward and work on over the course of 54 hours. Teams form organically around these ideas and spend the remainder of the weekend working in their teams until the final pitch to the judges on Sunday afternoon (February 2). Disrupt It will be giving

away over $5,000 in cash prizes to the winners, along with follow-up support for business development. Don’t know much about how to launch a business? Don’t worry. That is where the coaches, mentors and members of the organizing committee come in and help you. The weekend also includes support for your business idea in the areas of financial literacy, business planning, and how to pitch the idea to the judges. This year’s event is being held in the new business incubator, Ingenuity, at Lakehead University and is held in partnership with the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre. Cost for the weekend is $50 for students and $75 for adults. Register before January 10 to get a free Ungalli T-shirt. To register or find out more information please visit disruptit.ca

Local and delicious join us at the Market each Saturday for breakfast!

Disrupt It Weekend

Re-Imagine Your City in 54 Hours By Alyson MacKay, Manager of Ingenuity, Lakehead University's Business Incubator

mart cities are popping up throughout Canada as residents are finding effective ways to improve their city services. For example, Montreal is making mobility more efficient and user-friendly, while increasing access to fresh and local food to the most vulnerable citizens. The city

62 The Walleye

is developing an app to centralize the availability of multiple transit forms, as well as a technology platform to manage sales, logistics, and donations of food to work with existing food services. And Guelph/ Wellington will become Canada's first technology-enabled Circular Food Economy, reimagining an

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CityScene

The Babes of Thunder

Smashing Through the Decade Thunder Bay Roller Derby League Celebrates Milestone Story by Olivia Levesque, Photos by Tammy Wende Drombolis

hen you think about sports culture in Thunder Bay, you probably think of cold hockey arenas or cross-country skiing in the winter months, lush green soccer fields in the summer, or Lakehead University varsity sports. But really that’s just scratching the surface. Thunder Bay’s sports scene is as diverse as its people, with leagues like the Thunder Bay Roller Derby League (TBRDL), which strives to diversify sport experience in the city while building up the community that surrounds it. The TBRDL was founded 10 years ago in February 2010, and is a part of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association in Northwestern Canada. In its formative years, the league’s home base was the basement of the

64 The Walleye

old Eaton’s building on Red River Road, where players would practice on three different types of flooring—less than ideal when you're wearing quad-skates. ”They’re like sneakers on wheels, basically,” says Kate Beaulieu, captain of the Elle Capones, about roller derby equipment (which is also known to include colourful and unique uniforms). Now, the TBRDL has its own warehouse for practicing, with the necessary space for the full-contact sport. Games (traditionally called “bouts”) are held at Delaney Arena in the rink’s off season. In the last 10 years, the league has grown to house three teams: the Elle Capones, Grizzly Madams, and Babes of Thunder, which is their travelling team. The Thunder Bay Junior Roller Derby League, which started in 2016,

is aimed toward youth ages five to 17. Roller derby itself is actually quite old, with origins dating back to the banked- or sloped-track roller-skating marathons of the 1930s. In Thunder Bay, the sport operates on a flat track, where both teams designate a jammer. The jammer scores points by lapping members of the opposing team, called blockers. But the jammers can only gain points if they pass blocker while upright and in bounds. “As a former varsity athlete, roller

derby has given me that sense of kinship and desire to work hard at a sport again,” Beaulieu says. She has been with the TBRDL for just over a year, and says it’s a great place to have fun and foster friendships. She didn’t know much about the sport before she started with the league, but was able to jump into things quickly thanks to the “Fresh Meat” training sessions, which teach basic skills and game play rules over a span of 12 weeks. Don’t let terms like Fresh Meat, jammers, and blockers fool you. While the sport might be rough and tumble in nature, Beaulieu says the league is focused on providing an inclusive space, so everyone can feel comfortable and empowered while playing. And while Roller Derby is predominantly female sport, Beaulieu says anyone is welcome to join in. Now the that TBRDL is surpassing the ten-year mark, Beaulieu says the league has their eyes on the future and are hoping to continue to build up their numbers as they get ready for training season. “We are always working to get bigger and better,” she says. “We basically want a larger base of skaters so we can get more competitive too.” This month the first Fresh Meat information session of the year is taking place on January 5 at 2 pm at 650 Harold Crescent, and training will begin on January 26. For more information on how to join the league, email freshmeat@tbrdl.com.

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The Walleye

CityScene

THE CHRONIC JOURNAL

Hey, Whachugotdare? Pinner: Because it’s the size of a pin, silly. The small personal joint. A.k.a. a nail.

Joint: Rolled using one paper. A.k.a. J, doobie (or just doob), reefer, jazz cigarette, Thai stick, twizzler, twist, puff, smoke.

Fatty: Because it’s a fat joint, dude. Rolled using oversized papers or gluing a few together. A.k.a. a chonger, a bomber, a Bob Marley, a bat.

Picture Me Rollin’

Searching Out My New Favourite Rolling Papers By Justin Allec

ast winter I investigated what pre-rolled joints were available through the Ontario Cannabis Store. I had found OCS cannabis to be incredibly dry and difficult to roll with, so I was hoping pre-rolleds would be my solution. However, even with the added convenience, I was disappointed with my findings. Things change, though. Some OCS brands have started offering fresher (or better cured) cannabis, so I was delighted to get back to rolling my own. Having a variety of strains, though, made me wonder if using different rolling papers would change my smoking experience. I learned how to roll on Zig-Zag Blues. The attraction of Zig-Zags is that they’re cheap and available everywhere. The cut-corners make your rolling easier, the glue is dependable, and the thick paper resists tearing. Eventually I switched to the Whites, which is a lighter paper but still offers the same features… and drawbacks. Even if I disregarded the taste and the chunks of ash floating around, Zig-Zags use a mixture of wood pulp and flax that’s bleached. The bleaching process introduces

66 The Walleye

chemicals like chlorine and calcium carbonate (read: bad stuff) to change the colour of the paper and increase its tensile strength. Needless to say this is an environmentally harmful practice, and really does your body no benefits either. We are not suffering from a lack of alternatives; just check your local head shop. If 60+ styles of rolling paper sound intimidating, just ask for help, and know that not everything is going to be appealing. Personally, I disregarded the flavoured papers, clear cellulose papers, the 24-karat-gold papers, and anything bigger than a regular joint size (1-1/4”). That left me with a few reputable alternatives: an unbleached Zig-Zag for comparison, a rice paper (Elements), a hemp paper (Pure Hemp), and an unbleached plant fibre paper (Raw). Going ahead with my, um, testing, I was pleasantly surprised by each brand that I tried. I used the same strain for each joint, and in each case, the new paper outperformed the Zig-Zags. Less ash and an almost total absence of taste except for the strain’s flavour were

the first things I noticed; the second was that these papers burned slower, which I attributed to the cannabis drawing the ember, rather than the paper. My rolling technique needed to adapt to each paper’s idiosyncrasies, but after a few tries I barely noticed and I’m now leaning towards the Pure Hemp papers. An important factor to remember is that the papers you buy from a head shop will be designed for smoking cannabis and offer a better experience than a paper that originated with tobacco. You can say it’s splitting hairs to worry about the paper quality and disregard the fact that I’m smoking something, but hey—joint rule. Find a paper for yourself that works and you can say the same thing.

Cone: Referring to the shape. The majority of pre-rolled joints are cones, and you can buy empty cones for loading as well. Spliff: Combination of loose tobacco and cannabis rolled in a regular rolling paper.

Blunt: Cannabis inside, cigar paper outer. Usually closer to a cigarillo in size. Twax: Verb; coating your rolling paper in cannabis oil or other concentrate before using them.

Cross Joint: Adding joints to another joint to build...something. Be it crucifix, windmill, diamond, or French braid, it usually means some kind of rolling mastery and having too much cannabis around. Filter: The end part of the joint that adds structure and a convenient holding place. Usually a piece of a business card or the rolling paper packaging. A.k.a. a crutch. Roach: The itty-bitty burnt end of a roach. Stinks something awful.

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The Walleye

Seasons of Thunder Bay Cookbook

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CityScene

Eye to Eye With Sylvie Hauth

As Told To Nancy Saunders, Photo by Kay Lee

hunder Bay Chief of Police Sylvie Hauth on Fleetwood Mac, chocolate, and her attempts to enjoy coffee. What’s the last book you read? I took a trip to Greece with my two daughters in August, so I actually took some time and took out Fodor’s kind of “all you need to know about Greece” because I’d never been. So it’s actually the book that I read page to page to figure out what we were going to do on our trip. It’s the first time we had an opportunity, just the three of us, mom and daughters. What’s your favourite breakfast? For me it’s always better when somebody else makes it, so my favourite would have to be Finn pancakes with maple syrup. Either the Hoito or Kangas. How do you take your coffee? Funny story—I don’t drink coffee. People always think, “Oh my God, really?” I tried back in the day when I was on patrol, midnight shifts, just to try to stay awake, and I just never got used to the taste. Tried a couple times, it never stuck. So I’m a tea drinker, with lots of milk. What’s on your playlist? I don’t have a playlist. Any of my devices have zero playlists. I have Sirius in my vehicle, I have Stingray

through the apps, and I usually listen to the 70s and 80s, and I’m a Fleetwood Mac fan. What’s your favourite app? The one I use the most would probably be FitBit. The reason I say that is because I’m not used to having this many meetings and always sitting down, so I like to keep track a bit and make sure that I get up and actually am at the end of the day a little bit more mobile and am putting in some steps. I do have a FitBit on and I try to keep tabs on my health and try to stay active. What do you do to unwind? The easiest for me is walking. I usually try every day, just before supper or right after supper. I live a little bit on the outskirts of town so it’s quiet. I just try to get out for at least a half hour to an hour walk, to clear my mind and enjoy the fresh air. What’s your hidden talent? I would have to say crafts. That little dude there, that little Santa, that’s the last thing I made. I’m very meticulous but I like to take the time and just putter. Pretty much throughout the years, that’s kind of my thing. I don’t have a big craft room or anything like that. That was a class I took about two weeks ago. Stuff like that, I enjoy it. I used to do

it with my kids, I have two girls and when they were little we did lots of arts and crafts. What’s the last photo on your phone’s camera roll? From last weekend when we did the Tree of Hope lighting. We had the ceremony here. I have a photo of

the tree. We did the tree lighting and we had a really good turnout. It was a really nice event. What’s your guilty pleasure? Anything chocolate! Anything chocolate. If there’s no chocolate on a dessert list, there’s no dessert.

