January 2021 by The Walleye Magazine

FILM FREE ARTS Vol. 12 No. 1 MUSIC JANUARY FOOD 2021 CULTURE thewalleye.ca

ALL IN THE FAMILY 28

TAKE THAT TO THE (FOOD) BANK 62

THE MUSIC WON’T STOP 77

MANAGING THE NEW NORMAL 90

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Contents

walle eye the

■7

TheTOPFive FEATURES

Thunder Bay’s arts & culture alternative

Editor-in-chief Darren McChristie Interim Editor Matt Prokopchuk matt@thewalleye.ca Assistant Editor Rebekah Skochinski Senior Editor Tiffany Jarva Copy Editors Amy Jones, Bonnie Schiedel

Marketing & Sales Specialists Kaitlin Trevisan kaitlin@thewalleye.ca

■9 ■ 10 ■ 13 ■ 14 ■ 16 ■ 17 ■ 19

Best of 2020 Food Arts City Scene Living Green/Health Music Events

■ 20 ■ 21 ■ 23 ■ 24 ■ 26 ■ 28

THE GRINNING BELLY DRINK OF THE MONTH BREW IT YOURSELF A New Home SUPERIOR SIP All in the Family

■ 31

THE SECOND MOST PLEASURABLE THING WE DO IN THE DARK. A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES Going Digital Important Conversations on the Big Screen

FOOD

Alaina Linklater alaina@thewalleye.ca

FILM&THEATRE

Photographers Patrick Chondon, Kevin Dempsey, Damien Gilbert, Aelin Foster, Chad Kirvan, Dave Koski, Kay Lee, Shannon Lepere, Marty Mascarin, Darren McChristie, Sarah McPherson, Laura Paxton, Keegan Richard

■ 33 ■ 34

THE ARTS

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Art Directors Steve Coghill, R.G.D., Dave Koski, R.G.D. production@thewalleye.ca Ad Designers Dave Koski, Keegan Richard, Miranda van den Berg The Walleye is a free monthly publication distributed on racks throughout Thunder Bay and region. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written permission is strictly forbidden. Views expressed herein are those of the author exclusively.

Winter Fat Biking in Thunder Bay

CITYSCENE

■ 52 ■ 54

Superior Outdoors Inc. 242 - 1100 Memorial Avenue Thunder Bay, ON P7B 4A3

OUTDOOR

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Copyright © 2021 by Superior Outdoors Inc. Editorial and Advertising: Submissions must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Superior Outdoors cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material.

Finding Purpose Through Repurposing ■ 39 FROM THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY’S COLLECTION ■ 40 Capturing the Perfect Moment ■ 42 Shirley’s Story ■ 44 Northern Connections ■ 46 A Remarkable Journey ■ 48 Building Connection and Community

STUFF WE LIKE EYE TO EYE: With Penelope Smart

■ 55 ■ 56 ■ 58

■ 60 ■ 62 ■ 64 ■ 66 ■ 67 ■ 69 ■ 70

THIS IS THUNDER BAY Building Connections WALL SPACE: Productive and Empowering Spaces Gone Sleddin’ Take that to the (Food) Bank We the North Change at the Top GO LOCAL THUNDER BAY COUNTRY MARKET CANNABIS CORNER Straining the System

MUSIC

■ 74 Time to be Creative ■ 75 Swingin’ In Stereo ■ 77 The Music Won’t Stop ■ 78 BURNING TO THE SKY ■ 79 Music as Resilience ■ 81 Hope and Destruction ■ 82 Kevin Brohman ■ 84 OFF THE WALL REVIEWS ARCHITECTURE

■ 86

Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

■ 88 Tbaytel DECEMBER

EVENTS GUIDE

■ 89 LU RADIO'S

MONTHLY TOP 20 HEALTH

■ 90

Managing the New Normal

■ 93

Healthy Planet = Healthy People

GREEN

THE WALL

■ 94 The End of an Era ■ 96 HOROSCOPES ■ 97 THE BEAT ■ 98 THE EYE the honourable

Telephone (807) 344-3366 Fax (807) 623-5122 E-mail: info@thewalleye.ca

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The Walleye

From Our Instagram Feed

Turning the Page

In Error

o say that 2020 was a year unlike any other is quite an understatement. The full onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last March effectively turned daily life as we knew it on its head. And, while reports of the initial roll-out of a vaccine offer some hope as we start 2021, it’s pretty obvious that things aren’t going to be returning to “normal” any time soon. What 2020 did also do, however, was show how adaptable Thunder Bay’s artists, musicians, businesses, and residents are. We’ve heard and told many stories over the past nine months of resilience, ingenuity, and community support, and our first issue of the new year, where we unveil the winners of our 2020 Best of Thunder Bay survey, is another chance to shine the spotlight on some incredible local people. In October, we opened up a call for nominations across 153 categories, and then had you vote on the favourites. As part of the cover story, we profile a number of the winners, allowing you to learn a bit more about them. Keeping with the “best of”

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theme, film columnist Michael Sobota shares what he felt were the best movies of 2020. And while on the topic of turning the page, homebrew columnist Josh Armstrong has some “Brew Year’s resolutions” for beer drinkers and brewers alike, and we learn more about changes coming to the leadership of the Thunder Bay Country Market. Elsewhere in our January issue, Etanda Arden has the story of a local filmmaker who’s co-directing a feature production in development (that has already been recognized by TIFF) exploring Afro-Indigenous Identity. Bonnie Schiedel speaks with Thunder Bay firefighter Stephanie Drost, who is looking to secure a place on Canada’s national bobsled team. And Michael Charlebois learns more about local jazz legends Mood Indigo and their first new album in almost a decade. So, as we move into 2021, we just want to congratulate all of this year’s winners in our readers’ poll, thank everyone for their participation, and wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe start to the new year. - Matt Prokopchuk

The story “Fueling Up” on page 30 of our December issue misspelled Kimberly MacKenzie’s last name and incorrectly stated that Hooligan Fuel Hot Sauce’s Char-nobyl sauce uses ghost peppers. The story “Reclaiming Territory Through Language” on page 73 incorrectly stated Patricia Ningewance is an associate professor; in fact she’s an assistant professor.

Featured Contributor Alaina Linklater Alaina is a marketing and sales specialist for The Walleye, joining the team a year ago. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, she studied business administration at Lakehead University. Alaina also spent the better part of her twenties travelling and living all over, from Yellowknife to Australia’s Sunshine Coast. She now lives with her husband near Lappe on the McIntyre River, where they are raising their daughter together in the country. When work is done for the day Alaina can be found chasing her busy toddler, going for a backyard sauna, cooking, or running the back roads.

On the Cover 'Good Company': Best of Thunder Bay 2020 Digital illustration by Krista Hansen, eleven-seventeen.com

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Launches February 1, 2021

@LakeheadSchools

BEST SOCIAL & CONTACT ICONS

IAL & CONTACT ICONS

@LakeheadSchools

lakeheadschools.ca

communications@lakeheadschools.ca

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Warren Mouck A skilled and creative litigator, Warren provides advice and representation to individuals and businesses in labour and employment maers throughout Northern Ontario.

Call 344-LABR or visit oneillassociates.ca 6

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TheTOPFive

Dude, Can We Give Some Food Fundraiser

January 2 Virtual

What better way to kick off the new year than with a night of really awesome music for a really great cause! For the Giant is hosting a free local hip hop event in support of the RFDA, whose mission is “let no one go hungry in our midst.” The community is invited to drop canned and non-perishable food items outside of the front doors of Atmos (at 211 & 213 Red River Road) and then tune in online on January 2 to hear performances by Dallas, Chepnko, Apache, Yung Shalack, B The Wiz, planbstrik9, and DJ Evan Woods. The show will be available on a variety of platforms like Twitch, Facebook, and Instagram, with giveaways of prize packs from participating local businesses. Watch their social media pages for the latest updates. Runs from 8 pm–1 am. @forthegiant on Instagram

Say “Cheese!” and Cheers

January 15 Virtual

Beer and cheese? Yes, please. Lakehead University’s Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (CELL) is offering “12 Days (or is it ways?) of Learning” as a way to keep people engaged and entertained during the months of January and February. On January 15, Sleeping Giant Brewing Company is participating in a Virtual Beer and Cheese event that you won’t want to miss. Join taproom teachers Maddie Maynard of Couchiching Craft Brewing Co. and Maureen Mills of Sleeping Giant Brewing Company as well as brewmasters Chris and Kyle to talk about brews, pairings, and the process of crafting beer. For $50, participants will get five beers, a special glass, and a list of cheese to add to your grocery list. The event runs from 7–8 pm. lakeheadu.ca/about/orillia-campus/community-programs/12-days-oflearning

Piitwewetam:

4 Making Is Medicine Justine Gustafson

Thunder Bay Art Gallery

The art gallery is launching a very special exhibition this month that will feature the work of the Gustafsons, a Thunder Bay-based family whose signature floral motif beadwork and intricate designs is known regionally and internationally. Piitwewetam: Making is Medicine will showcase selected handmade garments including suits of regalia, jingle dresses, moccasins, skirts, bandolier bags, and other pieces that show the connection between love, healing, and ceremony. This exhibition honours the family’s son and brother Piitwewetam (Rolling Thunder), also known as Jesse Gustafson, who died in a tragic accident several years ago. It has been curated with great care by Leanna and Jean Marshall, who share that the Gustafsons “teach us that the power of creating helps with the process of grief and loss.” theag.ca

January 22

Virtual

The TBSO is once again bringing the music to us with two live streamed concerts on January 22. The first, at 6:30 pm, is Northern Winter, which will feature intimate chamber ensembles to celebrate all things snowy, frosty, and icy with an eclectic mix of works by composers from northern climates, like Sibelius’s Duo in C major, and Murray Schafer’s String Quartet No. 10, “Winter Birds.” At 8:30 pm it’s Bonjour Paris, which includes Poulenc’s Sextet for Piano and Winds, and Ravel’s String Quartet in F, a passionate and beautiful quartet that is considered his first masterpiece, and a composition of French sophistication that mixes elegance and charm in a virtuosic framework. Pour a glass of wine, sit back, and enjoy the music—without having to clear off your car after! tbso.ca

January 22–April 18

TBSO’s Northern Winter & Bonjour Paris

Come Play with Me Presents Assisted

January 30

Virtual

Come Play with Me Digital Theatre is thrilled to present Assisted, a new and original play by local playwright Dan Oldfield. Assisted follows a group of buddies who gather to fulfil the wish of their dear friend Larry, whose wish is to die laughing. Oldfield, a former political affairs reporter for CBC, asks us to consider the choices we make in our life and takes a unique—and, at times, irreverent—look at the subject of assisted dying. The play will be semi-staged for Zoom and will be directed by Jordan Blaxill, who is eager to take on the challenge of crafting theatre in this new and exciting medium. Watch the group’s Facebook page for the latest details, including the unveiling of the cast. The virtual curtain rises at 7:30 pm! facebook.com/groups/comeplaywithmetbay

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don’t let the temperatures slow you down, be ready with technical wear a portion of all clothing sales in january is donated to isthmus thunder Bay

7 10 BAL MORAL STRE ET

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FRES HA IR.LOCAL LY.C O M

CoverStory

Best of 2020 The annual survey always gives pause for reflection on the past year. With a pandemic and scandalous presidential election south of the border, 2020 was like no other and has made us even more grateful to the hardworking members of our community who persevere to spread kindness. Cheers to the nominees and winners! -Rebekah Skochinski

Kay Lee

For the last eight years, we’ve kicked off the new year with the results of our Best of Thunder Bay readers’ survey in which we invite our readers to have their say—it’s the democratic way. During October, readers submit nominations, the top five advance to the voting round, and in November, our readers vote for their favourites. If there’s a category you think we’ve missed, let us know. If there’s a person, place or thing that you love that’s not mentioned, nominate them for next year!

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CoverStory

1. Chicago Joe’s*

full-fledged operation pretty quickly, says Tony Hockenhull, whose family owns both the burger joint, as well as the Prospector Steakhouse. Upon moving to its current Memorial Avenue location about five years ago, they made it a year-round venture, hired a general manager and head chef, and expanded the menu. And while the steakhouse has primarily been guided by his father Leo, Tony and his brother John have been at the forefront of the Burger Barn. Aside from winning the best burger category in our poll, the Burger Barn also took top prize for best fries; additionally, the steakhouse claimed best prime rib. Tony says having the top burger is quite the accomplishment. “You just have to look at Novemburger, and everybody who puts on a deadly Novemburger in town here,” he says. “That’s really something to be proud of.” - Matt Prokopchuk

2. The Sweet North Bakery

2. On Deck

2. Beefcake’s Burger Factory

26. Best beer selection

3. Calico Coffeehouse

3. Daytona’s

3. Tomlin Restaurant

1. Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.*

4. Best breakfast

14. Best nachos

18. Best prime rib

Food

1. Best Finn pancakes 1. The Hoito* 2. Niva’s Restaurant

10. Best fries 1. Prospector Burger Barn* 2. Hodder Greeks 3. Nippers Takeout

3. Kangas Sauna

11. Best perogies

2. Best coffee

1. Royal Canadian Polish Legion Veterans Branch #149

1. Bay Village Coffee

2. London Variety

Keegan Richard

3. Royal Canadian Slovak Legion Branch #129

12. Best cabbage rolls 1. Royal Canadian Polish Legion Veterans Branch #149

2. St Paul Roastery*

2. Royal Canadian Slovak Legion Branch #129

3. Calico Coffeehouse

3. Royal Canadian Legion Polish Combatants LWOW Branch # 219

3. Best tea

13. Best wings

1. International House of Tea*

1. Madhouse*

1. Prospector Steak House*

2. Niva’s Restaurant

2. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

3. Daytona’s

3. On Deck

3. Tomlin Restaurant

5. Best bakery

15. Best taco

19. Best ribs

1. Rooster’s Bistro*

1. El Tres*

1. Red Lion Smokehouse*

2. The Sweet North Bakery*

2. The Sal

2. Montana’s BBQ & Bar

3. Nucci’s Bake a Deli

3. Tortilla Twist

3. Tony Roma’s

6. Best butcher/deli

16. Best poutine

20. Best sandwich

1. Holland Bakery

2. The Sweet North Bakery* 3. Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar

23. Best ice cream/gelato 1. Prime Gelato* 2. Merla Mae Ice Cream 3. TJ’s Ice Cream Shoppe

24. Best mixed drink 1. Tomlin Restaurant* 2. The Foundry 3. Barkeep

25. Best locally made beer 1. Northern Logger (Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.)* 2. Border Run (Dawson Trail Craft Brewery) 3. White Out (Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.)

1. La Poutine*

1. Maltese Grocery*

2. Red Lion Smokehouse

2. Agostino’s Deli

2. The Sovereign Room

2. Agostino’s Deli

3. The Sovereign Room

3. Tim’s Meats Deli & Grocery

3. Bonobo’s Foods

3. Barbecupid

7. Best appetizers

17. Best burger

21. Best soup

1. Maltese Grocery*

27. Best wine list 1. Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar

1. The Growing Season

2. Lot 66*

2. Tomlin Restaurant*

2. In Common

3. Tomlin Restaurant

3. The Foundry

3. Soup Mama*

8. Best Coney sauce

22. Best dessert

1. McKellar Confectionery*

1. Dolce Coffee House

1. Madhouse

1. Prospector Burger Barn*

2. Westfort Coney Island

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Opening up as “just a little shop” on Thunder Bay’s south side in 2004, the Prospector Burger Barn went from being “just a summer gig” to a

Patrick Chondon

3. Nook

2. Bight Restaurant & Bar

29. Best sushi

9. Best pizza 2. Both Hands Wood-Fired Pizzeria & Bakery*

1. Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar 3. Daytona’s

3. Hodder Greeks

1. Eat Local Pizza

28. Best business lunch

1. Wasabi Japanese Restaurant* 2. Tokyo House 3. Sushi Station

CoverStory 30. Best pasta 1. Bar Italia Restaurant*

33. Best Indian restaurant 1. Masala Grille* 2. Monsoon Thunder Bay 3. Indian Bistro

34. Best Middle Eastern restaurant 1. Best Bite Shawarma 2. Royal Aleppo Food

Susan Pretty

3. Famous Tandoor

35. Best smoothie 1. The Growing Season*

3. Giorg Cucina e Barra

31. Best bon bon spareribs 1. Mr. Chinese*

3. Metropolitan Moose Beanery & Cafe

36. Best salad 1. Rebel Salad* 2. The Growing Season

Chris Merkley

2. Nook

2. Kelly’s Nutrition Centre & Juice Bar

3. Madhouse

Keegan Richard

37. Best vegetarian/ vegan restaurant 1. Bonobo’s Foods* 2. The Growing Season 3. Rebel Salad

Created locally in 1946, the bon bon sparerib is a Thunder Bay culinary must-have, so we know that our readers take this category very much to heart. We know exactly what we want out of our bite-sized, tasty pork short ribs, complete with a squeeze of lemon. Manager Micheal Pham at Mr. Chinese, located on the city’s south side, says their success has everything to do with the quality of the ingredients. “We use really good product and it’s really fresh. We make our spareribs from scratch, butchering in-house, which means we cut out a lot of the unwanted fat.” -Tiffany Jarva 2. Ling Lee’s Chinese Cuisine 3. Eddy Lee’s Chinese Restaurant

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

38. Best kid-friendly restaurant 1. Wacky’s* 2. Montana’s 3. Daytona’s

39. Best restaurant 1. Tomlin Restaurant* 2. Thai Kitchen 3. Daytona’s

40. Best fine dining 1. Tomlin Restaurant* 2. Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar 3. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

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

42. Best food truck/trailer 1. Local Motion (Pinetree Catering)* 2. Epic Cones Thunder Bay 3. Hot Paddle Pizza

Best Finnish Pancakes

The Hoito

Story by Tiffany Jarva, Photo by Chris Merkley

egardless of 2020’s financial uncertainty and eventually having to close its doors, the Hoito once again won this year’s best Finnish pancake category, and has done so every year since the survey started in 2012. “It’s still an honour that we won,” says Kevin Vesa, the most recent president of the Hoito board. “I think people enjoy Hoito pancakes so much because they reflect over a century’s worth of knowledge—a recipe that was held on to and improved over the years.” Since 1918, the beloved Hoito has been an integral part of the Bay and Algoma community, and Finnish culture. One of the oldest cooperatively owned and operated restaurants in Canada, the Hoito (which means “care” in Finnish) was created to cater to Finnish bush

workers looking for inexpensive and hearty meals. Back in the day, patrons would eat together at long wooden tables in the basement of the Finnish Labour Temple. In recent decades, the Hoito had become the place to try the city’s famous Finnish pancakes— golden and crepe-like with slightly crispy edges, enjoyed either as a savoury dish with butter, sausages, bacon, or eggs, or as a sweet dish with loads of maple syrup, strawberries, or whipped cream. Like the recipes, the restaurant’s simple and comfortable atmosphere was also a nod to the community’s hardworking, no-nonsense bush-working past. According to Vesa, expect some news soon about the future of the Hoito. Check the Finlandia Association website for updates.

*2019 winner

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CoverStory 2. Donato D’Angelo (Tomlin Restaurant)*

43. Best take-out 1. Thai Kitchen*

3. Tom Lupinski (The Keg Steakhouse + Bar)

2. The Growing Season 3. Barbecupid

50. Best barista

44. Best caterer

1. Gary (Bay Village Coffee)

1. Salt & Pepper Private Catering* 2. Pinetree Catering

45. Best roastery 1. St Paul Roastery* 2. Rose N Crantz Roasting Co. 3, Wolfhead Coffee

Keegan Richard

3. Daytona’s

46. Best patio Gary Mack and Alan Forbes

2. Nook

Since opening their doors in the summer of 2018, Bay Village Coffee has been fulfilling the promise of their website, which is to “taste the joy.” In addition to serving up lattes, cappuccinos and delicious baking, the real treat is Gary Mack himself—a.k.a. the brightest ray of sunshine this side of the Sleeping Giant. Mack, whose background is in social work, is co-owner of Bay Village with his partner Alan Forbes, and the pair actively serves the community in ways that extend beyond the walls of the shop. They organize fundraisers, donate baked goods and coffee to those who need a boost, and when the pandemic hit, they pivoted to offer car hop service. The BV Instagram feed is a lighthearted mix of memes and videos, often featuring Mack and that wonderful laugh of his. A barista is more than someone who remembers your name or your order—they are someone you grow to count on, a constant, a friendly face. Mack is that, and then some. -Rebekah Skochinski

3. Bar Italia

Gerald Van Elburg and Derek Mol

Best Bakery

1. Bight Restaurant & Bar*

47. Best new restaurant 2019–2020

Holland Bakery

1. Barkeep

t’s been said that the more things change the more they remain the same, and that is true of Holland Bakery. In 2019 they celebrated 60 years in business; in 2020, they weathered the pandemic and the panic-buying of bread, and through it all they’ve served their clients with fresh-baked goods that see people lined up daily at 8 am. The history is on the walls of the bakery in framed photos and in the actual building itself, which once belonged to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (of the famed Sherlock Holmes series); it’s behind the glass shelves of neat rows of baking (some made from 100-year-old recipes), and it’s in the hands of Gerald Van Elburg, the second-generation owner and fifth-generation baker, whose nephew, Derek Mol, has worked alongside of him for the last ten years. For them, being a baker is both a blessing and a curse. The blessing: meditative and repetitive motions of punching, shaping, and twisting dough. The curse: baker’s hours. Van Elburg is surprisingly energetic when we catch up with him on a busy morning (they’re

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all busy mornings leading into the Christmas season) seeing as his 10-hour shift started at 12:30 am. “I don’t need a lot of sleep,” he admits. Mol is adjusting to the hours (he naps when his young son naps) as he will one day take over the bakery from his uncle. They are humble in their skills. Van Elburg is the undisputed bread man and Mol has a talent for frying the famous light-asair glazed donuts. “The community is great, our staff is great, we are just so thankful,” says Van Elburg of the win. We are grateful, too, for the hot cross buns at Easter, the cinnamon twists, and how when we break their bread it’s from one family to another—a taste and a tradition that has been tenderly pressed by hand into every bite.

