January 2022 by The Walleye Magazine

FILM FREE ARTS Vol. 13 No. 1 MUSIC JANUARY FOOD 2022 CULTURE thewalleye.ca

Best of

Thunder Bay Hitting All the Right Taste Buds The Art of Marielle Orr

EYE TO EYE: With Maelyn Hurley

WINTER CAMPING The Trews Getting Back on the Road The Walleye

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Editor-in-chief Darren McChristie Editor Adrian Lysenko adrian@thewalleye.ca Assistant Editor Rebekah Skochinski Senior Editor Tiffany Jarva Copy Editors Amy Jones, Bonnie Schiedel Editorial Assistant Sara Sadeghi Aval Marketing & Sales Manager Alaina Linklater alaina@thewalleye.ca Photographers Patrick Chondon, Kevin Dempsey, Damien Gilbert, Chad Kirvan, Dave Koski, Lois Nuttall, Shannon Lepere, Marty Mascarin, Darren McChristie, Sarah McPherson, Laura Paxton Art Directors Steve Coghill, R.G.D., Dave Koski, R.G.D. production@thewalleye.ca Ad Designers Dave Koski, Miranda van den Berg The Walleye is a free monthly publication distributed on racks throughout Thunder Bay and region. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written permission is strictly forbidden. Views expressed herein are those of the author exclusively. Copyright © 2022 by Superior Outdoors Inc. All Rights Reserved. Editorial and Advertising: Submissions must be accompanied by a selfaddressed, stamped envelope. Superior Outdoors cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. Superior Outdoors Inc. 242 - 1100 Memorial Avenue Thunder Bay, ON P7B 4A3 Telephone (807) 344-3366 Fax (807) 623-5122 E-mail: info@thewalleye.ca

TheWalleye.ca Where can I find The Walleye? thewalleye.ca/wherecan-i-find-the-walleye/ Ad Deadline for our February Issue January 12th

Contents

The Trews Getting Back on the Road

Tilted Turret Pinball Pub

A Novel Idea

46 48 40

Painting the Big Picture

TheTOPFive

FEATURES 9 The Best of Thunder Bay 10 Food 12 Arts 13 City Scene 15 Living Green/Health 16 Music

59 60

FOOD 18 THE GRINNING BELLY 19 DRINK OF THE MONTH 21 Hitting All the Right Taste Buds 22 SUPERIOR SIP 24 Keeping it Clean 27 Silver Mountain Food Group 28 BREW IT YOURSELF 31 Tilted Turret Pinball Pub FILM&THEATRE 32 Confessions of a Drag Dealer 34 THE SECOND MOST PLEASURABLE THING WE DO IN THE DARK. A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES THE ARTS 36 The Art of Marielle Orr 38 A THOUSAND WORDS 40 Painting the Big Picture 43 FROM THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY’S COLLECTION OUTDOOR 44 Winter Camping

Setting Goals for an Outstanding 2022

72 98

CITYSCENE 46 Thunder Bay Firsts 48 Stuff We Like 50 A Novel Idea 53 CANNABIS CORNER

62 63 64 67

WALL SPACE: pie.ology THE ENTHUSIASTS A Historic Moment For Legion Branch EYE TO EYE: With Maelyn Hurley GO LOCAL Thunder Bay Country Market Paper Cuts THIS IS THUNDER BAY

MUSIC 68 Soulful Blending Harmonies 70 Inspiring Connection Through Music 72 Power Country 75 The Trews Getting Back on the Road 77 Shared Stage 78 Christina Faye 80 BURNING TO THE SKY 83 Love, Loss, and Life 84 Light Up the Stage 86

OFF THE WALL REVIEWS

ARCHITECTURE 88 The Ross Residence Sandstone Court 90

Tbaytel JANUARY EVENTS GUIDE

LU RADIO'S MONTHLY TOP 30

TATTOOED YOU 94 Flowers and Bees HEALTH 96 Setting Goals for an Outstanding 2022 GREEN 99 Answering the Call THE WALL 100 The First Step Towards Recovery 102 HOROSCOPES 105 THE BEAT 106 THE EYE

The Walleye

From Our Instagram Feed

Ten Years of Voting

owards the end of every year one thing I look forward to are best-of lists, especially ones about films, music, or books. For me, these lists offer a chance to discover something great that I might have missed earlier in the year. But that’s not to say they’re carved in stone. My opinion might vary from certain critics’ but still, it’s a good entry point. Instead of being curated by a specific person, readers’ choice surveys are different, because the masses decide the results. It provides a chance for readers to have their say, but similar to those best-of lists compiled by one person, they’re not concrete and whether it be a restaurant, artist, or mountain bike trail, it gives people an opportunity to discover something new that they might not have known about otherwise. This issue marks 10 years that we’ve been presenting the results of our annual Best Of Thunder Bay survey. The way the survey works is that starting in October, we put together various questions and let our readers determine the nominees, and then in November we kick off voting for the favourites. In our cover story this month we profile

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some of the winners who you may or may not be familiar with. This year we featured a number of new categories as a testament to the ever-growing arts and culture scene here in the city. Keeping with our theme, pommelier and sommelier Jeannie Dubois provides some of the year’s best offerings, film columnist Michael Sobota shares his movie picks for 2021, and chef Rachel Bayes serves up one of her favourite recipes for the Indian lamb curry dish rogan josh. Also in the pages of our January issue, Kris Ketonen chats with The Trews about their upcoming concert in Thunder Bay, Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey ventures into the world of winter camping, and in our Wall Space we see how Thunder Bay’s favourite market vendor pie.ology puts together their delicious pies. Congratulations to all the winners in our survey, and to Nancy Murray who won the allinclusive Best of TBay experience courtesy of Flair Airlines and the City of Thunder Bay. Since we launched the survey it’s amazing to see the categories grow and the number of participants, so thank you for voting! Happy new year and all the best for 2022! -Adrian Lysenko

Featured Contributor Darren McChristie Darren McChristie is our multi-talented editor-in-chief and publisher. He is a full time teacher, photographer, and writer who frequently contributes to the magazine. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, Darren can often be found kitesurfing at Mission Island Marsh or Whitefish Lake, telemark skiing at Mount Baldy, or exploring frozen waterways on his fat bike or skates. With this issue, we kick off the 13th volume of The Walleye—we’re happy Darren had the gumption to start this magazine and continues to chart a course guided by creativity and independence.

On the Cover The members of Thunder Bay Cold Plunge enjoy a chilly early morning December swim at Silver Harbour. Special thanks to the crew. Photo by Kirvan Photography

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION NIGHT

Lakehead Public Schools is excited to welcome new students in September 2022! Join us for Kindergarten Registration Night!

Date: Monday, January 31, 2022 Time: 6:00-7:30 PM (Presentation at 6:15 PM) Location: Ecole Elsie MacGill Public School gymnasium (130 Churchill Drive West) Visit lakeheadschools.ca for details, activities, and prizes!

Committed to the success of every student @LakeheadSchools

FP CMYK.indd 1

@LakeheadSchools

The2021-12-07 Walleye 3:39:54 PM 5

Y W E A E R N Y HAPP L A U T T I O A NS R G N O &C TO THE WATERFRONT DISTRICT WINNERS IN THE WALLE YE ' S BEST OF 2021

The Walleye

Waterfront District’s

Kamview by Candlelight

TheTopFive

January 12

Kamview Nordic Centre Come ski Kamview by candlelight! Perfect for family and friends, this is an easy-going and fun event in mid-January that will let you ski on beautiful trails alongside towering evergreens surrounded by flickering candlelight. Enjoy special rates on passes and rentals, too. A ski trail pass is $8.85 plus tax and rentals are $11 plus tax. If you plan to book a rental, please call the chalet ahead of time (475-7081). There will also be Kamview cookies for sale (yes, the giant ones as big as your face!), as well as hot and cold beverages and homemade soup and chili available from the take-out window and front counter. The route is still TBD and this event is weather permitting, so check before you ski! From 6-8 pm. tbnordictrails.com

DRFTR and Sleepy Jean

January 15

Port Arthur Polish Hall

Pat Ozols

Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society has a doubleheader to break up what often feels like the longest and coldest month of the year, and for that we are grateful! Singer/songwriter Oscar Anderson-Shortt is the one-man creation behind DRFTR, offering up music described as “feely folk” with songs that are honest and intimate. Get lost in his soulful voice and melodies that have a touch of R&B. Then there’s Sleepy Jean—an artist who blends the standards of American songwriting with folk, yet somehow makes it her own. This can be felt on her first recorded song “Idle Hands,” which was released last summer. Doors open at 7 pm, music starts at 8 pm. Have your proof of vaccination, physical ID, and e-tickets ready at the door. Come early! sleepinggiant.ca

The Trews

January 27

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour

January 22

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

An event so popular it usually sells out every year, the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival always showcases films that take our breath away—from two French slackliners and alpinists with a dream to walk between two iconic rock towers, to adventurers in close contact with grizzly bears in the Alaskan wilderness, to a 1500km skiing journey with one of the world’s most experienced polar explorers across the polar ice cap. If you prefer to stay cosy at home with a blanket and popcorn, there’s a virtual edition that you can tune into that will screen films from the 2021 festival and old classics from the last 10 years. The in-person showing starts at 7 pm with the lineup of films to be released. tbca.com

2022 Scotties Tournament of Hearts

NV Music Hall

January 28-February 6

As part of their I Wanna Play tour The Trews are stopping in Thunder Bay for a concert that will knock your boots off! With plenty of radio hits and seven critically acclaimed studio albums, plus several EPS and live records, fans can expect a great show. The Trews are hot off the release of their new album The Wanderer, which guitarist John-Angus MacDonald says is “a really strong rock record from start to finish.” The name of the tour also fits their pandemic-released anthem, “I Wanna Play,” which has been described as an ode to what it felt like as a band during lockdown. Plus, they’ll be joined by special guests The Honest Heart Collective. Doors open at 7:30 pm, the music starts at 8:30 pm. cabinmedia.ca

Great Scott! We can hardly believe it, but the 2022 Scotties Tournament of Hearts is nearly here. There’s a rich history of curling greats from this area (Al Hackner! Tara George!) and a vibrant local curling community helping to support the hosting of this world-class event. Join the fun at the Fort William Gardens to see 16 women’s teams from across the country competing for the Canadian Women’s Championship, with the winner going on to represent Canada at the World Women’s Curling Championship. There’s a range of ticket packages to choose from starting at $20 for single draw tickets. Ticket packages are available online, in person at the Fort William Gardens box office, and by phone. Let’s all hurry hard and support this amazing sporting event! curling.ca Curling Canada/ Andrew Klaver

Fort William Gardens

The Walleye

710 BAL MORA L S TREE T

F RE SHAIR.LOC AL LY.C O M

skate oR classic, we’ve got you flying with our nordic ski collection

voted #1 Best Outdoor Adventure Business in the walleye’s The Best of Thunder Bay 2021 Readers’ Survey! 8

The Walleye

CoverStory

The Best of Thunder Bay

h, 2022, nothing makes us appreciate where we live more than when we’re tallying up the results of our Best of Thunder Bay survey. So before we look ahead into the great blue yonder of another year, we ask you to join us in recognizing the countless people working behind and in front of the scenes to make our community so great. It’s because of you that there is such a vibrant arts and culture scene for us to showcase. Congratulations to all of the 2021 nominees and winners! And remember, if there’s something or someone that you love that you don’t see here, nominate them next year. - Rebekah Skochinski

Clay Breiland dives into an icy Lake Superior on a brisk December morning - Photo by Kirvan Photography

The Walleye

CoverStory

-Rebekah Skochinski

2. Sweet North Bakery 3. Calico Coffeehouse

4. Best breakfast Adrian Lysenko

1. Rooster’s Bistro*

2. The Foundry 3. Tomlin Restaurant

8. Best Coney sauce

1. McKellar Confectionery*

2. Kangas Sauna 3. Niva’s Restaurant 1. Bay Village* 2. St Paul Roastery 3. Calico Coffeehouse

3. Best tea

Adrian Lysenko

1. International House of Tea*

Something good is always steeping at the International House of Tea! A specialty tea shop with a 15-year history in the city, IHOT originated as a fundraising project for local humanitarian organizations. Since 2011 they’ve been in their current home in the Bay and Algoma neighbourhood and now offer over 200 quality loose leaf teas, herbs, and special blends. All of their flavoured blends feature original recipes using natural flavours, flower blossoms, and spices, like their popular aromatic and smooth Earl Grey cream. In addition, they sell sample packs and tea subscriptions, and they carry a lovely assortment of tins and tea wares, including local pottery. Whether it’s for a hot cup of comfort and caffeine, a soothing herbal, or a sip of something icy and invigorating, they’ve been keeping devoteas and occasional sippers in high tea spirits through every changing season. Available at several local outlets around town

The Walleye

Rooster’s Bistro has once again claimed the crown for best breakfast. Known for its rooster décor (each and every bird has been brought in by loyal customers from all over the world!) it’s been a TBay fixture since 2003, owned and operated by the Comuzzi family. The extensive menu is packed with freshly prepared, classic and contemporary breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes with carnivore, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to suit just about everyone. Ingredients include local products like syrup from the Nor’Wester Maple Company, Heartbeat Hot Sauce, and a meatless burger from Bonobo’s Foods. The biggest customer favourite is their range of eggs Benny options, notes manager Danielle Ambrosia Fairbairn. We, of course, are partial to “The Walleye” Benny, featuring pan-fried walleye and a touch of lemon on an English muffin with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. And home fries…always home fries.

Adrian Lysenko

2. Best coffee

-Bonnie Schiedel

2. Daytona’s 3. Niva’s Restaurant

5. Best bakery

1. Holland Bakery* 2. Sweet North Bakery 3. Swell Bakery

6. Best butcher/deli

1. Maltese Grocery* 2. Agostino’s Deli 3. Fresco’s Deli

14. Best wings 1. Chicago Joe’s* 2. On Deck 3. Daytona’s

1. Norteños Taqueria

17. Best poutine

1. The Sovereign Room 2. Poutinerie 3. Daytona’s

18. Best burger

1. Prospector Burger Barn* 2. Hodder Greeks 3. Madhouse

1. Prospector Burger Barn* 2. Beefcake’s Burger Factory 3. Tomlin Restaurant

11. Best sweet potato fries

19. Best veggie burger

12. Best perogies

1. Port Arthur Polish Hall Limited (Court Street South) 2. London Variety 3. Royal Canadian Legion Branch #219, Polish Combatants Branch #1 (Cumberland Street North)

13. Best cabbage rolls

1. Port Arthur Polish Hall Limited (Court Street South)

1. Maltese Grocery*

16. Best taco

9. Best pizza

1. Madhouse 2. Daytona’s 3. The Foundry

23. Best sandwich

1. Madhouse* 2. The Sovereign Room 3. The Foundry

2. El Tres 3. The Sal

10. Best fries

1. The Sovereign Room 2. Daytona’s 3. Tomlin Restaurant

15. Best nachos

2. Hodder Greeks 3. Westfort Coney Island 1. Eat Local Pizza* 2. Both Hands Wood-Fired Pizzeria & Bakery 3. Nook

22. Best fried chicken

Adrian Lysenko

1. The Hoito*

2. Royal Canadian Legion Branch #219, Polish Combatants Branch #1 (Cumberland Street North) 3. London Variety

Keegan Richard

1. Best Finn pancakes

1. Madhouse*

Darren McChristie

Food

7. Best appetizers

and with convenient online ordering and contactless pickup (often with the latest issue of The Walleye!) IHOT continues to show that small simple pleasures continue to bring people together.

1. Bonobo’s Foods 2. Tomlin Restaurant 3. Beefcake’s Burger Factory

20. Best prime rib 1. Prospector Steak House* 2. The Keg Steakhouse and Bar 3. Tony & Adam’s

21. Best ribs

1. Prospector Steak House 2. Tony Roma’s 3. Daytona’s

We in Thunder Bay continue to appreciate the do-ityourself approach to building our very own versions of sammies that we love. Maltese makes that happen and has been doing so for decades. Co-owner Lisa Maltese explains that when she went to Port Arthur Collegiate Institute she would zip down to Maltese to get a sandwich and it (clearly) caught on—and that was over 40 years ago. During the latest renovation, Maltese says the staff was consulted in terms of creating a better sandwich-making area. “When we put in the addition, we specifically designed the store to have a sandwich bar,” she explains. People keep coming back for their one-ofa-kind sandwiches because the meat is fresh and there’s so much to choose from, be it prosciutto to oven-roasted turkey, with plenty of toppings (veggies, pickles, olives, or spicy La Bomba antipasto anyone?), plus you can’t beat the cheese selection from around the world. “Your” grab-and-go sandwich can be built on the bun of your choice and cut in any way you want. And don’t forget the daily hot lunch options like pulled pork on a bun, perfect for lunch or dinner. -Tiffany Jarva

2. Nomad Bakeshop & Sandwich Bar 3. Agostino’s Deli

24. Best soup 1. In Common 2. Soup Mama 3. Kangas Sauna

*2020 winner

CoverStory 25. Best dessert

33. Best quick lunch

1. Dolce Coffee House*

1. The Growing Season 2. Rebel Salad 3. Prospector Burger Barn

Tyler Sklazeski

34. Best sushi

1. Wasabi Japanese Restaurant* 2. Tokyo House 3. Sushi Station 2. Sweet North Bakery 3. Tomlin Restaurant

35. Best pasta

1. Bar Italia* 2. Nook 3. Giorg Cucina e Barra

26. Best ice cream/gelato

1. Prime Gelato* 2. TJ’s Ice Cream Shoppe 3. Merla Mae Drive-In

36. Best bon bon spareribs 1. Mr. Chinese* 2. Oriental Garden 3. Chinese Express

27. Best mixed drink

1. Barkeep 2. The Foundry 3. Tomlin Restaurant*

37. Best noodle bowl

1. Thai Kitchen* 2. Golden Wok 3. Oriental Garden

28. Best locally made beer

1. Northern Logger – Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.* 2. Border Run Cream Ale – Dawson Trail Craft Brewery 3. Skull Rock Stout – Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.