LUNCH & DINNER APPETIZERS PASTA TAKE OUT AND MUCH MORE! Contact Us for a quote today:

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CityScene

Answering the Call

Thunder Bay’s Ash Mokhtari Competes in Ultramarathons

Story by Julia Prinselaar, Photos by Zandy Mangold/RacingThePlanet

t’s hard to imagine why anyone would want to spend a week running through one of the most challenging environments on the planet, in a climate so dry it causes rocks to crumble. But each year, dozens of ultrarunners embark on a mission to complete a seven-day, six-stage, 250-km foot race across Chile’s Atacama Desert. It’s also a place where Thunder Bay resident Ash Mokhtari has made a name for himself. “Ashacama,” as event organizers call him, completed his 11th consecutive Atacama Crossing last September. “It’s the kind of place that even the locals don’t go to,” he says. “And yet I don’t think I can stop now—it’s

70 The Walleye

abnormal to even think about not going there.” A seasoned runner, the 52-year-old dentist used to run marathons, and eventually graduated to ultramarathons, which exceed the usual distance of 42 km. Now Mokhtari enters a few of these footraces each year and has since raced in more than a dozen locations including Antarctica, the Sahara Desert, Jordan, and Australia. “It’s basically a break from everything. After the first day, you swap a set of problems with what you usually have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. You go from living in a city and the things that you have to one week living out of your backpack.” The Atacama Crossing begins at

3200 meters elevation in the Andes and winds down to the Atacama Desert floor, tracing the footsteps of ancient Inca and pre-Inca traders. From there, runners track their way through a slot canyon carved by thousands of years of flooding to the infamous Salt Flats before entering the town of San Pedro de Atacama to cross the finish line. With so many ultramarathons under his belt, Mokhtari gives a talk at the beginning of the race, and he offers no illusions about what runners can expect. “After 20 hours it’s basically raw emotions,” he says. “I do this other race, a 24-hour race and you go through these phases. The last one is what I call the

zombie phase—I don’t even know what’s going on.” Mokhtari currently holds the record for completing the highest number of ultramarathons hosted by RacingThePlanet/4 Deserts: 25. And he’s already signed up for three ultramarathons this year, including two in Georgia and West Africa. “By now for me it’s a lifestyle. I can’t imagine not doing this anymore. Everything I do is geared toward training for one of these races—it has completely changed my life. Anywhere from the nutrition, to training, to exercise, to the way I spend my money.”

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The Walleye

Music

Confessions of a Drag Dealer

A Look Into Thunder Bay’s Drag Scene By Jimmy Wiggins

(L-R) Ryan Suicide (Ryan Hughes), Jordana Divinorum (Matt Baumann), Jimmy SiN (Jimmy Wiggins), and The Beef (Shawn Hartviksen)

got into working with bands and putting on shows because I have a love for music and a passion for community. Music has been a huge part of my life since my early teens and as I grew older it gradually turned into a career. Over the years I’ve worked with more local bands than most, met some incredibly talented musicians, and shared a lot of great moments at shows with friends and fans. The Thunder

72 The Walleye

Bay music scene will always hold a special place in my heart, but over the last while that same love and passion for live music has slowly shifted into a different art form that has opened a new chapter in my life and my career. In 2008 I booked a show for my band, Jordana Divinorum. We were a goth-y shock-rock band playing catchy hard rock and metal songs. We dressed in black, wore a lot of

makeup, and did some pretty nasty stuff on stage. We had six-foot black crosses with handcuffs attached to the ends to strap unsuspecting audience members to, my drum kit was always covered in mutilated baby dolls and we always had a box of strange props with us filled with things like sex toys, water guns full of who knows what, and a few old Bibles. You know, the usual stuff. For me, it was all about the stage show. We had been playing shows for about five years together and I had been booking shows around town for a few years more. Looking back at this particular show was pivotal moment for me because it was the first time I had booked a drag queen instead of an opening band. The show was called From Glam to Sham, very fitting considering the lineup. The drag queen who opened the show was and still is one of my closest friends and partner in crime, Lady Fantasia LaPremiere (a.k.a. John Forget). What Jordana was doing on stage was a subversive, gender-bending form of drag and my GBF (gay best friend) was a drag queen, so I figured why not combine the two? Fantasia got up on stage in front of a crowd expecting to see classic Jordana chaos and lip-synced the house down with the confidence of a superstar. She didn’t care that the bulk of the audience came to see a shock-rock band, she didn’t care that these metal heads might not be into the Celine Dion and Whitney Houston songs she was performing to and she definitely didn’t care if anyone didn’t like what she was doing. She just did her thing and the

crowd ate it up. The show was such a success that we booked a second show a few months later that brought in an even bigger crowd. Jordana would eventually disband for a number of reasons but I really wasn’t ready to pack up my drums just yet. Along with one of Jordana’s core songwriters and a few new friends we started a band called Vega and in 2009 we found ourselves back at that same bar, this time co-headlining with Fantasia. The show was a huge success and people loved it. A few months later I booked my very first all-drag night. At this point I wasn’t really sure what to expect. There were only a small number of queens in town and even fewer kings. So I booked them all, called the show A Family Affair and we filled the bar to capacity before midnight. It was incredible to see such a positive reaction from both the queer and straight communities. This was far more than men in dresses and wigs, or women with moustaches and combat boots lip-syncing on a tiny stage. In my mind we were throwing a party and inviting our friends, their friends and whoever else wanted to join. But looking back we were creating a queer-friendly nightlife space in a city that hadn’t had one since the days of the Voodoo Lounge, TBay’s last gay bar. What we didn’t know at the time was that this was just the beginning of what would eventually be the next big wave of drag in Thunder Bay. This is the first of a series of articles about the Thunder Bay drag scene.

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The Walleye

Music In recent years, the TBSO has been reaching out to the local music scene, pairing up with bands that many of their regular audience might not be familiar with (think the bands involved in the Brew & Beethoven events). This is a fantastic way to weave together two scenes that seem, on the face of it, completely different from one another but at the heart of it have in common a love of music. For Freeborn, the experience of playing a show with TBSO is a dream come true: “Performing with the TBSO is by far one of the greatest experiences of my entire life. It’s what so many vocalists dream about from the time they’re small.” When asked how it felt to make the shift between playing with her usual bands and playing with such a large ensemble, she replies, “I was worried that it would be far

Women & The Blues

Nancy Freeborn

TBSO’s Concert Back by Popular Demand Story by Steph Skavinski, Photo by Sarah McPherson

ans of the blues won’t have to wait until summer’s Thunder Bay Bluesfest to get their fix. For the second year in a row, Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra presents Women & The Blues, part of the Northern Lights series. Last year’s concert went over so well that it was clear this was something really special, and it’s back by popular demand. This year’s concert will be

held January 17 and 18, 2020 at the Italian Cultural Centre. The TBSO’s Northern Lights series is often an opportunity to feature local talent alongside our orchestra. This concert, conducted by Maria Fuller, will feature the return of the magnificent voices of Nancy Freeborn and Zoey Williams, and both are musical forces to be reckoned with.

Zoey Williams

74 The Walleye

more challenging and it would be this huge entity that I wouldn’t be able to contend with, but when I rehearsed with them I felt at ease instantly. It really is like any other band, just bigger! The musicians are all so kind and encouraging. I felt so privileged and humbled yet so at home all at the same time.” Both Williams and Freeborn have powerful and versatile voices that are reminiscent of some of the classics of blues and jazz. “I am looking forward to hearing Zoey Williams sing again as she is truly amazing, and having the opportunity to do some really killer material with the TBSO,” says Freeborn. This is not a show to be missed! Tickets are available at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium box office, and at tbso.ca/events.

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Music

(L-R) Tim Walters, Preston Robinson, and Jon Reid

All in Play

Theory and Practice with Ukkon3n Story by Justin Allec, Photo by Scott Hobbs

kkon3n (pronounced “ooko-nən”) have a unique way of making music. If you look at their Bandcamp page, it seems like they work in every genre: there are references to metal, funk, rock, folk, and whatever “classical harmony” means. Looking to the musicians doesn’t make things clearer. Though Ukkon3n has recently expanded to a four-piece with the addition of drummer Matt Chase, original members Tim Walters, Jon Reid, and Preston Robinson list proficiency with the usual rock band instruments—bass, guitar,

76 The Walleye

keyboards—and a total curveball with the accordion. With the December release of their first full-length album, Comfort for the Contemporary, there’s no better time to get to know Ukkon3n. What you’ll hear is a band with an almost bottomless bag of tricks. “We don’t really fit into a genre… we’re used to being the odd ones, having to put our own shows together,” Robinson says. And that’s how the band came to be. Walters, Reid, and Robinson all met while doing their undergrads in music at Lakehead University. These guys are

classically trained but also culturally informed, so metal’s Cliff Burton and jazz’s Charles Mingus get mentioned in the same breath. Reid elaborates: “We have this shared background, so communication really easy. I can write a melody—actually write the notes out—and the guys will be able to read it and know where I’m going.” It’s a dizzying approach to music that means having the skills to craft songs using your own blueprints. “I’d call us progressive music, which, to us, really means the classic 70s sense—bands like Yes, Rush, Genesis,” Walters says. “We like using odd keys, different time signatures, and switching up our harmonies.” It’s an exploratory approach that works wonders for Ukkon3n.

After testing their skills with their 2017 EP Extravagant Pursuit, these newer songs are absolutely fearless. “Darling Dear”, for example, might be distantly related to a folk song. Walters’ accordion often takes the lead, but there’s so many disparate elements here—honey-dripped vocal harmonies, mandolin freakouts, barreling drums—it’s amazing how Ukkon3n keep it all flowing directly to the big emotional payoff. Those huge moments they’ve crafted will play even better live, and Ukkon3n is ready. By adding Chase’s drumming to the mix, it allows the rest of the band to do even more on stage. Given what they can accomplish on their album, I wouldn’t want to miss a performance.

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Music

(L-R) Dave Hill, Dale Legros, Rick Savoie, and Ron Cherniski

The Electric Angels Verteran Thunder Bay Rock Band Has Big Plans for New Year By Kris Ketonen

hunder Bay’s Electric Angels are determined to make 2020 a big year. “I hope that we get rich and famous,” frontman Dale Legros says with a chuckle. “I don’t know if that will ever happen, but I’m sure having fun doing it.” The Electric Angels first formed in 1988—in addition to Legros, the

current lineup includes guitarist Dave Hill, bass player Ron Cherniski, and drummer Rick Savoie (although it was Greg Malo playing drums on the band’s latest album). And the friendship among the band members remains strong, Legros says. “They believe in us,” he says of the guys in the band. “We really like what we’re doing, and I think it

sounds pretty damn good. It’s good music, and they’re happy with it, and we all work well together.” As for the upcoming year, The Electric Angels are riding some momentum thanks to the July 2019 release of their new album, A Speck in Time. The 10-track, straight-up rock album came about, really, out of necessity, Legros says. “We’ve been kind of living off the first album for too long, and it was time to write some new stuff,” he says. “So, that’s basically what we did. We wrote some new music, and it came together, and we’re pretty happy about it. I did go through a lot of anxiety and stress over this album, for various reasons, but it’s done, and I’m happy, and I’m really looking

forward to playing live.” Legros admits that playing live hasn’t happened much lately as far as The Electric Angels go. In fact, a planned New Year’s Eve gig was the first time the band has been on stage in about seven years. That will be changing, though, if Legros has anything to say about it. “I plan on getting as much work as possible,” he says. “If there’s a gig out there, I’m going to get it, and we’re going to keep playing.” And beyond the gigs, another album is in the early stages. “It’s been too long, and I’ve got too much to tell the world,” Legros says. For more information, search The Electric Angels on Facebook.