Nancy Shaw

Story by Rebekah Skochinski, Photo by Keegan Richard

2. Tortilla Twist 3. Royal Aleppo Food

48. Best server 1. Jennifer Stone (Daytona’s) 2. Nick Larsen (El Tres, previously Red Lion Smokehouse) 3. Emily Brooks (Tomlin Restaurant)

49. Best bartender 1. Onur Altinbilek (Black Pirates Pub)

2. Shelby (The Sweet North Bakery) 3. Keenan Kosolowski (St Paul Roastery)*

51. Best head chef 1. Steve Simpson (Tomlin Restaurant)* 2. Andrew Stone (Daytona’s) 3. Craig Vieira (Caribou Restaurant + Wine Bar)

CoverStory from H.R. Giger (Alien), Stan Winston (Predator, Jurassic Park) and Tim Burton, whose portrayal of gothic beauty speaks to her personal style. “My favourite requests from clients involve creativity and authenticity,” she says. “I love when a client presents me with an idea or theme and lets me take the wheel as far as creative design goes. I want to create something that wows you, makes you look twice. Before anything, I am an artist. The face is another canvas, and it is my job as a makeup artist to enhance or transform the canvas in front of me.” -Kat Lyzun

Arts

52. Best book 2019–2020 1. I Used to Live on Banning Street – Deborah Donahue 2. I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree – Jean E. Pendziwol 3. Mr. Prime Minister You’re Killing Me – W. Craig Perdue

53. Best photographer 1. Damien Gilbert 2. Jamie Dawn Photography ( Jamie Olsen) 3. Maria Maria (Ashley Kibzey)*

2. Sarah Ashley Martin (Terra Nova Salon & Day Spa)

54. Best videographer (new category)

3. Carly Hughes (Wink Beauty Studio)

1. Matt Popowich (Westfort Productions)

57. Best drag queen/king 1. Lady Fantasia LaPremiere*

2. Damien Gilbert (Epica Pictures)

2. Sophia Sapphire

3. Curtis Jensen (Apple Wagon Films)

3. Amber Ail

58. Best public art installation

55. Best visual artist 1. Sarah Dufresne

1. Roots to Harvest building mural Die Active Art Collective

2. boy Roland* 3. Bianca Gascoigne

2. COVID Disco Ball – Michel Dumont

56. Best makeup artist

3. Cooke Street murals - Die Active Art Collective

1. Bianca Gascoigne (Bianca Artistry Makeup Design)*

59. Best art exhibit 2019–2020

This is the second year Bianca Gascoigne has been voted Thunder Bay’s best makeup artist, and it’s no surprise why. The self-taught artist has become well known for her versatility and incredible talent, with a portfolio ranging from flawless glamour to jaw-dropping special effects. Gascoigne has always loved capturing faces in drawings, paintings, and digital art, and makeup artistry was a natural progression. For special effects, she draws inspiration

Chad Kirvan

1. Waabooz/Rabbit – Thunder Bay Art Gallery

Best Videographer

Matt Popowich Story by Bonnie Schiedel, Photos by Patrick Chondon

“A

s far back as I can remember, I always had a camera in my hand, just shooting family reunions, making videos of my brothers and friends in the neighborhood. It’s always something that was a part of me,” says videographer Matt Popowich, who is self-taught. When he landed a job filming a wedding at age 15 and realized he could make money with a camera, he says he became “hyper-focused” from that point on. “I knew that’s what I wanted to do as a career.” Six years ago he launched Westfort Productions, going into business with his uncle, Bryan Popowich. Matt is the creative director and Bryan is the executive producer. Their focus is making commercials with heart and

humour. “We like to entertain. We don’t like the hard sell,” he says. “When people watch what we’ve produced, they should be getting something out of it. […] I love being funny with what we do. I think it’s important because those ads are likely to stick more with people, for sure.” Popowich adds that when he was a kid, he always wanted to make a movie, but as he got older, he was the guy who would turn the TV up during the commercials because he was so interested in them. “My goal is to do the perfect 30-second spot,” he says. “I like making advertising not seem like advertising.” Other secrets to success: “Being respectful and easy to work with and having fun on set is just as valuable as the final product.”

2. COVID Disco Ball – Michel Dumont 3. Bound to Clay – Nameless Collective

60. Best clothing designer 1. Ungalli Clothing Co.* 2. Northies Brand 3. Tuija Hansen

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City Scene

61. Best potter 1. Sweet Earth Ceramics

highest waterfall in Ontario. The Kaministiquia River tumbles over 40 metres into the gorge below, which also makes the falls the largest in the Lake Superior watershed and, since Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world, we think that makes everything in its watershed awesome. -Michelle McChristie

70. Best Thunder Bay-ism

2. Black Dog Ceramics 3. Be Natural Pottery

1. “Persian”*

62. Best crafter (sewer, woodworking, knitting etc) 1. Waxxed Candle Co. 3. Gaudy Grandma

63. Best tattoo artist 1. Vanessa Presenger (Red River Trade)*

2. Prince Arthur’s Landing at Marina Park

Keegan Richard

2. Knits by Nat*

73. Best weekend getaway 1. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park*

78. Best clothing store 1. Ungalli Clothing Co.* 2. Street Legal Clothing 3. mars. clothing

79. Best Market vendor 1. Slate River Dairy

Keegan Richard

CoverStory

2. “Camp”

2. Mink Mountain Resort

3. “Thunder Bay turn”

3. Grand Marais, Minn.

3. Remy Chunick (Identity Tattoo and Piercing)

71. Best place to people watch

74. Best hairdresser

64. Best piercer

(new category)

1. Prince Arthur’s Landing at Marina Park*

80. Best window display

1. Kristyn Schmerk (ALTR Hair Studio)

1. The Loop*

2. Meg Niittynen (Ink Factory Tattoos)

1. Matt Bressmer (Creation Body Piercing)

2. Thunder Bay Country Market

72. Best place to impress a visitor

65. Best dancer

1. Kakabeka Falls* and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park (tie)

1. Emma Dubinsky 2. Harmony Appell*

66. Best dance studio 1. Studio One Dance 2. Army of Sass* 3. Legacy Dance Co.

67. Best dance instructor 1. Harmony Appell 2. Heather Morgan 3. Sara Sorrell

68. Best cannabis store (new category) 1. Tokyo Smoke 2. Kia Ora Kannabis 3. J. Supply Co.

69. Best mask maker (new category) 1. Ungalli Clothing Co. 2. The Whole Nine Yards 3. Mommy Can Sew

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Darren McChristie

3. Sarah Tassone

1. The Refill Co. 2. Milktease Bubble Tea 3. On the Links

82. Best blog 1. Bay Awesome* 2. NWO Outdoors 2. Anthony Muia (Serenity Salon & Wellness) 3. Shannon Redden (Hair by Shannon)

It’s not really a surprise that our readers voted equally in favour of Kakabeka Falls and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park as the best place to impress a visitor. We also know that the proximity to wild spaces is our readers’ top reason to live in TBay (see #118), and we are fortunate to have some incredible attractions that are less than an hour away and boast some notable stats. For example, the cliffs on the west side of the Sleeping Giant are more than 500 metres high—the highest in Ontario—and the Giant itself was voted as the people’s choice for CBC’s Seven Wonders of Canada. Not to be overshadowed, Kakabeka Falls, which is aptly (but somewhat annoyingly) referred to as “Niagara of the North,” is the second

2. The Kitchen Nook

81. Best new business Leah Morningstar

3. Tabatha Andreason (Creation Body Piercing)

3. Boreal Bakery

3. mars. clothing

3. Walmart

2. Alex Cummins (Identity Tattoo and Piercing)*

2. pie.ology*

75. Best barber (new category) 1. Bryan Fresco (The Barber Shop) 2. Cosimo Salerno (Trenz Hair Studio & Day Spa)

3. People of Port Arthur

83. Best tweeter 1. Sarah Dufresne (@dufresh4) 2. Jamie Smith (@JamieSmith807) 3. Steve Dorval (@stevedorv)

84. Best Instagrammer 1. Damien Gilbert (@dmangilbert)*

3. Anthony Muia (Serenity Salon & Wellness)

2. NWO Outdoors (@nwo.outdoors)

76. Best esthetician

85. Best podcast

(new category)

1. Isabella Muia (Serenity Salon & Wellness)

1. Canadaland: Thunder Bay

2. Scotia Kauppi (Sweet Cherry Spa)

3. The Pandemic Party Variety Show

3. Ashley Alliett (NP Facial Aesthetics)

77. Best day spa (new category)

3. Amanda Bay (@bayawesome)

2. Us by the Giant

86. Best elected politician 1. Patty Hajdu*

1. Drift Day Spa

2. Michael Gravelle

2. Terra Nova Salon & Day Spa

3. Brian Hamilton

3. Pure Salon & Day Spa

CoverStory 87. Best local humanitarian

94. Best indoor wedding venue

1. Jim Stadey*

1. The Chanterelle*

2. Vince Mirabelli

2. Fort William Golf and Country Club

3. Chris Barstow

88. Best local activist

3. DaVinci Centre

1. Jim Stadey

95. Best outdoor wedding venue (new category)

2. Brian Hamilton

1. Fort William Historical Park

3. Chris Barstow

2. Stepstone Centre

(new category)

89. Best radio personality

3. Rose Valley Lodge & Restaurant

96. Best real estate agent

1. Danny Foresta (91.5 CKPR)

(new category)

2. Lisa Laco (CBC)*

1. Vince Mirabelli

3. John Ongaro (99.9 The Bay)

2. Wendy Siltamaki

90. Best comedian

3. Becky Forester

1. Mark Menei

97. Best hotel

2. Miki Hughes

1. Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay*

3. Trevor Green*

91. Best busker 1. The Bay Street Bastards*

2. The Courthouse Hotel 3. Best Western Plus Nor'Wester Hotel & Conference Centre

98. Best golf course 1. Whitewater Golf Club* 2. Fort William Golf and Country Club

Best Barber

Bryan Fresco

3. Strathcona Golf Course

2. Cory Hoogsteen 3. Arden Bruyere

92. Best grassroots organization 1. Roots to Harvest*

99. Best place to play pool 1. On Deck* 2. Shooter’s Tavern 3. DaVinci Centre Sports Bar

100. Best place to watch the game 1. Wacky’s* 2. On Deck 3. DaVinci Centre Sports Bar

101. Best local NHL player 1. Matt Murray* 2. Wake the Giant 3. Faye Peterson House

93. Best place for a shag 1. Moose Hall* 2. CLE Coliseum Building 3. CLE Heritage Building

2. Eric Staal 3. Carter Hutton

102. Best athlete 1. Hannah Gula 2. Adam Hopkins

Story by Kat Lyzun, Photo by Keegan Richard

or Bryan Fresco, owner of The Barber Shop, it feels good to have 14 years of hard work acknowledged. But at the end of the day, it’s all about his team. “It’s a team effort, and that’s what makes ours a good business,” he says. “It’s nice to have a little friendly competition between us. We see each other giving good haircuts and it makes us want to do even better.” Even in these challenging times, over 100 clients come through the Frederica Street shop every day, and the vibe never wavers. It's the only place in town where you can enjoy a beer with your haircut and grab a sandwich next door at Fresco’s Deli, which is owned by Bryan’s brother John. The family has deep roots in Westfort—their father established Armando’s Barber Shop there 60 years ago. “There’s lots of talk, lots of banter. It’s a relaxing, friendly

place where you can come for half an hour, take your mind off stuff,” Fresco says. “Put your feet up, have a beer, and maybe let some of the world’s problems disappear for a while.” “I couldn’t see myself operating anywhere else,” he adds. “I’ve said that I didn’t choose Westfort, Westfort chose me. I was born and raised here. It’s home, it’s work; it’s everything for me. It’s a really great place to have a business.” He thinks his father would be happy and proud to see his son carrying on the barbering tradition, albeit with modern style. “I get that from older barbers who sometimes stop in. They appreciate seeing their hard work continue in an industry that was kind of dying, and has been revived a bit,” he says. “Now you see younger kids wanting to become barbers because it’s a cool, fun industry.”

*2019 winner

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CoverStory

Best Personal Trainer

Sarah Baryluk Story by Matt Prokopchuk, Photo by Keegan Richard

arah Baryluk is no stranger to sports and athletics, but the personal and group trainer in Thunder Bay says it’s really been within roughly the past 10 years that she’s put a major and renewed focus on personal fitness. Baryluk, who offers a range of training programs, such as fitness boot camps, out of Industrial Athletics and online through Zoom, says that keeping things fun and high energy has been the key to her instruction. “I have people of all different levels,” she says. “My kind of style is everything can be modified [but] everything is going to be hard no matter

Living Green/Health 103. Best outdoor adventure business (new category)

Keegan Richard

1. Wilderness Supply

Operating in Thunder Bay for the past 17 years, Wilderness Supply specializes in gear for paddle sports,

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what level you’re at, and it’s just good vibes.” Baryluk has been a personal trainer for about four and a half years, but over the past decade, has travelled to various places in Canada as well as to Mexico, and trained with and learned from other trainers; she’s also worked with

those in the local fitness community. “I’ve been able to have so much different experience with different styles of working out as well, and I just found a style that I just absolutely love and my clients love and it’s just fun,” she says. Baryluk fits her fitness classes into an already-busy work schedule—she

also has a job in an office and works at Bistro One—but says there’s something special about leading workouts. “I just genuinely love people,” she says. “I love what I do, I love to be able to help people and to see people every day. […] That feeds my energy.”

such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. “If you can paddle it, we generally stock it,” manager Mila Gendron says, adding they also sell outdoors equipment needed for these excursions like camping gear, backcountry cooking supplies, and even freeze-dried food. With some 5,000 unique items in the store, “there’s a lot to look at,” she says, laughing. In addition to selling the supplies, and with staff that can teach you how to use them—the company, through its WAVpaddling offshoot, also offers lessons in paddle sports (primarily kayaking), but that has been halted due to COVID-19. Those lessons, she says, are designed to get people comfortable on the water. “They come in and they’re like ‘I’m not doing any whitewater [paddling]; I’m not going on any big trips,’” she says, adding that few people actually take up the sport for that reason. “Most of us

are weekend warriors.” - Matt Prokopchuk

107. Best local food producer

2. Sail Superior 3. Outdoor Skills and Thrills

1. Heartbeat Hot Sauce Co. 2. Thunder Oak Cheese Farm*

104. Best urban park

3. Belluz Farms

1. Centennial Park*

108. Best locally made product

2. Prince Arthur’s Landing at Marina Park 3. Vickers Park

1. Heartbeat Hot Sauce* 2. Thunder Oak Cheese Farm

105. Best playground

3. Lovely Body

1. Prince Arthur’s Landing at Marina Park*

109. Best health food store

2. Vickers Park 3. Centennial Park

106. Best antique store 1. Sleeping Giant Antiques* 2. Black Cat Antiques 3. Twice as Nice Thrift Store

1. Tim’s Whole Health* 2. Kelly’s Nutrition Centre & Juice Bar 3. Bonobo’s Foods

110. Best place for a bike ride 1. Boulevard Lake* 2. Centennial Park 3. Shuniah Mines

111. Best hiking trail (new category) 1. Top of the Giant 2. Cascades 3. Centennial Park

CoverStory

Music 119. Best recording studio (new category) 1. Lionheart Studios 2. Blueprints 3. Boreal Oasis Studios & Multimedia

120. Best album 2019–2020 1. Loss – Jean-Paul De Roover

112. Best day paddle 1. Hazelwood Lake 2. Amethyst Harbour 3. Rossport

113. Best group fitness instructor (new category) 1. Sarah Baryluk 2. Jacquie Kennedy 3. Andy Noga

114. Best personal trainer (new category) 1. Sarah Baryluk 2. Jacquie Kennedy 3. Andy Noga

115. Best gym/fitness club

2. Letter Kite Sessions – Arley Cox 3. Quick Way Out – Dallas

121. Best music video 2019–2020 1. “Wreck” – Jean-Paul De Roover 2. “Lake Life” – 1sland 3. “One Way” – JLove

122. Best singer

1. Movati Athletic*

1. Nancy Freeborn*

2. Push Fitness Centre

2. Megan Nadin

3. Industrial Athletics

3. Will and Charlie Lockyer

116. Best yoga studio

123. Best guitarist

1. The Bodymind Centre*

1. Will Lockyer

2. La Luna Wellness Studio

2. Clay Breiland

3. Modo Yoga

3. Jacob Goodman

117. Best yoga instructor

124. Best bassist

1. Erin May

1. Joey Miller*

2. Kelly Rooney

2. Tyler Raynard

3. Mia Mickleburgh

3. Ryan Redemption

118. Best reason to live in Thunder Bay

125. Best drummer

(new category)

2. Colin Craig

1. Nature

3. Dave Campbell

2. Fewer COVID-19 cases 3. Community

1. Jay Savage*

126. Best keyboardist/ pianist 1. Danny Johnson* 2. Charlie Lockyer

*2019 winner

3. Richard Tribe

Best Electronic Act

BLVCK SHEEP Story by Justin Allec, Photo by Rob Fournier

tart the countdown and get ready to blast off. Otherworldly yet compelling, energetic yet chilling, local DJ/producer BLVCK SHEEP makes electronic music for stepping out and then stepping beyond. Joey Bergman is his conventional name, but the BLVCK SHEEP tag is a better fit for this Indigenous artist and his mission to move people on the dance floor. About a decade ago, Bergman first started learning his craft on vinyl from local legends, but he’s since expanded his scope to focus on digital controllers and producing in his home studio. It’s a different sort of creation that lets BLVCK SHEEP take his audience somewhere unexpected. “When I DJ live, [I’m] blending songs that are already made in my studio or by artists that

I like and feel fit the groove. [… ] I want to grab their attention, hold on to it, and ride it out,” he says. That groove can vary wildly depending on what BLVCK SHEEP sees in the audience. Lately—and by necessity, given the pandemic— he’s been exploring the heavy bass sounds of 808s (an electronic percussion sample) in hip-hop and trap music. While he’s been thinking of doing an album based on those current interests, BLVCK SHEEP uses whatever sounds he can to keep the energy going. “I have a heavy, dark, intense vibe to my sets because I feel you can't reach that true emotional tension without a little pressure,” he says. Not knowing what the year ahead will hold, for now BLVCK SHEEP is focused on staying resilient, positive, and making tracks big enough to fill the atmosphere.

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CoverStory 127. Best DJ

134. Best punk band

1. DJ Big D*

1. The Bay Street Bastards* 2. Forever Dead!

Keegan Richard

3. Piggybank

Film and Theatre 141. Best film 2019–2020 1. Five Bucks at the Door

all about—connecting people and showing people these films from around the world,” he says. “It’s the pure love and passion for these films […] We’re die-hards for sure.” - Matt Prokopchuk

135. Best electronic act

2. Banff Mountain Film Festival

1. BLVCK SHEEP

3. Vox Popular Media Arts Festival

3. RadStar 2. Miss Temperance

136. Best blues act

3. DJ Blackie Chan

1. The Roosters*

128. Best solo artist

Courtesy of Five Bucks at the Door

2. The Shallow Void

1. Arley Cox 2. Jean-Paul De Roover*

2. Toxic Time Bomb

3. Mark Thibert

142. Best film director 2019–2020

129. Best rock band

144. Best theatre production 2019–2020 1. Sister Act – Badanai Theatre 2. It’s a Wonderful Life – Magnus Theatre 3. Matilda – Paramount Live

145. Best theatre director 1. Candi Badanai

1. Curtis Jensen

1. The Honest Heart Collective*

2. Kelly Saxberg

2. Sunday wilde 3. Baked Kings

3. Tony McGuire

143. Best film festival

Lawrence Badanai

From left to right: Mike Carson, Mike Schan, Calum Robertson, Gary Hare

1. Terror in the Bay Film Festival

137. Best choral group 1. Sounds of Superior Chorus* 2. The Gentlemen of Harmony

From left to right, Kevin Heerema, Nic MacDonald, Ryan MacDonald, Jay Savage

3. Dulcisono Women’s Choir

2. The Bay Street Bastards

1. The Roosters

138. Best country band

3. Phoebe the Feeb

2. Back Forty

130. Best folk group

3. Tim Albertson

1. The Bay Street Bastards*

139. Best cover band

2. Greenbank

1. PLAN B (The Band)*

3. Long Haired Businessmen

2. LockyerBoys

131. Best metal band

3. Back Forty

1. Femur*

140. Best music instructor

2. Cobra vs Mongoose 3. 12 Gauge Prayer

1. Arley Cox

132. Best rap artist 2. Dallas 3. Chief $upreme

133. Best jazz act 1. Mood Indigo Jazz*

Alison Gigliotti

1. JLove

2. Robin Ranger

2. Denise Krawczuk*

3. Martin Blanchet

3. Maria Tassone

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Actor Paola Bontempi in Fran Casanova’s Mask of Sanity

For Chris Borgo, the director for the Terror in the Bay Film Festival, the growth and success of the popular horror festival has been a reflection of a commitment to a quality event and strong local support. Following a pair of local film screenings between roughly 2012 and 2015 and several years of travelling, Borgo says he and others quickly grasped how successful a genre-specific film festival could be in Thunder Bay. Now, going into its fifth year in 2021, Terror in the Bay has gained popularity every year, Borgo says, as word started to spread about the quality of films being screened and how the festival is organized. The films are submitted from all over the world, and a local panel chooses which ones make the cut. “That’s what it’s

If you follow the local theatre scene, you have undoubtedly heard of Candi Badanai. The actress and director’s first foray into theatre was in 2001 at Rob MacLeod’s Northern Knights Feast in the former Capitol Theatre on Brodie Street. In 2013, she joined Paramount Live as a choreographer/assistant director alongside her husband, Lawrence. “This was my first time trying my hand at direction and I very much enjoyed it,” she says. “I then went on to direct Grease (Paramount Live), The Full Monty (Cambrian Players), and Mamma Mia (co-director, Badanai Theatre) among many other shows.” Badanai says that, as a director, she “loves watching the actors/actresses trust the process and create magic as part of the theatre family we formed for that production.” She also loves watching the audience members' reaction before, during, and after the show. “It is a gift that you give audiences to be able to share the live theatre experience.” -Michelle McChristie 2. Spencer Hari 3. Thom Currie

CoverStory Events

146. Best theatre troupe 1. Magnus Theatre*

149. Best virtual event (new category)

2. Paramount Live 3. Badanai Theatre

147. Best actress 1. Tegin Menei 2. Julie McCoy-Goertz 3. Kaitlyn Rut

148. Best actor 1. Spencer Hari* 2. Robert Perrier 3. Dennis Dubinsky

The Nor’Wester Maple Company was one of many local artisans who sold their products through the 2020 Virtual Craft Revival 2. Busking from the Backyard 3. LockyerBoys Patio Sessions

Keegan Richard

Amy Sellors as Patsy Cline

Keegan Richard

1. Virtual Holiday Craft Revival

150. Best new event 1. Virtual Holiday Craft Revival 2. Busking from the Backyard 3. Country Roads Autumn Market

151. Best festival 1. Virtual Holiday Craft Revival 2. Festival of India 3. Virtual Thunder Pride

152. Best free event 1. Festival of India 2. Virtual Holiday Craft Revival 3. Virtual Live on the Waterfront

153. Best question we forgot to ask 1. Best place to camp 2. Best persian 3. Best kids’ event

Ultimate TBaycation Winner

ur Best of Thunder Bay readers’ survey saw thousands of people cast their votes to help determine the city’s favourite artists, businesses, and places. Everyone who filled out the survey was entered into a draw for a great Thunder Bay Tourism prize pack featuring goods and services from nine local businesses, valued at $1,000. Jennifer Merryfield was our lucky winner. Here’s what she had to say: “I am super excited to win this giveaway! I fill out the ‘Best of Thunder Bay’ survey every year as I enjoy supporting the many local businesses I know and love in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas. I didn't even realize that I was entering for a chance to win anything, so getting contacted was such a great surprise. Thank you so much to The Walleye, Thunder Bay Tourism, and to the businesses who donated such awesome prizes. It pays to support local!”