30. Best wine list 1. Caribou Restaurant & Wine Bar* 2. Tomlin Restaurant 3. Lot 66

31. Best mocktail 1. Tomlin Restaurant 2. Madhouse 3. The Keg Steakhouse & Bar

32. Best business lunch 1. Bight 2. Daytona’s 3. Madhouse

43. Best kidfriendly restaurant 1. Wacky’s* 2. Daytona’s 3. The Sal

44. Best restaurant 1. Tomlin Restaurant* 2. Daytona’s 3. Madhouse

45. Best fine dining 1. Tomlin Restaurant* 2. Caribou Restaurant & Wine Bar 3. Lot 66

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

47. Best food truck/trailer

39. Best Middle Eastern restaurant

48. Best take-out

1. Best Bite Shawarma*

Chondon Photography

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

1. Bonobo’s Foods* 2. The Growing Season 3. Rebel Salad

38. Best Indian restaurant 1. Masala Grille* 2. Monsoon 3. Indian Bistro

29. Best beer selection

42. Best vegetarian/vegan restaurant

1. Mini Donut Shoppe 2. Local Motion (Pinetree Catering)* 3. Hot Paddle Pizza 1. Thai Kitchen* 2. Prospector Burger Barn 3. Nomad Bakeshop & Sandwich Bar

49. Best caterer 1. Salt & Pepper Private Catering* 2. Pinetree Catering 3. Daytona’s 2. Royal Aleppo Food 3. Good Life Foods Co.

40. Best smoothie

1. Growing Season* 2. Kelly’s Nutrition Centre & Juice Bar 3. Freshly Squeezed (Intercity Shopping Centre)

41. Best salad

1. Rebel Salad* 2. The Growing Season 3. Madhouse

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

51. Best patio

1. Bight Restaurant & Bar* 2. Nook 3. Bar Italia

Best Take-Out Thai Kitchen

Story and photo by Adrian Lysenko

ver since introducing our best take-out category, Thai Kitchen has been crowned the winner year after year. So what is it that makes them voted the best by the community? “Consistency, flavours, and portion sizes,” says owner Ken Venema. “We operated as a food booth at special events for many years prior to opening our restaurant, so we already understood the routine of food to go.” The restaurant just opened for dine-in services last month, but at the start of the pandemic the owner says it was an easy switch to offer take-out only. “[We] gave everyone a raise and temporarily laid off only a few staff, reduced our operating hours to 4–9 pm, and upgraded our phone service to three lines with a call attendant to direct calls for orders/curbside pickup,” he says. “[And we’re] glad we declined all offers of third party food delivery services (expensive and we don't trust them).” Thai Kitchen’s origins go

back over 30 years, when they sold Thai food at local special events like the Hymers Fall Fair, Bluesfest, and the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition. Eventually they got their home kitchen licensed and did catering from their home during the winters as well. “The heart of Thai Kitchen is my partner Pia, who I met while she was cooking at a restaurant in Bangkok back in 1983,” he says. “Her dream of opening a Thai restaurant finally came true back in 2008. Her hard work and guidance continues to drive our business forward.” Thai Kitchen is a family business at its core, Ken and Pia’s son Henry now runs the kitchen and has been with them full time since their move into their current location in 2017. “I’m just happy that the community loves us as much as we love them,” Henry says. “It’s validating in a way to know and it’s nice to know we’re doing something that people like.” For more information visit thaikitchen.ca.

The Walleye

CoverStory

52. Best new restaurant (2020–2021)

1. Norteños Taqueria 2. Nomad Bakeshop and Sandwich Bar 3. Eat Loco Tacos

53. Best bartender 1. Donato D’Angelo (Tomlin Restaurant) 2. Onur Altinbilek (Black Pirates Pub) 3. Marie Skaf (The Sovereign Room)

54. Best barista

Best Portrait Photographer Jamie Dawn Photography Story by Kelsey Raynard, Photo by Jamie Dawn Photography

ccording to Jamie Dawn Olsen, photography is not just a career; it is a passion. For the last 10 years, she’s been shaking up Thunder Bay’s photography scene with unique and heartfelt portraits of couples and families alike. It all started with a photography course at Lakehead University, which inspired her to pursue the photography program at Sheridan College the very next year. This program, she says, was life-changing. Since then, Olsen has documented countless special moments for people within our community. Her favourite? “Definitely engagement and couples. You really get to see how the couple interacts with each other and after 10 years, every couple is still so unique and different,” she explains. Olsen’s widespread success is no surprise. Her ability to capture fleeting, delicate moments in

The Walleye

time—from a groom’s first look at the bride to a newborn baby’s first weeks with their family—is matched only by her genuine and welcoming demeanor. “I want people to know that I truly love what I do and I appreciate all my clients that have chosen me to capture those life moments,” she says. “I love that I can be a small part of those moments that you can look back on forever.” COVID-19 has been hard on most professionals, and photographers are no different. “You can support me and all the amazing photographers in town by following and sharing our work,” she says. “These last few years have been a struggle for many, so anything helps.” To see some of Olsen’s awe-inspiring work, check out Jamie Dawn Photography on Facebook and Instagram.

1. Zelly Carrasqueiras (Sweet North Bakery) 2. Crystal Co (Up Shot Coffeehouse) 3. Brian Hamilton (Bean Fiend Cafe & Sandwich Bar)

55. Best server

1. Mel McLuckie (Tomlin Restaurant) 2. Shana Nelson (Daytona's) 3. Jenn Stone (Daytona’s)

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

Arts 57. Best book 2020–2021

1. Tarantella to Thunder Bay – Leah Nadin (author), Caterina Tolone (illustrator)

58. Best portrait photographer (new category) 1. Jamie Dawn Photography 2. Incompass Photography 3. Sara McPherson Photography

59. Best landscape/nature photographer (new category) 1. Incompass Photography 2. Keegan Richard 3. Chris Artist Photography

65. Best art exhibit 2020–2021 1. Bianca Gascoigne at Bight Restaurant & Bar 2. Waabooz/Rabbit at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery* 3. 33rd Anniversary Exhibition at Definitely Superior Art Gallery

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

60. Best videographer

1. Westfort Productions 2. Epica Pictures 3. Apple Wagon Films

61. Best makeup artist

1. Bianca Artistry Makeup Design* 2. Jaime Morrison Makeup 3. Sarah Ashley Martin

62. Best visual artist

1. Oat Milk Lady

2. Oat Milk Lady 3. Wild Badger

67. Best crafter 1. Knits by Nat 2. Beauty in the Bay 3. Sleepy Daisy Shop

68. Best potter

1. Black Dog Ceramics 2. Sweet Earth Ceramics* 3. Be Natural Pottery

69. Best tattoo artist 2. boy Roland 3. Bianca Gascoigne

63. Best drag queen/king

1. Lady Fantasia LaPremiere* 2. Amber Ail 3. Mz. Molly Poppinz

64. Best public art installation

1. Nomad Bakeshop and Sandwich Bar mural 2. I Used to Live on Banning Street – Deborah Donahue 3. Maud and Me – Marianne Jones

2. The Haven Hostel mural 3. Cooke Street murals*

1. Lauren Harper (Red River Trade Company) 2. Remy Chunick (Identity Tattoo and Piercing) 3. Meg Niittynen (Ink Factory Tattoos)

70. Best piercer

1. Matt Bressmer (Creation Body Piercing)* 2. Alex Cummins (Identity Tattoo and Piercing)

71. Best dancer

1. Emma Dubinsky* 2. Sara Sorrell 3. Lisa Rose Macchione

72. Best dance instructor 1. Emma Dubinsky 2. Sara Sorrell 3. Cindy Kennedy

*2020 winner

73. Best writer/poet (new category) 1. Paige Bryson

77. Best walkable neighbourhood (new category) 1. Bay/Algoma 2. Mariday Park 3. Hyde Park/Vickers Park

78. Best place to impress a visitor

Paige Bryson is a Thunder Bay-born poet who spent their early childhood in Southern California. The sunny state still deeply influences their writing today. At the age of 14, Bryson began exploring writing and personal photography, two elements they now combine in their eclectic art prints. Bryson says being a writer has given them “a chance to process and heal on their own terms” in life. Their favourite writing topics include their personal experiences and their relationships with people in their life. One of the poet's most popular pieces is about their young niece Ophelia. Bryson aims to publish a book and participate in slam poetry events. They aspire to be relatable and to create a safe space with their writing. You can find Bryson’s work on Instagram @paiges_prose, along with info on custom commissions. -Sara Sadeghi Aval

2. Arley Cox 3. Samantha Conve

74. Best mask maker

1. Ungalli Clothing Co.* 2. The Whole Nine Yards 3. Mommy Can Sew

City Scene 75. Best Thunder Bay-ism 1. “Persian”* 2. “Camp” 3. “Not too Shabaqua"

76. Best place to people watch

1. Prince Arthur's Landing at Marina Park* 2. Centerfolds Showbar 3. Downtown Port Arthur

1. Kakabeka Falls* 2. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park 3. Prince Arthur's Landing at Marina Park

79. Best weekend getaway 1. Mink Mountain Resort 2. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park* 3. Grand Marais, Minnesota

80. Best hairdresser

1. Kristyn Schmerk (ALTR Hair Studio) *

CoverStory 2. Tori Ahola (Hair By Tori) 3. Tara Dayton (Pure Salon & Day Spa)

81. Best barber

1. Bryan Fresco (The Barber Shop)* 2. Steve Scaffeo (Terra Nova Salon & Day Spa) 3. Tuan Phan (The Barber Shop)

82. Best esthetician

1. Kelsey Pasternak (Elegance Medical Aesthetics) 2. Daniele Boisvert (Stella WaxBar) 3. Erika Maki (A Spa For You)

83. Best day spa 1. Drift Day Spa* 2. Terra Nova Salon & Day Spa 3. A Spa For You

84. Best clothing store

1. Ungalli Clothing Co.* 2. J.B. Evans 3. Street Legal Clothing

85. Best Market vendor 1. pie.ology Kristyn Schmerk and Jillian Cronk opened ALTR Hair Studio on Bay Street in July 2020. It was a dream come true for Schmerk, who is passionate about her craft and trained under some of the industry’s best at the Aveda Institute in Toronto. While she has conflicting feelings about being voted best hairdresser, she says “I am so grateful to our community and our clients for their support,” adding that she and Cronk worked hard to make their salon a safe space for all, and particularly for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. “We have a huge passion for our craft and are continuously upping our education to improve and evolve [it].” Schmerk says it’s been a wild ride opening a hairdressing business at the height of the pandemic, but entirely worth it to open the city’s first completely genderless salon. “It’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” she says. “It was incredibly challenging to stay afloat financially and even mentally during the extensive shutdowns our industry was unfairly put through, but we pulled through and business is now great.” -Kat Lyzun

2. Boreal Bakery 3. Peace and Quiet Candle Co.

86. Best cannabis store 1. Toke House

2. J. Supply Co. 3. Kia Ora Kannabis

Best Potter Black Dog Ceramics

Story by Rebekah Skochinski, Photo by Adrian Lysenko

small batch potter, Kat Twomey turned her hobby into a fulltime business, Black Dog Ceramics, in 2018. Originally, the venture began as Black Dog Studios four years prior along with her mom Jane, and Katie Lemieux, a fellow graduate of Lakehead University’s Fine Arts Program. The trio pooled their resources to purchase a kiln, wheel, clay and little tools from a retiring potter. Instead of following the traditional method of throwing pottery on a wheel using cylindrical shapes, Twomey uses a technique called slab building which involves rolling clay into thin slabs and cutting and constructing them into templates, before pressing plants into the clay while it's wet and flat, treating it like a canvas. It’s a process she loves. “The more I started inspecting the plants around me, the veins and the texture, my work became about preserving plants and getting plants in front of people in their daily life.” Twomey makes a variety of vessels in muted hues like

mustard yellow and moss green. “I love colour,” she says. “The only downside to this leaf printing technique is that it invites cracks into the work. The tradeoff for a durable clay that can be glazed at a higher temperature means a limited colour range.” Twomey says she will attempt to make her own clay this year so that she can make pottery in any colour she wants. She also wants to thank the people of Thunder Bay for being such an amazing community for artists and makers. “People buying local and handmade has changed my life,” she says. “I was able to give up jobs I hate and being crushed by capitalism to being able to own a business, and being an artist and supporting my family. I don’t think that would happen in any place. It’s a special place.” You can find Black Dog Ceramics at various shops around town (there’s a full list of retailers at blackdogceramics. ca) and for more day-to-day or behind the scenes follow along on Instagram.

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CoverStory

F Best Walkable Neighbourhood Bay and Algoma By Tiffany Jarva

87. Best general/ country store (new category)

1. Dawson General Store

88. Best window display

94. Best local humanitarian

2. Arden Bryuere 3. Tala the Clown

89. Best new business

95. Best local activist

1. Roots to Harvest* 2. Wake the Giant

1. Goods & Co. Market 2. The Kitchen Nook 3. The Loop*

1. Jim Stadey* 2. John Trevisanutto 3. Chris Barstow

1. Jason Veltri

1. Goods & Co. Market 2. Dawson General Store 3. Entershine Bookshop

-Adrian Lysenko

2. Silver Islet General Store 3. Pretty Fly co.

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90. Best tweeter 1. Jamie Smith (@JamieSmith807) 2. Leith Dunick (@LeithDunick)

91. Best Instagrammer 1. Oat Milk Lady (@oatmilklady) 2. Gaudy Grandma (@gaudygrandma) 3. Bay’s Barkery (@baysbarkery)

92. Best podcast 1. Growing Through It (Roots to Harvest) 2. thamichaelated 3. Myth & Mockery

93. Best elected politician 1. Patty Hajdu* 2. Michael Gravelle 3. Marcus Powlowski

98. Best grassroots organization

99. Best place for a shag

1. CLE Coliseum Building 2. Moose Hall* 3. CLE Heritage Building

100. Best indoor wedding venue

Kay Lee

A good general/country store should have a little bit of everything, and this is definitely the case with this year’s winner. Formerly Leppanen’s Store, Dawson General Store opened in 2021 on the edge of Thunder Bay and has been a hit not only with locals but with residents from the city as well. Other than homemade pizza (try the popular Pickle Pie), fried chicken, and baked goods, the general store also sells local products from The Sapling Bakery, Eat Local Pizza, and Rose N Crantz Roasting Co., to name a few. With a quaint fresh produce section, it’s a blessing for those out in the country not wanting to make the trek to town. And even if it’s your first time there, you’ll find the same warm greeting and smile when you walk in the door as if you were a regular.

rom its beginning days as a meeting place for artists, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs, Bay and Algoma has always been a popular destination for good food, good wares, and good conversation. This community spirit continues to thrive with both old and new establishments in the hood, making Bay and Algoma one of the city’s most desirable walking destinations. Every year, the neighbourhood continues to grow and evolve from its historical Finnish and Italian roots. “The Bay and Algoma area is a neighbourhood for everyone,” says Dina Campbell, treasurer of the

1. The Chanterelle* 2. Carolyn Karle 3. Jessica McLaughlin

96. Best radio personality 1. Lisa Laco (CBC) 2. Dee Jaroway (Rock 94, 94.3 FM) 3. Jamie Varga (CILU 102.7 FM)

97. Best busker

1. The Bay Street Bastards*

Bay and Algoma Business Association. “The diversity the area offers encourages people to walk and explore all that we offer.” It is a destination where you are truly shopping local, from hardware supplies to kitchen goods, and everything in between. Sip on coffee at your favourite café, pop into a wide range of locally owned gift and clothing shops, and dine in a variety of restaurants. “We are thankful for the local businesses and organizations in our neighbourhood, who have built on a rich foundation of history and community,” adds Campbell. “Without them our neighbourhood couldn't thrive.”