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Music

In the Holiday Spirit

foundation for the evening, and concertmaster Thomas Cosbey’s skilled, light touch did much to enhance the performance. Of the soloists, bass baritone Giles Tomkins and soprano Monica Whicher, a Thunder Bay native, stood out in particular. Tomkins gave a stellar performance with a commanding yet lyric voice, and Whicher’s gleaming, silvery voice

was a true delight to listen to. The air “Rejoice Greatly” in particular displayed her finesse and consummate mastery of Baroque singing. The Thunder Bay Symphony Chorus outdid themselves on this occasion, and the evening was everything you could wish for— warm, uplifting and joyous, and without the bigoted triumphalism of a bygone era.

TBSO Presents Handel’s Messiah Story by Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey, Photos by Kevin Dempsey

here’s nothing like a Handel oratorio to boost holiday spirits, and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra rose to the festive occasion with Handel’s Messiah on December 6 and December 7. Like many old works of art, the Messiah presents a moral dilemma, as Georgian British society held views that we would not celebrate today. The historical context of Handel’s Messiah was widely publicized by a Canadian music historian Michael Marissen in an essay in The New York Times in 2007 and subsequently, in a book titled Tainted Glory in Handel’s Messiah, published in 2014. Marissen explains that Handel’s librettist Charles Jennens intended the triumphant chorus “Hallelujah” to celebrate the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in AD 70, which the

prevalent sentiment of the day attributed to divine retribution for the Jewish people’s refusal to accept Christ as the Messiah. Indeed, you don’t have to be a religious scholar to notice that “Hallelujah” comes immediately after the air “Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron”—with “them” meaning, of course, the Jews. TBSO’s artistic director Paul Haas elegantly navigated this quandary with a little shuffling: he put the “Hallelujah” chorus at the end of Part 1 to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and held a reflective moment of silence after “Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron” before continuing with Christ’s resurrection. As always, Haas conducted with clarity and concise vision, as might be expected of a conductor who is also a composer himself. The orchestra provided a wonderful musical

The Walleye

Music an artist (and writer) with his song “Who’s Gonna Love You” received a SOCAN award in March 2019. He’s also a successful songwriter— notable artists to record his songs include One Direction, Pixie Lott, Fifth Harmony, and Flo Rida. Currently, Tebey divides his time between Nashville and Ontario, keeping to his Canadian roots down south as well. “A lot of my friends here in Nashville are Canadian,” he says. “Being surrounded by the best songwriters in the world makes me a better writer. That’s why I moved here in the first place. I also love the music community here. Songwriters and musicians are always cheering for, and honouring one another.” As to what 2020 holds for country music, Tebey says he’s seeing an interesting trend. “Living in the centre of country music and hearing the songs that are being written everyday in this city, I’m definitely feeling

A Night of Traditional Country Tebey Plays NV Music Hall

Story by Adrian Lysenko, Photo by Francesca Ludikar

lthough it has been a long winding road to get here, Tebey is making a stop in Thunder Bay at the end of the month. The Canadian country music artist will be playing at NV Music Hall on January 26. “I wanted to make sure my tour took me

82 The Walleye

across Canada because it gives me the opportunity to perform for all of the fans who have helped me get this far,” Tebey says. Last year, Tebey’s Love a Girl was nominated for album of the year by Canadian Country Music Association and his first #1 single as

a shift towards more traditional country music.” Joining him for his performance in Thunder Bay will be rising country star Matt Lang, who last September won the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition. “Matt is already becoming a huge star in his home province of Quebec, and he’s well on his way to doing the same in the rest of Canada,” Tebey says. “The first time I heard Matt sing I knew instantly that I had to work with him. His style leans towards the traditional side of country music than a lot of artists at the moment, which I love. He also doesn’t follow trends at all. He knows exactly who he is and what type of music he wants to make.”

NV Music Hall January 26 tebeyofficial.com

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Music

Wandering for 20 Years or So A Spotlight on Ian Gill

Story by Matt Tyska, Photo by Adrian Lysenko

orn and raised in Ottawa, Ian Gill was first inspired to pick up the guitar at 14, while in high school. He remembers it vividly. “I was walking up the stairs and there at the landing was an older student sitting on the windowsill, playing ‘Needle and the Damage Done,’” he says. Shortly after, he managed to luck into an old Epiphone acoustic guitar, and that was it. Finding early inspiration in folk troubadours such as Stan and Garnet Rogers, Stephen Fearing, and James Keelaghan, he began crafting his own tales, much like his idols.

84 The Walleye

Gill moved to Thunder Bay in 1992 for Lakehead University’s outdoor recreation program. He found himself playing local gigs, whether it was the odd open mic night, or on-campus at The Study. After graduation, he travelled northern Ontario doing wilderness expeditions, and in his downtime he started to hone his craft. “I was writing a lot. I found myself growing confident with sharing more,” he says. “I bought myself a little four-track cassette recorder.” That began the slow evolution into what eventually became some of his first real demos.

By the early 2000s, Gill found himself back in Thunder Bay. Armed with his cassette demos, he began to lay the groundwork that led up to going into a studio to record his first album, Ghosts of Us All, in 2007. “Ghosts of Us All was about my connection to people, places, and things,” he explains. “There’s a song in there about my grandfather. The song ‘Aberford Dreams’ is about a place I spent a lot of time as a kid.” Now, closing in on 50, Gill has a significantly different approach. When it came to his newest release, Morning Embers, he channeled that inspiration inward. “This album is very different,” he says. “This album is about an internal and intangible journey. It’s more about my relationship, sort of in an emotional way, to experiences, transformation, and getting a little bit older.” Also, unlike the first album, going into Morning Embers, he didn’t have a clear picture of arrangements, or

what he was looking for in terms of specifics. It was more about the people he wanted to work with. Morning Embers was recorded and produced in Thunder Bay with Rob Nickerson and is packed full of guests complementing every track. Returning from Ghosts are Joe Phillips on double bass, Damon Dowbak on mandolin, and fiddler Pierre Schryer. Gill reached out locally to vocalist Megan Nadin, percussionist Jeff Korkola, as well as Sean Mundy, who added harmonica and guitars. He would send them copies of his demos and ask if any of the songs resonated with his guests. “The process was extremely organic and fluid. There was a lot of letting go,” he says. “Without trying to sound too cheesy,” he adds with a laugh. Ian Gill’s latest album, Morning Embers, is available now on all major online music services. For more information, you can find Ian Gill on Instagram @ian_gill_music.

International Baccalaureate Programme What is IB?

The IB Programme offers an enriched, accelerated course of study based on the best aspects of education systems around the world. The curriculum has an international focus and encourages students to think beyond themselves and their communities. The nature of this programme helps students to develop critical and analytical thinking skills, as well as organization and time management skills. In general, the programme aims to provide students with a well-balanced education. Ultimately, students graduate with a diploma that is recognized by universities in 145 countries around the world. Internationally, the IB Programme has become a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual promise.

IS IB FOR ME? Grade 7 and 8 students and their families are invited to join current IB students and staff at our 2020 IB Information Sessions to explore everything IB has to offer!

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Music

BURNING TO THE SKY

strongly in folk music. In the late 1960s, Tyrannosaurus Rex was an entirely different kind of band, a duo actually, with a sound that was baroque and acoustic, and lyrics that touched on Greek mythology. After some moderate success in the United Kingdom, Bolan and his musical partner Steven Took went their separate ways. Bolan had already been dabbling with electric guitar, and a more full rock sound, and in 1970 the second phase of the band— now shortened to T. Rex—was born. The band scored some chart success in the U.K. with songs like “Ride a White Swan” and “Hot Love.” These songs were from the first T. Rex album called... T. Rex. Yet it was the second T. Rex album, Electric Warrior, that saw the band really make an impact across the Atlantic. Not only did the album include the chart-busting “Get It On,” but it featured “Jeepster,” one of the truly classic T. Rex songs. A near-perfect distillation the 70s glam rock sound, “Jeepster” features trash can drums, a jumble of guitars, reverb-drenched vocals, and a lyric

that really make no sense, yet it is remarkably catchy. Their next album, The Slider, was the band’s largest hit in the United States and Canada, but it didn’t have the charting singles its predecessor did. Although T. Rex would continue to have U.K. hits, and put out quite a few albums through the 1970s, none really caught fire in North America like Electric Warrior and The Slider. The band came to an end in 1978, when Bolan died in a motor vehicle crash. Today T. Rex lives on in both recorded form and in the bands directly influenced by the group. That list is very long and includes R.E.M., The Smiths, the Pixies, the New York Dolls, KISS, the Ramones, and The Clash. Even a less obvious artist like Ed Sheeran owes a nod to Marc Bolan. Bolan basically started as a singer/songwriter with a percussionist. Replace the bongos with a looping pedal and you have Ed Sheeran. Hopefully the voters who put artists in the Rock & Rock Hall of Fame will do the right thing, and give old T. Rex, and Marc Bolan, their due.