*2019 winner

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Food

aside some time, though, because the caramelization process will take a while (like an hour, or so). Rather than scorching the surface of the onions quickly (which will make the soup bitter), the goal of caramelizing here is to completely soften and brown the onions slowly, introducing a hint of sweetness without bitterness. Using butter (not oil) will result in a creamy flavour; the milk solids will help the browning

process. Also, using a heavy-bottomed pot is essential—stainless steel seems to kickstart the browning process over an enameled pot, but since we’re all not in a rush these days, have at ’er with whatever you’ve got. And, try making your own stock—beef bones simmering with aromatics in a pot will make the soup broth stick your lips together! So, without further ado, let’s make soup!

French Onion Soup

THE GRINNING BELLY

serves 4

6 onions*, peeled and quartered

Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée

*Any variety, just be sure to cut out the solid core end as it won’t break down while cooking.

¼ c butter

By Chef Rachel Globensky

think we’re all in agreement that this new year we could all use a bit of a break. We’ve already been through a lot, and we’re not quite out the other side of it yet. 2020 was a helluva ride, so this January, we can definitely afford to be a little kinder to ourselves—the cliché “New Year, New Me” platitude can go soak its head. Instead of vowing to jump on the latest fad diet and workout routine come January 1, try a little tenderness: move, speak, act, and eat like you love yourself. In the cold days ahead, warm soup in the belly is a good start—an act of love for your body and soul. To that end, I say French onion soup is doubtlessly one of the most decadent and simple soups in the world. Despite (or because of?) the simplicity of onions, butter, stock, and seasoning, there’s a wide margin of error here. I’ve tasted some so overcooked the onions have

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disintegrated into sinewy mush, languishing in over-salted broth, and I’ve encountered rushed, thin, burnt-onion tea, dressed with soggy white bread and mozzarella to mask the acrid taste of over-caramelization. The crown of le croûton grillé et le fromage fondu should be a perk, not a crutch. With French onion soup, illustrious triumph or dismal failure comes down to the onions and the stock—do them wrong, and you might hear, “Berk! C’était absolument infect!” (Yuck! That was absolutely terrible!), but do them right, and you’ll hear, “Miam! C’était absolument délicieux!” (Yum! That was absolutely delicious!) You may hear differing opinions on which onions make the best soup—yellow, white, or red. I like a combination of the three to give a deep, well-rounded, complex flavour, but any one of them will give you a great base. You’ll need to set

½ c red wine 2 Tbsp cognac or sherry 1 Tbsp flour

8 c good beef stock 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme Pinch of nutmeg

2 c grated Gruyère cheese 8-12 slices of baguette, about half an inch thick, toasted 1 clove of garlic, halved

Slice each quarter to get short, thin strips.

Over medium heat, soften the onions in butter, stirring frequently. Continue cooking the onions over medium heat, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pot, until the onions have softened and developed a nice, rich, caramelly colour. Add the wine and cognac, deglazing the pan, scraping up the brown bits (where all the flavour is!) from the pan bottom. Reduce until almost dry. Sprinkle flour over boozy onions. Stir and cook until it smells a little nutty. Pour in stock and add thyme (can add a pinch of dried, if that’s what you have) and nutmeg. Increase heat to bring to a boil, and reduce heat to medium-low, simmering the soup for 2 hours or so, uncovered. You want the soup to reduce by half (to approximately 5 cups). Season with salt and pepper. Place an oven rack in the middle of the oven, and preheat the broiler. Place 4 bowls on a baking sheet. Lightly rub each baguette piece (crouton) with garlic halves. Spoon soup into 4 bowls, and sprinkle 2 Tbsp cheese over each. Place 2–3 croutons on top of each soup bowl, and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Broil for about 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden. Remove from oven and wait a few minutes before eating—burnt tongues are not a good way to start off this new year!

Food

DRINK OF THE MONTH

Honeybush Chili Chocolate Tea Latte Dolce Coffee House

Story by Rebekah Skochinski, Photo by Chondon Photography

anuary is landing a little differently than in previous years, and though we often look forward to the quiet and calmness this month can bring, we also long for warmth and light and maybe something a bit exciting? With our passports safely stowed for the time being, we can still let our tastebuds travel by trying a new item on the menu at Dolce Coffee House. They’ve created a distinctively delicious drink made from the finest South African Honeybush tea. The tea is full-bodied, heavily honey-scented, and when brewed, yields a rich slightly spicy flavour and leaves a sweet aftertaste. This gorgeous tea is blended with cacao shells, chocolate chips, red pepper, chili pepper, hot drinking chocolate, and steamed milk for something truly special in that the longer it steeps, the more the taste deepens. Like being enveloped in a warm hug from the one you love.

Dolce Coffee House 345 Kingsway Avenue 622-3130

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• REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGES • FAMILY LAW, DIVORCE & MEDIATION • WILLS & ESTATES, POWER OF ATTORNEY • CORPORATE LAW • NOTARIES *ACCREDITED FAMILY LAW MEDIATOR

Daniel R. Filipovic, B. Admin., LL.B., AccFM* Samantha A. Filipovic, B. FA. (HONS), LL.B. John P. Filipovic, B. A., LL.B., (1929-2019) Michael D. Conway, B. A., LL.B., Retired

807-343-9090

www.filipovic.ca | 1020 E. Victoria Avenue 22

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Food

2021 Brew Year’s Resolutions Tips for Beer Drinkers and Homebrewers By Josh Armstrong, PhD, Certified Beer Judge

he new year is always the time when people reflect on the past year and make resolutions for change for the upcoming year. Often these resolutions have to do with physical or financial health, or maybe learning new languages or interesting skills. Here, I wanted to have some fun and offer potential resolutions for both beer drinkers and homebrewers. Resolutions for Beer Drinkers • Only drink beer on the days you exercise If you like beer and are trying to find the motivation to exercise regularly, try only having a pint on days when you are active. Explore more beer styles Make this the year to learn more about how the different styles of beer from around the world taste. Explore the range of Belgian ales that you’ve never tried, or sit down with pilsners from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Ontario to gauge the many differences across the style.

•

Visit all of the local breweries Take the time to stop by all three of our local breweries (soon to be four?) Get to know the people and the beer they produce. Buy some beer-to-go, and get some merch to show your support of the local scene.

•

Order beer from an Ontario brewery that you have never tried Use online ordering to explore new breweries from across Ontario, without leaving the comfort of your home. Most breweries in Ontario will ship their beverages directly to your front door. Find some breweries that seem interesting and give them a shot. If you need

Josh Armstrong

•

BREW IT YOURSELF

suggestions to get started, check out Godspeed Brewery, Blood Brothers Brewing, or Little Beasts Brewing Company. •

•

can’t easily get in Northwestern Ontario or choose a style that you haven’t brewed before. •

Learn to better evaluate beer Pick up a beer book (e.g. Tasting Beer by Randy Mosher) and use it to work on developing your tasting vocabulary and beer evaluation skills. Use beer websites and apps like Untappd, Ratebeer, or BeerAdvocate to share your beer reviews. Resolutions for Homebrewers Brew more If you don’t homebrew, just start by buying a beginner’s kit. If you already brew, brew more often. Brew more beer styles It’s easy to get into the habit of brewing the same styles of beer over and over again, which is great. However, use 2021 as the year to learn how to brew a new style of beer. Choose a style that you

•

Try new yeast strains There has never been such a wide selection of microorganisms available to homebrewers. With all of the new producers (including Ontario’s own Escarpment Labs), it’s a great time to expand your horizons and try your hand with some new strains of yeast. Whether it be a Norwegian kveik, a French saison, or a wild Brettanomyces, there are plenty of flavours to discover. Perfect one recipe While it is fun to try new styles and new yeast strains, it’s also important to work on consistency and perfecting recipes. Build a new recipe and brew it over and over, each time making small adjustments until it becomes exactly what you’re looking for in the

style. Adjust both the ingredients along with process variables (e.g. mash temperature, fermentation temperature, dry hopping schedule, etc.) •

Improve your gear Spend some time planning and working towards improving your current homebrewing setup. If you currently are brewing with extract, take the next step and move into all-grain brewing. For me, getting better control of my fermentation temperatures with a fridge and a temperature controller had a great impact on the quality of my homebrews. Another suggestion could be to upgrade to kegs if you are currently bottling your batches. Smaller tweaks could simply include adding some new tools to your process like a pH meter or a refractometer. Happy brew year!

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Food

A New Home

Pinetree Catering Expands Nomad to New Storefront Story and photos by Nik Fiorito

Pinetree Catering owners Shawna Deagle and Nikos Mantis in front of the new Nomad storefront

hen the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority expanded the main terminal in 2018, they switched to promoting more local food service vendors. It was at this time that travellers were introduced to Nomad by Pinetree Catering, located in the secure area of the airport's upper floor. The establishment was received with great fanfare, and featured local eats and treats not only from Pinetree, but also from an assortment of regional vendors. Fast forward to late 2020: the travel and airline industries have seen massive downturns, and fewer frequent flyers have been able to get their Nomad fix on their way into or out of town. Up to this point, Pinetree owners Shawna Deagle and Nikos Mantis had managed to tread water, but with 2020 also causing their catering bookings to take a hit, they decided to take a proactive approach and double down on the Nomad experience. The result of this is a second Nomad Bakeshop + Sandwich Bar in the heart of the Bay and Algoma neighbourhood at 307 Bay Street, across from the Finnish Labour Temple building. If you have never been to the airport location, you are in for a treat. Nomad is part marketplace, part grab-and-go, and part restaurant. If

Brittany Hastings

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you're in a rush you can pick up a premade sandwich or salad, or take a bit more time to have a sandwich made with your choice of meat and bread or bun. Pinetree prepares and smokes the meat, bakes the bread, and even pickles and brines most of the sandwich toppings in-house or through their Sapling Bakery, which is known to most people as their Thunder Bay Country Market presence. There are also sweet and savoury crepe options, a bakery section featuring items made fresh seven days a week (yes you can buy bags of their pita chips from the food truck!), and locally produced food, supplies, and beverages from between 25 to 30 vendors. Thunder Bay's impressive roster of new and locally owned eateries continues to grow, but with a proven track record and loyal following, Pinetree should quickly find its way to the top of many foodies’ charts with the Bay Street Nomad location. Dine-in seating will be made available once pandemic restrictions loosen, and a new outdoor patio area in the adjacent lot is also planned for the spring. Check out Nomad online at @nomadtbay on Facebook and Instagram and at their website at pinetreecatering.com.

Brandon Villeneuve makes crepes at Nomad’s Bay Street location

The Firefly is a combination water

bottle/lantern which can be solar or USB charged. Great for sitting around the campfire or hanging out on your deck in the evening. Never lose your drink again!

404 Balmoral St. Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5G8 Tel: (807) 577-8848 jw@chaltrek.com

Winter Hours Monday-Saturday 10-6 Sundays 11-4

Order online at eatlocalpizza.ca

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Food

he year is 2021 Thunder Bay, and it’s time to lighten up (both figuratively and literally!) Along with that bright and upbeat outlook for a positive new year ahead, you can enjoy the freshest bev trend that came out of 2020. The rise of the seltzer (of the alcoholic/flavoured variety) last year brought this light and refreshing drink into the limelight with a myriad of taste infusions and a number produced by promising Ontario companies. Seltzer by definition is simply water that has been carbonated, which creates a neutral palate that can artfully be flavoured with natural fruit essences and oils. Crisp and bright on their own, these seltzers also lend themselves well to light and crafty cocktails. Cheers to 2021 Thunder Bay!

SUPERIOR SIP

Just the Straight Bubbles

By Jeannie Dubois, Certified Pommelier and Sommelier

For a classy seltzer sangria, try:

For a fresh fruit and herb fusion, try:

For a zany fruit combo cocktail, try:

RECIPE:

1 lime, sliced

½ oz blackberry puree

2 cans watermelon seltzer

1 lemon, sliced

¼ oz fresh lemon juice

8 oz Prosecco

½ orange, sliced

4 sage leaves

8 oz lemonade

1 c strawberries, quartered

4 blackberries

2 kiwis, sliced

½ Granny Smith apple, cubed

6 oz wild berry seltzer

2 lemons, sliced

1 bottle Pinot Grigio (750 mL)

DIRECTIONS:

3 cans lemon seltzer

In a shaker glass, add blackberry puree, lemon juice, two sage leaves, and two blackberries, and muddle. Add ice and shake well. Combine with hard seltzer and pour into a glass with fresh ice. Garnish with remaining sage and blackberries.

Combine lemonade, kiwis, and lemons in a pitcher. Stir gently and refrigerate for 1–2 hours. When ready to serve, stir once more and pour into glasses over ice. Top with equal parts seltzer and Prosecco. Garnish with kiwi slices. Serves 6.

DIRECTIONS: Slice fruit, then combine in a pitcher with the bottle of wine. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving. When ready to serve, stir once more and pour into wine glasses over ice. Top with seltzer. Serves 10.

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Submitted by Norteño’s Taqueria

Food

Norteño’s Taqueria

All in the Family Norteño’s Taqueria Serves Up Mexican Cuisine

Story by Sue Pretty, Photos by Keegan Richard

rothers Jamie and Dillon Baratta didn't let COVID-19 get in the way of their plans to open Thunder Bay’s newest taqueria. In fact, the new eatery flourished because of the virus. Jamie had been in Mexico, travelling to Mexico City and Puerto Escondido (a port town on Mexico’s Pacific coast) as well as other areas, cooking, teaching English to locals, and even helping to start a couple hostels. When brother (and co-owner) Dillon would visit, it was only natural for him to partake in the tasty local cuisine. Opening a restaurant had been an idea in Jamie’s head for

quite a few years, and when he returned from Mexico due to the virus, he felt the time was now. “We felt that there were no real Mexican restaurants in Fort William, so the location was an easy choice for us,” he says. “Without the pandemic, Norteños Taqueria probably would have never happened. I wouldn’t say COVID has affected us too much because we were aware of the oncoming challenges with the pandemic, so we were able to plan around it.” The name, Norteños Taqueria, was an easy choice, the brothers note, as norteños means “people from the north” in Spanish,

 A tostada from Norteño's Taqueria

 A trio of tacos: chicken tinga, pulled pork, and braised beef

 Esquites

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which seemed like a perfect fit for a taco shop opening in northern Ontario. The menu is a taco lover’s dream. All the shells are made of corn flour and are therefore gluten-free. On a busy day, they produce over 200 tortilla shells, all made by hand on a cast-iron tortilla press. A good taco deserves a great tortilla, and one can taste how absolutely fresh these are. You won’t find your standard fare of ground beef in these tacos—choose from braised pork shoulder, spicy pulled chicken, braised beef, or lentils. These fillings are used as well for their quesadillas, taquitos, and tostadas . The tortas are a sandwich-style dish (served on a Roma bakery bun) and customers will have the tough decision to decide between pork belly, fried chicken, or “cheese steak.” Diners have a choice of red or green salsa, both made fresh in-house. And don’t forget to try the esquites— roasted corn with crema, parmesan

cheese, chili powder, and roasted jalapeño—for the ultimate taste sensation. “I really wanted to make the menu as close to Mexican street food as possible,” Jamie says. “We spent months trying to source Mexican ingredients and testing the menu in order to make that happen. We were able to import both the corn flour and also some select peppers straight from Mexico. Some of the recipes I actually got straight from a Mexican family in Oaxaca.” And how has the response been? “The response has been absolutely amazing,” Jamie says enthusiastically. "We have been way busier than expected. We really appreciate all the love people in town have shown us; especially the people of Westfort. Our staff have also been incredible. Being so busy has meant that the staff has had to work around the clock to keep up with the demand. We can’t thank them enough.” There are some familial ties here too. “It really means alot to my brother and I to be located in Westfort,” he says. “Our father grew up in a house a few blocks from here, where our grandfather owned and operated a hardware store that people still ask me about today. All in all we couldn’t be happier about opening Norteños and bringing Mexican food to Westfort.” Norteño’s Taqueria is located at 1501 Brown Street. They are open every day from 10:30 am–8 pm. Visit nortenostaqueria.com or find them on Facebook.

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FilmTheatre

Best Films of 2020 By Michael Sobota

“Don’t you ever just wish you were a dude?” - Skylar (Talia Ryder) asks her best friend Autumn (Sidney Flanigan), who replies “All the time,” in Never Rarely Sometimes Always.

020 has been a year of scarcity and I am not talking about toilet paper. There have been fewer films made and released in the past year all because of the pandemic. And access to a full range of movies including foreign films, independent films, and even Canadian films have been further affected, first by our national cinema chain shutting down, and then by distributors frightened to bring products into regular theatres once they reopened. Studios threw a lot of their movies online. Indeed, most of the ones I will list as my favourites from

The Glorias Julie Taymor wrote and directed this biography of Gloria Steinem, one of the most iconic feminists of the past century. It’s not a literal documentary, though there is a surprise appearance by Steinem in the moving conclusion to this film. Taymor gives us four other Glorias: Ryan Kiera Armstrong plays her as a young girl growing up in the 1940s; Lulu Wilson shows us her growing feistiness on the cusp of being a teenager; Alicia Vikander adds familiar shape to her as a student, budding writer, and activist; then we see Julianne Moore, relishing in the boldness and intellectual challenges of the mature Gloria. Taymor plays with time, moving back and forth between incidents and accidents in an ultimately moving cinematic reveal. This is an important film—well made and well played—about one of the most significant women of our time.

2020 were seen on a small screen. As we start 2021, the movie business, from making them to screening or streaming them, is in transition. I have a lot of qualifiers about my year-end list. Only one of them, to me, is a great film, though each of them have greatness in them. There are no blockbusters here, and a scarcity (there’s that word again) of humour. On a positive note, three of my top four films were written and directed by women. And all of these choices require patience to be rewarded.

Never Rarely Sometimes Always Cousins Skylar (Talia Ryder) and Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) grew up together in rural Pennsylvania, becoming best friends. When Autumn becomes mysteriously pregnant—she won’t tell her friend how this occurred—they are forced to deal with adult issues in ways they never have before. Their small town is full of judgemental, scolding, dismal options. Scrambling to get some money together, they get on a bus and cross into New York seeking access to an abortion. This is a journey story, told with slow and deliberate pacing, but with attention to details and generous dollops of compassion. Your heart might break open when we learn that Autumn’s pregnancy is a result of rape. A grim story, yes, but with such currency and luminosity that it becomes my favourite film of this past year. Every teenage boy should see this film. Written and directed by Eliza Hittman, it is 2020’s date movie.

And six more favourite features from this past year, mostly accessible through various streaming platforms: The Climb, Funny Boy, Kajillionaire, Let Him Go, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Uncle Frank.

THE SECOND MOST PLEASURABLE THING WE DO IN THE DARK. A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES

Nomadland

Wolfwalkers

irector Chloé Zhao, in only her third feature film, wrote this screenplay from a novel by Jessica Bruder. And in casting Frances McDormand as the lead character Fern, she gives us one of the best performances on the screen this past year. Fern lives in a company town in rural Nevada. In quick succession her husband dies and then the town dies. Fern puts everything she owns into a van and becomes a modern nomad. This is another slowpaced story, purposely asking us to pay attention to small details, the life that is immediately around Fern, rather than distant hopes or dreams. Again, this story has such currency about present times in North America. Fern drifts from town to town, seasonally finding work in agriculture, an Amazon warehouse packing packages, and not finding work at all. It is a story about acceptance and resilience. Cinematographer Joshua James Richards captures the splendor of those southwest landscapes, with layered purple sunsets and all the grandeur of Frances McDormand's weathered face.

Co-directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart take an ancient Irish (Celtic) tale and craft a narrative that has currency. Set in the dark ages when people were afraid of wild animals, particularly wolves, and easily led by political and religious despots, we see a story that is instantly recognizable. The Lord Protector (voiced by Simon McBurney) of a medieval village, decrees that all wolves must be destroyed so that land can be cleared and farming expanded. A young father (voiced by Sean Bean) is recruited into the troops to go after and slaughter the wolves. But his daughter Robyn (voiced by Honor Kneafsey), who has tagged along, befriends a mysterious wild girl Mebh (voiced by Eva Whittaker) who leads her into the dark magic and illuminating wisdom of the wolves’ world. This is not Disney or Pixar or even Japanese anime but an entirely fresh approach to animation. Shot through with a full spectrum of bright colours—some luminescent—this is a thoroughly entertaining fable for all ages.

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FilmTheatre

The Confederation College Performing Arts Club at last fall’s Ever Rest: A Haunted Hike theatrical tours

Going Digital

Confederation College Performing Arts Club to Hold Virtual Shows By Sara Sadeghi Aval

ith the pandemic’s restrictions on live theatre, we have watched theatre companies redefine the possibilities of entertainment. The Confederation College Performing

Arts Club has taken their acting skills to the screen during the pandemic—your home screen to be exact. Thomas McDonald, artistic director of the club, has big plans in mind for 2021, including

Thomas McDonald, artistic director, Confederation College Performing Arts Club

live-streaming shows, collaborating with students on filming, and giving back to the local community. The club has performed four annual installations of their Virtual Gallery nights, which consist of any number of one-act plays and a range of play genres. For their next year, they are taking things digital. McDonald explains how he hopes the actors can perform at home via Zoom, or socially distanced together for a Zoom audience. As much as removing the live aspect from the performances may seem like it gives more wiggle room, it actually poses new challenges and skills for the members. “Our group consists of around 100 members who are not only students, but professors, alumni, and retirees,” McDonald says. “There is generations worth of knowledge and acting advice here that we instill in new members. No one has to show up fully developed. And with COVID, we have had to create new skill sets such as acting for a camera instead of an audience.” McDonald’s voice is excited as he explains the new prospects for theatre. “You need to adapt the script for a Zoom call; characters can’t ever talk over each other, your background and lighting need to align with the scene, and the quality of the production becomes inherent to each actor and creates a larger sense of collaboration.” The club hopes to bring these adaptations to audiences on February 5.