102. Best real estate agent

1. Wendy Siltamaki 2. Alicia Moore 3. Melissa Thompson

103. Best hotel

1. Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay* 2. The Courthouse Hotel 3. Best Western Plus Nor'Wester Hotel & Conference Centre

104. Best place to take a selfie (new category)

1. Top of the Sleeping Giant in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park 2. Kakabeka Falls 3. Hillcrest Park

105. Best golf course 2. Fort William Golf & Country Club 3. The Courthouse Hotel

101. Best outdoor wedding venue 1. Fort William Historical Park* 2. Rose Valley Lodge & Restaurant 3. CharKuu 102 Homestead

1. Whitewater Golf Club* 2. Fort William Golf & Country Club 3. Chapples Golf Course

106. Best place to watch the game 1. Neebing Roadhouse 2. On Deck 3. Mike’s Roadhouse

*2020 winner

CoverStory

108. Best athlete 1. Molly Carlson 2. Hannah Gula* 3. Scott Wiebe

Living Green/Health 109. Best outdoor adventure business 1. Fresh Air 2. Wilderness Supply* 3. WAYfinder Trails & Recreation

2. Canada West Maple 3. Big Lake Pasta

112. Best antique store

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

1. Sleeping Giant Antiques* 2. Jewels of Crown

1. Top of the [Sleeping] Giant Trail* 2. Cascades Conservation Area 3. Trowbridge Falls

1. Heartbeat Hot Sauce Co.* 2. Thunder Oak Cheese Farm 3. Belluz Farms

117. Best mountain bike trail (new category)

114. Best locally made product

1. Blue Trail, Centennial Park

1. Heartbeat Hot Sauce*

-Justin Allec

2. Snakes & Ladders, Shuniah Mines 3. Drift Trail, Shuniah Mines

Aimee Thivierge

1. Centennial Park* 2. Marina Park 3. Trowbridge Falls

116. Best hiking trail

113. Best local food producer

110. Best urban park

n a regular basis, Molly Carlson plummets from 20 metres above Montreal’s Olympic Stadium pool, twisting and tumbling in a carefully planned sequence before hitting the water feet first at upwards of 85 kilometres per hour. Carlson, a seven-time junior national diving champion, recently switched to the 20-metre platform event as a senior member of the national high diving team. “It’s something that you become more comfortable with the more you do it, but it's always gonna have a level of fear, for sure,” she says. “And then as soon as you jump in the air, it’s just this moment of peace, like you are flying… and then you hit the water, and you just want to do it again and again, and over and over. Because you love it, you know, and it’s just this adrenaline that you’ve fallen in love with. It’s a mixture of

115. Best health food store

1. Marina Park* 2. Vickers Park 3. Hillcrest Park

Centennial Park’s Blue trail has become a vital part of Thunder Bay’s outdoor recreation network. A 10.5-km loop that circles the park, the Blue Trail’s claim to fame for cyclists is access and variety. If you’re starting (or ending) your ride in Centennial, it’s one of the gentlest trails around as it tracks past the chalet and logging camp. That changes, however, on the other side of the underpass. Head to your left and there’s the never-ending climb of Hydro Hill; keep to the right, hugging the bank of the Current River and you’ll find access to Trowbridge, Shuniah Mines, and even a wandering route to the Cascades. Careful, though, because the further you get away from the park itself, the wilder the terrain gets, with steep hills and loose rocky sections. Originally developed as a part of the park’s crosscountry ski trail system, the trail’s available for year-round enjoyment.

bravery, talent, athleticism, [and] knowledge. It’s a sport that really takes levels to [the] extreme and I love it.” Last summer, Carlson upped that extreme nature of the sport another notch by competing on the Red Bull Cliff Diving circuit, diving from actual cliffs (or a bridge) in Ireland, France, Italy, and Bosnia. She scored high, placed well and even earned a perfect 10. “You have to be equipped to do what you know how to do in the craziest temperatures and weather conditions,” she says. Off the diving platform, Carlson has founded the BraveGang Community on TikTok, where many of her 2.6 million followers share stories. “Every level of bravery deserves to be celebrated.”

118. Best day paddle

1. Hazelwood Lake*

LRCA

1. Eric Staal 2. Matt Murray* 3. Jordan Staal

111. Best playground

2. Quetico Provincial Park 3. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

119. Best group fitness instructor 1. Amy Slemko 2. Sofia Rizzo 3. Andy Noga

120. Best personal trainer (new category) 1. Amy Slemko 2. Sofia Rizzo 3. Jordan Pope

Best Athlete Molly Carlson

Story by Bonnie Schiedel

Romina Amato/ Red Bull Content Pool

107. Best local NHL player

Check out Molly Carlson’s social media via her website at mollycarlsonofficial.com.

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CoverStory 121. Best gym/ fitness club 1. Industrial Athletics 2. Red Zone X 3. 807Fitness

122. Best yoga studio

1. The Bodymind Centre* 2. Movati Athletic 3. Modo Yoga

123. Best yoga instructor 1. Kelly Rooney 2. Mia Mickleburgh 3. Erin May*

124. Best reason to live in Thunder Bay (new category)

127. Best Music video 2020-2021

1. “11/17” – The Honest Heart Collective 2. “If You Wanna Leave” – The Honest Heart Collective 3. “Surfing in LA” – Lockyer Boys

128. Best singer

Dallas

126. Best album 2020-2021

By Sara Sadeghi Aval

musician’s unique approach to their craft is their defining trait. Certainly, this is the case with Dallas Gilbart, local rapper and musician. He began creating and writing music as a senior in high school. Now, at 23 years old, he has been releasing music professionally for four years. Gilbart’s raps can be described as “hype raps,” while other tracks of his are more melodic and lyrically centered. The artist spends his free time outdoors, often listening to and watching birds. His focus on collecting memories is his motivation when creating his sound. Gilbart’s most recent goal has been gaining recognition in the music

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1. Lionheart Sound Co.* 2. Bay Dream Records 3. Dining Room Studios

community and being voted Thunder Bay’s Best Rap Artist allowed him to accomplish his personal goal. On winning the category Gilbart says, “Being nominated alone was something I celebrated, but this top slot makes me feel great about myself [as an artist]. I appreciate everyone who helped by listening to my music, sharing, and voting for me. Thank you, Thunder Bay.” Find Dallas’s songs on major streaming platforms such as Apple Music, SoundCloud, and Spotify, and check out @dallas.mp3 on Instagram, where he shares previews and visual components of his songs.

1 More Harm – The Honest Heart Collective

2. Letter Kite Sessions – Arley Cox 3. For the Love of It – Femur

132. Best keyboardist/ pianist

1. Danny Johnson*

129. Best guitarist 1. Kevin Heerema 2. Will Lockyer* 3. Erik Larson

130. Best bassist 1. Joey Miller*

2. Charlie Lockyer 3. Glenn Jennings

133. Best DJ

1. DJ Big D* 2. DJ BLVCK SHEEP 3. DJ Wurlwind

134. Best solo artist

Music

Best Rap Artist

1. Jay Savage* 2. Tanner Van Teeffelen 3. Paul Hessey

1. Ryan MacDonald 2. Nancy Freeborn* 3. Arley Cox

1. Nature* 2. Community 3. Small town

125. Best recording studio

131. Best drummer

For over 15 years, Joey Miller has been playing the bass in and around Thunder Bay’s vibrant music scene. “I started playing after I watched my sister play bass in my church’s band, and wanted to try it out myself. I’d played guitar for about six years before that,” he says. Since then, Miller has become a fixture in Northwestern Ontario’s world of music, playing with countless local artists and in multiple cover shows over the years. Currently, Miller is in a few different bands (ArchAnger and Chris Talarico) with more plans for covers in the near future. After almost two years of restrictions in bars and music venues, he is excited to get back on stage. “The best way to support me is when shows come back full time, go support your favourite local artists or bands,” Miller explains. “We can’t wait to see you guys out there, and we can’t wait to play for you.” -Kelsey Raynard

2. Nic MacDonald 3. Jennifer Swistun

1. Jean-Paul De Roover 2. Arley Cox* 3. Nick Sherman

135. Best rock band

1. The Honest Heart Collective* 2. Jean-Paul De Roover & the Bandaid Solution 3. Rock Steady

136. Best folk group

1. Greenbank 2. Nick Sherman 3. Mad for Trad

137. Best metal band 1. Femur* 2. 12 Gauge Prayer 3. VHS

138. Best rap artist 1. Dallas 2. B The Wiz 3. Liam Maguire

*2020 winner

CoverStory 139. Best jazz act 1. Mood Indigo* 2. Robin Ranger 3. Michael Kennedy

140. Best punk band

1. The Bay Street Bastards* 2. Forever Dead 3. The Thirsty Monks

141. Best electronic act 1. Sydney Blu 2. Hex 3. ANM

142. Best blues act 1. Sunday wilde 2 The Roosters* 3. The Thirsty Monks

143. Best choral group

1. Thunder Bay Symphony Chorus 2. Sounds of Superior Chorus* 3. Dulcisono Women’s Choir

144. Best country band 1. Back Forty

Film and Theatre

Keegan Richard

145. Best cover band

1. Undercover 2. The Thirsty Monks 3. V3nom

146. Best music instructor 1. Denise Krawczuk 2. Arley Cox* 3. Maria Tassone

1. Chris Talarico

147. Best film 2020–2021

1. On the Great Wind's Back 2. Cup Confidential

148. Best film director 2020–2021

1. Damien Gilbert 2. Michelle Derosier 3. Ryan La Via

149. Best film festival

1. Terror in the Bay Film Festival* 2. Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival 3. Vox Popular Media Arts Festival

150. Best theatre production 2020–2021 1. Mamma Mia – Badanai Theatre (2021) 2. Sister Act – Badanai Theatre (Feb 2020)* 3. Home: A Bluegrass Celebration – Magnus Theatre (2021)

2. Danny Johnson 3. Eric Fox

Events 155. Best virtual event

1. The Virtual Craft Revival* 2. Live at the Bedrock Music Festival 3. Vox Popular Media Arts Festival

156. Best new event

1. Kraft. Pop-up Market 2. Country Roads Autumn Market 3. Heavy Rotation – Live from the Rock Folk Festival

151. Best theatre director

157. Best festival

152. Best theatre troupe

158. Best free event

1. Candi Badanai* 2. Thom Currie 3. Thomas McDonald

2. Cartwrights 3. Scott Van Teeffelen

154. Best actor

1. Magnus Theatre* 2. Paramount Live 3. Badanai Theatre

153. Best actress 1. Leigh Wood 2. Jaime Morrison 3. Julie McCoy

1. Wake The Giant Music Festival 2. BrewHa! Craft Beer Festival 3. Ribfest TBay

1. Kraft. Pop-up Market 2. Fort William First Nation Fall Pow Wow 3. Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra streamed concerts

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

And the winner is...

or our 10th annual readers’ survey, we included your new (and some old) favourites in the city. While readers had their say, voters were entered into a draw for an all-inclusive package for four. This year’s package, sponsored by Tourism Thunder Bay and Flair Airlines, is valued at over $2,500 and includes return airfare for two and a variety of gift cards so the winner and their three guests can experience the best of Thunder Bay. Nancy Murray was the lucky winner. A mom of two daughters, wife of 10 years, and a local Epicure

consultant, she loves the outdoors, especially our city’s nature trails. “I was so shocked to win… I always fill this survey out because it’s one of my favourite things in the magazine,” she says. “I always keep the readers’ survey editions and look at them when we are looking for a place to go or an activity to do. My husband and I need to sit down and decide who to bring to TBay. With so many friends and family, it will be hard to pick.” Thank you to Tourism Thunder Bay and Flair Airlines for the generous sponsorship and congratulations, Nancy!

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Food

Lamb Rogan Josh Serves 4

¼ c ghee (clarified butter) 1 cinnamon stick 6 green cardamom pods (lightly smashed with the broad side of your knife) 4 whole cloves

1 large onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp ginger, minced or grated

In a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat, melt the ghee, and add the whole spices. Stir around for a minute or two.

Add to the spicy pot above, until onion bits are golden and just beginning to caramelize around the edges.

Add and cook for another minute.

2 Tbsp paprika

THE NING IN R G E B LLY

Rogan Josh Not Josh Rogin By Chef Rachel Bayes

ogan Josh is an aromatic Indian dish of lamb braised in a creamy red chili pepper gravy, which will make your whole house smell incredible on a cold January day. Not to be confused with Josh Rogin, The Washington Post columnist, who would probably not change how your house smells on any given day…. To get the delicious curry-house flavour you’re after, this one-pot-wonder requires a heavy-hitter list of spices, but you can find them all locally—try the international aisle at the Real Canadian Superstore, or any of our bulk stores, all of which have a ton of great offerings (pro tip: you can always freeze extra spices in

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an airtight container/bag, if you have lots of leftovers). The red chili powder that’s called for here isn’t the TexMex blend used often in chili or taco meat, but lal mirch (spicy!) or Kashmiri lal mirch (not quite as spicy, but still has a good kick). Indian chili powders also impart a rich red colour to the curry. In this dish, lamb shoulder works beautifully, as it’s well-marbled and will fall apart juicily when braised slow and low for a couple of hours. As for sides, basmati rice is fantastic for soaking up all the curry goodness, as is fresh naan. To cool your palate between bites, you can also add cooling chopped salads made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and yogurt.

¾ tsp red chili powder (see above)

Stir in the ground spices and cook for 30 seconds.

4 tsp ground coriander

**If you can only find fennel seeds, lightly toast and grind to get 1 tsp fennel powder. Use half now and half just before serving.

4 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp garam masala ½ tsp fennel powder** 5 Tbsp tomato passata (tomato puree or sauce, without added herbs/spices) 1 tsp salt

Mix in well.

1 ½ c chicken stock 1 ½ lbs boneless lamb shoulder, cut into ½“ cubes

Add, stir, and bring to a simmer.

Cover pot, turn heat to low, and continue to simmer for approximately an hour and 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lamb chunks are easily pulled apart with forks. Uncover, and continue cooking to reduce the sauce a little bit. ½ c plain yogurt ½ tsp garam masala ½ tsp fennel powder

Stir in yogurt, and extra ground spices. Cook for another few minutes.

Cooked basmati rice Fresh naan Plain yogurt Chopped cilantro leaves Minced ginger

Serve with rice, naan, a dollop of yogurt, and a sprinkling of cilantro and ginger.

The Puffy Shirt Barkeep

Story by Rebekah Skochinski, Photo by Adrian Lysenko Where would we be without Seinfeld? Where would we be without cool places to drink and hang out with our friends? No place, that’s where. And you agree because you voted Barkeep as the best place to get a cocktail. Since opening their doors in late 2019, they’ve been mixing drinks and serving small bites with panache and humour. Take, for instance, this riff on a classic. The Puffy Shirt has Aperol, Amaro Montenegro, effervescent cava, passionfruit, and a few other secret additions

Food

DRINK OF THE MONTH

(but we’re sworn to secrecy). Look at this tall beauty! It’s creamy and citrusy and bubbly with sky-high foam that you’ll want to get lost in. Light on the alcoholic Richter scale, it also makes a refreshing sipper for January when we’re all trying to be better people with resolutions and yada yada. PS: Any cocktail can be made to go, plus you can order off-menu. Happy new year indeed! Barkeep 15C St. Paul Street 767-0733

23 Cumberland St S

thunder bay ’s only brew house INSTAGRAM @ prospectorbrewhouse The Walleye

NEW YEAR

NEW CATERING MENUS

Thinking of buying or selling? CHECK OUT BOTH LOCATIONS

Message or call us today!

307 BAY ST 807-577-8564

SARAH KERTON Broker

C. 807.632.3635

THUNDER BAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

BAKESHOP + SANDWICH BAR

CHRIS HOULE Broker of Record

C. 807.620.9057

ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.NOMADBAY.CA

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Food

Bight Restaurant & Bar’s new chef de cuisine Austin Tully

Hitting All the Right Taste Buds Bight Restaurant & Bar Welcomes New Chef de Cuisine Review by Susan Pretty, Photos by Scott MacKay

he new chef de cuisine at Bight Restaurant & Bar has arrived, and he’s happy to discuss the new menu at this lovely waterfront restaurant. Hailing from Georgetown, a small town west of Toronto, Chef Austin Tully first set foot onto Thunder Bay terra firma on September 1, after a decision was made to move here with his girlfriend so she could attend law school. When we arrived at Bight, Tully got right down to business. Beef tartare quickly appeared on the table, and the heavenly smoked aroma was our first impression of the dish. Neatly circular, the tartare is studded with capers, and served with truffled mayo

and crostini for dipping. The showstopper is the dried beef heart lightly grated over the plate. Yes, you read correctly—using the in-house smoker, beef heart is dried and left for a couple weeks to achieve maximum umami flavour. This dish is incredibly unique, and tartare fans will agree it’s the best in town. Rigatoni, using Big Lake Pasta, was up next. Tully wasted no time in befriending the local food curators. “Andrew [Murchison, of Big Lake Pasta] is a great guy,” Tully enthuses. “He comes by here and we have so much fun.” Flavours are layered within this dish, and it’s extremely well done. This bowl of comfort food is made with

in-house crafted sausage (“we use housemade chili oil,” Tully says) and several different mushrooms to add complexity (ever heard of shimeji? Me neither), and is topped by Fior di Latte cheese. “It costs a little extra,” the chef says, “but it’s totally worth it.” Chicken supreme was next, which sat upon a maple-scented carrot puree surrounded by root veg and celery leaf. I was particularly delighted by the celery leaf, which is actually listed on the menu as a descriptor. Fabulous! This oft-cast aside green adds a nice touch of flavor. I felt very posh when a steady-handed server asked if she may pour the au jus for me. The chicken is moist and tender, with a crackling crisp

skin, and the jus hits all the right notes. “We take the pan drippings and hit it with some butter,” Tully says. I was so excited to be at Bight, especially when owner Bianca Garofalo popped by in person to say hello. “Bight is thrilled to have Austin join the team and we are most excited about his creativity and enthusiasm revamping the Bight menu,” Garofalo says. “Adding Austin to our management team gives us more time to launch that business and work on new initiatives we have for continued growth in 2022.” I neglected to ask about dessert. Forgive me, dear reader. (Perhaps a part two to this story will be in order?)

“Bight is thrilled to have Austin join the team and we are most excited about his creativity and enthusiasm revamping the Bight menu.”

Visit bightrestaurant.ca for more information.