T. Rex

The Glam Rock Legend By Gord Ellis

ast year, at about this time, I wrote about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a few of the great acts that had not been nominated. I made the case for a few bands, my personal favourite choice being T. Rex. Well, I’m not sure if someone out there was listening (or reading), but lo and behold, the 2020 nominees for the Hall include T. Rex. So why T. Rex? Well, it’s a fair question. For many people in Canada, T. Rex were more or less a one-hit wonder. The slippery, sexy “Bang A Gong (Get It On)” is still a classic rock staple and sounds as fresh now as it did in 1971. Lead singer and frontman Marc Bolan embodied the song, which features some Dylanesque word play, including “you have the teeth of the hydra upon you.” There are a couple rather

86 The Walleye

amazing video versions of the track on YouTube where you can see Bolan performing. He is thin as a rake, with mounds of curly hair, a lot of glitter, and some rather pronounced eye makeup. Bolan is the rock star personified. One of the videos (from Top of the Pops) features a very young Elton John on keys. John was a fan and friend of Bolan, and the song “I’m Gonna Be a Teenage Idol” from EJ’s album Don't Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player is something of an homage to Bolan. But I digress…. The sound of T. Rex, with its sleazy guitar licks and Bolan’s elegantly wasted delivery, was hugely influential. In many ways the band defined the glam rock era of the early 1970s as much as David Bowie did. Yet the roots of T. Rex—originally called Tyrannosaurus Rex—lie

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OfftheWall

Morning Embers Ian Gill

Morning Embers is the sophomore release from local folker Ian Gill. Right from the get-go, Gill’s earthy voice begins to weave stories and experiences for the listener to take in, and make you feel a part of. It’s an intimate look into his world, and it’s beautiful, and emotional. Morning Embers really shows Gill’s growth as a songwriter. The song “Forty Nine” is a standout, carried wonderfully by Jeff Korkola’s brush-driven drumming, layered ambient guitars, and Megan Nadin’s serenading harmonies. Perhaps the most interesting song on the album is “Goodbye.” The melancholy lyrics come from a poem originally written in 1872 by Ian’s great-grandfather, Robert Gill. There’s something mesmerizing and haunting about listening to words that were penned almost 150 years ago. The album is masterfully mixed and produced by Rob Nickerson and features several Thunder Bay and Canadian guests. It’s a must-listen for any fan of the singer-songwriter/folk genre and could easily be put on rotation with Neil Young’s Harvest or Gordon Lightfoot’s Sundown. - Matt Tyska

88 The Walleye

REVIEWS

WHO

The Who

It has been 13 years since The Who last released an album, but the wait was well worth it. Simply called WHO, the new album has all the hallmarks and attitude that made The Who one of the world’s best rock bands. Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, both now in their 70s, haven’t missed a beat with this one. Townshend’s songwriting and power chords on guitar are top-shelf. Daltrey’s vocals are as great as they were 50 years ago. There is a good mix of styles with some classic Who rockers, a couple of ballads, and some surprises as well. Favourite songs include the bluesy “Ball and Chain” and “All This Music Must Fade,” a vintage Who rocker featuring Townshend’s tasty guitar work and Daltrey’s feisty vocals. The Who were a rebellious band 50 years ago with legions of restless fans. Many of those fans are more than a few years older but the rebellious spirit of The Who lives on in their new album. - Gerald Graham

Stranger Danger

Summertime Madness II

This local trio has been slugging it out for a few years now, but Stranger Danger is the first we’ve heard Action Cat putting songs to tape. One reason for that is due to the usual garage-band time investment that a bunch of dudes in their 30s can afford, but another reason is that the members spend a good amount of time playing cover sets. Whatever; I’m going to throw Action Cat money on Bandcamp to convince them to keep writing originals. This EP sounds great because there isn’t a whole lot of this type of ragged-edged blues rawk being played around the city. Oh, but it’s snotty, too, like someone slopped a bunch of punk all over it! Attitude in check, these songs don’t waste a lot of time and are mainly interested in being loud, obnoxious, and catchy—and ewww, that cover art! Definitely and defiantly lowfi, Stranger Danger is a fun little distraction and a great reminder to get out to Action Cat’s next fivedollar show.

It seems like unlikely timing for the release of Scott Thiessen’s new EP, Summertime Madness II, given the season. Regardless of the snow flying and the temperatures dropping, this summertime madness is a most welcome addition to any playlist. The first track, “Somewhere Else” starts off the album with an intriguing harmonic progression, and percussion that’s high in energy but not in volume. This has the effect of putting Thiessen’s vocals and lyrics front and centre and doesn’t muddy the sound. “Different Man” and “Don’t Leave Me Lonely” keep the pop train rolling and your toes tapping, while “I Love You” changes gears, ditching the electronic beats and speaking straight to the soul in a more traditional singer-songwriter fashion. The album has a solid foundation of pop in its varied sound, but rather than being short and sweet, I’d call it brief and soulful.

Action Cat

- Justin Allec

Scott Thiessen

- Steph Skavinski

The Irishman

Martin Scorsese Those who go into The Irishman expecting the same hyper-style of director Martin Scorsese’s notable films like Goodfellas or Casino will be disappointed. Yes, The Irishman reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, but in terms of gangster movies, it resembles The Godfather more than anything else. The film is centred around Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran (De Niro), chronicling his rise from Teamster driver to mob hitman to eventually serving as the right-hand man to Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino). Much ink has been spilled on the new de-aging technology used, and it’s true that it is far from perfect—De Niro’s faux blue eyes are distracting and he still has the posture of a senior citizen when executing mob hits, but put that all aside. Not having made a great film since Casino (The Wolf of Wall Street and The Departed are overrated), The Irishman is Scorese’s coda. He’s put the brakes on his trademark style that has since been imitated and overused to strip away the facade of the glamorised gangster-lifestyle.

Have You Heard George’s Podcast? George Mpanga (a.k.a. George the Poet)

Prepare to be transported! Have You Heard George’s Podcast? is a BBC production which brings forward tremendously rich content in a creative and powerful fashion. Mpanga drives forward challenging subjects (such as society, education, racism, and relationships, just to name a few), using poetry as the vehicle and music as the gasoline. He expresses thoughts aloud that might make some uncomfortable, but they are real topics and Mpanga addresses them with power and profound meaning. Before you know it, you’re hooked to the cadence of the delivery system, only half-realizing that it’s poetry. Get ready to belly laugh, cry, smile, and contemplate, with eyes opened up wider than you expected. Have You Heard George’s Podcast? is a must-listen, so please buckle up and enjoy the ride. - Andrea Lysenko

Ducks, Newburyport Lucy Ellmann

In Ducks, Newburyport, we join an unnamed narrator, a stay-at-home mother of four who also sells her baking on the side, as she works through the mundane tasks of the day while taking us on long, stream-of-consciousness tirades about her various anxieties about the contemporary world in runon sentences that last scores of pages at a time. The main narrative is interrupted periodically by a secondary story about a mountain lioness preparing her cubs to survive in the world. Throughout the book, an effective amount of specific details make the narrator come alive, while Ellman showcases a sarcastic wit, a confident pen, and great respect for her readers. As the story progresses, however, the discussion grows more and more repetitive and huge chunks of the book become tiresome to get through. Ducks, Newburyport is a convincing portrayal of someone overwhelmed by life, but it really needed some serious pruning.

Bunny

Mona Awad

With finely crafted prose and acute insight, Bunny is one of the best books of 2019. Bunny requires a bit of time to digest, because, well, things get weird. On reflection I realized that’s the point. Mona Awad is truly a gifted writer, and this book showcases her way with words, and intense understanding of the complex world of young women. Samantha, the main character, is at first ignored by the tight clique of classmates in an exclusive MFA program. Eventually, they invite her to join their Smut Salon, where she learns the dark, twisted truth behind their fluffy pink exterior. This is a book that reminds the reader that the closer things appear to perfection on the outside, the likeier it is that the inside is quite different. If you like your lit with a heavy dose of black magic, Bunny is for you. Find a friend to read it when you do, because you’re going to want to discuss it. - Joanna Aegard

- Alexander Kosoris

- Adrian Lysenko

NORTHERN DELIGHTS thesilverbirchrestaurant.com 28 Cumberland Street N. (807) 345-0597

cabin fever

2 Courses $25 | 3 Courses $35 January 26 to February 8 The Walleye

City of Thunder Bay Archives TBA 1991-1-138

Architecture

Fort William City Hall – without top of the tower (removed in the 1940’s)

Thunder Bay City Halls By Nicholas Duplessis

City of Thunder Bay Archives TBA 1991-1-15

hey laughed. They danced. They sang. And, occasionally, they conducted municipal politics. During the Victorian era, Port Arthur’s and Fort William’s town halls served both as social hubs and the centres of local politics. During this early period, theatre, music, public dances, and religious ceremonies were all frequently performed at the town halls of Port Arthur and Fort William. Construction was completed on Port Arthur’s first town hall in 1879, when the community was still known as Prince Arthur’s Landing.

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In August 1878, local businessmen partnered with the Masonic Lodge to form the Prince Arthur Town Hall Company, tasked to build a multiuse assembly hall that could house municipal politics. The building, situated on the corner of Court Street and Arthur Street (now Red River Road), had two entrances punctuated by massive oak doors. Duluth-based contractor George Lautenschlager designed and constructed the two-storey building, which had a footprint of roughly 2,479 square feet and could seat 350 people comfortably.

City of Thunder Bay Archives TBA 1991-1-135

a prominent tower-like structure emerging from the top, and it also housed the fire department, police, prison cells, two school rooms, the town offices, and served as the hub of cultural activities in the community. In a twist of fate similar to that of Port Arthur’s first town hall, Fort William’s town hall burned down in 1903. The local government and citizens quickly rebounded, deciding to build a new town hall on the very site of the first one. Designed by one architect, Mr. Aylesworth, and completed at a cost of just under $80,000, Fort William’s second town hall opened in August of 1904, once again serving as the community’s social hub. A much larger structure than the previous town hall, Fort William’s new fireproof stone and brick building featured a large tower protruding from the centre, extending high above the building’s other elements. A significant detail of the second town hall was that it was much more decorative than the first building, and housed a collection of paintings and photographs, as well as interesting lighting fixtures, decorations, and artifacts. In 1907, Fort William became incorporated as a city. As such, this second town hall also holds the distinction of being the community’s first city hall; it would serve Fort William dutifully until 1966. In 1966, Fort William City Council began the process of building a new city hall. Their second city hall had undergone numerous upgrades and renovations in the

Fort William Town Hall complete with top of the tower 62 years that it had operated, but it was clear by the early 1960s that the building would need to be replaced. Built at a cost of $1,000,000, Fort William’s new city hall served the community for four years before it became the Thunder Bay City Hall in 1970 after amalgamation. Fort William’s second city hall had been located directly on Donald Street; rather than building on the exact same location as the previous hall, it was decided that the new hall would be located directly behind the old hall. This was done so that employees and politicians could conduct business throughout the building process. Thunder Bay City Hall still stands in its original location at 500 Donald Street East. It underwent major renovations in 2008–2009, and accessibility renovations in 2015. On the exterior, its defining feature is the

prominence of tinted windows that provide the building a sleek, modern look. A vestibule-like area was added on the first floor to serve as a warmer greeting for visitors, and the building was completely redesigned on the interior to provide more space and comfort, and promote energy efficiency. As we as a community reflect on amalgamation, Thunder Bay’s City Hall, which still acts as a social and transit hub, can remind us of our long, winding journey. Nicholas Duplessis is a graduate student in the Department of History at Lakehead University and 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/heritage.