Tickets will be available for purchase and you will either be given a Zoom link or live-stream access. McDonald has collaborated with digital media students at the college, streamlining the clubs’ performances into the curriculum. Students will have to work on producing the live event and the performers are using the broadcasting studio on campus for rehearsals and filming when possible. McDonald also shed some light on how they have been cultivating students’ talents and leadership within the club, including the Rising Star bursary that is presented yearly to a member that exhibits leadership within the club. Proceeds from each show that the club has performed previously have also been donated to the club’s charity of choice, including Our Kids Count, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and PRO Kids, to name a few. McDonald is adamant on continuing the tradition. “Even though the audience isn’t in front of you, you still know they are there,” he says of what he thinks will never change about theatre, even in our current circumstances. “And you still get the butterflies. Every time.” For more information on the Confederation College Performing Arts Club, including all future shows, please visit facebook.com/ confedperformingarts

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FilmTheatre

Kyle Schmalenberg, a co-director of Tenaya

Victoria Anderson-Gardner, a co-director of Tenaya

Important Conversations on the Big Screen Local Director Working on Film Exploring Afro-Indigenous Identity By Etanda Arden

local filmmaker is teaming up with a Toronto-based director to tell a story of how Black and Indigenous identities overlap in Canada. “I feel like almost everyone in the world can relate in some sense of just trying to balance intersecting identities in so many different

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ways,” says Victoria AndersonGardner, a co-director of Tenaya. With several documentary titles under her belt, AndersonGardner, who is from Eagle Lake First Nation near Dryden and now lives in Thunder Bay, is working with co-director and writer Kyle Schmalenberg on the feature-length

film. The film is about a Black mixed-race girl living in Toronto who sets out to learn more about her heritage after finding out she is part Indigenous. The film won the Toronto International Film Festival’s [TIFF] Big Pitch Audience Choice Award earlier this year and is currently in the early stages of development. Schmalenberg, a mixed-race Canadian with roots in both Austria and Bermuda, says the idea for this film came while working with a group of young Indigenous filmmakers on a storytelling project in California. “I started thinking about what it is like, you know obviously I'm mixed and Black, growing up in Canada,” he says. “But I know that there are people here—more than a few—that have both Indigenous background and Black background, and so really started to think about what that kind of experience might be like.” The co-directors feel that community involvement is important. The First Nation in which part of the film will be set hasn’t been chosen yet, but they are looking for a

line producer to act as a community liaison, according to AndersonGardner. Schmalenberg says that if the first branch of the project is the production of the film itself, then the second—what he calls a “creative sovereignty lab”—is ensuring a space for young Black, Indigenous, and female filmmakers to work alongside the people hired to produce the film. Despite its timeliness in the current racial climate, Schmalenberg says he began writing this story two years ago and wants the eventual audience to feel the authenticity of the film. The co-directors want to premiere the film at TIFF in September 2022, and are hopeful it will be broadly well received, including in Thunder Bay. “I'm hoping it'll open people’s eyes more, too,” Anderson-Gardner says, noting that the city has its own issues with racism. “The people of Thunder Bay don't need to stereotype or assume the worst of Indigenous people or people of colour. [...] We are capable of doing these bigger things and we’re out here.”

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TheArts

Finding Purpose Through Repurposing Local Artist Mike Jacques Featuring One-of-a-Kind Creations Story by Nancy Saunders, Photos by Kay Lee

ike Jacques of MJ Metalworks discovered his knack for artistic creation by chance, after transitioning from being a mechanic to working as a cook. While looking at various food-related “pins” on Pinterest, he came across an image that inspired a new passion. The item is now Jacques’ signature offer: “From one idea, I cut my grandfather’s saw to look like a tree,” he says. “Friends who came over praised it, and asked for their own.” He has since transformed shovels and even a pitchfork. His newest items are trees cut from pieces of repurposed scrap metal, then mounted on old pallet board and finished off with a texture Jacques creates by burning or staining the wood. Jacques stepped into the art world full time in March 2019. “It’s been a really cool transition, adapting and evolving as I go,” he says. “It’s new for me, and in the last four years I’ve really had some interesting opportunities come my way, due to the fact that I’ve been putting in a lot of practice and laser focus into what I’m doing as a metal artist.” MJ Metalworks has been a

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vendor at various events, including the Westfort Street fair and the Craft Revival. These opportunities led to future custom projects where, as Jacques describes, “I would take somebody’s saw that was a grandfather’s or family member’s, that had special value to it, and I would cut their saws into a tree, that they would have now hanging on their wall, as an art piece or a conversation piece from their own family member.” A unique connection to the history and story behind a person’s tool is all part of the appeal. Jacques emphasizes that his art is created from repurposed, recycled, and often vintage materials. “I really don’t have a huge supply of new material,” he says. “What I have are cut-up ends or chunks, different shapes and sizes, different sheets of stuff. My work is so unique that it will never ever be copied. They are all so one-of-a-kind.” He adds that his products demonstrate a visual link between the tool and its purpose. “These saws are made to cut down wood—that’s the whole history of the tool itself,” he says. “The fact that it’s cut into a really neat tree, and that the handles are also made

 Mike Jacques in his workshop  A hanging decoration Jacques made out of an old saw

TheArts

Some of Jacques’ creations hanging in his studio of wood, makes me feel this true connection. And, as this is evolving, some of the saws that I’ve cut had to have been over a hundred years old, and there’s a magical power in cutting them.” Jacques credits his Thunder Bay roots for giving him a connection to the outdoors through which he used his bare hands to build and construct things. In addition to his metal work, Jacques is a writer and is working on a book that he hopes to finish this summer. “It’s basically the story of

the creation, of how I became an artist in Thunder Bay, how I grew up and all the struggles and trials I had to go through to find my way here as Mike Jacques, or MJ Metalworks, the artist,” he says. “It’s going to be a memoir-slash-motivational or inspirational piece.” MJ Metalworks items can be found on Jacques’ website mj-metalworks.webflow.io, on Facebook @ MJ Metal Works, on Instagram @mj_ metals and by appointment at his home gallery.

Some of Jacques’ creations hanging in his studio

One of Jacques' art pieces featuring a saw fashioned into a tree

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Tikinagaan By Caitlyn Bird, Curator of the Dakobinawaaswaan (Baby in a Cradleboard) Exhibit at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery

FROM THE THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY’S COLLECTION

his tikinagaan, or cradleboard, was made in 1945 by an artist named Emma from Neskantaga First Nation. “Tikinagaan” is the Anishinaabe word for a traditional baby carrier that has been made and used for many generations. While Emma’s last name is unknown, I see and respect the immense beauty of her work and the legacy this piece continues to carry. This tikinagaan is a remarkable piece of art. I really appreciate the different floral designs and how she plays with shades of blues, oranges, reds, and greens, using 11 different colours and textures of beads. She was very clever and creative with her beadwork, crafting and interpreting petals, leaves, and vines. Her use of white for the vines creates great connection and fluidity within the florals. Many materials and features tie this cradle to culture, community, and land. Looking at it, I ask: What comes from the land? Which community members helped Emma throughout the process of harvesting wood for board or smoked hide? The artist uses contemporary materials, too, such as cotton. The soft fabric is used to wrap a baby before putting it in the cradle. There is interesting use of yellow and green “rick rack” trim that adds a decorative zig zag along the borders of the cradle. This makes it pop. What is also unique about this tikinagaan is the colour of the backboard. A bright shade of red is very rare to see. Often, tikinagaan backboards are left as natural wood. I feel this striking hue is a beautiful addition to the overall piece. It makes me curious about the artist’s intention in choosing such a vibrant colour. For instance, is there a cultural meaning behind choosing this colour and was it representative of the family? This tikinagaan will forever be a beautiful masterpiece that serves as a reminder of community strength and love for our children. Through Emma’s art, she brings beauty and pride to the legacy of tikinagaans within our communities. The Thunder Bay Art Gallery hopes to discover Emma’s full name to credit the artist for her work. Please contact the gallery at info@theag.ca or call 807-577-6427.

Artist: Emma (last name unknown), Neskantaga First Nation Title: Tikinagaan Date: c. 1945 Medium: wood, paint, cloth, glass beads, embroidery, smoked hide Dimensions: 90 x 44 x 48 cm Donated by Phyllis J. Pentney of South Gillies

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TheArts

 A photo Andy Beaver shot of the northern lights over a forest fire. It’s his favourite shot

Capturing the Perfect Moment

The Photography and Photo Art of Andy Beaver Story by Sara Sadeghi Aval, Photos by Andy Beaver

rtistic photography provides the opportunity to expose nature’s secret moments, capture one-of-a-kind shots, and digitally enhance the photos. And that is exactly what artist Andy Beaver aims to do behind his lens. Beaver’s intimate connection to the land and scenery around him began in his home community of Nibinamik First Nation. His ability to witness unique moments in nature from a young age grew with him. “I started [taking pictures] on an iPod,” he chuckles. “After a while I saved up a couple hundred dollars and bought my first camera.” He eventually ventured into night light photography

40 The Walleye

and long exposure shots, and in doing so he has built himself a pathway to the animals and land that surround and inspire him. His talent was quickly noticed, and his high school principal approached him on behalf of Thunder Bay’s mayor in 2018 for a specific snapshot that also happens to be Beaver’s personal favourite. “There was a forest fire a few years back. It was dark outside, and I had my camera,” he says. “You could hear the flames raging in the night and the northern lights were visible overhead. Just this huge green band over the fire. It only lasted a few seconds, and I snapped the shot. That’s the

 A photo manipulation of a loon under the northern lights

TheArts one I gave the mayor, because it was something so rare. Not many people get to see that.” However, he has no formula for the perfect shot. He simply insists that there are moments when the camera clicks, and others when it doesn’t. He talks about the instance he missed the perfect shot of two majestic swans as he flew over a lake. “My camera was in the luggage and so I missed it,” he says. “But that was a perfect moment.” He also believes in creating the moment, opting to digitally manipulate a photo to create an out-of-this-world shot that still feels real to the viewer. Beaver is a recent graduate of the Matawa Education and Care Centre, the place he believes sparked his

professional career and the fountain of support that enabled him to continue with his passion. “I was taking pictures before, but my confidence is completely different now,” he says. “The more photos I take, the more people I reach, and the outpouring of support on social media has boosted me mentally and pushed me to continue and expand.” Beaver says he also hopes to take his talents to the side of film production, hoping to capture the same wildlife, landscapes, and sky through the motion picture medium. You can find all of Beaver’s work on Facebook and Instagram at @ NorthriverStudios.

 The Milky Way photographed over rapids. Beaver quickly became interested in night sky photography  Beaver became interested in photography at a young age, growing up in Nibinamik First Nation 2 . 5 H O U R S N O R T H O F T H U N D E R B AY

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Bitsie, A:shiwi (Zuni), New Mexico, USA, 2008

Maker unknown, Dene (the people) Chipeweyan/ Athabascan, Yukon, Alaska, Northwest Territories, USA/Canada, late 20th century

Shirley’s Story

How a Lost Tikinagaan Helped Me Find More Than 200 Cradleboards From Across Turtle Island By Shirley Stevens

y daughter, Cree, is a cradleboard baby. When I became pregnant, I was given a tikinagaan by a kokum in Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging (Rocky Bay First Nation) who had raised 18 children in that cradleboard. Cree was the 19th child. I kept the tikinagaan with me until Cree brought it with her to Ottawa as a young woman. When she moved back to Thunder Bay, it was the only item that did not arrive. Frantic searching by the moving company and Cree brought up nothing. She was devastated and almost inconsolable. She had spent the first seven months of her life in that tikinagaan. A few years ago, I came across a listing on eBay. The seller was a nurse who had worked for a doctor in Marathon in the late 60s.

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Paul Shonias, Kiaashke Zaaging (Gull Bay First Nation), Nowegijick family Tikinagaan, mid-20th century Apparently, this doctor had ordered a dozen cradleboards from an elderly couple in Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (Pic Heron Bay First Nation) and left town without paying for them. The nurse felt so badly, she bought them. Now, she was selling one. My daughter and I had lived in Biitigong Nishnaabeg and have a strong connection to this community. The nurse graciously allowed me to choose a cradle that had been made there. I gave it to Cree for Christmas. I did not start out to gather cradles. While I was aware that the loss of Cree’s tikinagaan had affected my daughter profoundly, I had not realized how much it had meant to me as well. I became conscious of how a part of my child’s spirit had been lost. Her first months in that

cradle helped determine the kind of person she would become. She learned she could feel safe, secure, and warm. She was protected from harm. She could look out at the world and observe life all around her. I began to think of how many other spirits of children have become lost. I thought about communities, both rural and urban, and how much has been forgotten, discarded, or not chosen in favour of modern methods of child rearing. Western medicine often vilified the use of cradleboards, citing health hazards to children. Recently, some of these public misconceptions have been corrected. Indigenous beliefs, traditional practices, and the skills to raise healthy children are not lost. To

affirm my faith in the wisdom of traditional child rearing teachings and practices, I tried to find cradles representing as many North American Nations as I could, looking east to west and north to south. And I did. Dakobinaawaswaan (Baby in a Cradleboard) runs until March 7 at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. This exhibit is lovingly dedicated to the late Freda McDonald, the Elder for this initiative, who encouraged the project from the beginning. With support from the Cradle Keepers Co-operative. Curated by Caitlyn Bird. “Dakobinaawaswaan” describes the cradleboard when the baby is wrapped in it, a term used by the Anishinaabeg/Ojibway and Anishininawag/Oji-Cree.

TheArts

Louise Willier (grandmother), Nehiyaw (Cree), Sucker Creek First Nation, Northern Alberta, Canada, 1989

Maker unknown, Aniyunwiya (principal people) Cherokee, Eastern Seaboard, USA, 1950s

Maker unknown, Anishinaabae Ojibway/Chippewa. Location: Northeast USA/Canada, 1920s

Douglas Fast Horse, Ogla’la Lakho’ta Oyate (Sioux), South Dakota, Pine Ridge, USA, 1990s

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TheArts

something that looks simple and feels true.” Hansen draws on all the highs and lows of her personal experiences to inform her work, including her own recent experience with cancer. She is driven by a sense of curiosity and exploration in creating. “Every once in a while I’ll have a very

Northern Connections

Krista Hansen's Journey from Music to Visual Arts Story by Sarah Kerton, Photo by Maria Maria Photography

rista Hansen feels grounded here, and her graphic design work is influenced by her surroundings as much as by this concept. Even the name of her design firm, Eleven-Seventeen, evokes our region. A collaboration with husband Daniel Hansen, Eleven-Seventeen specializes in thoughtful and high quality brand identity, print, and web design. Despite her talents in the field, Hansen says she came to this as a career indirectly. “I was trained as a classical musician,” she says. “I started university as a piano major, and was a voice student for many years. Music was my life, so ending up as a visual artist was a bit unexpected.” Through her studies for her general arts degree, Hansen was exposed to visual arts courses such as art history and basic design; she also simultaneously took a job at a local print shop. “That was my start in design. The print shop started handing me small print design projects, and I was hooked,” she says.

44 The Walleye

“Soon after, I started my own business as a freelance graphic designer. That was 25 years ago. I have always been grateful that they gave me that opportunity.” After her start at Print Pros Plus, Hansen worked as a graphic designer and has also taught graphic design in the Interactive Media Development program at Confederation College. Working with clients through her business differs from her own art projects she does under the moniker “imnotbatgirl.” “For corporate clients, there is usually a brief and I’m working to communicate a message or identity in a way that feels like an authentic expression of who the client is, visually,” Hansen says. “My imnotbatgirl work is like that too, but for me. When I started on Instagram [circa 2012], it was a way for me to try fun, more expressive things visually outside of client briefs.” “Now it’s about exploring, creating and expressing,” she continues. “I love taking thoughts, feelings and ideas and translating them to

‘I'm Not Who I Was Before’ by Krista Hansen

'You Feel Like Home' by Krista Hansen

clear picture of what I want to create, but often I don’t know where a piece is going to end up when I start.” We like where she has ended up. Follow Krista Hansen on Instagram @imnotbatgirl or buy her art at Big Wall Decor, TeePublic, and Society6.

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2020-12-15 1:41 PM The Walleye 45

TheArts

A Remarkable Journey

Anishinaabe Artist Jacenia Desmoulin Shows Diverse Skills By Savanah Tillberg

combination of talent, determination, and a little bit of luck has brought artist Jacenia Desmoulin into the public eye. Born in Providence, Rhode Island and raised in Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, near Marathon, Desmoulin currently lives in Thunder Bay, where she creates mixed media art. In addition to motherhood and working full time as an office administrator, Desmoulin says art has always been one of her biggest passions. “As a kid I was always drawing on whatever I could find, including my homework,” she says. “When I started high school, I was able to take art classes, which I took every year along with drama and vocals.” Desmoulin is a self-taught tattoo artist and has a small studio that she runs out of her home. “I found that tattooing wasn’t that difficult for me to learn,” she says, “And I think that was just because of my background in art.” She explains that she purchased a tattoo apprentice kit and began practicing on fake skin, then on herself,

and then her brave and supportive friends. Initially it was something she had taken up for fun, but soon she found that people were approaching her for her work. Desmoulin says that she likes to be busy and always has something on the go. Her most recent project was her partnership with the National Hockey League’s Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks recently launched an education and investment initiative that aims to support Indigenous peoples through various collaborations with Indigenous communities and individuals. Following the discovery of one of Desmoulin’s designs on her Instagram page, a Blackhawks representative contacted her and commissioned her to create all of the graphic designs for the Native American Initiatives page on the organization’s website. “We had set up a phone call and once [the caller] said she worked for the Chicago Blackhawks I kind of just shut down,” she says, laughing. She describes it as an exciting and surreal experience and is looking forward

Karma and Zhiishiigwe (Karma and Rattlesnake) by Jacenia Desmoulin

46 The Walleye

TheArts to future collaborations with the team. While her own website is currently in the works, Desmoulin says she is open for commissions for both paintings and digital illustrations. COVID-pending, she is hoping to resume tattooing in the new year. You can find Desmoulin and her work on Instagram @ice. bear.studios.

Waagosh (Fox) by Jacenia Desmoulin

The Walleye

TheArts

Leah Morningstar

four years, spanning from those practice portraits with Charlotte to the present day, have been incredibly busy. Ledua has been continually attending classes, working part time, and of course, always taking pictures. Both her camera equipment and her skills have improved by leaps and bounds. Ledua says she still isn’t sure if she’ll actually be an accredited social worker, but she’s quite sure she’ll be using her education and experience no matter which path she takes. For now, her path is photography. “When I take pictures of people, they’re letting me into their lives, however briefly,” she says. “I’m working closely in intimate settings and my experience helps me communicate and connect with them.” It’s those connections that motivate and inspire Ledua’s creativity and passion. Growing up in Thunder Bay, Ledua says she has watched the city grow, evolve, and become more

diverse. These changes have solidified her resolve to be a helper. “I want to be a person who is open to all experiences and all people, and I love that I have the opportunity to be a role model as a professional woman of colour in this part of the world," she says. As barriers break down, Ledua is excited to be in the middle of it all. In the fall, she, along with the whole world, watched Kamala Harris become the first Black and South Asian woman elected to one of the Western world’s highest offices. Ledua is going to continue pursuing her passion of connecting and communicating with people from all walks of life. And she’s going to do that by taking pictures, helping people feel beautiful, and building community one click at a time. Please visit Ledua Photography on Instagram @leduaphotography and at her website leduaphotography.com.

One of Ledua’s portraits. She says people let her into their lives when she photographs them Torika Ledua

Building Connection and Community

Torika Ledua and Ledua Photography

orika Ledua’s passion to be behind the camera lens began about four years ago on a family trip to British Columbia. Ledua was taking pictures with her cell phone and couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty she captured, even though it was just on a cell phone. Back home in Thunder Bay, Ledua borrowed her mother’s camera and practiced taking portraits of her friend Charlotte. “Even though it wasn’t a fancy camera and the pictures weren’t that good, my friend was thrilled with the portraits,” she

48 The Walleye

says. It had been a long time since Charlotte felt beautiful and confident and Ledua helped make that happen. And it felt good. Ledua grew up in a big family. Her dad is from Fiji and her mom is from Canada; the house was always bustling with four loud children (Ledua has three brothers). After high school, she began studying nursing at Lakehead University. Partway through though, Ledua switched to studying social work. She says she still wasn’t sure what she wanted but she knew she wanted to help people. The following

Torika Ledua

By Leah Morningstar

Torika Ledua Torika Ledua

The Sea Lion in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

One of Ledua’s first photos of her friend Charlotte

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Outdoor

Winter Fat Biking in Thunder Bay Story and photos by Jesse Milani

Nick Bel navigates his fat bike over a large rock

hen the summer bikes go away, the fat bikes come out. Fat biking is a growing community where riders use an off-road hybrid of a mountain bike outfitted with oversized tires, often studded, and a larger frame. An important aspect of fat bike tires compared to regular tires are the vastly improved traction, specifically climbing traction. When it comes to the tires, psi (pounds per square inch) becomes a major factor. The larger-volumed tires and the lower pressure offer the rider the ability to float over the terrain,

where a regular bike tire rattles the rider’s brain as it goes over the bumps and grooves. Just outside of Thunder Bay there’s the very popular Shuniah Mines trails system offering riders kilometres of trails through the boreal forest, with various bridges, drops, and technical single-track A-frames. The Blacksheep Mountain Bike club is currently working on building approximately 15 kilometres of additional trails in the Trowbridge/Shuniah mines region. Once on the trails, you quickly realize why many of these trails

Olivia Young and Zach Woods-Seems ride the Shuniah Mines trails

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are named what they are: Drift, Road to Hell, Snakes & Ladders. These trails are adrenaline-filled trails offering riders sharp turns and big drops. Oftentimes, just before dropping into a trail, you gauge the “sketchiness” of the upcoming trails. Regardless of what level of sketchiness you deem it to be, you still jump onto your bike and head down the trail. You pedal furiously, having to catch yourself as your tires spin like crazy trying to catch traction, and you drift through the tight corners trying to stay atop your bike. Since the majority of the terrain is

Zach Woods-Seems and Olivia Young

covered in snow and ice, braking becomes somewhat ineffective. If the patches of ice and the major drops weren’t enough, constantly trying to avoid trees along the trail will surely keep you on your toes. During the winter months people tend to head out to the slopes, the cross-country ski trails, or the lakes for ice fishing. Fat biking offers a unique alternative to the traditional winter activities in Northwestern Ontario, giving riders year-round cycling opportunities. Riding is a passion for many people, so whether it’s long or short, it’s the ride that matters.

Outdoor

Olivia Young on the snow-covered Shuniah Mines trails

Michael McKenzie and Nick Bel. The large tires on the fat bikes improve traction

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CityScene

Abbot’s Gold Cheese

Stuff We Like

The Cheese Encounter

198 Algoma Street South The Cheese Encounter has so many incredible cheeses, it’s hard to pick just one. We decided on Abbot’s Gold, a smooth cheddar infused with caramelized onions, made by the historic Wensleydale Creamery in England. Add it to your cheese board, stack it on a cracker, or just eat it straight from the package while standing in front of the fridge—we won’t judge!