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Food

soft white mantle has descended upon our lovely city to muffle us against the brittle winter chill, as the great wheel of time has guided us into a brave new year up here in our haven in the north. The year behind presented us all with no small challenges in the industry, with impossible shortages in raw and packaging materials, human resources, and equipment, but it also demonstrated our resilience and fortitude, with continued innovation, community, intuition, and sheer heart. Over the past year, alcohol by volume polarized in products, either dropping to seriously low sessionable levels or disappearing altogether on one end of the scale, while at the other end soaring up to new heights with intense imperial offerings.

Finer Things 2021 Drink Flavours to Savour

By Jeannie Dubois, Certified Pommelier and Sommelier

R SUPERIO SIP

Think steeped and brewed— coffee and tea cross over to drinks and cocktails:

Liberty Village Chai Spice Dry Cider LCBO No. 19970 $3.50 for 473 ml 4.5% ABV

Jameson Cold Brew Irish Whiskey LCBO No. 17055 $34.95 for 750 ml 30% ABV

Dark Side of the Dune Coffee Vanilla Imperial Stout LCBO No. 22112 $13.00 for 650 ml 10.2% ABV

The Bean Coffee Pinotage LCBO No. 251165 $15.95 for 750 ml 14% ABV

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Think bush and branch— ripe and juicy fruit continues to co-ferment:

Bench Brewing Berry Fields Sour Ale LCBO No. 19677 $3.65 for 473 ml 5.4% ABV

Muskoka Lakes Cranberry Splash Wine Spritzer LCBO No. 15300 3.75 for 355 ml 6% ABV

Sortilege Blueberry Whisky LCBO No. 508150 $33.95 for 750 ml 23% ABV

Niagara Rose Gold Berry Soaked Cider LCBO No. 16150 $3.95 for 473 ml 6% ABV

Think petal pushers—fragrant florals grow on in your glass:

Collective Arts Rhubarb & Hibiscus Gin LCBO No. 113456 $48.95 for 750 ml 43.5% ABV

Good Fortune Raspberry Hibiscus Sparkling Wine LCBO No. 14847 $2.95 for 355 ml 5% ABV

Eden Grove Hibiscus Blossom Cider LCBO No. 15492 $3.55 for 473 ml 5.4% ABV

Side Launch Hibiscus Sour Beer LCBO No. 144337 $3.70 for 473 ml 4.6% ABV

Packaging continued to be progressive, especially with harrowing can and cardboard shortages, but also with an eye to singleserving portions for not just beer, but wine and cocktail offerings as well. A return to simplicity was pervasive across the industry, with a swerve away from super complex styles to a more traditional approach to products, whether it be a swing back to lager in the beer industry or single varietal-based wines and cider. By and large the trend seemed to reflect an eye towards comfort. Whether it be a drink that brings to mind a fragrant cup of coffee warming our hands or a glass overflowing with budding fruit flavour that reminds us of the joys of spring, the zag seems to speak to us all craving what we know and love.

Think just des(s)erts— no fork needed for these comforting closers:

Muskoka Nanaimo Bar Porter LCBO No. 21565 $15.95 for 750 ml 9% ABV

Baileys Red Velvet Cupcake LCBO No. 17085 $32.45 for 750 ml 17% ABV

Thornbury Apple Pie Spiced Cider LCBO No. 480343 $3.45 for 473 ml 4.9% ABV

Chocolate Shop Red Wine LCBO No. 392662 $18.95 for 750 ml 12.5% ABV

Give the Gift of Golf This Year! Trackman Golf Simulators at Landale Gardens Easy & Convenient Gift Packages + Punch Cards Use towards Golf Lessons, Practice Time or Play Time! Used by PGA Champions & Thunder Bay’s Mackenzie Tour players Evan DeGrazia and Jamie Deperio!

1230 Hawker Rd. 807-577-5807

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Food “Making fancy meals takes time to shop, plan, prepare, and clean. I don’t want to spend my time doing that,” a thriving planet for future generations. She will do this, she says, by using only what she needs and what is in her own best interest but also in support of her community and the planet. Secondly, she wants to use her time wisely on things that bring her joy and fulfillment. For her, that meant an end to over consumption. “Having stuff takes time to shop, organize, use, clean and eventually purge. Making fancy meals takes time to shop, plan, prepare, and clean. I don’t want to spend my time doing that,” she says. Robinson is also driven by her creative side, and she invites us to explore the world of raw, vegan,

Keeping it Clean Writer Shares Tips for a Healthier Life By Pat Forrest

Fiona Robinson (who writes under the name Fiona Jean), author of The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Clean Kitchen

enjamin Disraeli said, “Cleanliness and order are not matters of instinct; they are matters of education and, like most great things, you must cultivate a taste for

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them.” Fiona Robinson (who writes under the name Fiona Jean) aims to get her readers excited about living a life free from clutter and too much “stuff” while using their creativity to put together meals that are simple but at the same time unique and delicious. As we enter a new year under trying times, this holds particular appeal for many of us. Her book is called The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Clean Kitchen (available digitally as The Clean Kitchen: A busy mom's guide to making healthy, fuss-free meals in under 30 minutes) and Robinson says she had several factors motivating her to write it. The biggest reason was that she wants to contribute to

g l u t e n - f re e , a n d f a t free cooking with limited ingredients and few tools on hand. She challenges us to think about whether we’re stuck in the kitchen cleaning loop. That's when it takes so long to cook and clean up from a meal, that by the time we're done, we almost have to start all over again. The author discusses what you need in your kitchen and the skills you require to make healthy, tasty meals in under 30 minutes. The book starts with a chapter on kitchen safety followed by a section on kitchen essentials (bigpicture buying, speed decluttering, staple list, produce list and essential tools). The remaining

pages focus on Robinson’s approach to vegetableabundant meals, balanced with a small amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and drawing on her experience as a caterer of plant-based, gluten-free food. Recipes are included. “I can make meals that are as good as if not better than meals that are animal heavy,” she says.

The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Clean Kitchen is available at Vanderwees Home and Garden and at Superior Seasons in Goods & Co. as well as on lulu.com.

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Food

Silver Mountain Food Group Ontario’s Largest Bulk-Food Buying Club Celebrates 40 Years By Sarah Kerton

he new year always gets me thinking about ways I can be a better person in the coming year. This always encompasses how I am going to try to tread lighter on the earth, and be healthier and more active. One commitment that I’ve kept up for over two decades now is reducing the packaging that comes into my life, and trying to eat a more sustainable diet. This can be somewhat challenging, but the Silver Mountain Food Group (SMFG) has allowed me access to bulk organic and local products purchased twice a year, as well as an opportunity to meet likeminded folks and try new and different products. The SMFG is Ontario’s largest bulk-food buying club. The commitment of its core members over the decades has gotten this group through the hurdles that have come with changing markets and transportation models. When my family joined 25 years ago, organic food and things like texturized vegetable protein were much less commonly available in TBay than today. In the early 80s, access was even more difficult. “Think about a group of women (mostly pregnant at the time) who were living a 45-minute drive from town. We all agreed that stuffing a collection of toddlers into snowsuits and driving to town for a 2 kg bag of sugar was a waste of time and gas,” says Diana Bockus, one of the group’s original members and its venerable leader. “What we needed was a source of bulk food, but this was 1981, and retail bulk food was virtually unheard of.” The women were quick

to organize a meeting, and with 15 people showing up at a local country school to discuss, the Silver Mountain Food Group was born. The name was inspired by the Silver Mountain Range, close to the members’ homes. This spring the SMFG is celebrating 40 years, and the group’s original mandate, “To buy good quality food in bulk,” has not changed since its inception. There are still four members of that original group: Diana Bockus, Diana Foreman, Joanne Henderson, and Larry Watson. Originally, the group started off with four orders per year, but soon realized this was overly ambitious. When Bockus took over coordination in 1985, it became twice a year. The order is placed once every spring and fall, and delivered in April and October. The first order in 1982 had 15 groups representing about 61 families. Today there are 46 groups (which are made up of several families) and about 267 families participating. At the same time, the singlepage hand-typed order has become a 10-page Excel spreadsheet with the main order totalling around $70,000. As the group has grown, “our numbers have enabled us to take advantage of increasingly larger savings. Big orders mean we pay less for freight costs and become eligible for supplier discounts. We have always ordered from Grain Process and Maple Dale Cheese—yes, you can purchase your cheese and have it stay in the fridge for six months,” Bockus says. “In addition, we currently buy from Ontario Natural Foods, The Soap Works, and Fairisle Maple Syrup. Locally

we purchase from Bogdala’s Meats and Deli, Brule Creek Farms, Rose N Crantz coffee, Boreal Forest Teas, and many other local companies. We are always looking for local suppliers.” In the spring of 1988, the order had outgrown the members’ homes, and they decided to divide at the Nolalu Community Centre. The move coincided with Lakehead Freightways starting to truck the food to the centre. This first commercial delivery took place in an April snowstorm. In the spring of 1994, the group’s size necessitated another move, and the Kakabeka Falls Legion became the new home. By 1997 the group was 222 families, and it became too difficult to divide during one day. Since then, the order is divided over three days. On the Friday, a dedicated group of members put in a full day mapping and marking out a floor plan for the products and taking delivery of the food order. On the weekend, the group members arrive to divide the order. Individual groups are only required to divide

the main order every three years or so. “A” side groups divide on the Saturday, and the “B” side on the Sunday. The food is checked, divided, sorted into individual groups’ orders, rechecked, and ready for pick-up by 2 pm. A core group of experienced members is on hand every dividing day to help direct the other volunteers, and are easily identified by their bright blue T-shirts with the SMFG sunflower logo. Once the individual groups pick up their order, there is still more dividing to do amongst the smaller group itself. Depending on the weather, this could happen in the parking lot, or often one member brings it home and the other members come over to divide. Group members love this opportunity to see the other members and to have a potluck or catch up on the last six months of life! The SMFG is open to new members, city and country folk alike. There is a one-time fee of $10 for a family to join. Here’s to another 40 years of good food, less packaging, and less grocery shopping!

Members of the Silver Mountain Food Group prepare orders

“Big orders mean we pay less for freight costs and become eligible for supplier discounts.”

For more information, find the Silver Mountain Food Group on Facebook.

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Food

Searching for Clarity Making Bright Beers in a Hazy World By Josh Armstrong, PhD, Certified Beer Judge

BREW ITLF E YOURS

ome people use the new year and the setting of resolutions to try to find some clarity in their lives. That’s always fun, but I’ll use this first column of 2022 to explore a different kind of clarity– clarity in terms of the state of “brightness” in beer. The level of clarity is an important aspect of the appearance of a beer. Brewers use the ter m “bright” to describe a beer that they can easily see through. The clarity or brightness in a beer can range from “brilliant,” where it is perfectly clear, all the way to “cloudy,” where it is difficult to see through the glass. If a beer is not bright, the clarity of beer is affected by some sort of haze or turbidity. Beer haze can be caused by a wide range of factors including yeast sticking around after fermentation, extra proteins from the grains, polyphenols from both the hops and grains, oxalates from a calcium deficit in the

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wort, and beta-glucans from inadequately modified malts, among other factors. In today’s world of hazy IPAs and New England juice bombs, I sometimes feel like the concept of clarity is lost and maybe forgotten. Many of the most popular beers of today are what Dr. Charlie Bamforth, former AnheuserBusch endowed professor of malting and brewing sciences, disparagingly calls “turbid.” Dr. Bamforth believes that, with the exception of hefeweizen (German wheat beer), the majority of beers should be brilliant clear, as it is known to be more appealing to the majority of beer drinkers. While I can certainly enjoy the occasional hazy hoppy brew, I do find myself often searching for more clarity in the commercial beer I drink, and actively avoiding haze in my own homebrewing. There’s something about a brilliant clear beer that I find really enjoyable, especially since the shelves at the LCBO tend to now

be overwhelmingly filled with hazy (and often murky) cans of IPA. Haze in beer can also have a variety of characteristics. There is chill haze that isn’t present at room temperature but only appears when chilled to a lower temperature. Permanent haze is any haze that is present at all temperatures. The easiest way to closely examine the degree of haze in a beer is to place a light source up to the beer and see how the light scatters in the liquid. Commercial breweries can use filtration to make their beer crystal clear. In homebrewing, there are a range of processes and techniques that you can use to improve your beer clarity. Here are a few: • Avoid higher protein fermentables in your recipe (e.g., wheat, oats) and use lower p ro t e i n s o u rc e s o f sugars (e.g., corn, rice) to improve clarity. • If your system is capable,

•

use a step mash process, including a proteolytic rest between 45–50°C. This allows for greater enzymatic breakdown of the protein found in the grain bill. Boil your wort with vigour—a strong boil helps you get a better hot break (when the proteins coagulate creating a foam before dropping to the bottom of your kettle). Use Irish moss or Whirlfloc in the boil. Irish moss is a brewing additive that has been used for almost 200 years. It is a seaweed that mostly consists of carrageenan, which helps club the proteins together so that they drop out of solution. Cool your wort quickly. Using an efficient wort chiller will further help coagulate the proteins and polyphenols in your wort. Choose a yeast strain that is known for medium to high flocculation.

•

Use Clarity Ferm from White Labs. Adding this product during fermentation provides an enzyme that not only reduces haze but also removes the majority of gluten in the beer. • Add fining agents during conditioning— gelatin, isinglass, and other finings can be used to clear your beer in a keg. Note: some of these products are not vegan-friendly. • Cold condition beer for a good amount of time. Allowing your beer to sit near freezing for an extended period of time will cause the haze particles to drop to the bottom of your keg or bottles, leaving your finished product bright and clear. I hope this column brings some clarity to your beer drinking and beer making in 2022. Cheers to clear beers!

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Food

(L-R) Andrew Young and Steve Vares, owners of the Tilted Turret Pinball Pub

Tilted Turret Pinball Pub Barcade Set to Open in Thunder Bay's South Core Story by Kelsey Raynard, Photo by Adrian Lysenko

hen the historic Coo House (located at 1 3 5 A rc h i b a l d S t re e t North) came up for sale earlier in 2021, business partners Steve Vares and Andrew Young saw an opportunity they could not pass up. Built in 1898 by watchmaker George Coo, this designated heritage site has been used as a home, as a Christmas store, and as a restaurant; now, Vares and Young are proud to add pinball pub to this list as well. As a part-owner of Savvy Amusements in Thunder Bay, Vares explains that buying this turn-key building

provided the perfect chance to expand their existing business ventures and share their love of pinball with the wider community. “We absolutely loved the place,” he says. “We already have machines in quite a few establishments around town, but owning a bar, restaurant, or pub was never really on our radar until we started visiting legendary pinball ‘barcades’ and pubs across North America.” Taking inspiration from places like the Logan Arcade in Chicago and Tilt Toronto, Vares thought there was no reason why these couldn’t work in a place like Thunder Bay. Thus, the Tilted Turret

Pinball Pub was born. Previously occupied by the ExCuria Gastropub, the Coo house was completely renovated in 2015, making it an easy transition for Vares and Young. “There is such a unique history and design to this building. Compared to the north core, there aren’t as many places to go and hangout on the south side. We hope to change that,” Vares says. So what can customers of the Tilted Turret expect? “We will have 10–12 pinball machines, with the oldest from 1970 and the newest purchased just a few months ago,” he says. “We have completely revamped the menu, so there will be

delicious pub food and local craft beers.” With a tentative grand opening in February 2022, Vares and Young have big plans for the future. “We want to create a welcoming atmosphere for all people, whether you’re a hardcore pinball enthusiast or you’re a complete beginner,” Vares says. In the future, they hope to add big screen TVs, make use of the patio in the summer, and hold leagues and tournaments for pinball lovers of all ages. “The Tilted Turret will be a casual, come-as-you-are local pub with great food and great entertainment,” Vares says.

“We will have 10–12 pinball machines, with the oldest from 1970 and the newest purchased just a few months ago.”

Think you can top the high scores? Follow the Tilted Turret Pinball Pub on Facebook @ tiltedturret for updates.