City of Thunder Bay Archives TBA 1991-1-137

City of Thunder Bay Archives TBA 1991-3-123

This first building became known as Port Arthur’s “town hall,” a nickname that persisted long after politics had moved out of the building. (It eventually burned down in 1907.) In 1883, political dealings moved from the town hall to Port Arthur’s fire hall. Described as a “wretched excuse for a town hall,” Port Arthur’s fire hall served as the nucleus of local politics from 1883 until 1907, when local politics in Port Arthur shifted once again, relocating from the fire hall to the recently constructed Port Arthur Telephone Exchange building. In 1914, local politics would move one last time to the Whalen Building, constructed in 1913 on the corner of Cumberland Street and Van Norman Street. From 1914 to 1931, the city of Port Arthur rented space from private ownership on the top floor of the building to conduct politics; in 1931, the building was bought by the Port Arthur Public Utilities Commission and was renamed the Public Utilities Commission Building. Synergy North currently operates within the building. At the other side of the Lakehead, however, Fort William did have a building majorly devoted to conducting politics. In its history, Fort William has had three town and city halls, all of which were located on the same approximate plot of land on Donald Street East. Fort William’s first town hall was built in 1892 for $15,000 to coincide with the incorporation of Fort William as a town. This multi-purpose, two-storey brick building featured

Architecture

Fort William Town Hall circa 1893

Thunder Bay City Hall circa 1979

The Walleye

Health

health levels (i.e., the re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases). Therefore, with an increased presence in social media, health care providers have a great opportunity to be part of the discussion, and to also provide accurate health information that could potentially benefit health outcomes. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is among other leading health care organizations, such as the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic, providing health education to the public via social media channels. These organizations are leaders on social media because they are sharing more than just information about their brand, they are taking a consumer-centred approach to communicating important health information to their audiences. With all of the different ways of engaging an audience on social media platforms, providing health information doesn’t have to be boring. Daily top health tips and quizzes about interesting health

Social Media and Health

Finding the Best Health Information By Sara Chow, Health Promotion and Communications Planner, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

ow many times have you googled a health issue? Me too. Here’s a simple tip: To learn more about health and health treatments from credible sources, follow hospitals and credible health care organizations on social media. They are gif-ing a lot of accurate and helpful health information this way. Recently, the American Medical Association wrote that social media

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has the potential to improve health outcomes. This was in response to research that showed that 40% of internet users who searched for health information online felt that the information they found affected how they interacted with the health care system. Additionally, there is a growing concern about misleading health information in discussions on social media platforms, and the impact this has had at population

information from the Cleveland Clinic’s Instagram stories provide their audience with a fun way to learn about everything from vitamin deficiencies to dermatology to signs and symptoms of health issues. The Mayo Clinic offers followers the chance to ask health professionals questions about a specific health topic, or even a profession, in a confidential way via the Instagram questions sticker. It’s just putting a health spin on engaging with followers the same way celebrities, popular brands, and foodies do on their social media channels. On a weekly basis, our hospital creates a health quiz on Instagram stories that helps to increase health education and information. You can find some of the best health information from the hospital by following our social media accounts (Instagram: @TBRHSC, Facebook: Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Twitter: @TBRHSC_ NWO, LinkedIn: Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre).

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

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| 1020 E. Victoria Avenue

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For further details please visit our website

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JanuaryEventsGuide January 2, 7–9 pm

January 8, 7–9 pm

InJoy Yoga

Seattle Coffeehouse

2020 Vision

What do you want to create for yourself in the New Year? Join Bobbi and Kaitlin Henderson for a fun-filled and relaxing evening where we will create vision boards for a fabulous 2020. The evening will include guided meditation, yogic breathwork, live music and a sound healing meditation to clear our way through the New Year.

facebook.com/InJoyYogaTBay

January 4, 2–3:30 pm

Art Fiend at the Bean Fiend Bean Fiend Café and Sandwich Bar

Come by and see the new art that will hang for the month of January and meet local artist Jesse Milani.

facebook.com/beanfiend

January 5, 2 pm

Thunder Bay Roller Derby League Fresh Meat Information Session 650 Harold Crescent

Have you ever thought about joining roller derby? Come out to this meeting and see what it’s all about. See this month’s City Scene for more info.

freshmeat@tbrdl.com

January 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2–4 pm

Winter Fundays

Prince Arthur’s Landing

Embrace winter by taking part in a different fun, outdoor, free activity at Prince Arthur’s Landing - Marina Park!

thunderbay.ca/en/recreation/ winter-fundays

Write-In Wednesday Join NOWW at Seattle Coffeehouse for an evening of writing! Working on a novel, short story, play, piece of creative nonfiction or some poetry? Bring that to the table and toil away alongside other writers doing the same thing.

nowwwriters.ca

January 8–11

Legally Blonde the Musical Finlandia Hall

Applauze Theatre presents this 2007 musical about Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. Throughout the show, no one has faith in Elle, but she manages to surprise them when she defies expectations while staying true to herself. Directed by Denise Krawczuk and featuring a band led by Danny Johnson, this production is not to be missed!

applauzeproductions.com

January 8, 15, 22, & 29, 2–4 pm

Babies and Brews Red Lion Smokehouse

Connect with other new mums and dads at Red Lion Smokehouse every Wednesday. Bring your little one and hang out with other new parents. Nursing is welcomed and both our washrooms include changing facilities.

redlionsmokehouse.ca

January 8, 15, 22, & 29, 7:30 pm

Weekly Wednesday Trivia Night with Chris Barstow The Foundry

Weekly Wednesday Night Trivia with Chris Barstow is a cuttingedge trivia experience, tackling a wide range of topics and issues in modern pop culture and rewarding your knowledge with gift certificates and Sleeping Giant Brewery prize packs! What better way to spend a Wednesday!

January 9, 6:30–9 pm

January 11, 6 pm

Magnus Theatre

Royal Canadian Slovak Legion

Anthropocene: The Human Epoch Join EarthCare Thunder Bay for a screening of this award-winning, visually stunning, climate change documentary. Then stay to socialize and learn about the creation of Thunder Bay’s new Community Energy Plan, and how you can get involved!

thunderbay.ca/earthcare

January 9, 10, & 11

Alice in Wonderland Jr. Urban Abbey

Travel down the rabbit hole and join Alice, one of literature’s most beloved heroines, in her madcap adventures. Featuring updated songs from Disney’s thrilling animated motion picture, Alice in Wonderland JR. is a fast-paced take on the classic tale. Presented by ACTion Arts.

facebook.com/actionarts

January 9 & 23, 6:30–8:30 pm

Thursday Night Fresh Air Race Series #3 Lappe Nordic Ski Club

Once again Fresh Air is sponsoring Lappe Nordic Ski Club’s Thursday evening race series. This series of races caters to all levels of skiers with categories for seasoned to citizen/recreational racers and for children from six years of age to master skiers.

Malanka: New Year’s Eve Ukrainian Style

Zorya Ukrainian Dance Association presents Malanka: New Year’s Eve Ukrainian Style! Enjoy a delicious buffet style meal prepared by the Slovak Legion just before dancing the night away to local favourites Danny Johnson and 21 Gun Fun. The Zorya Ukrainian Dancers will also be providing entertainment during the evening.

632-3354

January 11, 7:30 pm

Yuk Yuk’s on Tour Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

The iconic Canadian comedy club brings their stand-up comedy tour to Thunder Bay.

tbca.com

January 11

Norpine Fat Bike Classic Lutsen, MN

Fat biking is a fun way to cruise through winter and now’s your chance to put some tread to snow and compete in the Norpine Fat Bike Classic. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

norpinefatbikeclassic.com

January 13 & 14, 7 pm

Phantom of the Op’ry

lappenordic.ca

St. Ignatius High School’s drama class presents their senior play.

January 10–11

tbcschools.ca/st-ignatius

Ski Party

Lutsen Mountains

Ski Party is a weekend ski, snowboard and music festival curated by the folks at GNDWIRE Records. It’s a throwback to a time when skiing was cool and sexy. It’s a look forward to new music and a modern mountain resort. But mostly, it’s a party—friends new and old hangin’ on the slopes, in the chalets and enjoying great music.

January 14, 5–7 pm

Opening Reception: Along Shifting Surfaces Grand Marais Art Colony

Grand Marais Art Colony artist-inresidence David Andree will be out in the North Shore landscape to investigate the transitory topography of snow drifts and shoreline spaces through painting and sculptural intervention. The exhibition will include paintings, drawings and photographic prints. After the reception the exhibition will remain up and free to explore until February 16.

grandmaraisartcolony.org

January 15, 5–9 pm

Masala Grille’s January Vegan Buffet Masala Grille

This all-vegan buffet will feature appetizers, main courses, and dessert for $22.95 per person.

344-3663

January 15, 6–8:30 pm

Kamview by Candlelight

Kamview Nordic Centre

Come out for a magical evening on the ski trails! Candles will be placed along a trail. Ski trail pass just $10. Rentals available. The kitchen will be open and serving homemade soups, chili, and cookies!

tbnordictrails.com

January 16, 6:30-10 pm

Hot Gauntlet II Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre

An evening of wings and supporting a great cause. All money raised from the Hot Gauntlet will go toward the Special Olympics 2020 Winter Games in Thunder Bay. Tickets are just $25.

balmoral1200@gmail.com

lutsen.com/skiparty

thefoundrypub.com

Powerful wall-to-wall WiFi everywhere in your home No matter the size or shape of your home, Connect Hub and Connect Extenders will provide a seamless, wall-to-wall mesh WiFi experience.

tbaytel.net/homewifi

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January 16, 9 pm

Open Mic Comedy Night DaVinci Sports Bar

Inviting people to test out their skills the day before the big Comedian of the North competition. Meet other contestants and check out the venue where it all goes down.

incidentscomedy.ca

January 16, 17, & 18

Alice: A New Musical Urban Abbey

This new musical adapted from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass transports us on a fantastical adventure as Alice, relying on her quick wit and big heart, learns the customs of the distorted new world she lands in. Will Alice be able to hold on to her idealism and dreams or be crushed by the pressure to fit in and conform? Presented by ACTion Arts.

facebook.com/actionarts

January 16, 6:30

Loud Women Book Club

Northwestern Women’s Centre The Loud Women Book Club meets the third Thursday of every month to discuss non-fiction new feminist literature. In January they will read Canadian author Yasuko Thanh’s Mistakes to Run With.

loudwomenbookclub@gmail.com

January 17, 7–8:30 pm

Inspiration Through Connection: Keeping Girls in Sports Valhalla Inn

Thunder Bay Synchro, with the support of the Valhalla Inn, presents three-time Olympic Coach Sheilagh Croxon, in a session geared toward coaches, administrators, and teachers.

facebook.com/ ThunderBaySynchro

January 17 & 18

Comedian of the North DaVinci Centre

Join 25 professional and amateur comedians from across Canada for a weekend of laughs as they give their best five-minute set over two nights. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

incidentscomedy.ca

January 18, noon

Winter Wine Series Red Lion Smokehouse

Mel Ollivier from La Luna Wellness Studio will lead a one-hour yoga class followed by a tutored wine tasting with sommelier John Murray. Tickets are $55.

redlionsmokehouse.ca

January 18, 6:30–10 pm

January 25, 10 am

The 5th Biennial Northwestern Ontario Visionary Awards (NOVA) Gala celebrates the top 20 under 40. Over the past eight years, the awards have recognized over 300 nominees with 80 award-winning young professionals from across Northwestern Ontario spanning from Kenora all the way to Geraldton.