For National Cheese Lover’s Day By Amy Jones

$5.46/100g

anuary 20 is National Cheese Lover’s Day, and while we might say that around here, every day is National Cheese Lover’s Day, we’re also not going to object to a day to celebrate what just might be the perfect food. Pizza, pasta, nachos, sandwiches, even apple pie—there’s nothing that cheese can’t make better. With apologies to the lactose-intolerant, here is Stuff We Like for the cheese lover.

Creste di Gallo noodles Big Lake Pasta

16 Cumberland Street South Take your mac and cheese to another level with creste di gallo noodles from Big Lake Pasta. Made with durum semolina and dried slowly to preserve flavour, this rooster comb-shaped pasta is both whimsical and practical, with ridges that capture every last bit of cheesy goodness.

Nautical Disaster IPA

Lake of the Woods Brewing Company

350 Second Street South, Kenora Tired: wine and cheese pairings. Wired: beer and cheese pairings. No matter what your taste, there is a beer out there to go with your favourite cheese. Because we like big, bold cheeses, we tend to go with big, bold beers, like this IPA from Lake of the Woods.

$5/350 g

$12.79/4-pack

Extra Old Gouda Thunder Oak Cheese Farm

Cheese Boards to Share Indigo

797 Memorial Avenue Creating the perfect cheese board is both an art and a science. This book by Thalassa Skinner features 25 themed boards ranging from those highlighting wine, beer, and cocktail pairings to a wholesome kids’ board and a picnic board, so you can have a cheese board for every occasion!

$27.95

611 Boundary Drive Like all good things in life, cheese only gets better with age—and this extra-old gouda from local cheese legends Thunder Oak is no exception. They’ve been making the creamy Dutch cheese at their facility in Slate River since 1995, using fresh milk from their own Holstein cows. It doesn’t get any more local (or delicious) than that!

$39/kg

Saltspring Kitchen Co. Preserves

Blue Cheese Puzzle

Hygge Loft

271 Bay Street Round out your cheese board with a selection of Saltspring Kitchen Co. preserves, available at Hygge Loft. Sweet or savoury (or a mix of both), these preserves will bring out the best in any cheese you serve them with—try adding them to a grilled cheese sandwich for an extra special treat!

$13

Pretty Fly Co.

198½ Algoma Street South Can you really consider yourself a true turophile if you don’t have some cheese-themed swag around your house? This adorable Areaware blue cheese minipuzzle, available at Pretty Fly Co., is the perfect size to put together between bites of Brie. Just don’t try to eat it when you’re finished!

$24

Charcuterie Board Paddy O’ Boards

paddyoboards.com Speaking of cheese boards: you can’t have a cheese board without the board. We love this spalted oak charcuterie board from Paddy O’ Boards, finished with mineral oil beeswax coating (with an extra jar included with each purchase). This board measures 6”x14”—plenty of cheese square footage.

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$20

Oak Cheese Set Finnport

290 Bay Street This three-piece set, made from stainless steel and oak, is both gorgeous and functional, making it the perfect way to cut and serve your cheese. (We promised ourselves we wouldn’t make a “cutting the cheese” joke, and we’re sticking to it!)

$29.95

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CityScene

EYE TO EYE

With Penelope Smart

As told to Matt Prokopchuk, Photo by Kay Lee

Penelope Smart with her most treasured possession: a scarf that she's had since she was about six

The Walleye

enelope Smart, the new curator of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, is returning to Northwestern Ontario after nearly 20 years away. Born in Thunder Bay, Smart grew up in Red Lake and eventually enrolled at the Ontario College of Art and Design University, completing her Master of Fine Arts in criticism and curatorial practice before working at a number of Canadian galleries and artist-run centres. Smart joined us virtually to talk about what in the art world inspires her, what she’s been reading, and a special scarf that has followed her everywhere she’s been. On how she got into art: I’ve always loved art. I’ve always really loved objects and spaces [and] I always felt really at home in spaces that were full of interesting things to look at, and colours and textures. So, I’ve always loved art; I’ve always loved reading about artists and really thinking about things from [the perspective of] “why was this piece of art made in a specific time, by a certain person?” I think anyone who loves art history will kind of get a buzz from really understanding that art just doesn’t come out of a void, out of anywhere. Of course, there is a magic to it, the magic behind making something, but it’s really a product of people and politics and economics and everything in a certain place and time. So I think getting the story behind an art piece can really lock you in, in terms of becoming a curator. On what she’s drawn to when she studies a piece of art: I’m drawn to craft-based practices. I’ve discovered that I like older things, and so when I say craft-based practices, I’m talking about sewing and basketry and embroidery or metal work, glass blowing—these kinds of crafts that come out of traditional practices and often using traditional materials—and so I have found that that has served me really well in curating, especially coming to a gallery in Thunder Bay. Our collection here does have some really beautiful craft-based objects that come from traditional Indigenous practices and cultures and there

is something about crafts that really does connect you immediately to a community and ways of doing things and ways of seeing the world. On what she enjoys doing away from the gallery: [Laughs] Well, it’s COVID, so I think I’m doing what everyone else is doing. — I’m at home I’m a homebody — so I love being at home. And I am coming back to Northwestern Ontario, so I’m spending my time sort of rediscovering life here: scraping off my windshield, bright mornings, beautiful sunsets. I love walking and being out in nature; I love to cook; I like watching TV on my computer. But I think part of the beauty of moving back to Northwestern Ontario is the landscape that you get to step out into and just take in truly the beauty and the seasons. On the last book she’s read: The audiobook I’m currently listening to is Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga. This is a book that I’ve been wanting and waiting for the right time to read, and this is a perfect time to do that. The book I read before that […] was Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel and it’s pandemic fiction, I guess you would call it. It’s basically if COVID had killed off way more people and things went way worse than they are now, but it was incredible and I highly recommend Station Eleven if you’re looking for something that is really relatable and yet also puts in perspective how […] good we’re doing at managing COVID. On her most treasured possession: I have a scarf. It’s teal-coloured, it’s beautiful, it’s woven and I’ve had it since I was maybe six; it was my mom’s […] and I still have it and I’ve lost it a few times. I’ve rescued it from cabs, I’ve forgotten it at offices. I had to go retrieve it once from a really sort of terrifying taxi cab main office, this was like 10 years ago. It was in the middle of nowhere and it was kind of like walking into a David Lynch film, this office, and anyway, they did have my scarf, so […] I use it every winter and I just love it. I love how there’s home videos of me wrapped up in it and I’m still wearing it.

CityScene

This is Thunder Bay Interviews by Nancy Saunders, Photos by Laura Paxton With Thunder Bay city council making the decision to demolish Victoriaville Centre, this month we asked The Walleye readers what they would like to see done to redevelop the area.

Kunal: Another mall. The city is being more diversified, more people are coming to this city, and we need more places to buy things. A mall will give more business to the city. The city needs more malls or more businesses. I mean, local businesses, too. More malls like that will give more money to the city, and that will help with taxes going down.

Stephanie: That’s a good question. Probably something for kids to do in that area. Maybe it’ll bring more people there.

Marlene: A farmers’ market would be nice. Or even something for the youth. Kids could come in after school and do crafts. Just anything to keep them off the streets.

eat.more.pie. Find us on Facebook and Instagram

Pie.ology

pie.ology_

ilovepieology.com The Walleye

CityScene

Building Connections

Comedian Ron Kanutski Finds New Way to Reach People Story by Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey, Photos by Chad Kirvan

tand-up comedian and storyteller Ron Kanutski’s life as an entertainer hasn’t been the same since the pandemic started. “March 13 is when everything ended for me,” he says. “I went from travelling on the road and touring around to nothing. My life came to a dead stop.” He started going on Facebook Live looking for ways to reach people when someone told him that he could add another person to the live session. “I didn’t know what I was doing,” he says, but he thought visiting with a friend virtually and opening it up to the public might be a good idea. “I think there’s just a lot of people sitting at home, surfing

The Walleye

the internet, looking for stuff,” he explains. “Looking for entertainment or looking to stay connected to something.” His first session was on October 14 with Gary Borden, guitarist of the band Helix. “He’s an old friend from where I grew up. I just wanted to visit with him, but I thought maybe other people might like to hear how he’s doing as well,” Kanutski says. “I don’t call it a podcast or an interview. They’re just visits.” He decided to call the show Ron’s World, and every Wednesday evening, he chats with a musician. ”I’m building connections at the grassroots level,” he says. Borden introduced him to his next guest, Darby Mills, former vocalist of the Headpins. She, in turn,

introduced him to Paul McNair from Streetheart. Kanutski then decided to do something similar on Friday evenings, calling these sessions In My Circle. He started off by speaking with Indigenous people on his friends list. “Artists, actors, authors, activists. Just connecting with cool people in my circle,” he says. Notable guests have included author Elaine Alec, comedian Waabigut, and motivational speaker Stan Wesley. “I knew there were a lot of people just sitting around

feeling empty or lost,” says Kanutski. “Some people are lonely but they aren’t reaching out. I thought if I make an opportunity, they’d stop in.” The shows are on Kanutski’s personal Facebook page, which is public. “People are getting sick of Netflix and cable TV,” he adds. “They’ve watched everything, there’s nothing [else] to watch. But this, you don’t know what’s coming next.” Check out his Facebook page at facebook.com/ron.kanutski.

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Recycle | Recycle everything you can.

Rethink | Think about waste before you buy. Avoid ‘disposable’ products.

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For more information on reducing waste, please visit: thunderbay.ca/recycling

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CityScene

WALL SPACE

 Occupational instructors Thomas Kelly, Sophie Pynn, and Pino Migliazza hold a sign that reflects the three core mission values at St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG). Supervisor Doug Dowhos explains that Team Werks is about creating opportunities and ownership for people dealing with chronic mental illnesses or addictions. Hours are flexible, spaces are fully accessible, and there is one-to-one job coaching. There is approximately 7,000 square feet of indoor space in Victoriaville Centre dedicated to the different Team Werks business units.

Productive and Empowering Spaces Team Werks

Story by Tiffany Jarva, Photos by Kay Lee  In addition to building beautiful bare wood furniture, members and clients can choose from a wide range of jobs including washing cars, yard maintenance, collecting paper, and providing shredding services to local organizations. Staff say the confidence gained—and for some, the opportunity to have an ownership stake―have played significant roles in supporting recovery.

The Walleye

 Craft Werks has a variety of items for sale including handcrafted jewelry, dish cloths and towels, paintings, drawings, woodwork, and more.

t’s busy at Team Werks. Spaces hum in different ways, sometimes a little louder, sometimes very quiet, yet still productive. Saws zip through 2x4s, cafeteria dishes clatter, rags are cut and sorted, documents are shredded, and seeds are planted and harvested. And so much more. For over 20 years, the locally developed, award-winning program has been all about empowering people recovering from mental health and addictions challenges. “We’re making products; we’re providing opportunities for employment and ownership,” says Doug Dowhos, recovery supports supervisor at St. Joseph’s Care Group. Team

Werks is a worker-owned co-operative and consists of different business units, including Wood Werks, Green Werks Café, Shred Werks, Rag Werks, Piece Werks, Craft Werks, Labour Werks, and Green Werks Garden. It is one of the largest worker co-ops in Ontario, with 25 members with shares and an additional 25 clients in training placements. “The spaces are client-centered, supporting unmet needs in the community, including employment, training, and peer support in recovery,” Dowhos says. To find out more about Team Werks products or services, check out teamwerks.ca.

 A co-op member works on finishing the base of a clock. Whether building wood products or providing needed labour services to the community at large, Team Werks is about running a range of businesses, creating confidence, and empowering people, says Dowhos.

CityScene

 The smell of freshly cut wood permeates the Wood Werks shop, where products like raised planter boxes, benches, Muskoka chairs, bird houses, and bat houses are being built. “We are in a partnership to build products and organically help each other out,” says Dowhos. Occupational instructor Migliazza agrees. “There is a real sense of family. Clients are constantly telling us this is great therapy.” The program has been recognized as a positive model throughout Ontario and Canada.  Wood products are being sanded by members to be sold, with profits going back into the Team Werks initiative. “The peer-to-peer training and relationships are a big part of reintegration into the community,” says Dowhos.

 Supervisor Dowhos and a co-op member stand in front of tools of the trade in the program’s woodworking shop.  Many of the business units overlap. For example, Wood Werks builds raised planters and boxes for the Green Werks Garden, located in a dedicated outdoor space at the Sister Margaret Smith Centre on Lillie Street. In return, the garden provides food for the café, local markets, and the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA). A “Path to Wellness” has also been created at the garden site, which leads to a medicine wheel healing circle. “Last year we grew over 2,000 pounds of produce,” says Dowhos.

 Gorgeous, hand-crafted charcuterie boards are the newest products being produced by Wood Werks.

The Walleye

CityScene

Gone Sleddin’

The Road From Thunder Bay Firefighter to Canada’s National Bobsled Team By Bonnie Schiedel

“I

t’s kind of like a roller coaster, and kind of like a water slide, but you can’t see what’s happening,” says Thunder Bay’s Stephanie Drost, when asked what it feels like to do a bobsled run. “The gravitational force is quite extreme. We hit speeds of 145 to 150 kilometers…it’s a crazy feeling. It feels like you’re getting smushed into the bottom of the sled, and you can’t fight it. You just gotta let it happen.” When Drost, 27, decided to apply for Canada’s national bobsled team, she had no prior experience with a bobsled, of course. Unlike skating or skiing, it’s a winter sport that few have the chance to try. Still, she was looking for a challenge. Drost is no stranger to challenges. As a teenager and young adult, she raced provincially and nationally in nordic skiing before an old elbow injury meant she had to take a break from competition. It was then that she started working

60 The Walleye

summers as a forest firefighter with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), and soon decided to apply for a position with Thunder Bay Fire Rescue. To prepare, she trained CrossFit-style, six days a week for a couple of hours a day for several months. She passed both the written and physical tests first time out (and by the way, the requirements are the same for both men and women). In 2016, she and Ceilidh Boyd, a fellow MNRF firefighter, became the first female firefighters hired by the City. It was Drost’s mom Jennifer and sister Alanna that first suggested she look into the national bobsled team. “I’m a very competitive person, so I need that in my life,” she says. “Firefighting was a big goal of mine and after having completed that, I missed having a big goal to train for and having that competitive outlet. I wondered if there was anything that I

 Drost, left and her teammate, pilot Bianca Ribi  Drost checks her spikes for ice and snow before her first race

CityScene could get into, especially a little bit later in life, and still be successful at.” Drost hired Bobby Kwasny as a coach and trained hard for a year, and then in fall 2020, after taking a leave from the fire department, went to Calgary for the bobsled “combine”—a series of physical tests to evaluate power, speed, and strength. She was one of a handful of men and women that made it through those tests and went on to Whistler, BC, to be part of the development team. Some, but not all of the development team will go on to compete at events like the World Cup and the 2022 Winter Olympics. There are nine female brakemen competing for three team positions and three spares. Drost’s position is brakeman, and she is matched up with a pilot in a two-person sled. To be a good brakeman, “you need to be big and powerful and really fast. So me being taller helped me in that area” (Drost is 6’1”). As you hurtle down the icy run, you feel different pressures from the gravitational force, she says. “After you’ve done several runs, you kind of get a feeling for how to anticipate what’s coming next.” Pulling the brake feels like “you’re doing a huge deadlift,” she says, adding that it’s important to time it well so the sled stops properly. While it’s hard work and competition is fierce, Drost is having a good time. “It is a great team and we all get along super well. It’s a lot of fun.”

 Training with the “prowler sled” at Sled Dog Strength and Conditioning in Thunder Bay

 Drost’s bobsled at the top of the run in Whistler, BC  Posing for a picture after a race

 A typical training day includes an hour at the gym and five hours with the sleds

Dave Holland

 Stephanie Drost

 Pushing the bobsled at the beginning of a race

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CityScene

Take that to the (Food) Bank By Raven Wheesk, Economist, Northern Policy Institute

ood banks can be a valuable lifeline in a normal year, and only became more so in the current pandemic-recession we currently find ourselves in. After most Thunder Bay food banks closed earlier in the year, local organizations have had to step up to meet the growing demand. A centralized food bank operating out of the CLE grounds earlier in the pandemic was certainly not ideal, with many having to bus across the city and deal with queues in the hundreds. Other organizations have done their best to fill the gaps. Take, for example, the Dew Drop Inn, which served more meals by the end of October than it had in all of 2019. In the current situation, such efforts are needed across the province—and indeed, across the country. Feed Ontario, formerly the Ontario Association of Food Banks, is a provincial network of more than 1,200 food banks and hunger-relief agencies. The organization researches long-term solutions to poverty, while its member agencies secure and distribute over 5 million pounds of fresh food, and non-perishables annually. Food bank usage had already

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been increasing before the pandemic. Feed Ontario reported that from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019, over 500,000 individuals accessed food banks, making 3,059,000 total visits. The next year saw visits rise to 3.28 million visits. It is perhaps unsurprising that the primary reason for visits was individuals and families not having sufficient income to afford all basic necessities each month. Feed Ontario publishes annual

reports and has an interactive food bank usage map on its website. The data in Table 1 was pulled from this map. The table shows food bank usage, median household income, total visitors, and population for each geography area. According to Table 1, in 2018, Thunder Bay-Atikokan had the third-highest rate of food bank usage in the province, behind only Ottawa-Vanier and Hamilton Centre. Another interesting observation is that we typically would expect that places with low median household incomes would have a higher share of the population living near the poverty line, which translates into higher food bank usage. While this is true for Hamilton Centre, the table shows that Thunder Bay-Atikokan does not follow that logic. We see that our area has the third-highest median household income compared to the other areas. A standard metric for measuring poverty is the share of the population earning half of the median income. Based on this, half of the median income for Hamilton Centre would be $22,622 and for Thunder BayAtikokan it would be $35,487. Overall, based on this information, we can conclude that either: a) Thunder BayAtikokan’s population accessing food banks are either relatively better-off than those in Hamilton Centre; or b) Thunder Bay-Atikokan’s food bank patrons are in similar situations as individuals in Hamilton Centre and are farther below the local poverty line. Either way, it is apparent that the Thunder Bay-Atikokan has a high

number of individuals accessing food banks, although other regions see more visits per food bank client. Of course, 2020 was a unique year, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic causing sharp employment losses in March and April that have been slow to recover from. It should thus come as no surprise that food banks saw a surge in demand at the onset of the pandemic, and are reporting that half of visitors surveyed worry of being evicted. Those at the bottom of the earnings distribution have seen the highest rates of layoffs, with industries that employ the highest shares of minimum wage workers—food service and accommodation, and retail—shedding the most jobs. These are the people that generally access food banks in normal years, meaning even further reliance despite government efforts to keep the economy afloat. With 2020 in the rearview mirror, it seems unlikely that things could get any worse. The arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine should mark the turning point in the fight against the virus. One can only hope that a strong economic recovery can begin to reverse the damage of the pandemic and get back on track in the uphill battle against poverty. With information from: http://map.feedontario. ca/#low_big_contain https://feedontario.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2020/11/Hunger-Report-2020Feed-Ontario-Digital.pdf https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/ pub/11-631-x/11-631-x2020003-eng.htm

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CityScene

We the North

Clothing Inspired by the Area By Rebekah Skochinski

A Stony Wilds golf polo. Golf polos are a major focus of the new company

A NWO Clothing Co. hoodie displaying its popular “It’s a camp not a cottage” design

Stony Wilds' Hazelwood Snapback

An NWO tailgate party

istance isn’t the only thing that separates us from southern Ontario. There is something to be said for the distinct ruggedness of the north, as well as the isolation and solitude that shapes our experiences and our creativity. This influence can be seen in the increasing number of northern-inspired clothing brands that allow us to, quite literally, wear our hearts on our sleeves. Two new clothing companies launched last September; the first, NWO Clothing Co., was in the works for a year before Katrina Cianfagna, Tesni Stefanato, and Katelyn West were able to bring their brainstorming sessions to life. All three agree that there is a specialness to living in Northwestern Ontario, something you can’t get anywhere else. “From the sense of community to the diversity, the beautiful landscapes,

64 The Walleye

and everything in between, the north is definitely something worth showing off and celebrating, and what better way to do that than through clothing,” says Stefanato. The NWO line consists of crewnecks, hoodies, long sleeves, toques, hats, and stickers with fun slogans like “Live for the Lake” and “It’s a camp not a cottage,” which is, understandably, their best-selling item so far. In fact, they are currently sold out of most sizes, but will have a full restock in mid-January. Looking ahead, the company will partner with local charitable organizations to roll out a giveback program and they plan to add a kids’ clothing line and possibly a line for canines. “We have so many ideas to expand our brand and to reach those who celebrate the north and lake life like we do,” says Cianfagna. Stony Wilds is a golf and apparel

company with a defined sports focus that was started by two friends of nearly 20 years, Daniel Terrill and Matthew Kaustinen. “We love the game of golf and couldn’t find a premium brand that represents Canada and the diverse landscape we golf in. That’s why we started Stony Wilds—to showcase the Canadian wilderness and the powerful places that connect us to nature,” says Terrill. The pair sources and researches the latest technical fabric blends, using ones that are intended for athletes in order to find the perfect fit and functionality. They admit it’s a long process from creating the designs to refining the fit and finish but one that’s worth it in order to stand out in a competitive market. “Our most popular

polo is the Hazelwood—named after Hazelwood Lake here in the Thunder Bay area. The northern-inspired design and classic colours seems to be resonating with the community,” says Terrill. Currently their focus is on golf polos and hats, and they recently released a 100% Merino wool toque that’s ideal for a proper Canadian winter and early/late golf rounds, with plans to expand their selection as well as introduce sweaters and long sleeve items this spring. “We are excited for what the future will bring and are proud to be from Thunder Bay,” says Kaustinen. Find NWO Clothing Co. online at nwoclothingco.ca and Stony Wilds at stonywilds.com and at J.B. Evans Fashions & Footwear.

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CityScene people with the community [and] local food, and inspires creativity,” she says. Fettes credits Maurer with helping grow the market during her tenure, as well as with her attention to detail and getting everyone pulling in the same direction. She says that they hope to have a new manager in place in early January. Maurer says her official last day was in December, but, if required, she’ll help out as needed early this

Change at the Top Thunder Bay Country Market Hiring New Manager

Story by Matt Prokopchuk, Photo by Keegan Richard

hange is coming to the Thunder Bay Country Market as its manager is stepping down. Annet Maurer says she and her family are moving to Australia this month. “Very excited tempered with very nervous at the same time, and sad,” she says about how she’s feeling in advance of the change. “I’ll miss Thunder Bay, I grew up here and my mother is here, so I’ll miss that for sure.” Maurer has headed the market for the past four-plus years. Over the course of her tenure she says the market has made Wednesday evenings more of a priority and tightened up on things like ensuring

66 The Walleye

vendors can commit to both Wednesdays and Saturdays and removing “inconsistencies” in scheduling. “When I started, Wednesday was still kind of haphazard,” she says. “In the last couple years, we’ve made Wednesdays really strong, and so that’s been very positive for the market and for Thunder Bay.” The board of directors is looking for a new manager who will fully appreciate the role the market plays in Thunder Bay, as well as its history, says Kelly Fettes, the board president, adding that the person will have to be innovative and understand small business and entrepreneurship. “The market connects

month; she leaves town January 19. Overall, she says it’s been a good experience. “Obviously, I’ve really seen the support of the market continue to grow and especially during COVID,” she says. “That was such a difficult time as the manager of the market to handle all the ongoing changes, but Thunder Bay’s just really rallied behind us and all of our vendors.”