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FilmTheatre

Confessions of a Drag Dealer King for a Day (And a Decade)

Story by Jimmy Wiggins, Photo by J. Hiebert

hen you say the words “drag queen” most people know what you’re talking about—an over-thetop, feminine character with big hair, high heels, and about six gallons of makeup on, who is often seen as a figurehead of the LGBTQ+ community. But queens are only half of this royal coin. Enter the drag king. Drag kings, much like drag queens, are performance artists who dress and act in a way that exaggerates— and often pokes fun at— gender stereotypes in a way that is sometimes silly or funny, sometimes political, but always entertaining. Unlike queens, who lean into femininity, kings take the masculine route and are often, but not always, portrayed by cisgender women. In Thunder Bay, there is one king who stands out above the rest and has helped serve as the backbone to the drag scene for over 10 years now. That king is Ivan Love. Drag king Ivan Love (a.k.a. Jamie Hiebert out of drag) got their start in 2009 as a backup dancer for a local drag queen. “My girlfriend's best friend had just started doing drag and was looking for boys who would be willing to back up dance for a show,” Love says. “She told the queen she didn’t know of any boys who could dance but did know someone who could dress like a boy.” And thus, Ivan Love was born. The name Ivan Love comes from a mix of Ivan Koumaev, a finalist on a dance competition show, and an affectionate play on words. “I really

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liked the name Ivan and I had gotten it from a dancer on the second season of So You Think You Can Dance,” explains Love. “One day while sitting in the car, my girlfriend at the time said ‘I’m in love with you! That should be your drag name!’” Since then Love has been in hundreds of shows, won several titles (including King of the North 2012 and 2014, Mr. Gay Pride Thunder Bay 2015, and Wig Wars Champion 2015 and 2017), and has become one of the city’s most renowned drag performers. Love takes inspiration from acclaimed drag kings like Spikey Van Dykey, Adam All, and Landon Cider along with musicians like David Bowie, Adam Levine, and comedians like Weird Al and Bo Burnham. When she’s not in drag, Hiebert dabbles in burlesque, fire eating, circus arts, and musical theatre while also working in healthcare as a Personal Support Worker. Kings are a lesser-known but equally important part of the drag scene. They bring a different perspective and energy—and sometimes a different political point of view—to the stage that exudes and parodies hyper masculinity. “To be a drag king is to experiment with masculine stereotypes,” Love says. “I try to draw attention to the more toxic traits of masculinity that society all too often accepts, from the cocky guy at the nightclub that thinks he’s God’s gift to women, to the nice guy that finishes last. I like to keep it political but I also like to bring on a more flamboyant side and try to celebrate Ivan’s feminine

traits while displaying a butch character. For me, drag is both a resistance to the gender binary pushed upon us by society as well as a celebration of one’s true and authentic self.” In a world overflowing with queens, drag kings have to fight tooth and nail for the same recognition and respect as their feminine counterparts. Even though they are just as talented, witty, and entertaining as any queen, they’re rarely included in mainstream media, where the spotlight remains on drag queens— many of whom have become megastars and pop culture celebrities while a large portion of the fandom don’t even know that drag kings exist. Sadly, kings are sometimes seen as placeholders in shows, even treated as second class to the queens. “Thanks in large part to the portrayal of drag in mainstream media, many people just aren't aware of the drag king movement,” explains Love. “In the past I have absolutely felt like filler, just used to fill time while the queens change costumes or go for smokes. But I’d like to think that is starting to change. I work hard to be just as, if not more entertaining than any drag queen I share the stage with. Unfortunately, kings have to work twice as hard for the same recognition. I want to make you excited to see drag kings the next time you go to a drag show. Even if it’s not one of my shows.” Part of the reason for this imbalance in popularity is because of TV shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race which showcases exclusively drag queens, leaving kings to the wayside. Unfortunately, there’s still this antiquated attitude lingering that drag is just for cisgender men and that anything else is less than, and that drag kings are there to support the queens rather than stand

Drag king Ivan Love (aka Jamie Hiebert out of drag)

next to them. This elitist sentiment stems from years and years of misogyny in the queer community where cisgender gay men have placed themselves at the top of the drag food chain. “If drag is just for men, how can you deny my masculine drag? Am I not glorifying the male experience? This is an old, sexist perception that cuts queer women and AFAB (assigned female at birth) people out of the drag conversation,” explains Love. “Clothing does not make you entertaining. Clothing does not make you talented. Clothing does not give you the ability to know the difference between masculine and feminine body language. My drag is just as valid, costs just as much and I wear just as much makeup and transform

just as well as my drag queen counterparts.” There is hope as in recent years the tides have begun to turn and other forms of drag are gaining attention. People are becoming open and interested in seeing more than a standard, glamorous queen. “My wildest dream would be to be the first drag king on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Can you imagine! I need to brush up on my sewing skills first!” Finally, if you get the chance to see a drag show featuring a king, don’t pass it up. “I want everyone to see a drag show at least once,” says Love. “And if you decide it’s not for you, that's fine. But you just might fall in love, and then you can come find me and tell me, ‘I’m in Love!’"

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FilmTheatre

Favourite Movies of 2021 By Michael Sobota

hen we reach December, often we reflect on what we liked during the past twelve months. Movies are always a challenge. The biggest box office successes have been franchise and superhero films. And as the deadline to submit this column comes early, I

have not been able to see late-breaking films of 2021. Nonetheless, I did watch or rewatch more than 130 films this past year. Here’s what I like: movies with great writing, credible stories with characters that I can believe in and care about, clear and focused directors, actors who help

me believe in the story rather than rely on me admiring their personal celebrity, and great cinematography that accelerates my viewing experience. Here is my highly subjective list of favourite movies seen in 2021. None of these choices were voted upon. My list is alphabetical.

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

My algorithm has been designed to make you happy. -Tom (Dan Stevens), a robot, in I’m Your Man

Flee

This movie was directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen from a script co-written with Amin Nawabi (a pseudonym). Danish director Rasmussen first met Nawabi when they were both teens going to the same high school. Nawabi was a recently arrived immigrant. Over the years they became friends and Rasmussen kept trying to get Nawabi to share his background, but Nawabi always declined. Rasmussen kept prodding and, 15 years later, when Nawabi was about to get married, he agreed to collaborate with Jonas. Flee is the story about Nawabi and his family’s escape from Afghanistan in the late 1980s as the Taliban began to overrun their country. It is a harrowing, gut-wrenching, deeply engaging story that follows Nawabi first to Russia and then on the run for the next four years before ultimately arriving in Denmark. Rasmussen’s narrative uses simple animation with occasional inserts of real-time footage to ground the viewer in the truth of the story. It expands to become a universal story of refugees in our time. Flee is Denmark’s submission for the 2022 Academy Awards.

I’m Your Man

Maria Schrader directed this movie from a screenplay cowritten with Jan Schomburg. Alma (Maren Eggert), a doctoral research academic with a stalled career, agrees to become a part of another research project. She will live with Tom (Dan Stevens), a newly designed humanoid robot, for three weeks and write up a report on the experience. Tom is casually masculine. He is programmed to anticipate and please Alma in all her needs. This is, of course, a comedy, but with serious, empathetic undertones about the myriad layers of human relationships. Both lead actors are strong and have genuine chemistry together. Stevens’s subtle clues about his robotism are a master class in acting. I’m Your Man is Germany’s official submission for the 2022 Academy Awards.

And here are six more 2021 films definitely worth viewing: David Byrne’s American Utopia, The French Dispatch, I Carry You With Me, Joe Bell, Stillwater, and Summer of ‘85.

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The Man With the Answers

The first thing we see is feet. Floating up in the air and then dropping out of the frame. The feet belong to Victor (Vasilis Magouliotis), a young ex-diving champion who is exercising on a trampoline in his backyard. Victor works in a furniture-making factory. At the end of each day, he bicycles to the hospital in the Greek town he lives in to care for his ailing grandmother. One day after work, he arrives to find his grandmother has died. He calls his mother, who is living in Germany, who declines to come and help him. Victor arranges the funeral, says goodbye to her friends, uncovers and tinkers with his grandmother’s ancient car, closes her apartment, and takes off to confront his mom. On the ferry crossing from Greece to Italy, he meets a stranger, Mathias (Anton Weil), who is a shady guy. They end up driving together up north through some of the most beautiful scenery in Italy and Bavaria ever put on screen, with cinematography by Thodoros Mihopoulos. Adopting a roadtrip structure, writer and director Stelios Kammitsis delivers a quiet, compelling, rich, and layered story about strangers finding and trusting each other. The cast of unknowns are a brilliant ensemble.

Sublet

Eytan Fox, this movie’s director, is one of Israel’s best known independent film directors. He works extensively in Isreali television and has written and directed seven feature films. John Benjamin Hickey plays Michael, a travel columnist for The New York Times. Struggling with a recent loss, he finds himself in Tel Aviv on assignment. He sublets an apartment for his one-week stay. When he arrives, the current tenant Tomer (Niv Nissim) is still in the apartment, having mistaken the arrival time of Michael. Tomer is a young photographer trying to build his career and when Michael arrives, he is shooting a model. The awkward situation quickly resolves. Fox has neatly set the characters, and us, ill at ease. The rest of the story is about these two strangers (not only are they from two different countries and cultures, there is a 30-year age difference between them) learning about and listening to each other. Nothing wild happens as we grow to care about these guys and the strangeness of being in a strange land.

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TheArts

The Art of Marielle Orr Making the World More Beautiful, One Painting at a Time By Chiara Zussino

f you walk into Bight Restaurant & Bar right now you will immediately be greeted by a beautiful exhibition of mixed media paintings in Mariners Hall, created by local mixed media artist Marielle Orr. Bor n and raised in T h u n d e r B a y, O r r i s a lifelong resident of Northwestern Ontario. She attended Westgate High School and later graduated from Lakehead University with an Honors

Cut to the chase

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Bachelor of Visual Arts and Concurrent Education, and is now working full time as an artist. Orr explains that, although she’s always had an interest in and passion for art, it wasn’t until recently that she realized it could become a viable career. “When I was in second and third year I had people buy pieces from me after juried shows but I always thought it [art] was going to be a side thing that I did for extra money,” she says. “It wasn’t

until the pandemic hit that I recognized that my art could be my career.” She created a website and posted her work on social media, and shares that the public’s response to her work was “unreal.” Slowly, her passion began to snowball into a business. Orr defines herself as a mixed media abstract artist and draws inspiration from a wide variety of sources for her paintings. “My pieces are primarily created based

Interrupted euphoria

TheArts

Rift

on my lived experiences and what is happening around me, but they are also an emotional response to what I am going through and a commentary on that aspect of my life; be it living through a pandemic or growing in personal and professional relationships.” It is imperative to have people in your corner who understand your craft and are able to provide guidance and support when carving out a place for yourself in a notoriously difficult industry. Having a creative mentor who is also a source of inspiration has made this process easier: “I am working with a mentor right now whom I’ve admired for years,” Orr says. “Her name is Ekaterina Popova. She is based in the U.S. and has basically taken my art career and business from a small side thing to help me realize my full potential and do this professionally.” One of Orr’s most recent projects entailed developing Aalto Collective—located in Goods & Co. Market with Finch & Poppy Design and North Shore Jewelry—that acts as a physical storefront to sell smaller pieces of her work. Orr shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon,

Sea of dreams

be it applying to galleries to showcase her art beyond Thunder Bay, being featured in interviews with various artistic publications, or taking on a podcast with her mentor. For would-be art majors or full time artists, Orr advises to “just go for it! If it's something you

are passionate about there will be someone out there who likes what you do and once you find that audience you are going to be successful. Just because there are other successful artists doesn’t mean that people won’t buy your art or not like yours. Be confident and tell your story”.

What we leave behind

“My pieces are primarily created based on my lived experiences and what is happening around me.” Find Marielle Orr’s work on display at Bight Restaurant & Bar, Aalto Collective at Goods & Co., and online through her website marielleartaf.com or on Instagram @artaf_.

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TheArts

A shepherd in Cuernavaca, Mexico

Grampa Carlson having a baloney sandwich

Hudson Valley mist

Abrielle bathing in Tahquitz Falls, Palm Springs

A foggy pasture in Veracruz, Mexico

Botany Sally

Old School and Thriving

A SAND U O H T O W RDS

Laura-Lynn Petrick Creates Evocative Images with Analog Film Story by Bonnie Schiedel, Photos by Laura-Lynn Petrick

n 2005, when digital cameras began taking over, a teenaged LauraLynn Petrick started using analog film (remember the kind that comes in a canister and has to be loaded into the camera?) “A lot of the people I looked up to and read about said that film is the best way to learn how to take pictures and kind of the math behind it,” she explains. “I really

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Young Kai at Harry’s Pool Hall on Bay Street

like the way a film camera captures light. I think it’s a bit more beautiful, like the prisms through the shutter… I like the physical nature of it too, loading the film and winding it.” She drops off the shot film at a lab, which processes it, scans it, and provides her with the digital version as well as the print negatives. The early days of social media, in the for m of MySpace, kicked off Petrick’s

interest in photography. “It was very photographyforward, the way that you conducted your page and presented yourself. And then I just started photographing my friends; we had our own little micro subculture, if you will, in Thunder Bay. I found it fascinating documenting our coming of age.” She and her friends were into nature, music, and vintage looks, themes that still resonate in

Juan Wauters in High Park

her work today. Petrick is now based in Vancouver and travels throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe for her work for editorial, record studio, and commercial clients. A scroll through her portfolio and Instagram page reveals a quirky, light-washed mix of musicians, album covers, portraits of friends and family, and arresting landscapes (as

well as pictures of Heartbeat Hot Sauce, canoeing on One Island Lake, and Atikokan’s Foodland exterior). Her clients include Rolling Stone, American Apparel, Harper’s Bazaar, Lot 40 Whisky, Village Voice, and the Los Angeles Times. Building trust with her commercial and editorial portrait subjects is part of Petrick’s skill set, an especially important one since people

TheArts

On set in Soda Lake, California

Busy Philipps in Beverly Hills

“After the Border”

Shannon docked on Pie Island

Claude Fontaine during the mustard bloom

can’t simply check their image on a screen seconds later. “I’m pretty calm, and I try and get on people's level or wavelength… Sometimes it has to be done very quickly, which can be a bit challenging.” She is an accomplished director and filmmaker as well, shooting more than 50 videos for clients like Capitol Records and Universal Music Group.

“The Rain Let Up”

“It’s the natural evolution because I want to tell a little bit more of a story than just a still image. And I’m a big cinephile, so it’s kind of perfect, to pull all my references from my studies in popular culture and make a collage of imagery.” Right now, Petrick is working on editing some music videos shot in Croatia for Canadian musician Dana

Gavanski, and planning this summer’s short horror film shoot in Lappe. “My sister Tina Petrick wrote the screenplay and I’m directing. It’s called Lempo, which is the name of a Finnish spirit or demon in folklore.” Petrick says her favourite subject to shoot is water. “I’m

Pacific sunset in Puerto Vallarta

Moonrise in Sedona

Taken in Provençal, France, after I swam in these waters

a big swimmer and I really feel relaxed when I’m in the water and looking at water. I have such a close relationship with lakes because I grew up on One Island Lake, and being from Thunder Bay, Lake Superior is a big part of your life in one way or another.”

Follow Laura-Lynn Petrick on Instagram at @lauralynnpetrick or visit her website lauralynnpetrick.com.

Tech Specs

Nikon Fm 2 35mm Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 Yashica Mat 124-G 120mm Canon Scoopic 16mm Canon Auto Zoom 518 SV & Technicolor Mark 10 8mm Cokin glass filters from the 1960s

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TheArts

Painting the Big Picture

Indigenous Art for the World to See By Amy Sellors

ward-winning artist Patrick Hunter believes in intention. By focusing on his reasons for creating, he has found success both as an artist and as an Indigenous, twospirit entrepreneur. Whether his artwork appears on a coffee mug or in a stadium full of 70,000 people, the intention is the same. “I’m trying to get more Indigenous iconography, more Indigenous art out there to raise questions. To make people wonder who made this? Where is this from? Why does it look like this?” H u n t e r ’s l a t e s t achievement puts his artwork on display for the world to see. His designs will appear on Team Canada’s curling team at the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games in Beijing. Featuring teachings of the Anishinaabe culture, these uniforms shine a spotlight on Indigenous peoples in Canada. His success comes as a result of hard work. Originally from Red Lake, Hunter moved to Toronto 11 years ago, after finishing his degree at Sault College. It’s been in the last five years that his business has really taken off. “Success didn’t really happen for me until I got real with who I was as a person,” he says. “At 25 you get a software upgrade, and then at 30 you get another one and realize that life’s not just about going out. You focus on what matters. Being Indigenous and gay were things that could set me apart from other businesses. When I leaned into those things, success started to happen.” Hunter credits joining the CGLCC—Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce—as

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key to his success. He networked, he collaborated, and he broadened his skills. Being a part of the CGLCC initially felt intense, but it also added legitimacy to his work. “Not knowing something is okay. Pay someone or ask someone to help you figure it out. Let some things go. You’ll have more space and time to do what you do.” Tied to tradition and culture, Indigenous artwork appears most often in galleries. When Indigenous art is used in popular culture, it can spark heated debates within Indigenous communities. Hunter firmly believes Indigenous art can become more commercial. “Because there was an absence of culture for us in a way that was easily practiced, some Indigenous people are so protective over our art. I understand that, but there must be room to grow and evolve. It’s not a bad thing to make money from it. We’ve been excluded from the mainstream culture of business for so long.” Early in 2021, the Chicago Blackhawks approached Hunter through Instagram. “Do you want to work with a National Sports Team?” they asked. The team knew their imagery was problematic and rather than just erase their mistakes with a name and logo change, they wanted to steer the ship in a different direction. They asked for artwork for their land acknowledgement. Now, Hunter’s graphics dance around the 70,000-seat arena for all the fans to see. When the team acquired goalie Marc-André Fleury, Hunter designed his goalie mask. Tying in the artwork from the land acknowledgement to the

Canadian woodland

forward

Every child matters

Bliss Thompson

Chicago Blackhawks Patrick Hunter’s design for Chicago Blackhawks goalie Marc-André Fleury’s mask

mask creates continuity, flow, and a teachable moment for the organization and fans. “That’s how appreciation versus appropriation works, and they actually reached out to an Indigenous artist. That’s why I wanted to work with them.” This is where intention comes in. His website features artwork in a variety of mediums; paintings, apparel, mugs, and candles. Collaborating with Canadian Art Prints, his work also appears on items like puzzles and scarves. “Put more Indigenous iconography into the public culture,”

Hunter says. “When you’re comfortable enough that attention is being paid, put more intention into it. People identify with a story or a goal.” And his goal is to be a Canadian brand. Part of appreciating art is knowing how to understand it. His Grade 10 art teacher, Rhonda Beckman, opened his eyes to a bigger understanding of the Woodland Art that was abundant in his hometown. “She told me to pretend I was wearing X-ray goggles so I could see the spirit of what I was looking at.” When Hunter teaches, he shares the

Award-winning artist Patrick Hunter

value of looking through the right lens. “Reconciliation is a big ship to turn and there’s no governing body that outlines the steps. I’m just going to a place of sincerity and if I can help some non-Indigenous people move forward, that’s good.” And his voice is having an impact. In 2021, he was the winner of the CGLCC Young LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur of the Year and the Pow Wow Pitch Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. “Recognition from both the Indigenous and gay communities feels good.”