Kamview Nordic Centre

2020 NOVA Gala

shiftnetwork.ca

January 19, 10 am–2 pm

Families on Skis – World Snow Day Lappe Nordic Ski Club

Come and try cross-country skiing! Includes fun ski-skill development stations, trail pass, equipment rentals, wax demos and help, tour of facility, saunas, and lunch for purchase. This event celebrates the federation International de Ski (FIS)’s World Snow Day.

lappenordic.ca

January 19, 1–4 pm

Masala Grille Cooking Class Masala Grille

Tour de Kamview Save the date for this popular annual event!

tbnordictrails.com

January 25, 10 am–4 pm

Hibernation Throw Down

Boulder Bear Climbing Centre Boulder Bear hosts its 4th annual indoor rock climbing competition. Open to all ages and all skill levels.

boulderbearclimbing.com

January 25, 5 pm–1 pm

Year of the Rat– Chinese New Year Gala DaVinci Centre

An evening of authentic and gourmet Chinese dinner, entertainment, silent auction and door prizes, presented by the Thunder Bay Chinese-Canadian Association. There will also be a social dance with Ti Amo Band.

CNYtickets@hotmail.com

Watch and learn how the Masala Grille chef makes all your favourite dishes. Space is limited—tickets can be purchased in advance for $85 per person to guarantee a spot.

January 25, 8 pm

344-3663

This annual fundraiser for Definitely Superior Art Gallery and CILU Radio is one fabulous night of fashion, wearable art, drag, music, and performance! See this month’s Top Five for more info.

January 20, 7–9 pm

Beers and Books Red Lion Smokehouse

Thunder Bay Public Library and Red Lion Smokehouse are excited to announce the fifth chapter of the Beers and Books Reading Club. This month’s book is Landline, written by New York Times bestselling author Rainbow Rowell. Tickets are $25.

redlionsmokehouse.ca

January 23, 6:30–8:30 pm

Workshop: Poetry Rhythm with Holly Haggarty Mary J.L. Black Library

Join NOWW for a poetry workshop with Holly Haggarty.

nowwwriters.ca

January 24, 3 pm

Coffee With The Crew Up Shot Coffeehouse

Come and join volunteers from #StandUp4CleanUp at a community establishment in Thunder Bay’s historic south core. Enjoy some coffee and talk about to keep Thunder Bay clean and beautiful for all to enjoy.

standup4cleanup.weebly.com

Derelicte 12– A Fashion Odyssey Black Pirates Pub

definitelysuperior.com

January 25, 9 pm

Swinter!

Shooter’s Tavern

The Lakehead University Dance Team presents Swinter! Join them for a fun summer night in the middle of winter. Tickets are $5.

facebook.com/ludanceteam

January 26, 9 am–1 pm

Royal Winnipeg Ballet Auditions Art in Motion

Each year the RWB School travels in search of talented dancers to join one of three full-time professional programs: Ballet Academic (academic grade 6 and up), Aspirant (postsecondary), and Teacher Training (post-secondary).

rwb.org

January 26, 7 pm

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

The World Tour brings all the excitement of the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival to audiences in Thunder Bay.

January 26–February 8

Northern Delights– Cabin Fever Various Locations

A winter culinary festival celebrating our local restaurant and food scene. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

visitthunderbay.com/ northerndelights

January 28, 8 pm

We Will Rock You Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

Since 2002, over 16 million theatregoers in 19 countries have been thrilled by this awe-inspiring musical production, which is based on the songs of Queen. See this month’s Film and Theatre section for more info.

tbca.com

January 29

Quiz Night

Red Lion Smokehouse

The last Wednesday of every month is Quiz Night at Red Lion Smokehouse. Brought to you by our friends at Lake of the Woods Brewing Company. Teams of up to six players, $2 per person. Booking recommended, however walk-ins are welcome.

redlionsmokehouse.ca

January 31–February 1

The Odyssey

St. Patrick High School, Selkirk Auditorium

Eleanor Drury Children’s Theatre presents a family-friendly adaptation of the classic tale. See this month’s Film and Theatre section for more info.

Until February 15, 2020

The North Now: Northern Ontario Juried Exhibition

Thunder Bay Art Gallery

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

theag.ca

Until February 23

Benjamin Chee Chee: Life and Legacy Thunder Bay Art Gallery

Benjamin Chee Chee: Life and Legacy is the third major retrospective exhibition of Benjamin Chee Chee, comprising a comprehensive selection of Chee Chee’s works gathered from galleries and individuals across Ontario. The exhibition presents a personal perspective, achieved through multifarious collaborations, including those with close friends of Chee Chee’s.

theag.ca

EVENTS GUIDE KEY

General Food Art Sports Music Film/Theatre

facebook.com/EDCTheatre

January 30–February 15

The Birds and the Bees Magnus Theatre

Sarah has just moved back in with her beekeeper mother, Gail. As the women try to adjust to many changes in their world, their lives are complicated by the community’s lastever Turkey Days celebration, beehive troubles, an eccentric neighbor, and a handsome young researcher. A laugh-out-loud comedy with a huge, honeyed heart.

magnustheatre.com

January 31–February 2

Disrupt It Weekend Lakehead University

Do you have an idea that could re-imagine your city? Generate your idea and re-imagine your city at the sixth annual Disrupt It weekend. See this month’s City Scene for more info.

disruptit.ca

tbca.com

The Walleye Walleye

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JanuaryMusicGuide January 2 Jazzy Thursday Nights The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

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

January 4 Folk’n Saturday Afternoons The Foundry 1 pm • No Cover • 19+

Consortium Aurora Borealis: Tamarack Wind Quintet in January 19 Concert Open Jam St. Paul’s United Church 8 pm • $10–$15 • AA

January 28 Open Mic

January 12 All-Star Karaoke

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

January 12 Open Jam

January 20 Every Folk’n Monday

January 29 Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar

January 14 The Best Karaoke In TBay

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

January 13 Every Folk’n Monday

An Evening of Chamber Music

The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

Yam Haus

January 14 Open Mic

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church 7:30 pm • $10–$20 • AA Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen 9:30 pm • $12–$16 • AA

Shoot For the Stars Album Release Party NV Music Hall 10 pm • $10 • 19+

January 5 Open Jam

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

January 6 Every Folk’n Monday The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 7 Open Mic

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

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

January 9 Jazzy Thursday Nights The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

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

January 11 Folk’n Saturday Afternoons The Foundry 1 pm • No Cover • 19+

Cantus: One Giant Leap

Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais 7 pm • $10–$25 • AA

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

January 15 Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar Shooter’s Tavern 8 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 16 Jazzy Thursday Nights The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

Open Mic Comedy Night DaVinci Centre 9 pm • No Cover • 19+

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

January 17 TBSO Northern Lights Series 2: Women & The Blues - Night One Italian Cultural Centre 7:30 pm • $TBA • AA

Deaf Monarch Album Fundraiser Black Pirates Pub 10 pm • $5 • 19+

January 18 Folk’n Saturday Afternoons The Foundry 1 pm • No Cover • 19+

TBSO Northern Lights Series 2: Women & The Blues - Night Two Italian Cultural Centre 7:30 pm • $TBA • AA

The Campbell Family Band Kakabeka Falls Legion 8 pm • $8 • AA

Divas & Legends Drag Cover Show Black Pirates Pub 10 pm • $10 • 19+

The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 21 Open Mic

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

January 22 Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar Shooter’s Tavern 8 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 23 Jazzy Thursday Nights The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

TBSO House Series 2: McGrath & Schubert Hilldale Lutheran Church 7:30 pm • $TBA • AA

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

January 24 Alienatör & friends Black Pirates Pub 10 pm • $5 • 19+

January 25 Folk’n Saturday Afternoons The Foundry 1 pm • No Cover • 19+

TBSO Pops Series 3: Apollo 11’s 50th Thunder Bay Community Auditorium 7:30 pm • $12–$53 • AA

January 26 Tebey The Good One’s Tour NV Music Hall 7 pm • $25-$55 • 19+

Open Jam

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

January 27 Every Folk’n Monday

The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

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

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

January 30 Jazzy Thursday Nights The Foundry 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

The Cover Show XXV Night One Black Pirates Pub 8 pm • $5 • 19+

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

January 31 The Cover Show XXV – Night Two Black Pirates Pub 10 pm • $5 • 19+

Karaoke January 2 Prime Time Karaoke

PA Legion Branch 5 8:30 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 5 All-Star Karaoke

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

January 7 The Best Karaoke In TBay The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 8 The Best Karaoke In TBay The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 9 Prime Time Karaoke PA Legion Branch 5 8:30 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 11 Drop the Mic TBay Karaoke Contest Various venues 7 pm • No Cover • 19+

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

The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 15 The Best Karaoke In TBay The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 16 Prime Time Karaoke PA Legion Branch 5 8:30 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 19 All-Star Karaoke

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

January 21 The Best Karaoke In TBay The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 22 The Best Karaoke In TBay The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 23 Prime Time Karaoke PA Legion Branch 5 8:30 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 26 All-Star Karaoke

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

January 28 The Best Karaoke In TBay The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 29 The Best Karaoke In TBay The Foundry 10 pm • No Cover • 19+

January 30 Prime Time Karaoke PA Legion Branch 5 8:30 pm • No Cover • 19+ Brought to you by:

For more info visit tbshows.com

LU RADIO’S MONTHLY TOP January Show Spotlight

Top 20 1

Music

Nick Sherman* Made Of Self-Released

14 Corridor* Junior Bonsound 15 Peach Pyramid* Bright Blue Oscar Street

CILU 102.7fm’s Monthly Charts for this issue reflect airplay for the month ending December 17, 2019. Check out our weekly charts online at luradio.ca and tune in to the Top 20 Countdown, Mondays from 7 - 9 am. Keep it locked on 102.7fm - online streaming at luradio.ca

Hip Hop 1

DJ Shadow Our Pathetic Age Mass Appeal

16 Brittany Howard Jaime ATO 17 Dub Trinity* The Valley and The Lowlands Self-Released

The Spins Hosted by Elle and Jennie Tuesdays from 6 – 8 pm The Spins is one of the latest LU Radio shows to hit the airwaves! Debuting in November 2019, this all-vinyl radio show is hosted by two friends, Elle and Jennie, and their record collection! Featuring a diverse range of genres, The Spins will take listeners on a musical journey, with special guests sharing stories and anecdotes from their favourite vinyl album. What’s that song about? Where were they when they found that record? And why did it make it on Elle and Jennie’s list? Tune in to The Spins to find out!