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GO LOCAL THUNDER BAY COUNTRY MARKET

Jennifer McFarlane, co-owner of Wintering House

Wintering House Story by Pat Forrest, Photos by Keegan Richard

he push to shop local has been growing for some time, and since the pandemic began the movement has gathered steam across Canada. Whether it’s a message from a chamber of commerce or a sign in front of a local business, the message is the same: show some extra love to your local entrepreneurs during these difficult times. Daniel DePeuter and Jennifer McFarlane of Wintering House are feeling the love. Producers since 2016 of locally designed, handscreened products inspired by life in Northwestern Ontario, they

happily report that business has continued to grow each year. “We are so grateful to our community and supporters,” DePeuter says. “Not only have we added new designs to our inventory each year, but we have also branched out into some new products including hoodies, tank tops, prints, and cards.” The pair has also partnered with other local businesses and organizations to create unique shirts for them or have Wintering House designs in their stores. These include Sleeping Giant Brewing Co., Dawson Trail Craft Brewery, Fresh Air, Ungalli Clothing Co., Quetico Provincial

Park, and Rose N Crantz Roasting Company. In the early days, DePeuter and McFarlane set up at local craft shows and events when possible. It was a great way to meet people and show their designs but also involved a lot of packing and unpacking. Looking for a more permanent location, they applied to the Thunder Bay Country Market and, in 2018, started in a tent outside as at that time they could not commit to the indoor stall hours. In January 2020, they took the leap to committing to an indoor stall at the market and they are clearly very happy with that decision. “Having a permanent space where we can display all of our shirts and hoodies among so many other unique vendors is fantastic,” says McFarlane, adding that

the market has remained a positive experience for them throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “The staff, board, and vendors have taken the situation very seriously and have worked together to ensure the environment is as safe as possible for both vendors and for shoppers. As a community, we are all trying our best to get through and support each other. Many customers are taking the ‘shop local’ message to heart.” Wintering House has launched some new designs this fall, including "Kam River" and “For Fox Sake.” They’re committed to continuing to come up with new ideas and designs in 2021 that represent the many things they love about the region. You can also find them on Facebook at @Winteringhouse.

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Decadence on a Winter’s Night A Look at Chocolate Edibles

CANNABIS CORNER

By Justin Allec

t’s a new year, but the view outside is still cold, dark, and isolated. I’m all for striving to be our best selves and turning over new leaves, but honestly, hibernation isn’t the worst option this year. What’s helping my particular

hibernation season is chocolate. These products first appeared in the Ontario Cannabis Store with the rollout of Cannabis 2.0. There are now almost a dozen options offering different kinds of chocolate and ratios of THC and CBD. All

the products I tried use a cannabis distillate—usually a blend of strains—infused with the chocolate, which eliminates any “green” flavour. That means there’s no difference in flavour compared to “regular” chocolate; the difference

lies in the overall experience and the packaging. Really, if your daily wear is now pyjama pants, what better product to explore during your hibernation?

Foray Salted Caramel Chocolate Square

Bhang THC Dark Chocolate Bar

Legend Candy Cane Crush Milk Chocolate

This was the first one I tried and it’s impressive. Given that the whole square has 10 mg of both THC and CBD, I chewed off a corner to start. I was glad that I did, too, as the rich chocolaty flavour was long gone by the time I started to feel the effects. The experience was mild, but pleasing throughout. Still, I think the whole square would have been a bit much. As for taste, it’s probably my second favourite out of the three I tried, as it’s comparable to Lindt quality. White chocolate forms the base of this square, which means that the salted caramel flavour dominates.

I’m not the biggest dark chocolate fan and found the flavour of Bhang’s product to be middling. There’s a malty sweetness to it which is nice, but there’s also that subtle chalkiness that some dark chocolates have—ugh. Aside from that, I again went for a corner piece; it was good for an evening and I preferred the straight THC compared to Foray’s balanced ratio. Again, I wouldn’t say that a whole Bhang bar would end your night, but it’s probably not a great idea if you’re not a regular consumer. That said, the price can’t really be beat, the pre-scored pieces are convenient, and the longer experience helps add to the value. I’d opt for this over a mediocre pre-roll.

Legend Candy Cane Crush seemed like a bit of a Christmas gimmick, as it mixes in crushed bits of candy cane with the milk chocolate. However, the crunchy bits of mint are a nice pairing with the chocolate, which was an even better flavour than Foray’s product. It was hard not to eat the whole thing. Though Legend is produced by Bhang, they employ master chocolatier Bernard Callebaut, which means that they’re producing a world-class product even before the cannabis distillate is added. Matching the price to Bhang’s product means that I would choose this one based on flavour every time, even if it isn’t the holidays.

$5.95/pack THC 10.00 mg, CBD 10.00 mg

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CityScene

Boxes of food being prepared in April for distribution to people in need during the first wave of COVID-19

Straining the System

Food Banks, Community Organizations, Grapple with COVID-19 By Matt Prokopchuk

Thunder Bay urban agriculture organization says the ongoing pandemic has seen it and other grassroots organizations help provide necessary food hampers and supplies to those living in poverty, as province-wide data shows that COVID-19 is putting even greater demands on an increasingly taxed emergency food access system. For nearly five months during the onset and subsequent months of the pandemic last year, Roots to Harvest executive director Erin Beagle says her group, along with 13 other organizations—including the Dew Drop Inn, local child welfare agencies, the city’s three school boards, Isthmus, Evergreen A United Neighbourhood, and others—partnered to distribute thousands of food hampers to families, seniors, and Elders. “COVID has had a huge impact,” she says. “You saw this really clearly in Thunder Bay, especially in the first wave, how food banks closed down for the most part and then centralized, and that made it really hard for people to get food.” She adds, “On the other side of that, a lot of agencies, aside from Roots to Harvest […] really picked up getting food to the people they serve.”

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The food banks’ closures came in the spring, when the first wave of the coronavirus was sweeping through the Western world. In Thunder Bay, Volker Kromm, the executive director of the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA), says many food banks closed due to concerns they couldn’t adequately protect their volunteers and staff, especially during the initial weeks of the pandemic. The local solution was a centralized pickup point at the CLE grounds, on which Kromm says the Salvation Army “took the lead.” This ran every two weeks for about three months, until some food banks began reopening towards the end of summer, and other initiatives, like deliveries, were in place. Those initial months gave food security advocates the time and ability to collect data on how the pandemic affected emergency food access. Feed Ontario (formerly the Ontario Association of Food Banks) produced a report in November showing that Ontario’s food banks saw a 26% increase in first-time visitors between March and June, while data collected by Roots to Harvest found that over 50% of people they surveyed said that

reliable access to food due to financial constraints worsened since the onset of COVID, and for 20%, it was a brand-new reality. The pandemic has underscored the need for better social supports across the board, so that people have more money to feed themselves, Beagle says. “Make sure there’s income supports and life is more affordable for Canadians, meaning there’s [affordable] child care

or there’s pharmacare or affordable housing,” she says. “When we don’t have those things, people are spending their money in other places and they become food insecure.” The Feed Ontario report, as well as a separate report last year from Community Food Centres Canada, made similar recommendations. In Thunder Bay, Kromm says the RFDA and local food banks are adapting to the new normal, including the use of a second warehouse space at the Thunder Bay International Airport to help with the creation of hampers for delivery to food banks, improvements to the RFDA’s existing warehouse space, and changes to the operations at individual food banks. “Whatever it takes to be able to do it safely,” he says. And Beagle says, while she doesn’t feel it’s Roots To Harvest’s job to be an emergency food provider post-pandemic—“this is not our role or our work”—they have signed on with Community Food Centres Canada to be one of its designated centres. That means running community kitchens, special food markets, and being a grassroots space for access to high quality food. As well, she says, once they are able to do, so, Roots to Harvest will continue its usual programming and its work to find better ways to tackle food insecurity, as, she says, current methods aren’t enough. “We’ve seen that year after year after year; the numbers go up, there are more people living in poverty and being food insecure,” she says. “It’s not working.”

Roots to Harvest has helped supply thousands of emergency food hampers during COVID-19

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Sponsored Content

Do You Fondue?

Is there anything better than a warm pot of melted cheese as the pièce de résistance of a meal? While some may feel the fondue trend of the 70s has long passed, we’re willing to bet on––and even push for––its revival.

The concept of dipping food into a pot of warmth (oil, broth, or even chocolate) exists in multiple countries around the world, but the cheese fondue has its roots in Switzerland. Fondue comes from the French word meaning “to melt” and is said to have been created as a result of harsh winter months limiting access to resources. Cheese was abundant, leading to the realization that melting it down with wine was a great way to consume stale bread. Fondue was eventually popularized in the 1930s as part of a campaign launched by the Swiss Cheese Union to increase cheese consumption in Switzerland. It then arrived in North America via New York at the 1964 World’s Fair, when it was included on the Swiss Pavilion’s alpine restaurant’s menu. Today, multiple variations of fondue exist depending on the Swiss region or town you are in, and the type of cheese that is popular or unique in a particular location will vary. There are also French variations in regions that border Switzerland, such as the fondue Jurassienne from the Jura region in France that is made entirely of Comté cheese. Given these regional differences, we have created our own fondue recipe that comes tried and tested by your friendly neighbourhood mongers; a task we are more than happy to take on for the sake of research and quality cheese. Gruyère is often a must in traditional fondue recipes and our recipe uses this iconic Swiss cheese as a base. We have also selected a Canadian cheese to complement the Gruyère and give our own spin to a classic. The Swiss may scoff at our inclusion of a cheddar, but after trying and tasting multiple combinations, we find this unpasteurized cheese from Prince Edward Island holds up to the more intense flavour brought on by the Gruyère. This recipe also calls for kirsch, a clear colourless brandy made from morello cherries. It helps bring the flavours together and is said to make the fondue more digestible. A fondue pot (a caquelon) is necessary to evenly distribute the heat. Fondue pots will typically come with their own burners that are to be filled with fuel as needed. If your set is missing the burner, a hardware or specialty store should have some options in stock. While a tealight candle is

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typically not recommended for a cheese fondue, it may give off enough heat to keep your fondue warm if the burner is proving to be too strong for your pot.

The Cheese Encounter Fondue serves 1–6

Ingredients • 1 garlic clove • 1½ cups (360 ml) dry white wine • 3 tablespoons kirsch (optional) • 2 cups (250 g) grated Gruyère • 2 cups (250 g) grated COWS Creamery cheddar, 3 year old • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • Freshly ground pepper • Day-old bread cut into cubes

Directions

Cut the garlic clove in half and rub along the inside of the fondue pot, then warm the wine in the fondue pot on medium heat on your stove. Mix the cornstarch and kirsh in a small bowl until combined. Slowly add both cheeses to the fondue pot and stir continuously. Once it starts to boil, add the cornstarch and kirsch mixture. Cook for 3–5 minutes on medium heat, continuing to stir. The mixture should take on a thick texture. If it gets too thin or starts to separate, gradually add a tablespoon of cornstarch until it thickens. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add more wine. Light the burner under your fondue pot and place the pot over it to keep the mixture warm. Keep an eye on the flame and adjust as necessary.

For serving

The main question to ask is whether or not it will dip, to which the answer is usually “yes.” Some options we enjoy are boiled potatoes, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, sliced apples, or slices of steak, shrimp, and pork belly. Cornichons and pickled onions are classic accompaniments to the meal, but the options are endless. We also recommend a grainy mustard or a tangy chutney to add another layer of flavour to the experience.

Dipping Rules

• You should only fondue in months that have an R in their name. Fondue is a winter meal and you’ll often only see tourists around the fondue pot in the summer months. • Don’t drink water while you fondue. It is said that the cheese will stay stuck in your gut. Given the quantity of cheese one consumes during a fondue, it’s likely water isn’t the problem here, but it’s a general rule to drink dry white wine or black tea with the meal. If you’re feeling full, it is recommended to take a shot of kirsch mid-meal to make room for more cheesy goodness. •Never double-dip.

• If you lose your piece of bread in the pot, it is said that you must take a shot of kirsch, buy a round of drinks, kiss the person next to you, or run naked in the snow. We’ll leave it up to you to decide which tradition you subscribe to. • Use a figure-8 method or a good swirl with your dipping stick to stir the pot. The centre near the bottom is where the cheese gets its full flavour as it caramelizes from the heat. •When you’re done, a thin, crusty film should remain at the bottom of the pot. This is known as the Religieuse (the nun) and is highly sought after by fondue enthusiasts.

•Always use white wine. Never red.

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Music

Time to be Creative

Aysanabee Releases New Video, Highlighted at Indigenous Music Awards By Wendy Wright

oronto-based singer-songwriter Evan Pang has northern roots stretching from Sandy Lake First Nation to Thunder Bay and Kaministiquia. Performing under his mother’s maiden name, Aysanabee, is special to this talented artist and gives light to his Oji-Cree background. Aysanabee learned to play guitar from his brother and continued learning by ear. His style of play is unique and he adds percussion and varying string work. Pure heart and soul run deep with his message and beat. Aysanabee’s foray into creating his music video for the Indigenous Music Awards was hectic, however it still was an experience that

produced an intoxicating video on YouTube and an invitation to be part of the IMA’s emerging artists forum. The video for “The Dawn” was shot in Toronto by a friend, Michael Villamor from the band Big City Lights, who was interested in shooting music videos. The collaboration was that of good timing and exploration for both. “The video was shot in a very small rehearsal space in downtown Toronto,” Aysanabee says. “He [Villamor] was able to get it in one shot in a windowless, basement room.” They “talked out how to shoot the video,” and came up with something that looks nothing like a basement. The future is bright for this

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

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emerging artist. Aysanabee has played with multiple bands but is steering more towards a solo effort with his own music. “There is a certain sensitivity with your own lyrics and melody that cannot always be captured by others,” he says. Representing his own motivation and emotion through song seems to be Aysanabee’s style. “One good thing about the pandemic is that it forced people to become creative with their time,” he says. “I have a whole series of songs I’m starting to record.” A big goal is to have at least one song recorded and released by his birthday in January 2021. During 2020 there were also a

couple of remarkably interesting opportunities for Aysanabee to play live. One was in an apple orchard and another on a stage with a small audience but with the artist and patrons in their own plexiglas boxes. It was “an experience for sure that will never happen again,” Aysanabee says, laughing. Check out Aysanabee on Instagram @_aysanabee_ and on Facebook at @AysanabeeOfficial. You can also search YouTube for his video for “The Dawn,” and learn more about his recent work at the Indigenous Music Awards website indigenousmusicawards.com.

Music

Swingin’ In Stereo Mood Indigo Giving Fans a New Project After Tremendous Community Support By Michael Charlebois

ne of the city's busiest live acts is adjusting to the times. Mood Indigo, a jazz quartet featuring Mark Thibert, Anna Torontow, Glenn Jennings, and Paul Hessey, are releasing their first piece of recorded music in nearly a decade. “We’re primarily doing this as a means of providing psychological support for all the people who can’t come to see us live,” says Thibert, the band leader. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has been doing a series of virtual projects, including a virtual Live at the Waterfront show which garnered over 7,000 plays online. Thibert says the virtual sessions have gone so well, they were encouraged to deliver something more to their fans. “We recognize the importance of our music for people to cope with the current situation,” Thibert says. “If anything, I think COVID-19 has provided us an opportunity to learn and embrace a different platform. It seems that this hasn’t caused any degree of impediment in terms of reaching our fans.” The jazz quartet, which performed as a three-man group for the better part of the last 25 years, now features renowned local

vocalist Anna Torontow, who joined the band in 2018. “Her professionalism, the recognition by the people of Thunder Bay, and her tremendous performance skills have really brought a new depth and dimension than we were already able to offer,” Thibert says. “There’s a certain element of her lyrics that people connect with.” Thibert adds that the album, titled The New Normal Jazz, is expected to be released in early to mid-January. He says the songs touch on a wide range of jazz styles, and feature music that was entirely written and recorded in Thunder Bay. “We have everything from swing, bebop, Latin music, ballads. […] For this record we really tried to reach the broadest spectrum of the likes of our fanbase.” During the holidays, the quartet also had a virtual 12 Days of Christmas event as another show of solidarity with the community and they will continue to release a new video every day until January 6. The videos are available to stream on Facebook and YouTube. For more information and band updates, visit Mood Indigo Jazz on Facebook.

 Mark Thibert  Anna Torontow

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Music

Your feelings, your look.

270 Bay Street (807) 622.6989 evokesalonandspa.com The TBSO has been livestreaming chamber concerts from Hilldale Lutheran Church

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WISHING YOU A SAFE AND PROSPEROUS 2021!

The Music Won’t Stop

Thunder Bay Symphony Adapting as 2021 Gets Underway By Ryleigh Dupuis, Executive Director and General Manager, TBSO

hen the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra began doing live concerts in front of audiences this season, we were diligent in our preparation and felt confident in the precautions we put in place. We took the advice of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and provincial health authorities to heart and created extensive health and safety procedures for staff, musicians, and audience members. Even so, we knew there was a possibility we would have to change direction at some point. As the case counts in the Thunder Bay community began to rise, so too did our concern for the well-being of our music community. As we contemplated our

options, it became clear that the message of “stay home, stay safe” resonated with us. And so, we asked our audiences to do just that. Stay home. Let us come to you. We are in the lucky position to be able to do that. We have had the benefit of a wonderful partnership with Hilldale Lutheran Church, a beautiful and acoustically terrific space that happens to be equipped with modern technology. This enables us to livestream the same quality of performance our region has come to expect, allowing audiences to enjoy performances from the safety of their homes. As we move forward, we will continue to evaluate our responsibility when it comes to inviting

audiences into our space. One of our goals is to provide a live concert experience, while another is to broaden the reach of our orchestra. We have had tremendous support from both in-person audiences and at-home viewers. This season has allowed us to discover new ways to reach out and connect with people and we will continue to do just that. From January through March we will be offering smaller chamber concerts that will be available both online and in person, as safety precautions permit, at Hilldale Lutheran Church. We have an interesting and exciting collection of concerts that we think will appeal to all.

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Music

BURNING TO THE SKY

Four Iconic Cover Songs By Gord Ellis

here are many iconic songs that were not made famous by the artists who wrote them, or for whom the songs were originally written. Some of those songs became so influential they are forever associated with the performer who did the cover. Here are four big ones.

Because the Night Patti Smith

Hurt Johnny Cash

This dark, haunting song sounded unlike anything else when it first appeared on radio in 1978. At the time, Patti Smith had a small, cultish following, but she was not seen as a radio-friendly artist. Smith’s producer Jimmy Iovine, who also happened to be working with Bruce Springsteen on the sessions that would become Darkness on the Edge of Town, brought the unfinished track to Smith, with Springsteen’s blessing. Smith took the arrangement, added her own words, and the rest is history. Although Smith made the song a hit, it would not appear on a Springsteen release until his live box set in 1986. Springsteen’s longtime sidekick Steve Van Zandt has often bemoaned his boss’ penchant for giving away sure hits, and “Because the Night” is a prime example of that.

The Man in Black was no stranger to making other people’s songs his own. Cash famously recorded several tunes—including “Sunday Mornin’ Coming Down” (written by Kris Kristofferson)—that many people assumed he’d written due to his complete commitment in performance. But it was “Hurt,” a song penned by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, that will be forever regarded as his final masterstroke. The regret, pain, and longing in Reznor’s lyrics are convincingly brought to life by Cash, who was ill at the time. Cash recorded the song with producer Rick Rubin. The song is haunting, with the Cash vocal up front, broken and heavy with loss. The video released to accompany the song is equally unflinching. Less than a year after the song was recorded, Johnny Cash was gone. Reznor would later praise the performance, saying the song “isn’t mine anymore.”

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I Will Always Love You Whitney Houston

Nothing Compares 2 U Sinéad O’Connor

There are some songs that seem small and even fragile until tackled by a performer who is not afraid to take the butterfly and turn it into an eagle. That is exactly what Whitney Houston did with the Dolly Parton-penned “I Will Always Love You.” Parton wrote the tune as a goodbye to her longtime musical partner and mentor Porter Wagoner. Parton’s take was delicate, beautiful, and moving. When Houston got a hold of it, the song became a juggernaut, building into an emotional, cathartic climax. Houston’s vocal soars and swoops. The song was a justifiably huge hit, becoming the best-selling single for a female artist ever. It also made Dolly Parton even wealthier.

As broken-hearted break up songs go, “Nothing Compares 2 U” is one of the best. The writer of the song, Prince, perfectly captured the undefinable pain of remembering someone you loved who is now out of your life. The song was written for one of Prince’s many side projects and was basically forgotten by him until Irish chanteuse Sinéad O’Connor recorded it in 1990. Under a bed of synthesizers and spare drumming, O’Connor took it to a new place. Her crystalline voice lets you feel the pain and longing of a broken relationship: It's been so lonely without you here Like a bird without a song Nothing can stop these lonely tears from falling Tell me baby, where did I go wrong? The accompanying video for the song, with a tight shot on O’Connor’s face and shaved head, only reinforced the pain of the song and realness of the performance. Prince returned to “Nothing Compares 2 U” after O’Connor made a hit of it, performing it live and re-recording it. But as good as the Prince versions always were, the song will forever be hooked to Sinéad O’Connor.