“Because there was an absence of culture for us in a way that was easily practiced, some Indigenous people are so protective over our art. I understand that, but there must be room to grow and evolve.”

To see more of Hunter’s work, visit patrickhunter.ca or find him on Instagram @patrickhunter_art.

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TheArts

HE FROM T BAY R E D N THU LLERY’S ART GA TION COLLEC

Flock

By Penelope Smart, Curator, Thunder Bay Art Gallery Artist: Michael Belmore Title: Flock Medium: Wood, lexan, graphite, and mixed media installation Dimensions: 5 × 12.5 × 400 cm

ollection of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, purchased with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Assistance Program and funding from the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation, 1998. For the Best Of issue, I wanted to find out if gallery staff had a favourite work in the collection. Would

there be a clear winner out of more than 1,600 pieces? The short answer is no. About eight people chose eight different artists and 15 different works: a total mixed bag. Flock, by Michael Belmore, emerged gracefully as a winner only after agonizing “oh wait, I love that one too!” began to dip and swoop into the email thread. Flock is a multi-media installation of ten graphite drawings installed at equal height and distance along the wall. The birds are ravens, some midflight, others aloft on tree branches. Suzanne Plesh,

communications and marketing coordinator for the gallery says, “Flock takes me on a happy little journey. As I study the images, undistracted by colour, the low gurgling call of the raven comes to mind. That sound sparks the memory of my grandfather, who too had a low throaty voice, and together the ravens and my memory brings to me a feeling of warmth and appreciation.” I’ll note that Plesh is our resident bird feeder, who maintains an oasis for birds and woodland creatures at the back of the gallery. Meaghan Eley, the registrar, says, “I like

it because there’s a sense of movement in the still images. It’s almost like a flip book. The birds are flying, even though they’re still in space.” This piece brings freedom of movement into the present moment. Michael Belmore is an Anishinaabe artist born in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He is renowned for creating installations in diverse materials such as metal, wood photography, and text. Flock was last exhibited in the gallery in 2010. I, as well as my colleagues, hope it’s not too long before these birds return.

“The birds are flying, even though they’re still in space.”

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Outdoor

Winter Camping

Outdoor Adventures in Cold Weather

Story by Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey, Photos by David Howard

vid outdoor adventurer David Howard says he has some winter camping trips planned in the upcoming months. “I like to do anything and everything outside,” he says. He rang in 2021 by camping at Silver Falls, and more recently, last November he and a couple of friends went on an overnight camping trip to Wolf River Falls. Wolf River Falls are located near Dorion, about an hour and a half away from Thunder Bay. To get there, turn off Highway 17 at Fish Hatchery Road, then turn right on to Wolf Lake Road and follow it for about 20 km. After crossing three bridges, turn right. The trail starts where the road bends to the left. Howard says they parked at the trailhead, and it was only a five-to-eight minute hike downhill to get to their camping location. “It levels

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out a little bit where we camped, which is up above the falls,” he says. “To get down the falls, it’s quite steep, and there’s a couple of ropes to help you, and a ladder to get down there.” I n m i d - N o v e m b e r, Thunder Bay had no accumulated snow, but Howard says there was about six inches of it where they hiked. “It was beautiful there. It was about -2°C, I think,” he recalls. The friends camped above the falls, where they could hear the water. Howard says for winter camping, he uses a fourseason tent with skirting that comes down so that you can pile some snow up around the tent, helping to keep some of the warmth in. “I also have a good ground tarp and a blanket to keep the cold out,” he says. “Pack more than you think you’ll need. Extra clothes, extra socks are good.” Although bears may be

Outdoor in hibernation during the winter, it’s still prudent to be careful with food, he cautions. “We had a bag for our food that we strung up into a tree, because there’s still lots of other animals around, foxes and coyotes and things like that.” The roads to the falls are not plowed in the winter, so once the deep snow is here to stay, it may be challenging to get to Wolf River Falls without a snow machine, but there are plenty of other camping locations accessible by car and hiking. The cold is no deterrent for Howard, who has been an outdoor adventurer since he was a kid growing up with parents who were “big fans of the outdoors,” he says.

“I like the cold, I don’t mind the cold at all. If you have the right clothes, it’s a lot of fun,” he says. “The snow is beautiful on the trees. And it’s always nice to have a fire, get warm by the fire, and it’s a totally different experience to share with people.” And for those who prefer solitude, winter camping has its perks— you’re less likely to come across other campers. Howard says he is thinking about camping on Whitelily Lake, near Highway 527, some time this winter. “We just went skating out on Whitelily Lake; it’s frozen across already. There’s a nice island in the middle with a nice camping spot that we may go to.”

1. Camp site prepped and ready for nightfall 2. Wolf River Falls 3. James Moat prepping a fire for dinner

“I like to do anything and everything outside.”

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CityScene

ER THUND BAY FIRSTS

Enduring (and Enjoying!) your First Winter By Sara Sadeghi Aval

ven with over 19 years of living in Thunder Bay, the winters still never fail to surprise me (and defeat me at times). The arrival of the first heavy snowfall reminds me that surviving a TBay winter is a science. (Our coldest recorded temperature was -35°C in February 2021!) If you are new to this Northwestern Ontario city, this is your practical guide on how to endure and enjoy our winter season, gathered from both long-time and newly settled residents. My family had the pleasure of moving to Canada in July of 2002— and learning the beautiful, unparalleled summers are followed by the cold was a harsh experience. I think my father Vahid Sadeghi Aval explains it best when he says, “Coming from Iran I was familiar with a cold winter. It was the amount of snow that was unfamiliar to me.” I remember riding the school

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bus and wondering how a snowbank could be almost as tall as the windows. The most intimidating part was ploughing and shovelling all the snow, especially after the city ploughs had cleared the streets. “After resisting for 15 years I bought my first snowblower,” my father says. But if you’re a first timer, stick to a sleigh or ergonomicstyle snow shovel to help with the wet, heavy snow we sometimes get. There are also multiple local snow ploughing services available for hire. Have a teenager at home looking for a few extra bucks? Your neighbours are always looking for a hand with their driveway mountains. If you're a student at Lakehead University or Confederation College, you might find yourself waiting outdoors catching the bus, or coming back to your residence carrying groceries. David Adeyeye, a five-year resident and

international student says, “gradually exposing myself to the snow [...] and learning how to be dressed efficiently for the winter were the most important things for me while getting used to the winter here.” Although you may think multiple layers, gloves, toques (a warm knit hat), scarves, long johns, and thick boots are overkill, you’ll learn to appreciate the protection from the elements on a windy day. Thunder Bay’s coldest ever recorded windchill was a whopping -51°C. As part of the Lakehead, we experience stronger and colder winds than average so be sure to check the “feels like” temperature on your weather app before heading outdoors. Taina Chahal, a longtime resident of the city, says the best thing is to “forget fashion” and embrace the winter armour. If you’re looking for affordable seasonal wear, make sure

to check out our local thrift stores, such as Adult & Teen Challenge Super Thrift Thunder Bay located on Johnson Avenue or Twice As Nice Thrift Store on May Street. Have a knack for knitting? Pick up your needles and practice your stitching while keeping your loved ones warm. If this is your second or third winter and you’d like to step up your winter gear, check out Fresh Air’s gear collection on Balmoral Street. Staying warm also means enjoying the outdoors during the colder months. Thunder Bay has a variety of winter sports, activities, and hotspots that are free to enjoy. Beginning in January, the city offers a free, diverse winter program that includes family skating days, ice sculpture contests, and kid-friendly activities, delivered virtually and in person at Marina Park. The city also boasts almost 30 public rinks for ice skating,

1 & 3. Vahid Sadeghi Aval shoveling the first snowfall of the season 2. Taina Chahal dressed in her winter best to take a walk

“After resisting for 15 years I bought my first snowblower,”

An ergonomic shovel for your first season

which pair well with a cup of hot chocolate. Looking to hit the hills? TBay’s landscape has the perfect beginner hills to slide down with your friends, and homemade plastic sleds are easy and affordable to make. Farhan Yousaf has been studying and working in the city for nine years after moving to TBay from South Asia, and his

newest venture into the cold outdoors has been trying skiing and snowshoeing. As intimidating as the darker and colder months may seem (“the short daylight hours [are] definitely a bit of a shock,” says Yousaf), spending time outside comfortably is a key part of enjoying and enduring your winter.

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CityScene

Stuff We Like

Van Gogh Oil Colours Starter Set 1

For National Hobby Month By Amy Jones

anuary is the perfect month for fresh starts, which also makes it the perfect month for National Hobby Month—the time of the year where we’re encouraged to try new pastimes, or reconnect with old ones. But life is so busy, you might be thinking to yourself. Who has time to have a hobby? But with all the proven benefits of hobbies, including lower stress levels, improved mental health, and increased heart and brain function, who, we might argue, has time not to? Besides, remember what it was like to just do something because it was fun? Yeah, us neither. Maybe it’s time we do.

Painted Turtle 4 Balsam Street Did you ever get in trouble for drawing on the wall as a kid? Or maybe for painting stripes on the cat? Then maybe art is the hobby for you. This oil colours set from Painted Turtle has everything you need to indulge your inner Van Gogh, with six 20 ml tubes of foundational colours. Just try to use a canvas instead of the household pet.

$28.20

2 ESLA Kicksled Chaltrek 404 Balmoral Street If your idea of a good time includes hanging out with your canine friend, consider kicksledding! Imported from ESLA in Finland, these kicksleds from Chaltrek are versatile, fast, safe, solid, and are easy for a dog to pull, so you and Rover can get outside together and make the most of our Northwestern Ontario winter.

$335–$470

3 Book Subscription Club

Entershine Bookshop 196 Algoma Street South Interested in getting more into reading, but not sure where to start? Join the Entershine Book Subscription club and let the experts recommend the best new releases to curl up with next to the fire. Subscription boxes include one new hardcover or two paperbacks (fiction, non-fiction, or YA), your choice of local coffee or tea, a sweet treat or other special surprise, an artisan bookmark, and more.

$60/month

4 Scooby Doo Mystery Machine Model

Lakehead Models 262 Bay Street This Scooby Doo Mystery Machine model is the perfect entry level set for those who want to get into model building. The set is snap assembly (no glue or paint required) and comes with prepainted Scooby and Shaggy figures that are sure to ignite your Saturday-morningcartoon-nostalgia. Zoinks!

$27.99

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5 Cocktail Shaker Hygge Loft 271 Bay Street Artisanal cocktails (and their non-alcoholic mocktail cousins) are super hot right now, and learning to make them at home can be a fun hobby (and will be sure to make you a hit at parties— remember those?). This gorgeous gold cocktail shaker, complete with a built-in strainer, will have you bartending like a pro in no time. Shake it up, off, all around, like a Polaroid picture… whatever suits your fancy.

$40

6 Cooking Class A Fine Fit Catering 193 Riverside Drive Watching the Food Network is an okay hobby, but why not kick it up a notch and get some hands-on kitchen time with a cooking class from A Fine Fit Catering? Classes are offered both virtually and in-person, focusing on a variety of specific dietary requirements and ethnic cuisines. You’ll be beating Bobby Flay yourself in no time.

Starting at $40

7 Canon EOS Rebel Camera

Primary Foto 1263 Amber Drive If you’re like us and have 30,000 photos stored on your iPhone, it might be a sign that photography is the hobby for you. The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a great camera for the first time SLR user or aspiring photo enthusiast. It’s the smallest and lightest EOS DSLR camera, and is equipped with a variety of features, including options like built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, 4K video, and Creative Assist.

$869.99

8 Acoustic Guitar Starter Package

Backstage 215 Red River Road, Suite 106 Whether you want to play some tunes for your kids, jam with your buds in a garage, or just noodle away in your bedroom, this starter package from Backstage will get you on your way. Includes a Cort 810 Standard Series acoustic guitar, gig bag, picks, strap, and clip-on tuner— everything you need to make those rock star dreams come true.

$249

#myLakehead

www.lakeheadu.ca

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CityScene

Kris Tonkens, founder of the Loud Woman Collective

A Novel Idea The Loud Woman Collective By Marcia Arpin

“T

he Loud Women Book Club is going into its fourth year, reading a curated list of current feminist literature on a range of topics, challenging our members to diversify what they read and have meaningful group discussions about what they feel and think,” Kris Tonkens enthusiastically and proudly explains as she describes the origin of her new store

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in the Goods & Co. Market. “The group meets on the third Wednesday of every month in the store.” Ever since Kris Tonkens arrived in Thunder Bay in 2019, she has contributed to our city’s theatre, music, and small business communities. After searching for a book club without any luck, Tonkens took the initiative to start the Loud Women Book Club. She has researched

and developed a reading list each year to be discussed, debated, and enjoyed among its 120 members. “The purpose is to educate a community about social justice, offer perspective, start conversation, and empower each other.” W ith an expanded membership, the Loud Women Book Club started to express their commitment to advocacy through a variety

of clothing designs. As the popularity of the shirts and hoodies grew, the club began holding pop-up stores in the community and looking for a permanent space to gather. The space would also offer a boutique for feminist books, exclusive clothing, and other related products. The vision was not only for a physical space, but an opportunity to increase their ability to network and

raise awareness on a variety of social platforms. The timing of Tonkens’s dream to provide a welcoming space for her membership coincided with Goods & Co.’s development in the Waterfront District. Both ideas and philosophies fit together, and the Loud Woman Collective opened in 2021 as a cornerstone of the refurbished Eaton’s department store. Although

2022 Book List January

White Tears/Brown Scars: How White Feminism Betrays Women of Color by Ruby Hamad

February

How to Raise a Feminist Son by Sonora Jha

March

This is My Real Name: A Stripper’s Memoir by Cid V Brunet

April

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

May

What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordon

June

The Care We Dream Of: Liberatory & Transformative Approaches to LGBTQ+ Health by Zena Sharman

July

Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance

books are the centrepiece of the store, there are several featured local artists with new items daily. Tonkens also continues to design and sell socially relevant clothing designs to empower her membership’s ideas, self-image, and expression in the store. In 2022, the Loud Woman Collective plans to gather together with a new reading list for their book group and introduce a craft group for continued conversation. Tonkens says the mission for this vibrant store is that “we believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of so many perspectives in books,” adding that the past few years have been “moments of joy.”

“The purpose is to educate a community about social justice, offer perspective, start conversation, and empower each other.”

Location

2212 Sleeping Giant Parkway, P7A 0E7 (CN Station)

Hours

Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm Closed Sundays

Contact

Instagram: @KUHLInteriors Ph: 807-285-3411

Café open 7 days/week with indoor seating now available!

byJesse Wente

August

nedi nezu (Good Medicine) by Tenille K. Campbell

September

Between Certain Death and a Possible Future: Queer Writing on Growing Up with the AIDS Crisis edited by Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore

October

Men Who Hate Women: From Incels to Pickup Artists, the Truth about Extreme Misogyny and How it Affects Us All by Laura Bates

November

Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley C. Ford

December

I Hope We Choose Love: A Trans Girl’s Notes from the End of the World by Kai Cheng Thom

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N O W S E R V I N G AT

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320 Arundel Street

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Tokehouse.ca

CityScene BIS CANNAER N R O C

Knock, Knock

“We’ll get it there the same day, but not the same hour. And they’re pretty okay with that.”

A Look at Cannabis Delivery in Thunder Bay By Justin Allec

ne of the lasting effects of the pandemic has been transforming how people shop. For a while there (but hopefully not again), customers weren’t allowed in retail stores. The only options for purchasing were curbside pick-up or delivery, as human contact wasn’t allowed. Weird times, right? This quarantine phase happened during the period when many local cannabis retailers were opening, coincidentally at the same time the Ontario Cannabis Store stopped their Canada Post deliveries due to COVID-19 protocols. Months later, things have remained strange, and the delivery situation for local cannabis retailers has endured. It's not an ideal situation.

T h e s e c a n n a b i s re t a i l businesses are new, and face the same hurdles that any operation does on start-up. Adding the complications of a delivery vehicle, related insurance, finding staff, and arranging logistics while keeping prices competitive probably wasn’t part of anyone’s business plan— much like the pandemic itself. However, local retailers in Thunder Bay’s nascent cannabis market are finding ways to make delivery work for their stores and their customers. The retailers I spoke to all had different arrangements for delivery, but there are a few common aspects— call them the logistical difficulties of working in Thunder Bay. The first of these is the question of

time. If a customer selects the delivery option for their online purchase, when can they expect their cannabis to arrive? Should they think of it like pizza, and expect it within the hour? Some retailers have a specific delivery window when they have the resources; Toke House, for example, has delivery between 1 to 6 pm, while Rainbow on Bay has two daily “runs” at 3 pm and 9 pm. Either way, delivery doesn’t mean “instant” but Austyn Williams at Rainbow says that the expectations are different than a courier service. “Customers seem to be pretty patient,” he says. “We’ll get it there the same day, but not the same hour. And they’re pretty okay with that.” Liam Heney at Kia Ora

echoes that sentiment, saying Thunder Bay residents understand how some days are difficult to get around. “It can take you 15 minutes to get across town, or 45 minutes,” Heney says. “Or there’s a train, or a snowstorm, or it’s just an average day.” There are other drawbacks for retailers as well. Online ordering doesn’t match what retailers are hoping for customers. The same items are available, but there’s no opportunity for retailers to upsell or even just speak to their customers. Additionally, there’s also the interaction that happens when the p ro d u c t i s d e l i v e re d . Parking can be a nightmare, driveways and steps can be icy and snow-covered, and

then there’s the difficulty of checking identification. “It makes it harder to do our due diligence,” Heney says. “Matching IDs to purchase information, finding problems between the two… it slows everything down. The onus is on the store for safety, after all.” While most customers are honest and considerate, it only takes one bad interaction to throw off a whole chain of deliveries. Frustrations aside, delivery is here to stay. In larger markets, such as Toronto, there’s even been moves to pair retailers with driver programs like Uber. While the landscape is different here, convenience for the customer usually wins out.