Song of the moment: Jennie - “Not” Big Thief Two Hands (4AD) Elle - “Lucky One” La Force from her selftitled debut record (Arts & Crafts)

Sam Weber* Everything Comes True Sonic Unyon Wilco Ode to Joy dBpm

Men I Trust* Oncle Jazz Self-Released

Hey Major* The Station Indica

The New Pornographers* In the Morse Code of Brake Lights Concord

Surf Curse Heaven Surrounds You Self-Released

The Babe Rainbow Today 30th Century

Leslie Pintchik Same Day Delivery Pintch Hard

Chelsea McBride’s Socialist Night School* Aftermath Self-Released

Baritone Madness* Baritone Madness Chronograph

19 Begonia* Fear Rex Baby

Emotionz* Never Forget To Imagine Urbnet

20 Metronomy Metronomy Forever Because Music

Elaquent* After Midnight Urbnet

Woolworm* Awe Mint

Cartel Madras* Age of the Goonda Royal Mountain

Red Arms* Critical State Yeah Right!

Danny Brown U Know What I’m Sayin? Warp

Sandveiss* Saboteur Sexy Sloth

Sunn O))) Pyroclasts Southern Lord

Lochness* Black Smokers From the Urn

Electronic 1

Blue Hawaii* Open Reduction Internal Fixation Arbutus

International

Loud

Acid Arab Jdid Crammed Discs

Rizan Said Saz Û Dîlan Akuphone

Corin Raymond* Dirty Mansions Self-Released

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

The Bongo Hop Satingarona Pt. 2 Underdog

Luke Lalonde* The Perpetual Optimist Paper Bag

Battles Juice B Crypts Warp

Dehli 2 Dublin* We Got This Inside Pocket/Warner

Guaxe Guaxe OAR

Kacy & Clayton* Carrying On New West

Son Little invisible Anti-

Nick Sherman* Made Of Self-Released

10 Black Marble Bigger Than Life Sacred Bones

11 WHOOP-Szo* Warrior Down You’ve Changed

12 Yuka* Dreamscape Self-Released

Negativland True False Seeland

Jacques Greene* Dawn Chorus Arts & Crafts

13 Patrick Watson* Wave Secret City

Todd Mosby Open Waters M M G Records

18 Twin Peaks Lookout Low Grand Jury

Moon Duo Stars Are the Light Sacred Bones

Jazz 1

Andy Ballantyne* Play On Words G-B

Folk•Roots•Blues

* Indicates Canadian Content

The Walleye Walleye

97 5

Green

Engaging People in the Well-being of the Big Lake Sue Hamel, EcoSuperior's New Executive Director

Story by Pat Forrest, Photo by Adrian Lysenko

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98 The Walleye

ue Hamel’s career as an environmentalist and educator has taken her to Kenya and Botswana, as well as across the United States and Canada, all the while maintaining her home base in Thunder Bay. Now it has brought her to a position that feels just like home as the new executive director of EcoSuperior. A local not-for-profit organization, EcoSuperior focuses on providing education and services to engage the public in environmental stewardship with a mission to build a better future for people and the planet. That mission, says Hamel, fits right in with the way she looks at life. “Much of my journey in placebased environmental education, teaching, guiding, and conservation work has only served to underscore the importance of relations with each other, and with the living landscape,” she says. “It’s an honour to be given the opportunity to continue to share my passions in this new environment and be a part of a community of colleagues and partners contributing to a healthy future for all species.” Hamel is known as a passionate adventurer with over 25 years experience in guiding and leading wilderness expeditions in whitewater canoeing, sea kayaking, dog sledding, backpacking, and snowshoeing, as well as extended educational wildlife safaris. She has a background in teaching children as well as training other teachers in environmental and outdoor education techniques. While in Africa, Hamel worked for an environmental study abroad

program focusing on wildlife management, and later she conducted her environmental education graduate research by exploring human-elephant relations. Here at home, her latest adventure has been to launch Seek Adventure & Tours, a business that offers guided experiential walking food tours in Thunder Bay neighbourhoods, plus guided hikes and “re-wilding for wellness” forest therapy walks in nearby natural areas.“We all have a need to connect with each other, our neighbourhoods, and the land in meaningful ways. I do deeply feel that stories matter, as do opportunities for re-wilding,” she says. Hamel said that she’s looking forward to adding to the extensive network of partnerships that EcoSuperior has developed over the years, with a special interest in reaching out to build stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples. “I hope to find ways to honour the Anishinaabe people’s connections with the lands and waters, along with other Indigenous people in the work that we do,” she says. With a home on the North Shore of Lake Superior and a deep commitment to the health of our waterways, she also intends to focus efforts to engage people in the well-being of the Big Lake. Passionate and inquisitive, she loves to explore the region with her husband, two children, and others. While she is drawn to almost any outdoor adventure, time spent indoors enjoying good local food or practicing and learning flamenco dancing is time well spent in her books as well.

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The Walleye

KINDERgrow Save the Date!

Welcome to Kindergarten Information Night Wednesday January 29th, 2020 Victoria Inn Ballroom at 6:00 p.m.

We Remember Remembe

Join us as we grow together to be the best we can be!

As an educational community, we are teachers, principals and classmates of Reservists, active Soldiers and Veterans. We are also the memory To learn more, ďŹ nd us on Instagram, Facebook andkeepers www.tbcschools.ca of past students and classmates, gone, but never forgotten. This month, we remember those we have lost, and those who continue to defend our civil liberties and freedoms.

Early Registration available online!

100 The Walleye

Green

Members of the EcoSuperior staff team supporting a youth-led Climate Strike on November 29, 2019, (L-R) Erin Moir, Jenelle Thacker, Ashley Priem, and Aynsley Klassen

Cultivating Hope and Action in 2020 By Aynsley Klassen, Program Coordinator, EcoSuperior

he beginning of a new year is always ripe with hopeful anticipation—as it should be. Nowhere is this more pressing than with the continuing climate conversation, where both hope and action are greatly needed to proceed in inspiring ways. The continuing call for global action, of course, can only be made up of individuals like you and I, leading or supporting where we can. And together, anything is possible. Given that research indicates that we are only a handful of years away from using up our “carbon budget” for the 1.5 degrees of warming, the global call for immediate action only makes sense. Spurred in part by the courageous and vocal 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, millions of young people are raising a collective voice demanding urgent, meaningful, and sustainable change. In June, the Government of Canada joined other governing bodies, First Nations, scientists, religious groups,

and school boards by declaring a “climate emergency”—a term now so commonplace that it was named the “word of 2019” by Oxford Dictionary. While not all Canadians fully understand the science, recent research shows that we mainly agree that climate change is occurring as a result of our human activity, and that we are increasingly concerned about the impacts. This realization is finally leading to a much larger conversation—albeit a messy one—about the situation we’re in, and how we may get ourselves out of it. Wherever we stand individually on the issue, one thing is for sure: whether we like it or not, we’re all in this together. Here in Thunder Bay, we’ve seen a considerable collective stirring on the rise. The climate strike on September 20 was the largest local climate action yet, with over 600 passionate people gathering together demanding change. Multi-use

trails across the city are inviting us to commute actively, tasty plantbased menu options tantalize our taste buds, hybrid cars (and even full electrics!) are increasingly common, and charging stations are popping up around town. The City of Thunder Bay is working on a Community Energy Plan to guide our city to net-zero emissions by 2050. While change is occurring, and support is increasing, we need all hands on deck to make the transition toward an even stronger movement towards a sustainable future. Now is your time to step up and find the power of your voice. On January 6, the EarthCare Climate Adaptation Working Group will be asking Thunder Bay’s City Council to declare a climate emergency; send a message of support to your councillor today. Share your innovative ideas for the Community Energy Plan during EarthCare’s community engagement session at Magnus Theatre on January 9 at

6:30 pm and follow @fridaysforfuturethunderbay for upcoming youth-driven local climate action. We are all seeking much-needed change from ourselves, and each other. In fact, research shows that 83% of local Thunder Bay residents think community members should be doing more, or much more, to address climate change. Let’s be climate leaders, and join together to co-create a healthy future for all species. The opportunities that lie before us are endless. How are you cultivating hope and action in 2020?

The Walleye 101

TheWall

Trying to Get a Grip The Nasty Sidewalks of Thunder Bay By Betty Carpick

t’s lovely to welcome the endorphins that come with a walk on a sunny, cold day. But ice and snow conditions on sidewalks can wreak havoc for pedestrians. For those who walk daily or those who simply want to take a stroll for leisure or exercise, but particularly for wheelchair users, people with visible and non-visible disabilities, the elderly, and parents with strollers, taking a winter walk can

102 The Walleye

be daunting. While snow can be easy to see and provide some traction, ice is difficult to see and dangerous. Water vapour freezes on cold surfaces, forming an extra-thin, nearly invisible layer of ice. It’s really hard to assume what conditions are precarious as small amounts of ice and snow can cause disruption. Fractures, mainly to arms, wrists, hips, and ankles are far too

common in snowy and icy conditions. People who are less medically well are most likely to fall and experience injury or even death. For many folks, there’s a reduced motivation to get outside to walk so they become landlocked in their homes dependent on family and friends for basic necessities. Another alternative to the risk of deplorable sidewalks is to walk on roadways. Forcing pedestrians into snow-covered streets exposes them not only to the dangers of slipping, tripping, or being injured on an icy street, but also to the vulnerability of falling in front of a passing vehicle. As a historically vehicle-centric city with a transportation system oriented towards automobiles, clearing roads for vehicles is prioritized in Thunder Bay and occurs at the expense of access to pedestrian spaces. Snow removal crews, in their eagerness to remove the snow from the roads and get the job of sidewalk maintenance done, often create more problems for pedestrians by limiting and/or restricting access to sidewalks. Why can’t the benefits of walking as a healthy, inclusive, and sustainable mode of transportation be better supported? Why doesn’t the safety of pedestrians take precedence over all other modes of transportation? In the joint City of Thunder Bay, Lakehead University, and Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s 2017 Walkability and Pedestrian Safety in Thunder Bay Report, respondents

of the Satisfaction with Walkability and Safety Survey were strongly dissatisfied with the level of ice and snow removal from sidewalks in the winter. Close to half of respondents (46.8%)—the most common survey response—said that the municipal government should prioritize their efforts aimed to improve walkability and pedestrian safety in Thunder Bay with sidewalk snow clearing improvements. After a little online digging it’s still difficult to verify if there’s been any direct action to support this critical community feedback. What can be done besides being vigilant about personal choices of where, when, and how to walk? Start by encouraging our municipal government to exercise responsibility with sidewalk clearing improvements. Advocate for effective sidewalk snow plows (the ice-crushing, multi-pronged hatch blade new to Ottawa’s sidewalks looks impressive!) and regulate the amounts of salt, sand, and grit to ensure that sidewalks are open and safe. The Walkability and Pedestrian Safety report states, “When cities plan for transportation modes other than motor vehicles, modify the built environment to enhance walkability, and prioritize the safety of vulnerable road users, communities become vibrant, safe, healthy, and connected.” It’s a really slippery slope when a northern city can’t get a grip on being a year-round walkable community.