Music

Music as Resilience

Boreal Ultimate Music Society Releases New Album By Jamie Varga

n organically homegrown group that affectionately refers to itself as B.U.M.S.—or the Boreal Ultimate Music Society— is working hard to keep local music pumping its healing powers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has dropped a new album. Scott and Rachel Macsemchuk, owners of Amberlite Resort on Weikwabinonaw Lake, found themselves in a bad way when the coronavirus hit the region and the floor dropped out for their whole way of life. Adding to their loss of livelihood, they also had to cancel the fourth year of their music festival, AmberJam. Like others affected by the shutdown, the Macsemchuks and their resident sound engineer, Rob Nickerson, quickly came up with a new idea: to record the event

instead. It was a concept they had been planning for some time, but it took root as they found themselves with empty cabins, the necessary studio space, and recording equipment ready to go. “My buddy Bob Chabluk and his band Urban Ditchweed were about halfway through performing their original song, ‘No Man’s Land,’ at last year’s AmberJam and I got goosebumps,” Scott Macsemchuk says. “I ran down and told Rob, ‘I don’t know what it's gonna take but we gotta record this stuff!’ That was the inspiration for this whole project and, sure enough, that song is the close-out track.” The Boreal Ultimate Music Society channeled its efforts into Boreal Oasis Studios, recorded as many of the acts slated for

the festival that they were able to, and released the album Eleven in December. The album features 11 different acts that include The JB Band, The Chain, Sunday wilde, Toxic Neighbour, and Cole Myronuk and The Wild, to list a few. It is now available on most streaming services and for those who would like to throw a little extra support directly to the sources, CDs are also available at Backstage Music on Red River Road. As if all of this wasn’t a grand enough undertaking, the B.U.M.S. also enlisted the talents of Confederation College Film Program alumnus William Shaw and a team of creatives to produce a video for each of the tracks, allowing us to actually see the acts that we had missed this year. The videos

are scheduled to be released each week until February 13; they kicked off on December 5 with Toxic Neighbour’s track “Sane Asylum.” It is all too easy to get wrapped up in sadness and negativity these days, but it is during these hard times that we especially need to appreciate the access we have to incredible musical medicine like this project, thanks to great local musicians, studios, events, and innovators like the Boreal Ultimate Music Collective. Go give them some love and let the music wash away your stress for a little while. Visit borealoasis.ca, or subscribe to the Boreal Oasis Multimedia YouTube channel and check out a new video every week. #RIGHTdeadly

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Royal Aleppo Food Aya and her family outside of Royal Aleppo Food on St Paul St.

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Music

From left to right, Jake Laakkonen, Dylan Maxwell, Eric Niemi

Hope and Destruction Femur Releases For the Love of It

Story by Justin Allec, Photo by Josh Talakoski

he guys in Femur knew they couldn't wait. As one of the city’s best-loved and hardest-working bands with the aspirations to match, the trio wasn’t about to let a pandemic scuttle their plans for a sophomore album. The band wanted to release the album, gently titled For the Love of It, regardless of whether people could go to shows or not. Guitarist and singer/lyricist Jake Laakkonen sees it as the right move for the band, even if the music world is on pause. “The album was ready to go in September, but it got pushed back,” he says. “We think it’s important that artists keep releasing albums. We didn’t like the idea of sitting on material, because these

songs represent where we are as a band right now.” Laakkonen, along with drummer Dylan Maxwell and bassist Eric Niemi, are interested in pushing Femur further, and the best way to do that, next to playing shows, is to keep writing songs. While Laakkonen jokes that Femur moves pretty slowly for a metal band, Love picks up directly where their 2017 debut Red Marks left off, and showcases an unbelievable amount of growth along with topshelf production. While a lot of heavier music can easily be shoved into the category of knuckle-dragging nihilism (not that there’s anything wrong with that!) Femur wanted a different approach with Love. Songs from their debut,

like “Knife Fight in the Basement,” are impressive exercises in riveting, off-kilter metal, but lyrics like “this grave will feed you ashes/that you will never sow” don’t really describe where the band is nowadays. Laakkonen even goes so far to say that “I don’t want Femur to get pigeonholed as a negative band with stereotypical subject matter. It’s just more interesting to me now to bring in some light.” That feeling is reflected throughout the album, and makes the title a promise Femur tries to keep. For example, Love’s second single, “Brian Wells,” sees Laakkonen taking a first-person perspective in the bizarre murder of the coerced bank-robber, but ties it all back to love: “I can’t

believe I had to die/Anything for love/What a price.” It’s so heavy it’s heartbreaking. Red Marks and the supporting tours earned Femur some justified interest beyond our city’s borders, and the online response to Love has been fairly positive. “It’s a weird time to release a record,” Laakkonen says laughing, and he’s obviously disappointed that there won’t be the hype-building experience of an album-release show to celebrate all the hard work the trio has put in. Despite that, Femur isn’t going anywhere, and once stages open again, rest assured they’ll be more than happy to see you.

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Music

Kevin Brohman

Principal Timpanist, TBSO

Danielle Sum Photography

By Kris Ketonen

Born: Beamsville, Ontario Instrument: Timpani and percussion Age you started to study music: Guitar at age 10 How long have you been with TBSO: In his second season What’s on personal playlist: News and comedy podcasts, Anderson .Paak

evin Brohman may have begun his musical career as a guitarist, but it wasn’t long before he found himself being pulled in a different direction. “There was always something about drums,” Brohman says. “Whenever I’d hang out at my friends’ houses

and they had a drum kit, I’m sure their parents hated me because I always wanted to go and play on it.” Brohman’s shift to drums and percussion began in earnest in high school, although initially, he was eyeing a different career path. “I did always want to go into music, and I was hoping to do something more in pop music, [the] rock vein,” he says. “I really was interested in record producing and recording and I was looking at programs for that. And I learned quickly that it was a lot of very competitive [and] expensive programs.” “My high school music teacher was the one who really encouraged

me to keep moving forward in percussion, because I think she really saw something that I didn’t,” he continues. Brohman went on to study at Wilfrid Laurier University, and then at the Glenn Gould School at The Royal Conservatory of Music, where he was enrolled in a twoyear post-grad program. “I was in my first year there,” he says. “You study with some of the best teachers in the country, and you take gigs wherever you can, you take auditions whenever they come up. I was lucky enough […] to win the audition that happened for the [TBSO] that year, and I was faced with the difficult decision of whether I

wanted to stay in Toronto and finish my degree, or come up here and start the job.” Having chosen the latter, Brohman now finds himself in the midst of a very unique TBSO season, which has shifted to an all-virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It obviously was the right thing to do with the situation getting worse in the city, but it’s strange,” he says. “It is very strange to be putting on a show for the cameras. But it does help to know that we have such a great base and following in the community. We’re very thankful.”

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OfftheWall

Plastic Hearts

Miley Cyrus

Some numbers for context: Cyrus is 28 years old, this is her fifth album, it’s been seven years since “Wrecking Ball,” and when I watched the video for single “Midnight Sky” on December 3, it had 93 million views. All those numbers smash up against the unyielding fact of 2020, so it’s no wonder Cyrus decided to skip back in time for this album. Largely leaving the lackluster countryfried pop of 2017’s Younger Now behind, Cyrus engages in some stratospheric pop pastiche that lets her own some real estate from the 80s, and buy and sell as she sees fit. Newly mulleted and hauling baggage, Plastic Hearts has Cyrus cosplay Madonna, go clubbin’ with Stevie Nicks, and gives Billy Idol his best song since those first two. Once you get into the slick packaging, Plastic Hearts feels expected, thanks to the calculated layers of sexuality, obsessive love gone wrong/right, and vague paeans to empowerment and individuality. That’s not a negative, though, as Cyrus easily holds all these disparate factors together through confidence and something that the year’s been lacking: fun. Blast these tracks and dance like no one’s watching, because in a pandemic year, no one is. - Justin Allec

REVIEWS

Traces (Alternate Versions & Sketches) Steve Perry

In 2018, longtime Journey frontman Steve Perry returned to the music scene with Traces, his first solo album since 1994’s For the Love of Strange Medicine (he also fronted Journey’s album Trial by Fire in 1996). Traces is a very pleasant musical comeback, showcasing Perry’s distinct countertenor voice over top of an agreeable batch of arena rockers and power ballads. Two years later, Perry takes things down a notch with Traces (Alternate Versions & Sketches), stripping the big production out of seven of the 10 songs from the original record (“In the Rain,” “Easy to Love,” and “We Fly” don’t make an appearance here and one song—“Most of All”—is presented in a pair of mixes). The sparser arrangements put Perry’s voice even more front and centre, and highlight the emotional core of the songs and the pleasant raspiness that has crept into his vocals over the years. Still, some songs (like the anthemic “No Erasin’”) really do need that full, heavy rock backing. - Matt Prokopchuk

J.T.

Truth & Ruin

Steve Earle & The Dukes

Dead Quiet

Steve Earle is a man of many labels: he’s a musician, an author, an actor, and a political activist, to name but a few. On his latest album, simply called J.T., you can also add “father grieving the loss of his son.” Justin Townes Earle died of a drug overdose this past August, and on the album Steve Earle pays tribute to his son by recording versions of ten of Justin’s songs, before finishing the set with a heartfelt tune for his son called “Last Words.” The songs are a mix of country blues, swing, and ballads. Earle’s backup band, The Dukes, provide the fiddles, banjos, mandolins, steel guitars, and drums. The sound mix is top-notch, although at times it’s hard to decipher some of Earle’s raspy vocals. My favourite song, "Ain’t Glad I’m Leaving,” is a country swing tune with some tasty fiddle and steel guitar. I’m sure Justin would approve of his dad’s tribute. - Gerald Graham

Like their name, Dead Quiet always sounds out of place. They’re from B.C., and, given their preference for gigantic riffs, are lumped into the maligned “stoner rock” genre. As such, you’d expect them to be lumbering, smoked-out hair farmers, but that’s not really the truth. With their third album, it’s clear there is nothing laid-back about Dead Quiet. Riffs are certainly their music’s bedrock, but these seven songs are too nimble and dynamic to be considered part of the sludgy morass of the genre. Most songs creep over the six-minute mark, and the band blasts through every second with epic builds, fleet transitions, and oodles of solos. All that sounds awesome, but Dead Quiet further accomplishes superiority thanks to two factors. The first is the syrupy sounds of the Hammond organ, which is right up front with the guitars and adding just the right amount of class and mystery. The second is the glue holding all this escalating riff-tacular chaos together: main man Kevin Keegan. Next to the organ, his voice is Dead Quiet’s singular weapon, as it apes a manic revival tent preacher screaming to the world their sordid tales of sexual occultery. It’s a rich, raw sound that doesn’t have a comparison, much less an equal, and on Truth & Ruin, Dead Quiet are dead set on doing things their way. - Justin Allec

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We Will Return to Always Love You Thunder Bay

David Fincher

Appropriately titled We Will Always Love You, The Avalanches’ third album makes true what we already knew: this Australian electronic music group loves us, the listener. With every sample, every groove, every little detail, the exhaustive effort and painstaking process of putting this together is so we can immerse ourselves and the joy and wonder of everything it offers. While their 2016 project, Wildflower, basked in the bright colours of Americana, We Will Always Love You is immediately blue—a December album for the cold feeling of a warm presence no longer by your side. The direction is different. The tone is cooler. The result may leave die-hards and casuals alike dissatisfied. But the truest testament to the artistic merit of this album is that it will take months to unpack all of the layers and nuances that make this album as good as the rest. Appreciation deepens over distance. There might be bittersweet reflections of a past lover and all of the memories, but the feeling deep down is always love.

Mank begins just like Citizen Kane, with an old man in bed, and then moves backwards and forwards to explain how he got there. David Fincher, working from a script by his late dad, Jack Fincher, attempts to make the case that Herman J. Mankiewicz was the principal writer of the much-lauded Citizen Kane, instead of the young and talented hustler Orson Welles (most Hollywood historians have decided this debate in Welles’ favour). Fincher, father and son, have built a strong collaboration. The weak link is Gary Oldman, cast in the title role. This is not because Oldman isn’t a good actor—he is—but because he is really too old for the part. Mankiewicz was in his young forties at the time of writing the original draft of the Kane script. Oldman is at least two decades older, and looks it. So what makes this worthy of viewing? It is superbly made. Shot in sharp black and white and then distressed and slightly diffused to make it look like a movie made in 1940, it also features authentic mono sound, camera techniques, and costuming. These things are not bothersome but rather make the storytelling compelling. There is also a strong ensemble cast that surrounds Oldman, raising the bar for our attention.

The Avalanches

- Michael Charlebois

Ryan McMahon and Jon Thompson What really happens when an Indigenous youth goes missing in Thunder Bay? Who puts this report on a priority list? Why are so many cases sadly misrepresented or diminished? McMahon, who is an Anishinaabe comedian and podcaster, dives deep into the harsh reality of how Indigenous people are treated in Thunder Bay and the systemic racism that they endure. Return to Thunder Bay brings you the emotional (an often jaw-dropping) stories happening in this very city. With an unacceptably high number of unexplained Indigenous youth deaths in the area, this is an extremely important, informative, and raw listen, yielding a muchneeded wave of shock and awareness. As the exhausting musical chair shuffle of who should be held accountable for the city's failure in addressing systemic racism continues, let's try some education, understanding, and straight-up kindness as well— starting with this podcast.

Mank

Spinning Silver Naomi Novik

When you live in a land that the Staryk—faeries from a winter world—routinely raid for gold, it’s not exactly smart to boast that you can turn silver into gold. But that’s exactly what the moneylender Miryem does in Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver. Her boast attracts the Staryk Lord, who demands she use her gift for him thrice. Success means she’ll be his queen; failure means death. Having no real choice, Miryem succeeds and is whisked off to the Staryk lands where the only thing keeping her alive is her gift, which has turned into true magic in the winter world. I loved Novik’s Staryk characters; I do wish her narrative had been a bit tighter, though. The story follows four characters regularly, and adds a few scenes from several others that weren’t entirely necessary. But overall this is a great story that comes together beautifully in the end. - Shauna Kosoris

- Michael Sobota

- Andrea Lysenko

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Architecture

Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Laurie Abthorpe

By Nicholas Duplessis

 The present-day Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame  The ski exhibit at the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

orthwestern Ontario has a rich, centuries-old sporting tradition that predates Indigenous-European contact. The Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, located at 219 May Street South, commemorates and memorializes athletes from the region. Prior to housing the Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, the property had a long history of its own, originating as the Fort William Lands and Titles building in 1916. The property was originally sold to John McKellar in 1887 and then sold to George J. Begg in 1894. In 1911, Begg sold the property to the City

of Fort William. According to the Fort William Daily Times-Journal, the desire to build a new registry office was signaled after a successful petition by Fort William city council, the board of trade, and the Conservative Association on April 15, 1913. Consequently, the City of Fort William granted the property to the province of Ontario. Two years later, M.H. Braden, a local contractor, was awarded the contract for the new registry office. The building was designed by Frank R. Heakes, provincial architect for the Department of Public Works. The building finished construction in December 1916 and

Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

The summer gallery at the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

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Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

replacement of walls, the removal of a domed skylight, and the installation of new glass block windows. The Fort William Lands and Titles office continued in operation until November 19, 1971. The Thunder Bay Historical Society operated inside the building from December 1972 until the mid-1990s. The Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame and Museum took possession of the building in 1996; the organization has invested significant resources into the building, improving the structure’s mechanical and electrical systems, as well as architectural renovations to accommodate their displays and artefacts. Nicholas Duplessis is a member of the City’s Heritage Advisory Committee and sits on the board of directors for the Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society. He can be followed on Twitter: @ nickduplessis4.

219 May Street as the Thunder Bay Museum in the 1980s

Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

opened to the public in July 1917; the building cost approximately $27,000. The structure of the original Fort William Lands and Titles building was a single-storey brick building on a raised ashlar foundation. From the outside, the most striking feature may be the entrance bay. Paired pilasters flank the entrance with its grand arched opening which is ornamented by a single cartouche. The stone that composes the entrance bay is a limestone sourced from Manitoba that contains fossil relics of shells. The building features a symmetrical blueprint, prominent stone quoins at the corners, and the combination of Classical and Renaissance design elements. A staircase of stone and concrete leads up to the entrance. The building was extensively renovated in 1958, which saw the removal of several original features, including the removal and

Architecture

Laurie Abthorpe

Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

219 May Street as the Fort William Lands and Titles building in the 1930s

Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

 The Thunder Bay Museum moves into the building in 1972  The hockey exhibit at the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

 The entrance bay  The winter gallery at the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame

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JanuaryEventsGuide Until January 3

January 6, 4:30 pm

January 14

January 17–March 28

January 23, 24

Maud Lewis Thunder Bay Art Gallery See the work of beloved folk artist Maud Lewis (1903–1970), who captured the hearts of many with her dazzling depictions of rural Nova Scotia. Her paintings describe a way of life in the Maritimes that was rapidly changing. Her works are thus both documentary and deeply nostalgic. theag.ca

Unicorn Kids Paint Too Gallery 33 For $25 (+ HST) children and youth between ages 5 and 16 can experience all the fun of a “paint and wine night,” but in a kid-friendly atmosphere and with instruction geared to them. All supplies included. Register ahead. Maximum six people. Masks mandatory. gallery.33.thunderbay@gmail. com

Fresh Air Thursday Night Race Lappe Nordic Centre A race series for the die-hards, the fitness-fun, and the social skiers. Registration by 6:30 pm on site. Races start at 7 pm. Free for anyone under 14 (as of Dec 2020) and for Lappe program members. Otherwise, it’s $25 for the whole series or $10 per race. lappenordic.ca

January 5–9

January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2 pm TBPL Read This Next Book Talks Virtual Join Thunder Bay Public Library staff members Laura and Nicole on Facebook or YouTube for the latest edition of Read This Next. They’ll share their top recommendations and talk about books you can check out from the library’s digital and physical collections. This program will be available through the video tab on the library’s Facebook page or the library’s YouTube channel. tbpl.ca

Dakobinaawaswaan (Baby in a Cradleboard) Thunder Bay Art Gallery The exhibit gathers more than 100 tikinagaans (or cradleboards) representing Indigenous communities from across North America. This living collection presents a wide range of imagery, beadwork, and specialized materials. Lovingly dedicated to the late Freda McDonald, the Elder for this initiative. With support from the Cradle Keepers Cooperative. Curated by Caitlyn Bird. See this month’s Art section for more info. theag.ca

Book Swap Gilles Community Centre Masks are mandatory and visitors will be required to sanitize hands upon entry and sign in with their full name, address, phone number, and date and time attended. Maximum 10 people allowed in the building at one time. If you are bringing books to donate, they must be in sealed plastic bags, where they will remain untouched for a minimum of 72 hours. @GilliesCC on Facebook

DefSup RetroGraduate-X2 Art Show Definitely Superior Art Gallery The exciting multidisciplinary art convergence continues, featuring works that the major studio graduates have created and selected from the four-year period of their Lakehead University visual art program. Also includes new works. Congratulations to 2019 graduates Mary McPherson, Vanessa Ervin, Amanda Toope, Shayla Hickerson, Lucille Atlookan, and Violet Cross, as well as 2020 graduates Evalina Sacchetti, Katy Poirier, Caroline Robillard, Jessica Stacey, and Gillian McGregor. definitelysuperior.com

Thunder Bay Winter Fundays Virtual In response to provincial orders and physical distancing mandates, the City of Thunder Bay’s Winter FunDays programming will be delivered virtually this winter. With public safety being top priority, event staff are planning innovative ways of delivering events without encouraging large gatherings. Winter FunDays will begin on Sunday, January 17 and will take place every second Sunday until March 28. thunderbay.ca/en/recreation winter-fundays.aspx

January 5–26 Lakehead University 12 Days (or is it ways?) of Learning Virtual Lakehead University’s Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning is offering “12 Days (or is it ways?) of Learning.” For each, you’ll receive a unique experience. Some of these will be paired with additional materials that will be mailed to you. All sessions involve components using the Zoom platform. See this month’s Top Five for more info about the January 15 Say “Cheese!” and Cheers event. cell@lakeheadu.ca

January 10, 2–4 pm Stitch and Bitch Crafters Meet-Up Red Lion Smokehouse Knit, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, or other needle crafts—it doesn’t matter. You can bring your current project and connect with other crafters on the second Sunday of the month in the lounge. Get together to work on projects, compare patterns, share techniques and trade tips. definitelysuperior.com

January 15–March 7

January 17 Thunder Ball Pinball Tournament 2021 Red Lion Smokehouse Pinball is back in Thunder Bay and you can register for the 2021 tournament by messaging Savvy Amusements on Facebook. $15 per player. Heads up, round robin, fully single player games for COVID-19 safety. Special precautions will be taken, as well as possible amendments to dates based on the current situation. @savvyamusements on Facebook

EVENTS GUIDE KEY General Food Art Sports Music

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January 22 TBSO’s Northern Winter & Bonjour Paris Virtual The TBSO is once again bringing the music with two live-streamed concerts on January 22. The first, at 6:30pm, is Northern Winter which will feature intimate chamber ensembles and includes an eclectic mix of works by composers from northern climates. At 8:30 pm it’s Bonjour Paris, which includes Poulenc’s Sextet for Piano and Winds, and Ravel’s String Quartet in F. See this month’s Top Five for more info. tbso.ca

January 22–April 18 Piitwewetam: Making Is Medicine Thunder Bay Art Gallery The art gallery is launching a very special exhibition this month that will feature the work of the Gustafsons, a Thunder Bay-based family whose signature floral motif beadwork and intricate designs is known regionally and internationally. This exhibition honours the family’s son and brother Piitwewetam (Rolling Thunder), also known as Jesse Gustafson, who died in a traffic accident several years ago. See this month’s Top Five for more info. theag.ca

January 26, 7:30–8:30 pm Thunder Bay Museum Fall/ Winter Lecture Series Virtual The Thunder Bay Museum is proud to present our free lecture series for the 2020–21 fall/winter season. These lectures feature many different experts in their field and cover a wide range of fascinating topics in our history. thunderbaymuseum.com

January 27

Family Literacy Day Program Virtual Where will your imagination take you? Join the Thunder Bay Public Library online to take part in Family Literacy Day and explore the theme “Travel the World Together.” Register for an activity package starting on January 6 with pickup on January 25 at your preferred branch. tbpl.ca

January 30 Come Play with Me Presents: Assisted Virtual Come Play with Me Digital Theatre is thrilled to present Assisted—a new and original play by local playwright Dan Oldfield. The play will be semi-staged for Zoom and will be directed by Jordan Blaxill. Watch the group’s Facebook page for the latest details including the unveiling of the cast. The virtual curtain rises at 7:30 pm. See this month’s Top Five for more info. facebook.com/groups/ comeplaywithmetbay

LU RADIO’S MONTHLY TOP January Show Spotlight:

1 Dan Mangan* Thief Arts & Crafts

8 Population II* À la Ô Terre Castle Face 9 SUUNS* Fiction EP Secret City 10 Deftones Ohms Warner

Sunday Salmagundi

Hosted By Jamie Varga Sundays at 10 am sal·ma·gun·di /ˌsalməˈɡəndē/ (Noun) - a dish of chopped meat, anchovies, eggs, onions, and seasoning. - a general mixture; a miscellaneous collection. Every Sunday on CILU 102.7 FM at 10 am you can spend three hours listening to Jamie Varga talk about many different things and play a wide variety of music. Varga strives to include listener interaction and has an open door for local artists and organizers to come on air to promote themselves and their events. He also claims to no longer believe in the concept of a musical genre at all. Segments like So Nice We Play It Twice, The Heartbeat Hot Sauce Hot Tracks of the Week, and THE LONG SONG set the show apart from what you might call normal radio. During the COVID shutdown Varga has shifted his focus to sending out messages of positivity, strength, and solidarity to hopefully help those feeling the weight of the global pandemic. There is only one rule at the Sunday Salmagundi: everybody love everybody. Song of the Moment: “The Truth is the Light” by The Wood Brothers

3 METZ* Atlas Vending Royal Mountain

5 Nature Walk King of Wands Self-Released

11 The Fearless Flyers Tailwinds Vulf

16 PUP* This Place Sucks Ass (EP) Little Dipper

14 Matt Mays* Dog City Sonic 15 Yukon Blonde* Society Vindicator 6 Hawksley Workman* Dine Alone Less Rage MoreTears Isadora

25 Femur* For the Love of It Self-Released

17 The Archaeas The Archaeas Goner 18 Laura Jane Grace Stay Alive Polyvinyl

20 Bright Eyes Down In The Weeds, Where The World Once Was Dead Oceans

26 Frankie and the Witch Fingers Monsters Eating People Eating Greenway 27 King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard KG Flightless 28 Yellow Days A Day in a Yellow Beat RCA

12 Bahamas* Sad Hunk Barchords 13 New Orleans High Society Self-Titled 1718

7 Death Valley Girls Under The Spell Of Joy Suicide Squeeze

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 102.7 FM, online streaming at luradio.ca.