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CityScene

 Pies “Essentially everything gets put on a big baking sheet and it gets put in the freezer, and then the next day the process is basically to box up all the pies that you’ve made the day before and start going again,” Amanda says. “So every day we’re making some kind of filling so that the next day we’re making the pie and the day after that we’re boxing everything up. So it’s sort of a constant rotation.”

pie.ology

WALL SPACE

Amanda and Malcolm Hope, owners of pie.ology

Handmade with Love Story and photos by Adrian Lysenko

he voters of The Wa l l e y e ’s a n n u a l Best of Thunder Bay survey have spoken and voted pie.ology as their favourite market vendor. At their location on May Street, pie.ology’s operation (depending on the time of year) includes making several hundred pies a week. “It’s all kind of like cogs in a machine, really,” says Malcolm Hope, co-owner. “Everything has

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to be interconnected and everything has to work together properly because as soon as you take one of the cogs out, everything falls apart.” There are 35 varieties of pie (ready to eat or frozen) available at pie.ology. Some are only available seasonally depending on ingredients, like rhubarb, or specialty pies like tourtière, which comes out during Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.

“We make a variety of hand pies. Our breakfast pies are certainly the most popular, especially with market-goers on Saturday,” says Amanda Hope, coowner. “So we have six, maybe seven breakfast pies that we rotate through. We make various meat pies, vegetarian pies, and your fruit or sweet hand pies as well. So everything is singleserving hand pie form.”

 Schedule “We have a rotating schedule, so some weeks are heavier than others,” Malcolm says. “Some times of the year are heavier than others as well. Thunder Bay is a very seasonal town.”

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 Filling Everything starts with the filling, including the scrambled eggs, pork sausage, bacon, homemade baked beans, and Heartbeat Hot Sauce Co.’s red habanero hot sauce that makes up the Campfire Breakfast pie.

 The Pie Maker “It’s a hand-cranked pie maker. We don’t have a production line, so every single pie is hand-cranked through the machine,” Amanda says.

The Dough Sheeter

“The main process is the dough rolling,” Amanda explains. “So we make our dough and each block is divided into x number of little, smaller blocks that we run through our dough sheeter depending on what pie we’re doing. Essentially, it’s putting that little sheet of dough into our pie maker.”

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THE S USIAST H T N E

Thunder Bay Cornhole League By Deanne Gagnon

ornhole, bags, bean bag toss, whatever you know it as, this highly addictive yard game is taking Thunder Bay by storm and has moved indoors for the winter at the DaVinci Centre. While it is simple in concept—throw a corn-filled bag through a six-inch hole on a slanted board (hence the name Cornhole)— the game is equal parts challenging and fun. This past August, Andrew Raynak figured he would combine business with pleasure and applied for the job to manage the Thunder Bay branch of Cornhole league after seeing the position posted online. “I played it before and really enjoy

it and I’m also a bit of a sports enthusiast. I thought that it would be good with management experience that I have. Plus, with the pandemic, it was an excuse to get outside. It was a great opportunity,” Raynak says. Just through word of mouth, the league has already grown to nearly 100 people since they kicked off in August. Thunder Bay is currently the largest of the 26 leagues run under the umbrella of Cornhole Canada, started by Pino Panza and Sebastian Gianino of southern Ontario. The Thunder Bay league currently runs twice a week at the DaVinci Centre. One night is specifically for team play, and the second

night is played using the “switcholio” format where team partners are drawn randomly. This makes it possible for people to join the league without a teammate and meet lots of new people. They are potentially expanding to include a third night as well, as the community has grown so quickly. “The DaVinci have been nothing but amazing to us. I went there with the idea hoping they would go for it, and they loved it and were on board right away. The servers and staff, especially Skippy [Lorraine Spilchuk] and Dolores [Drabek], are just so fantastic and have been so accommodating,” Raynak raves. After playing

in the DaVinci parking lot during summer months and a brief stint in the ballroom, they have finally been able to use the bocce ball courts in the DaVinci’s sports bar as home base for the league. “Everybody is so cool, and they have so much fun and are so friendly. I love interacting with everyone. Everybody just chats and gets along and are all just here to have fun. It’s a blast and is constantly growing. We definitely urge anybody who wants to come out to register and sign up, nobody comes out and doesn’t have fun,” Raynak shares with a smile.

“We definitely urge anybody who wants to come out to register and sign up, nobody comes out and doesn’t have fun.” For more information check out @thunderbaycornholeleague on Facebook or go to cornholecanada.ca/player_ registration to register. Registration fees plus insurance are very reasonable at $110 for 10-week seasons.

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CityScene

A Historic Moment For Legion Branch

Local Legion Elects First Female President By Sara Sadeghi Aval

Katriina Myllymaa is the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5’s first female president

fter 102 years in operation, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5 has elected the first female president in its history. Katriina Myllymaa first joined the legion 15 years ago and has been an active member since, acting as vice president prior to her presidential promotion. Myllymaa says “it is a big honour” for her and that although it is a big job there are “great people helping her step into the presidency.” Presidential responsibilities include representing the branch when needed in community events or procedural meetings, and coordinating with other local organizations in the branch’s efforts. “My job here is to ensure the branch continues to move forward and remain an important part of the community,” explains Myllymaa. Myllymaa was elected by acclamation, meaning members of the branch held a vocal vote stating their interest in running and their personal vote. “It was nerve-racking waiting to see if anyone else wanted to

run for the position,” she says. Although her role doesn’t officially begin until January of 2022, Myllymaa is excited to take the lead as the first female president. “This is an exciting time for me and the branch,” she says. “The legion has had many wonderful male presidents in our 102-year history.” She hopes to continue to follow the great traditions they have put in place. The newly elected president aims for Branch 5 to expand its membership to include more individuals, become a strong advocate for veterans and their families, and work together with military units to provide support when needed. Myllymaa’s new title will be a key moment in history for the branch and she hopes “this gives other women the courage to step forward and know that they too can achieve great things. Never be afraid to try.” The incoming president would also like to thank the many people who have stood with Branch 5 during the pandemic.

“My job here is to ensure the branch continues to move forward and remain an important part of the community.” 60

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CityScene

EYE EYE TO

Maelyn Hurley, founder of Goods & Co., enjoying a glass of wine in her greenhouse

With Maelyn Hurley As told to Adrian Lysenko, Photo by Shannon Lepere

his past fall, Goods & Co. founder Maelyn Hurley’s hard work paid off when she and her team transformed the historic Eaton’s Building into a successful urban market. The director of the Craft Revival and former manager of events at The Chanterelle spoke to The Walleye about her love for gardening, what’s on her playlist, and the future of the Waterfront District. On ways to unwind when not running Goods & Co.: I’ve been pretty into gardening for the last 10 years, like dabbling and learning, trial and error. I find it to be a really nice way to be in nature and relax. The greenhouse that we built was—I mean, I call it my COVID greenhouse.

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You know how people had COVID babies? I had a COVID greenhouse. I had this little design with this sanctuary with this couch seating area where I’d read the books that I don’t read, and probably just mostly drink wine and have morning coffees in there because mainly that’s what I wanted. This year was a little bit more sad because I did a bunch of tomatoes. They all did very well. I was super on it in the beginning and then near the end of summer I was getting so close to opening [Goods & Co.] that I kind of neglected things. I still harvested some things but other things didn’t go as well. I don't think I watered it as often as I should have and you know, no attachment to that

so I don’t feel like I’ve failed. I think that’s just the nature of gardening. Sometimes it goes well and sometimes it doesn’t. On what’s on her music playlist these days: I do listen to music but I also really appreciate silence. So I’m the first person to be in my backyard in silence gardening, or in my house cleaning in silence. I don’t know if it’s because I’m so busy all day talking to people that I really appreciate quiet. But I always dig bands like Half Moon Run, lately Rainbow Kitten Surprise, kind of chill background music like José González. On the future of the Waterfront District: We never know what the future holds but I think that Thunder Bay is definitely— in terms of the Waterfront District especially, it’s seeing currently this resurgence of buildings getting occupied and new business coming in. Like the entrepreneurial community has come in full

force right now. You see it in the market space obviously, with it being completely full with all these businesses having this launch pad, which my hope is that eventually some of them will get too big for 10x10 or 10x20 spaces. What I hope is that they get too big for the market but they’ll still want to stay in the area so that it continues to fill up any vacant spots that we have in this area, which are kind of starting to get less and less. On what is the key to hosting a good get-together: Good food, good drink, good people. I think a comfortable atmosphere, attention to detail. When it comes to house parties, my friends will always say I’m “hostess with the mostess.” I’m always the one topping off people’s wine glasses when they’re a quarter empty and clearing plates and asking “Can I get you anything?” “Are you cold or are you hot?”

“Should we put music on?” “Should I adjust lighting, like lighting candles?” I sound like a crazy person, but it’s all the things that kind of create a really ambient, relaxing, comfortable environment that people wanna stay and enjoy. On another career she’d would have possibly pursued: My whole intent through the tail end of high school and going into university was medicine. So that was my focus throughout my undergrad I did at Lakehead. I did Kin [Kinesiology] and I volunteered at all these different organizations, mostly health focused—my family has a lot of health care workers and I kind of grew up in that. I applied to NOSM [Northern Ontario School of Medicine] when I finished my undergrad, got an interview but didn’t get in, decided to complete my masters and through that time I didn’t really want to leave Thunder Bay because I was with Dane [Newbold, owner of The Foundry Pub] and we were establishing a life together. So I applied again, didn’t get an interview, and then decided to go backpacking solo for two months in Costa Rica and Nicragua. And when I got back, I got offered to work at The Chanterelle. So I kind of shifted. I used all my experience from volunteering through my undergrad where I did four different events. I volunteered at Camp Quality for five years and other events like Relay For Life and Run for the Cure—my mom worked at the Cancer Clinic so cancer-related events and fundraisers were something that I focused on. But all that event experience then kind of prepared me to start my own event, which was Craft Revival and then ultimately led me to an events job at The Chanterelle and here we are kind of full circle again, bringing all those pieces together. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

CityScene

The Creative Company

AL GO LOC R E D N U H T TRY N U BAY CO ET MARK

By Sara Sadeghi Aval

fter almost five years working together, local artists Deena Kruger and Steve Gerow have built the art company of their dreams. Over the years The Creative Company has evolved from a gallery space to painting classes, and now they are aiming to spread their products coast to coast. When it opened in 2017, the company was located on Algoma Street, where they offered classes led by Gerow. They moved to the Market in November of last year. When the pandemic began, the duo created their “meditation in a bag” painting kits. “The classes actually turned into the kits when we couldn’t do the classes anymore,” says Gerow. “For the first thousand prints, Steve handdrew them. Then we realized that wasn’t sustainable,” laughs Kruger. The bundles are their best-selling item at the market and are created with all skill levels and ages in mind. The sketches of wolves, beavers, wintry

scenes, and local landscapes invite artists to add colour. Gerow’s original designs are locally screen printed and sold with the necessary paints and brushes for artists to enjoy at home. Original canvas paintings by Gerow and other local artists on The Creative Company team are also available for sale, along with multiple prints, magnets, and postcards. Kruger says ultimately

her goal is to “allow her team of artists to focus on their work and not worry about the business side of things,” while Gerow has been thriving as a full-time artist. Currently branching out of Thunder Bay, the company has been supplying thousands of their painting kits to northern First Nation communities and schools. The duo hopes to launch their own line of paints and

brushes in the coming years. “Thank you to the Market and Thunder Bay. We love the beauty of it. Our city is incredibly supportive,” says Kruger and Gerow. The Creative Company is at the Thunder Bay Country Market every week, and also maintains a studio space on Roland Street. You can find the company at thecreativecompany.ca.

“The bundles are their bestselling item at the market and are created with all skill levels and ages in mind.”

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CityScene

Paper Cuts

The Decline of Paper Manufacturing in Northwestern Ontario? By Samrul Aahad, Economist, Northern Policy Institute

hen other entertainment places like movie theaters and restaurants either entirely closed or began operating at limited capacity because of the pandemic, many people turned to more traditional forms of entertainment, Figure 1

such as reading books. The number of books sold, in just Quebec, increased by 30% from April 2020 to April 2021. This, in turn, has created a higher demand for paper. However, global supply issues have put the squeeze on paper manufacturing.

When looking at the paper manufacturing industry in Northwestern Ontario, it has shrunk significantly over the years. In 2019, it employed fewer people than it did at the lowest point of the 2007– 08 financial crisis (see Figure 1). Despite that, in 2019,

there were two paper manufacturing businesses in Northwestern Ontario that employed more than 500 people. Now, there are none in that size category (see Figure 3). In addition, the imports for the paper manufacturing industry have decreased from a high of

over $5 billion in 2019 to $4.76 billion in 2020 (see Figure 4). Sadly, due to global supply issues, it would be difficult for the industry to surpass this number in 2021.

Figure 2

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Figure 4

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This is Thunder Bay Interviews by Nancy Saunders, Photos by Laura Paxton

This month, we asked The Walleye readers what they’re most looking forward to in 2022.

 Shereen: That’s a loaded question! I guess just people being vaccinated, and us getting back to our lives as they were.

 Frank: A little bit more freedom, and some travelling. I want to go to Europe.

 Mirjam: I guess the end of COVID, or COVID under control. Good business, and life back to normal.  Annik, with Brianna (left): Oh boy. That’s a loaded question. I have to agree with her. We’ve gone to a couple play groups but then they got cancelled because of all the COVID cases. At least these two can see each other, but it’s nice for the kids to socialise a bit more. We said in 2021 that everything was going to go back to normal, so hopefully we’re going to be able to reconnect with people and not be afraid.

 Courtney, with Neve (right): Obviously some more normality, where we can all gather without worry. Having small children now, we’ve really missed out on the opportunity to connect with other moms and other babies, so I look forward to a new year where we can all gather more as a community and have less worry and fear that we’re going to infect one another or cause illness.

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Music

“The choice of holiday songs were taken up a notch with personal improvisational input and were distinctly homegrown.”

or many, it was a first night out for live music. A safe ambiance was provided by the Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society on December 11 at the Port Arthur Polish Hall, for both the people in attendance and the livestream for those who were more comfortable at home. This was made possible by the skillful people at Kirvan Photography. The Good Lovelies (made up of Caroline Brooks, Kerri Ough, and Susan Passmore) have a dedicated following here in the city, having been here more than a few times. They each have their own individualized creativity, and they also share themselves with unhindered freedom that comes together in their soulful blending harmonies. Starting in the north with their Christmas tour and finishing in the south with

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Soulful Blending Harmonies

Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society Presents The Good Lovelies

Review by Margaret Evans, Photos by Nuttall Photos

a stop at Massey Hall, they are joined by an amusing and resourceful keyboardist, Robbie Grunwald. His proficiency and adaptability was the icing on the cake. Their song selections were interspersed with some of their original writings. The choice of holiday songs were taken up a notch with personal improvisational input and were distinctly homegrown. Their demeanor on stage was a combination of elegance and amusement. Thank you Sleeping Giant Folk Music for providing the safe and sound distraction of this holiday musical interlude in this time of uncertainty. Appreciation galore to the lovely women whose harmonious cohesion absorbed and filled us all with a common feeling of hope and a spiritual feeling of being together once again.

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Music

Inspiring Connection Through Music Ira Johnson’s Journey Strikes Deeper than Lyrics and Chords By Lindsay Campbell

ra Johnson’s life has been a winding road, but throughout all his 62 years, music has always stayed with him. He grew up with the sounds of Buddy Holly rumbling through his childhood home. He recalls many afternoons sitting under a tree, riffing on an acoustic guitar with missing strings as his cousin pounded on the snare drum. At age 20, he started his first band and he’s been playing for crowds ever since. “Music brings me life,” he says, adding that songwriting especially has pulled him out of hard times when he struggled with purpose. “Music has allowed me to connect with myself, but I see it as a language—a language that connects me to other people, too. It’s what I need.” Johnson, a member of Seine River First Nation,

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describes his sound as a blend of hard rock, blues, and country. Those who have heard him play before likely remember his hearty covers of ZZ Top, John Mellencamp, Status Quo, and Waylon Jennings, peppered with deeply personal pieces about his own life. Since COVID-19 has put a damper on performing for live audiences, Johnson (pending pandemic precautions) hopes to make a 2022 debut. His upcoming show at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5 is scheduled for January 15 from 8 to 11 pm. The Ira Johnson Band features Johnson on lead vocals and guitar, joined by his cousin Bryan Kabatay on the drums and friend Josh Shebiget on the bass. “It's going to be a highenergy show. And the music is very, very upbeat,” he says, explaining he intends

to include many familiar rock covers on his set list. “I want to bring that excitement for people—songs they can sing along to—but I also want to experiment with the emotional dynamics of volume, creating space in sound.” The intimacy of a live show is something Johnson feels would benefit local residents who have been subjected to spurts of isolation throughout the last two years. He aims to fill a small part of that void through his music. Even when he’s not strumming and belting on stage, he tries to stay true to that vision. In the past, he’s played at seniors’ homes in Fort Frances and Thunder Bay. More recently, Johnson, who is an elder at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, can often be found with guitar in hand, using song and sound to build

relationships with students. “I like to talk to them about what Anishinaabe people have contributed to music,” he says. “Indigenous music is basically blues. Charley Patton, one of the forerunners of blues music, was doing chants on guitar. It’s not a whole lot different than the chants you hear at a pow wow.” The parallel he draws has been a reminder of what he’s striving for. In the future, Johnson says he would like to incorporate Anishinaabe teachings and perspectives into his songs. And while he is well aware of many Indigenous musicians and artists who paved the way before him, he hopes to inspire Indigenous youth to follow their own passion, value connection, and stay true to themselves—even if that isn’t in music.