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The Thunder Bay Community Foundation is proud to support the community through 34 grants made possible through the generosity of people like you. From recreation, education, social services to the environment – each project is incredibly important to us and vital to our community. Since 1971, we have distributed over $6.2 million to Thunder Bay. We connect people, families and companies with causes that inspire them. We pool resources, knowledge and expertise, working with others for even greater impact.

Visit tbcf.org for more info on how your gift can help build a better tomorrow.

COMMUNITY MAKES YOU. YOU MAKE YOUR COMMUNITY. RECREATION

EDUCATION

ENVIRONMENT

ARTS

SOCIAL SERVICES The Walleye 103

Horoscopes By Sunny Disposish

Aries

Cancer

Libra

Capricorn

Happy New Year, Ram! As the first sign of the zodiac, you are all about selfassertion, initiation, and new beginnings. You are likely to be the first person at the party and the last person to leave. Keep your New Year’s resolutions near and dear to your heart because the new decade can be the time to make things happen! Take that pioneering spirit and go forward with your personal goals. Be honest with a friend when they come to you for advice.

Keep an eye on your health at this time, Cancer. You’ve had a busy festive season, but it’s time to put yourself first. Drop by the health food store and see what you can do to feel optimal. Too much sitting around the house is no good—it may be a bit cold, but you can always bundle up! The new moon towards month’s end will have you in better spirits and not so crabby. Accept a last-minute invitation; you will be glad you did.

To Libra, love is all. They tend to fall in love in love with love itself and are eager to share life with one partner. This the year when things fall into place for you with the peaceful, rosy glow of romance. There may even be nuptials in your horizon later this year! Lovely lady Venus casts a spell mid-month that may be hard to resist. Family features prominently towards the end of the month. Don’t take no for an answer—only the best will do right now.

Leo

Scorpio

Capricorn is the cardinal earth sign of the zodiac—it can be likened to the oldest and most valuable tree in the forest. Surefooted and thoroughly practical, in the end the Goat always reaches the height, beating others who are faster but less determined. It’s your birthday month, so let yourself be spoiled by your friends and family members! Goats tend to throw their own parties so they know what to expect, but this time go big or go home. Or, just go to the Tomlin. They have oysters there. There are big changes for you during the new moon.

The typical Leo craves love more than anyone would ever guess. Adoration, recognition, and appreciation are what keep Leo’s fun-loving nature burning brightly. Mercury was retrograding a little too hard for you at year’s end, but things will turn around in the new year for the better. Leos often show their inner strength when under great pressure or when a crisis occurs. You look forward to a little getaway next month. A family member may surprise you.

Scorpio is the fixed water sign of the zodiac. It can be likened to still waters that run deep. Scorpions cannot be deflected from their purpose very easily. Are you thinking of going back to school? Learning something new and different? Higher learning is highlighted in your house of self-awareness. Any occupation that Scorpios feel is important and offers the opportunity to investigate and analyze problems will satisfy them. Explore your options and have fun while doing so! Seek the advice of a trusted friend.

Taurus Don’t believe the bull that people are telling you, Taurus. The second sign of the zodiac likes to focus on appreciation of values, talents, and abilities. It might be time to start that side hustle you’ve been thinking about. Venus rules the zodiac sign of Taurus, so folks under this sign tend to have a strong set of personal beliefs. You might find yourself on a bit of a lucky streak mid-month when the full moon is at its peak. Use that strong energy wisely.

Gemini The travel bug has bitten, Gemini! If you haven’t already booked a tropical getaway, you might consider doing so very soon. Your sign highlights curiosity and movement, and you just might throw caution to the wind and do it. Dust off your suitcase and embrace your new plans. Talking to a trusted advisor or mentor will be a positive move for you right now. Typically, folks born under the sign of the Twins are talkative, airy, and inquisitive and tend to draw a crowd wherever they go. Have fun but play it safe!

Virgo Happy New Year, Virgo! It’s time to make some New Year's resolutions concerning the workplace. Virgo at work can be complacent in a supporting role, but it might be time to step up and consider a change. Virgos are typically excellent bosses of small companies. Time to let those leadership skills shine. If you have an upcoming job interview, make sure you take the time to toot your own horn. Still, make sure all your ducks are in a row before you sign on the dotted line. It’s best to read the small print. A younger friend or family member has been thinking of you. If you missed visiting them over the holidays, see if you can squeeze a visit in.

Best wishes in the New Year! Judith Monteith-Farrell MPP Thunder Bay—Atikokan

Community Off ice: 409 George St. Thunder Bay | (807) 622-1920 Jmonteith-farrell-co@ndp.on.ca | judithmpp.ca

104 The Walleye

Sagittarius Time to kick those New Year’s resolutions into high gear! The merriment of the festive season may have thrown you Archers off course a little bit, because really, no one *can* (or should!) resist those delicious Schweddy Balls. The full moon sees you relishing the need for a fresh start and pitching all those fruitcakes in the garbage where they belong. Wake up early and lace up—you can’t be a go-getter if you’re still snoozing and swooning over sugar plums. That’s in the past, Sag, and now it’s up to you to grab the new decade by its scruff and show it who’s boss.

Aquarius People under this sign make many friends but have very few confidants. In general, Aquarius likes a friend who has intellectual interests and enjoys the unusual and the radical. Aquarius will be friendly toward just about anyone, especially after a few glasses of champagne. At the office, you are seen as a hard worker and the first one to step up for charity events. This month, you have a renewed commitment to your health goals. People flock to you because you are always doing new things and testing new limits. It’s going to be a great year for you.

Pisces A relaxed Pisces is the happiest person on earth. A chance to lie back, sip wine, listen to music, and let the imagination wander is a perfect pastime for this kettle of Fish. Visiting with a family member from afar will make you feel like all is right in the world again. This month, the sun swings into your sign, bringing back some good memories. Reminisce with an old pal! Don’t fret about saying goodbye to someone special, it’s only until you meet again. Later this month sees you getting back into your fitness routine. Good for you!

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TheBeat

Hz, digital illustration, boy Roland

Nights Are the Worst By Vera Constantineau I swear, Nora, who lives across the street, sits in her living room like a stalker. As soon as I turn on my television, she calls. I should be sympathetic. Who knows better than I that she’s lonely? Pressing my fingers to my forehead to ease the stress, I take a deep cleansing breath, a yoga holdover. I reach for the remote, but my hand hesitates over the suite of colourful buttons. A wave of resolve washes over me and I vow, from this night on, I will not be trapped in another endless, pointless, conversation with her. I won’t listen to one more of Nora’s wandering diatribes on Muffy the wonder cat.

No waiting while Nora asks her stupid cat what her plaintive meows mean and even waits a moment as if there will be an answer. Not tonight, of all nights. This is the fourth anniversary of life as I knew it grinding to a halt. I haven’t turned on the television or the lamp and the room is slowly darkening. In the fading light it’s like I’m seeing this room through new eyes. When did the furniture get so shabby? The couch sags, the tall stack of books on the side table looks like it might topple at any minute and the coffee table is cluttered with odds and ends I don’t even remember putting there.

In the growing darkness I look, really look at the room and its contents. Why have I never noticed the state it’s in? Every day I sit on that couch to read. Every evening, I watch television from this easy chair. As I prop my feet on the hassock, I notice the hassock is as dilapidated as the couch. “God, what a pigsty. Joan Ward, you’ve got to get your shit together.” As if to press me further along in my inspection, the street light out front flashes on. The white halogen beam shows a solid film of dust on the television and the coffee table. I lower my feet and reach for a magazine. When I lift it there’s a shiny patch of wood. Definitely a layer of dust on top of a layer of dust. “Damn! This place is a mess.” I am suddenly ashamed, ashamed of every minute I’ve spent on my tablet, playing useless games, snooping around the photographs and the timelines of friends of friends on my Facebook page. I regret the tower of books, each one a reminder of how I’ve squandered the days. Romance novels, for the love of God. Why? It’s not like I need to read about young people and their hot sex lives to know what I’m missing. Haven’t I considered ordering one of those appliances, for things I’ve pretended I don’t need. But don’t we all? Have needs I mean? Nights are the worst. Silence becomes the enemy and the voices provided by television actors or lame reality stars build a buffer between me and it. Then, there’s the nightly telephone calls from Nora. Her call also filled a need even if I don’t want to acknowledge it on this night—the need to know I am not completely alone. A spurt of unexpected tears fills my eyes, I miss Steven so much. I could kill him for dying, for leaving me with nothing but memories. I’ve done my best to tamp down the savage feelings of grief and loss. So many of us widowed, confirming data that claims women outlive men. Me four years ago, my sister three years ago, Nora just six months past. And how have I dealt with my new solo status? I’ve let dust pile up on my life. I know a look in the mirror will show that I

have grown shabby too. My hair is a long ponytail, grown beyond any of my usual hairstyles. The natural curl makes it go wild when the hair tie comes off. The dark brown is faded and grizzled with grey strands. My cheeks sag with skin loosened from the weight loss in the first years that now seems to have stopped. I’ll do better, I promise I will. I’ll get a haircut, dye my grey hairs away. When I go out I will wear a complementary shade of lipstick and I’ll be brave. I will. Not just for myself, for the three of us. Then the remote is in my hand, the television is lighting the room, and as if a timer has reached its setting, the telephone rings. I sigh and switch on the lamp. “Hello Nora.” “Joan? You feeling okay?” “Yes, why?” “You sound like you’ve got the sniffles or something.” I ignore the concern in her voice. Nora panics every time someone gets a minor ailment. Her James was gone within a day. The doctors said it was a virus. “It’s dust Nora, I got some up my nose.” “That’s rich, Joan Ward the super-cleaner? Dust wouldn’t dare land on any surface in your house.” I am again conscious of how far I’ve withdrawn. Not offering a chair at my kitchen table to Nora, who I know is suffering. Another wave of emotion, rises in my chest, one I can’t immediately identify. Grief? No, that hits the gut. Grief doubles me over, it’s familiar. Then I know it’s regret. I realize that, yes, I lost Steven, but I’ve lost myself as well. Would he be appalled at the way I have let things go? I will never know, but I know this apathy has to change. “Nora?” I break in on her recap of today’s game show. “I’m going shopping in the morning do you want to come along?” She’s surprised, I can tell. I can’t erase the grief for her, but I can see her through. “I’d love that. What are you shopping for?” “Cleaning supplies and a fresh start, Nora. Couldn’t we both use a little of those?” Nora, for once, is silent.

The Walleye 105

Opening Day at Mount Baldy

Darren McChristie

TheEye

106 The Walleye

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