19 Dead Soft* Baby Blue Arts & Crafts

2 Yo La Tengo Sleepless Night Matador

4 Peach Kelli Pop* Lucky Star Lauren

Music

29 Death Wheelers* Divine Filth RidingEasy 21 The Blaze Velluto Collection* We Are Sunshine Dare To Care

30 Mastodon Medium Rarities Reprise

22 IDLES Ultra Mono Partisan 23 System of a Down A Day in a Yellow Beat RCA 24 The Budos Band Genocidal Humanoid American

* Indicates Canadian artist. Chart ranking reflects airplay during the week ending 15-Dec2020.

The Walleye

Health

Managing the New Normal

Q&A With the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Dr. Zaki Ahmed Interview by Matt Prokopchuk

r. Zaki Ahmed wears a lot of hats in his professional life. The intensive care unit and internal medicine doctor at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is the hospital’s chief of staff, responsible for the physicians there. He is also the medical director of the seniors and stroke program and, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he’s added the role of medical specialist

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on the hospital’s coronavirus incident management team to his caseload. We spoke to him about how he came to practice in Thunder Bay and what it’s like practicing in the current climate. The Walleye: You carry a lot of titles and responsibilities. How has that come about? Zaki Ahmed: I came in over 14 years ago, where the plan was to come in for a couple years, set up

the education program and then leave. So I came into a leadership role where my plan was to develop the educational program for the clinical care areas […] and the plan was to do that in two years and go back to Chicago where I was working before I came here. That didn’t pan out, so I ended up sticking around here. The place was great— it was very welcoming, the hospital was fantastic, and the staff was great. It was a great place to work, a great place to live, great place to bring up my kids, and then we ended up just staying here. Other things kept coming up and I kept getting tapped on the shoulder to do more and more and I kept on [accepting]. TW: What is your role on the hospital’s COVID-19 incident management team? ZA: The incident management team [IMT] at the hospital is responsible for everything related to COVID. So that involves everything from the property management, the cleaning, laundry, the staffing, the screening at the door, the assessment centre, [and] includes ICU care, the floor allocations, the beds, surgery and surgical volumes, everything. Within that, the role that I play is the medical specialist, so I am responsible—it’s a little bit easier now, but [it was more difficult] at the initial part of pandemic, when we really didn’t have much information—to look at all the data that’s out there, look at the best practices that are out there from a medical standpoint and develop the initial […] plans we were going to use for medical care of the patient. Then [I] provided that medical perspective to the IMT as they’re going through everything from bed allocations, who should be getting care in the ICU, who should be getting care on the floor, what are we going to do for what kind of procedures in terms of personal protective equipment, how are we going to move the patients from one place to another without infecting people. So all of those things fell into my realm. As we moved further into the pandemic, it was the clinical reintroduction, so reintroducing the surgeries, reintroducing

the diagnostic imaging, deciding who is to get priority, which procedures are going to continue through COVID […] and which ones could be delayed. It wasn’t necessarily all my call, but to be able to provide that perspective. TW: How has the reality of COVID changed day-to-day operations? ZA: Incredibly. So, what we do now is very different than what we did a year ago; the number one thing that’s changed is how we make decisions and how quickly they are changed in terms of our process. So, initially […] when we used to have a policy that needed to be changed, it could take anywhere between six months to a year by the time it went through all the policies, all the committees. Now we can turn it around within a few hours. I don’t think this would be applicable to everything that we do, but definitely for an area where you need quick actions and where inaction is actually more dangerous than doing the wrong actions, it’s worked really well. [Also], how we do personal protective equipment, how we do turnover of patients, that’s changed quite a bit—in terms of looking at restrictions that we have, how that affects our patient care. So those things have changed. TW: What’s the most satisfying part of your work? ZA: The learning. The learning has been incredible. As a physician, I never thought that I would learn this much about all the other areas of the hospital—everything from the business management side to housekeeping, to the laundry, to the dietary [and] nutrition services. I have learned so much over the last year—or almost a year now—and just to be able to learn how supportive people can be in all areas when there’s a common goal that people have. People have come together, not just at Thunder Bay Regional, but in the city, in the province, in the country, and the world. The way people have come together and supported each other has just been the highest area of satisfaction for me.

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The Walleye

Sponsored Content

January Entrepreneurs of the Month

Big Sack Co.

After the tremendous success of their debut, and as local businesses continue to face unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic, Veneruz, Pynn, and Lombardo brought back Dad’s Big Sack with a holiday twist. Over the holiday season, they offered other local goods sacks, including Santa’s Big Sack, which allowed even more businesses to sell their items.

This article gave our business the exposure it needed to take flight, and the support Thunder Bay showed took me and my partners aback— it was truly amazing. The article was shared over 700 times and was a key contributor to our early success, so again thank you Thunder Bay.

In 2021, Veneruz is looking to expand the business by participating in the Starter Company Plus program. Check out what they have planned for the new year by visiting bigsack.co.

A: It is very hard to pinpoint my biggest inspiration and define it by one person or a single motivating factor. My views about entrepreneurship have been shaped by studying the lives of my favourite innovators like Brian Chesky (founder of Airbnb), Marc Benioff (founder of Salesforce), and Elon Musk (founder of Tesla). They all have a common mindset of being aggressive while taking calculated risks, which is what I try to emulate when making decisions.

Q: What drew you to entrepreneurship?

Meet Thomas Veneruz, the co-owner and head of operations for Big Sack Co. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Veneruz has always had a passion for supporting local and ensuring the stability of the business community. When local businesses faced the immediate challenge of selling their products amid the restrictions of COVID-19, Veneruz, along with co-owners Mitch Pynn and Marco Lombardo, stepped up to the plate. In April 2020 they established Dad’s Big Sack, a curation of exclusive local products for Father’s Day packed into a premium gift sack.

The Walleye

A: Entrepreneurship has been a passion of mine from a young age; what drew me in was the ability to control my time. Entrepreneurship allowed me to be the conductor of my life: you choose your schedule, you choose how hard to work, and ultimately, you are responsible for executing to drive results. Q: What is your most memorable moment being an entrepreneur?

A: One of my fondest memories was being involved in the Summer Company Program. It gave me a sense of community within Thunder Bay and provided a support system that allowed for my first business, The Grass Master, to grow and flourish. My most memorable experience was having an article written about Big Sack Co. for Tbnewswatch by Gary Rinne.

Q: Who was your biggest inspiration/ mentor?

Q: If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

A: If I could speak to a younger version of myself, I would say: “Fail fast, be bold, and do not be afraid to just start.” What this means is you do not need to understand or be an expert in every aspect of a business when you start. You can learn things as you go and if you surround yourself with mentors, you can pick up nuggets of information as you go to improve your business. No one is an expert when you start, so dive right in.

Green

Healthy Planet = Healthy People

ooking back at 2020, a growing number of people began or continued to seek ways to live a healthier life, not only for themselves but also for the health of the environment. Our collective health is counting on more of this and, as it turns out, so is the planet. We really need to become better roommates with all other life on Earth. Facing a global pandemic has brought the health of both the planet and its people to the forefront of our attention, highlighting the inextricable link between human health and environmental health. Simply put, healthy ecosystems make for healthy people and other species. The World Health Organization (WHO) gathered data expressing that almost one in four deaths were linked to environmental conditions. At EcoSuperior, we acknowledge that humanity is at a confluence of multiple crises, both socially and ecologically, and we have an opportunity to join together to transform our ways of living and being that considers the health and well-being of all. We acknowledge it has been a difficult and trying time, and we wanted to share with you some quick and easy tips to make small changes in your everyday lives that not only encourage a healthier you, but a healthier planet: Start at home Start or improve your composting. Not only can backyard composting reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, but it can cut down your regular household waste by up to 40% and can be done all year long. Pick up a composter subsidized by the City of Thunder Bay for $30 from our local office (562 Red River Road) and put your composter in an easily accessible spot in your yard to ensure ease of use all year long. Make sure to add adequate “brown” layers (e.g. leaves, newspaper) with “green” layers (e.g. fruit and veggie scraps) to help absorb extra moisture, especially during the freeze/thaw

cycles come springtime. And set up a vermi-composter in your home to speed up the process (yay, Red Wiggler worms!). Cut out plastics Continue cutting out single-use plastics. Purchase a range of our low-waste alternatives from our online store and refuse single-use plastics next time you go out to shop. Politely reach out to retailers and companies where you shop, encouraging them to re-think or re-design their packaging at the source. Don’t sweat about being perfect, since the current choices are not easy for consumers. However, never underestimate the power of your voice and choice. Remember, it’s better to have a lot of people doing low waste imperfectly rather than a few people doing it perfectly. Get outside and connect with nature Swap screen-time for “green-time.” Forests are restorative environments and research is growing to show the measurable benefits for our physical, mental, emotional, and for some, even spiritual wellness. Getting outside is one of the best ways to stay healthy, gain a better peace of mind, and also stay connected with family and friends this season. Stay tuned as EcoSuperior continues to expand our offerings for Re-Wilding for Wellness Forest Therapy guided walks, where you can immerse yourself in the living forest, with sensory-based invitations to deepen connections. Leave only footprints Whatever recreational activities you enjoy, be a good steward and pack up any garbage you bring on your hikes and winter adventures. Ensure regular maintenance and refueling of equipment on land prior to going out snowmobiling or ice fishing, to prevent leaks from directly entering our water systems, and remove ice fishing huts off the ice before it’s too late in the season. And always remember to prevent the

Composting can also be done in the winter months

By Melissa Davidson, Program Coordinator, EcoSuperior

Composting can also be done in the winter months entry of invasive species (even in the winter!) Choose healthier transportation Practice idle-free driving this winter season and install a block-heater timer. Better yet, we invite you to consider switching to active transportation choices this winter season by walking, cycling, or even skiing to get to where you need to be. Check out EcoSuperior’s website for safe cycling tips and follow us on social media for upcoming winter cycling courses. Stop your home from “idling” Drafty home? Use weather stripping or window coverings to help prevent heat from escaping during these cold winter months ahead. We encourage you to find other ways to increase energy efficiency in your home, from lighting to appliances. Consider installing a programmable thermostat, drop the heat by a degree or more, and get on that

cosy sweater. All of these choices will also help save money on those monthly energy bills and contribute to important climate action our planet needs. Choose sand Lastly, use more eco-friendly options when it comes to snow and ice removal. Reduce the use of salt as much as possible by removing snow shortly after any snowfall and use sand in its place whenever possible. Looking for more information on the tips listed above? Check out our website at ecosuperior.org, follow us on social media, or contact us today!

The Walleye

TheWall

The End of an Era

Remembering the Finnish Labour Temple Story by Saku Pinta, Photo by Darren McChristie

ooking back at it all now, it feels like I watched a close relative get sick and die. Saddled with debt incurred 10 years earlier to modernize the Finnish Labour Temple after decades of unwitting neglect, one missed loan payment by the Finlandia Association to one of the largest banks in Canada triggered a chain of events ending with the sale of the building in September. Despite the fact that I now live 695 kilometres away in Winnipeg, as a first-generation Finnish immigrant who grew up in and around the Bay/ Algoma neighbourhood, the Finnish Labour Temple is still the centre of my world. So for four months I worked long hours with an incredibly dedicated group of like-minded people—all of whom, except me, are located in Thunder Bay—in the effort to raise funds to buy this beleaguered monument to the Finnish-Canadian experience. In the end, a community partnership that our group joined fell apart at the eleventh hour. We couldn't secure enough funding to make an offer. We ran out of time. There wasn’t a drink strong enough on this side of the Kaministiquia to help me swallow

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that bitter pill. The last chance to keep the hall under some form of community ownership was lost. At this moment, the new owner is carrying out major renovations as part of the conversion of the upper levels of the building into high-scale apartments. It’s the end of an era and the loss of this cultural inheritance is a burden that weighs especially heavy on the minds of the Finnish community. As one of the most recognizable buildings in the city, the silver cupola-topped tower of this grand red brick structure has punctuated the industrial skyline of the north side of Thunder Bay for 110 years. The Latin phrase Labor omnia vincit (labour conquers all), carved in stone across its facade high above 314 Bay Street, is a traditional motto of the tradeunion movement, which serves as a permanent reminder of the building’s historic connection to workers’ struggles, above all the Industrial Workers of the World union. “A loved child has many names” is a fitting old Finnish proverb for the Labour Temple. Most know it as the home of the Hoito Restaurant, while some older folks speak of the

“Big Finn Hall,” so-called because of its diminutive and nearly forgotten neighbour, the “Little Finn Hall.” Finlandia is a more recent moniker, associated with the last major wave of Finnish immigration in the 1950s. This post-war economic boom generation didn’t identify with the struggles of their predecessors in Canada, although this new generation benefited from the higher wages, better working conditions, and improved job security the struggles of earlier immigrants helped achieve. Cultural activity would now become the overriding focus of the Finlandia, but it would remain independent of party politics, a key concession to the old guard. For me, it was always “the Hall” in English, haali in Finglish. My childhood is filled with memories of the hall as a vibrant community space. I remember when my mother took me to the Christmas celebrations when I was a child, how the building seemed larger than life. I can recall a time when the Otava Male Choir dominated the stage with nearly 40 singers and how those big booming voices filled the auditorium. I got my first real job cleaning tables at the Hoito in my teens and continued to work there off and on until my last shift in 2006, well over a decade later. My fellow workers became the extended family that I didn’t have in Canada. They were cousins, aunts, grandmothers, even weird uncles.

We didn’t always get along, but what family does? In those days, the workers ran that restaurant. The conviction that the management that manages least manages best became an obvious truth to me, further reinforced by my discovery of the radical working-class history of the hall in my late teens. I wore it as a badge of honour. I still do. Being part of that legacy gives me meaning and purpose. I mourn the loss of that experience for the youth and future generations. They will be deprived of the hall as living history and, most importantly, as a resource—the conceptual bricks and mortar from which their own ideas of Finnishness could be constructed. But I never give up without a fight. I’m too stubborn for that. It’s my worst quality. And my best one. As I write these lines, the Finlandia Co-operative of Thunder Bay is working to relaunch the Hoito Restaurant as a co-operatively owned enterprise. This pandemic-proof democratic ownership model served the restaurant well for the first 56 years of its existence, from 1918 to 1974 when the Finlandia Club assumed control. As a co-operative, the Hoito successfully navigated crises like the Spanish Flu, government repression, and the Great Depression. If the Hoito can be saved, perhaps it can help to preserve Finnish-Canadian culture as a living force in the social fabric of Thunder Bay.

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The Walleye

January Horoscopes Aries

(March 21–April 19) Happy New Year, Aries! Rambunctious Rams like to take charge and take control, and this year is no exception. It seems like fire signs will be leading the way with new endeavours. If you are in a club and don’t like how it’s going, start your own and put your own special spin on it. Aries folks are feeling especially creative this month, particularly around the new moon. Working with your hands brings you great joy, and the financial rewards start to flow in. Whatever you do, do it with as much energy as you can muster. A virtual date ends up being a hit.

Taurus

(April 20–May 20) Time for a fresh start, Taurus. It’s a new year, and like many, you'll be happy to see the previous one go. You have spent a lot of time alone and have had time to think about what really matters. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Those close to you will be happy to help out. There’s nothing more that a Bull enjoys than spending time with family and allowing yourself to be treated like the wonderful person you are. Remember, not all heroes wear capes. Self-care is important now—do what you can, no matter how small. It all counts. You may be meeting a new family member soon.

Gemini

(May 21–June 20) Some might say that Gemini tend to leave the seasonal decorations up a little too long! If your housemates are giving you the stink-eye, get them to give you a hand before things turn unpleasant. Festive Twins don’t enjoy packing away the ugly sweater, but don’t fret, it'll be there next year. Some Geminis will be packing away more than their decos this month, though. Change is in the air for some of the spring babies, which may see some with significant life events happening. A move or relocation is in the stars for you, and with it comes a new opportunity and fresh start. Just remember to keep in touch with those from home who will miss you! Go forth and conquer.

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By Sunny Disposish

Cancer

( June 21–July 22) Got carried away at the New Year's Day brunch this year, Cancer? That’s OK—the new year is shaping up to be one of your best yet. You are growing and scaling your business, and you may find yourself making some key career decisions in and around the 13th—which coincides nicely with the new moon. It’s time to hire the best that money can buy to really expand your online presence. Someone new may catch your eye this month, but try not to fall too hard too fast, as some Crabs tend to do. Take it slow and really tune into matters of the heart. A new class or course gets your love of learning ramped up. Return phone calls.

Leo

( July 23–August 22) Happy New Year, Leo! Express your natural leadership qualities. This is not a time to be shy, but to accept the spotlight. Gather all your courage and confidence and create your reality! Lions tend to enjoy making New Year’s resolutions—and actually sticking with them—so take some time to plot out what is meaningful to you. A full review of your bucket list may be in order. Leo loves to be the warmth that radiates out to all their loved ones, bringing them joy and nourishment. You may find yourself coaching a younger person with an eagerness to climb the corporate ladder—they will appreciate all the knowledge you share with them. Lions take pride in being a role model for many.

Virgo

(August 23–September 22) You may have a goal or significant opportunity before you. Don't wait until you feel ready. Take a deep breath, a good old run-up, and jump right on in! Life bends for the courageous, and courageous is what you are being called to be. You’ll figure out the details as you go along. Things may not always be smooth sailing, but your earthy, practical method of properly analyzing the situation will help. Your ruling planet, Mercury, is no longer in retrograde, so now your path is clear. Hold your head high and walk into this new year with confidence. It is yours for the taking!

Libra

(September 23–October 22) The full moon at the end of the month may shake up your bestlaid plans, but fear not. Airy Libras have a discerning energy, and you are encouraged to identify and solve problems for yourself and others. You may find yourself going one step further once the seasonal decorations are down and minimizing some of the clutter that’s started to creep up around the house. The new year energy is a good one for you. 2021 is also the Year of the Ox, which symbolizes diligence, persistence, and honesty. Renewal is in the air right now for you, so hang on and stay motivated. Good things are happening!

Scorpio

(October 23–November 21) Keep an eye out for any unusual signs or symbols this month. They could point the way to a bright new beginning for you and a certain special someone. It’s getting close to the time to move forward, but don't be in a rush to get going. Things need to happen more slowly, so remember to play it cool. Scorpions may be feeling a little blah after the holidays, so why not plan a take-out meal with your inner circle and enjoy a bit of socializing? (There’s a great new taco joint in Westfort!) Don’t forget to get out into nature with your furry friends. The fresh air will clear your mind and set you at ease. You may be asked to keep a secret this month.

Sagittarius

(November 22–December 21) Normally this fire sign’s strong drive stands out from the crowd, but the majority of Archers may find themselves in a period of restful hibernation for the first three weeks of January. It’s a good time to take stock of tumultuous 2020 and plan some goals for 2021. Archers sometimes have a bit of an emotional let-down after all the seasonal festivities are over and the decorations are put away. The perfect cure for a gloomy Sag is to try something new. Luckily the blues don't last long, and super sunny Sags will get their mojo back by month’s end. Call a few friends to join you in your new endeavour for an extra fun time!

Capricorn

(December 22–January 19) Happy New Year, Capricorn! This year promises to be a fruitful one for all those born under the sign of the Goat. Your hard work and determination are paying off, both in all aspects of your life. Ruled by Saturn, the planet of time and limits, Capricorn knows that putting time into something will pay off. As a cardinal sign, Goats are typically an initiator and go-getter. You’ll find that those close have trouble keeping up to you this month, Cap. Highly focused on building and growing, your self-confidence is increasing. Plan for the future wisely. You are in a great position to win this year! Relationships bring forth a few obstacles mid-month, but the power of the new moon will have any misunderstandings straightened away in short order. Sit back and enjoy your birthday celebrations—you deserve it!

Aquarius

( January 20–February 18) A winter storm may find you snowed in this month, but fear not! You flourish in this situation, as you are never bored. Touted as the “genius of the zodiac,” Aquarians find that their mind never shuts down. Full of innovative ideas, you love to raise the consciousness of those around you. You may turn away from the task of setting new year’s resolutions because you are always working on yourself, this month and all year long. 2021 is going to be a stellar year for you. Keep the Zoom calls going and the higher learning flowing. These may be some strange times, but remember, we’re all in this together, and there’s no better place to be!

Pisces

(February 19–March 20) This is your lucky month, Pisces! Finally things are turning around for you and everything you touch is turning to gold. You find that your partner is willing to help with a lot more matters than they have in the past. Take full advantage and enjoy delegating! Finances are looking rosy and you might even be considering a new, largescale purchase or getting those renos done around the house. Mars in your sign mid-month has you feeling all the energy. Don’t forget to play your lottery numbers because your lucky streak will last for most of the month. Cha-ching and Happy New Year!

TheBeat

My boys to men By Sunday wilde Will I see my boys turn to men Will I see them enjoy the world And some sins Will they share me their world When I’m frail and old Will they tell me stories Of when they have been brave and bold When they fall in love And their wings fly like a dove Will I be able to smile at them And know they will never have to pretend Or to fake their feelings Or their lot in life and who they are And to be proud and full of self-confidence To take on the big things that come their way And to hold on to the little things that make their day I want to be there from afar Watch and observe their intensity The sighs of joy as they hold their babies The self esteem held within That never lets them doubt their ability That makes them eager to touch the world And to see The good and the bad, the evil and the sad To understand the balance of what’s Inherent and hope that they never go mad

untitled m., Digital Illustration, boy Roland

CONGRATULATIONS To all the Waterfront District BIA winners in The Walleye’s Best of 2020.

HAPPY NEW YEAR & CHEERS TO 2021! The Walleye

The Milky Way

Andy Beaver

TheEye

98 The Walleye

W O N Y L P W P O A N A P P LY

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