Ira Johnson performing at the Wake the Giant music festival in 2019

“Music has allowed me to connect with myself, but I see it as a language—a language that connects me to other people, too. It’s what I need.” Tickets to see the Ira Johnson Band can be purchased at the door of the Port Arthur Legion for $10.

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Music

3 1. Colin Craig 2. Tim Albertson 3. James Van Teeffelen 4

Power Country Back Forty with Tim Albertson

Review by Kyle Shushack, Photos by Keegan Richard

hen asked to describe their style, Back Forty goes with, “power country.” That’s a perfect way to describe this band and the energy they put out on stage at the first show of a doubleheader weekend they put on at the infamous Wayland Bar & Grill on a Friday night in late November. Back Forty consists of Tim Albertson (lead vocals/guitar), James Van Teeffelen (guitar), Daren Micheals (guitar), Callum

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Labonte (bass), and Colin Craig (drums). Despite a strictly enforced “no dancing policy” thanks to COVID-19 and the Ontario government, these five musicians were able to stoke up a crowd in a way that made them forget about the pandemic for a night. The venue seemed incredibly appropriate for their style of music— old beer signs, curling and hockey on the bigscreen TVs, and a general atmosphere that lent itself so well to their hard

rocking, high energy country bangers. The Wayland, as a venue, is not one I was that familiar with. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The sound quality was on point, and the band was very well blended. The tunes, while unfamiliar to me, were all instant hits with the audience. Their vocal h a r m o n i e s w e re w e l l executed as were the guitar solos provided by Van Teeffelen and Micheals. Labonte’s bass playing seemed strangely

4. Tim Albertson 5. Callum Labonte

“What I took away from this performance most was that Back Forty are a people's band.” familiar. It was later revealed to me that he’s a huge Rush fan. Geddy Lee mixed with country music? Sign me up. Albertson’s performance particularly stood out, as he explained to me before the show that it was his first show with the band as a whole. You’d never have known it, as he delivered a performance reminiscent of someone who had been playing with the band the entire time. The subtle references to Rage Against the Machine at the end of songs was surprising but also felt appropriate based on the energy these guys dish out. The no dancing policy didn’t seem to deter many audience members, who were either dancing at their tables, or occasionally attempting to break the

policy only to be told to return to their tables. A shame really, because had there been a fully accessible dance floor, it would have been packed, which the entire bar was. The evening seemingly finished with a Mötley Crüe cover. However, an encore performance of “Summer of 69” really drove the show home, with the entire bar singing along. What I took away from this performance most was that Back Forty are a people's band. They get people moving. They have an energy that really resonates with their audience and the audience loves being able to return that energy. They’re skilled, seasoned, well-rounded musicians who thrive on putting on the best show possible.

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Music

The Trews Getting Back on the Road

Canadian Rockers Playing NV Music Hall This Month Story by Kris Ketonen, Photo by David Bastedo

t’s been a while, but Canadian rockers The Trews are getting back to basics. Hopefully. “Playing live has always been the bread and butter of our band,” Trews guitarist John-Angus MacDonald says. “To have that go away was a huge hit.” There’s good news for the band, and their fans: The Trews are getting ready to head back out on the road for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, on a tour that will bring them through to Thunder Bay later this month. But, MacDonald admits, the feeling among

himself and his fellow band members—singer Colin MacDonald, bassist Jack Syperek, drummer Chris Gormley, and Thunder Bay’s Jeff Heisholt on keyboards— is really one of cautious optimism. “We’re going to do what’s best, and what people are advising, and we’re also going to try to have a wicked time, because that’s what live music is about,” he says. The Trews kept busy during the pandemic. There were live streams, and some new singles. But when it came to working on the group’s new full-length album,

Wanderer, things were a bit more complicated. Initial plans called for Wanderer to release in summer 2020, MacDonald says. But due to the pandemic, that was pushed back, as the first few songs were recorded in Nashville. When the borders closed, going back to record more tunes there wasn’t possible, so the band recorded the rest in Canada, as pandemic restrictions allowed. “It was really flying by the seat of our pants, for the most part,” MacDonald says. “Everybody’s schedules had been thrown into disarray, so nobody knew where things

would land.” Wanderer would eventually release on November 19, 2021. And while the delay was a long one, there was a silver lining. “We had more time to write, and we used it,” MacDonald says. “We did a lot of writing, and that led to having a whole bunch of songs on this record that we otherwise wouldn’t have had.” Now, MacDonald says, he’s excited to see how audiences at the upcoming shows react to the new songs. “That’s when you sort of get a real gauge of how it’s landed for people,” he says.

“Playing live has always been the bread and butter of our band.”

The Trews play NV Music Hall on January 27. For more information, visit thetrewsmusic.com.

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Music

Shared Stage

DRFTR and Sleepy Jean will perform on January 15 at the Port Arthur Polish Hall

Story by Michael Charlebois, Photo by Pat Ozols

“I took guitar lessons for a year just to get the teacher to teach me ‘Blackbird.’ Once he taught me that, I quit.”

Sleepy Jean and DRFTR Bring Charisma and Camaraderie to Folk Stage

wo close friends will share the stage during their stop in Thunder Bay as part of the Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society’s concert series. The popular folk series is in its 20th year, and the second show will feature artists Sleepy Jean and DRFTR on January 15 at the Port Arthur Polish Hall. Although the two are separate entities, they both hail from the Niagara region, where they’ve already amassed a lengthy amount of stage time. Katey Gatta, known on stage as Sleepy Jean, said she played her first bar gig when she was 12. “When I started playing music, the

earliest influence for me was the Beatles, and I was obsessed with the White Album,” Gatta says. “I took guitar lessons for a year just to get the teacher to teach me ‘Blackbird.’ Once he taught me that, I quit.” Gatta says her handson education came from performing. Before the pandemic, she was primarily a live artist, playing 200– 250 gigs per year. When her hectic schedule came to a halt, it gave her the time and space to start her career as a recording artist. “One of the biggest blessings of this pandemic was having the space to actually look at the choices you were

making and kind of get to the root of why you were making them,” she says. In July, she released her first album, Idle Hands. The project goes above and beyond her acoustic roots with songs filled out with trumpets, synthesizers, and keys. Oscar Anderson-Shortt (stage name DRFTR) was able to stay fresh with live audiences due to his connection with wineries in the Niagara region. Still, he says he’s thrilled to be back on the road. “Getting to travel and play music is the coolest… bar none one of the biggest joys of my life,” he says.

With over 10 years of professional experience, Anderson-Shortt is a polished vocalist who delivers hard-hitting lyrics over folky soundscapes. He’s released a slew of singles, and a self-titled EP in 2018. The two artists say they feel grateful to get the chance to perform on January 15. Gatta says to expect an intimate evening that doesn’t always feel like folk. “I think both of us try to combine and span a bunch of different genres, so there’s kind of something for everybody in the way we approach things,” she says.

Tickets are available to purchase by visiting the Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society’s website at sleepinggiant.ca.

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Music

Christina Faye

TBSO E PROFIL

Principal Keyboard, TBSO By Kris Ketonen Born: Thunder Bay, Ontario Instrument: Piano Age you started to study music: 5 How long have you been with TBSO: Since 2019 What’s on personal playlist: Philip Glass, Lady Gaga Despite starting to play at a young age, there wasn’t exactly an instant connection to the piano for the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra’s principal keyboardist Christina Faye. “I fell into playing the piano,” Faye says. “It took me a long time to really love it. When I was growing up, that was the option, and I took to it fairly well. I was better at that than I was at other things […] so I just kept going with the piano.” Faye began her musical training at age five, with Kindermusik, and started taking piano lessons the next year. She went on to earn her undergrad at Brandon University in Manitoba, and her Master’s at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School

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of Music. It was during those university years that Faye developed an appreciation for the piano. “You can be melody and accompaniment, and you can play all these different things,” Faye says. “You understand a lot about music when you play piano, because you just have to absorb so much information. You have so much information in front of you, often, just on the page.” Faye was born in Thunder Bay, and joining her hometown’s orchestra was a dream come true. “That was really what I wanted to do— play piano in an ensemble like that, in an orchestra like that,” she says. “I was never super interested in being a solo [pianist]. Even though that music is awesome and I really enjoy playing it, I just would rather be playing with other people. I just find it so much more interesting.” “That was the goal for me,” she says. “I’m always a little giddy every time I get on stage.”

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Music

G BURNINE H T TO SKY

O John Mayer: Into the Wild Blue Story by Gord Ellis, Photo by Christian Sarkine

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ne of my favourite albums of 2021 was John Mayer’s Sob Rock. This release was recommended to me by my brother Roy, who had it on high rotation through the spring. After listening to a couple of songs on YouTube, I bought the album. The most striking thing about Sob Rock, at least to my ears, is how it hearkens back to a sound that doesn’t get a lot of love these days—that being mid- to late-1980s albumoriented rock. The sound of several of the songs is quite specifically borrowed almost directly from Eric Clapton’s 1989 classic Journeyman. The guitar sound is big, overdriven, and has a dark reverb. There are also some big synthesizers happening. Apparently Mayer has always loved that era of Clapton and you can tell. He nails the whole vibe on songs like “Last Train Home” and “Shot in the Dark.” The stand-out track on the album is “Wild Blue,” a slinky, mid-range romp that showcases another major influence on Mayer: the production and guitar stylings of Mark Knopfler. The song is note-perfect Dire Straits, right down to the idiosyncratic timing of licks and the offhand vocals. Mayer’s “Wild Blue'' is hooky and effective, but it also makes me wonder why Mark Knopfler basically stopped making pop music. Mayer has found a groove with Sob Rock that suits him well, while honouring his musical heroes. It’s a great album. I’ve not said much about Mayer’s musical history, but he really is one of the great talents to come out of the past two decades. He has had several hit albums, including Room for Squares, Continuum, and Battle Studies. Mayer is also a hit-maker who has

managed to leap musical genres with relative ease. He began his career as a singer/ songwriter in the mould of James Taylor or Ed Sheeran, but then toughened up his music with a blues rock trio that included Pino Palladino on bass and Steve Jordan on drums (who is now banging the skins with the Stones). Mayer also became somewhat infamous for his Twitter use and occasionally unfiltered and ill-advised interview answers. Around 2010 he quit Twitter and disappeared. Part of this time was spent dealing with a granuloma on his vocal cords that threatened his voice. Whatever changes he made personally and physically only improved his range, guitar playing, and musical instincts. One of the most unexpected twists in Mayer’s career has been his joining up with Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann of the Grateful Dead. Few could have ever envisioned a time when the guy who sang “Your Body is a Wonderland” would be jamming with Bob Weir on “Sugar Magnolia,” but it happened. And it works. The roots of Mayer’s interest in the Dead’s music date back to 2011, when he stumbled upon the song “Althea.” He then immersed himself in the band’s music. The new band, called Dead and Company, have become the standardbearers of the Grateful Dead legacy. Mayer, now wearing a set of headphones on stage to protect his hearing, can channel Jerry Garcia’s skittish, distinctive guitar licks while still sounding utterly like himself. There is even talk of new music from the group. John Mayer has proven to be a talent for the ages. It will be interesting to see where his musical road takes him in the years ahead.

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Music

Love, Loss, and Life

Collin Clowes Talks Inspirations and Thoughts Behind His Album By Asia Gustafson

hunder Bay is home to artists of all types, all different from each other and all learning from each other. One of the newest additions to this roster is singer/songwriter Collin Clowes. The Lappe native found his strength in music during tough times and released something beautiful. His debut album Sleepy pulls at the heartstrings of listeners and brings a feeling of nostalgia that we all crave. As a high school student at Hammarskjold High School, Clowes got sick. Doctors told him he “had

the body of a 50-year-old alcoholic at the age of 17,” he says. The hitch in his health was part of his motivation to further delve into his musical talent. He realized that “life is pretty fragile so I’m just gonna start doing what I want to do.” He immediately began working on writing music and performing. He started his schooling at Confederation College in the multimedia program, but his illness got in his way and he was rushed to a Toronto hospital before he could graduate. A liver transplant from his sister saved his life.

“I just remember not ever being able to see clearly and everything was just so dull, and then after I got this liver transplant it just hit me all at once,” he says. “I finally felt alive.” He continued his schooling in Toronto in songwriting and performance art, though he was struggling in his recovery. Music was his escape during the time he wrote and recorded an album, but he wasn't happy with the finished product. He came back to Thunder Bay before the pandemic and decided to continue honing his craft at home.

He describes his style as a metro pop sound with influences from many genres, notably indie and bedroom pop. In his debut album Sleepy, Clowes says one can expect “lots of love, loss, and life,” as those were his inspirations and thoughts while creating the album. Clowes wrote, sang, and played everything himself on Sleepy, and he also mixed and produced it. Using trial and error, and the knowledge he gained during his time in Toronto, Clowes finally came up with something he was proud enough of to share with the world.

“life is pretty fragile so I’m just gonna start doing what I want to do.” Listen to Sleepy by Collin Clowes wherever you stream music and find him on Instagram and Facebook @ collinclowesmusic.

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Keegan Richard

Music

Light Up the Stage Auditorium Preps to Host Shows in 2022 By Matt Prokopchuk

“H

opeful but cautious” is how Bob Halvorsen, general manager of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, says he’s feeling as the local performance venue gets set to welcome a slate of shows to its stage in the new year after over a year and a half of being closed due to the COVID19 pandemic. As of early December, the Auditorium had shows booked as far in advance as November 2022, but Halvorsen says he and his staff continue to keep a close eye on public health regulations and the ever-changing pandemic landscape (COVID cases were on the rise in early December). “We’ve seen this

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before when we thought we were going to open up [last year]. We’ve kept kicking the can down the road for a year and a half now, and we’re just hopeful that this is going to be behind us at some point,” he told The Walleye in a November 29 interview. “It just doesn’t seem to get there, you know?” The Auditorium’s first scheduled post-closure booking is the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival on January 22, followed by Canada’s Drag Race Season 2 on the 23rd, and actor/ comedian Jeremy Hotz on the 25th. The first concert slated for the Auditorium stage is The Glorious Sons on February 11. Big name acts like Dallas Smith and Blue

Rodeo, along with popular shows like ABBA Revisited dot the schedule. However, in mid-December, the Auditorium announced it was “temporarily” suspending ticket sales due to provincial regulations changes and “an abundance of caution.” Gearing back up to welcome all of these acts and more over the next year means a lot of work for Halvorsen and his team in the meantime. He and five other full-time staff have stayed on throughout the pandemic, but dozens of part-time staff—including technical crew, bartenders, ushers, and others—still have to be called back into work. If the show schedule stays on track, Halvorsen says they’ll likely

start reaching out to those workers in early January. He adds that they’ve also been getting equipment inspected and recertified, such as the rope and pulley system and the stage lift for the orchestra pit, as well as firing up all of the lighting and audio production equipment to make sure everything works come showtime. “The last thing we want to have is a failure in the middle of a show,” he says. Overall, Halvorsen stresses that everyone is remaining hopeful. “We want to be back in business,” he says. “We’re in the entertainment business. We’re there to make people happy.”

“We’re in the entertainment business. We’re there to make people happy.”

Visit tbca.ca for info and updates.

SESSION D’INFORMATION EN LIGNE

Dave Koski

VIRTUAL INFORMATION MEETING

2019 was the last year Bluesfest took place

Singing the Blues Bluesfest Organizers Eyeing 2023 for Possible Return

École catholique Franco-Supérieur 12 janvier (FR) | January 13th (EN) 807 344-1169 • fs@csdcab.on.ca

École secondaire catholique La Vérendrye 26 janvier (6e année) | 27 janvier (8e année) 807 344-8866 • escdlv@csdcab.on.ca

By Matt Prokopchuk

he head of the group behind the Thunder Bay Blues Festival says it’s all but certain that the popular outdoor concert will stay on hiatus in 2022. But Bob Halvorsen says, at this point, they’re hoping to be back in action in 2023. The festival last ran in 2019 and quickly sold out; Halvorsen says it was the biggest one in Bluesfest’s nearly two-decade history. Bryan Adams, Burton Cummings, Amanda Marshall, and Johnny Reid were among those who made up the star-studded lineup. The 2020 festival was cancelled shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, as organizers said at the time, they were having a hard time

securing headlining acts. The pandemic scuttled any plans for 2021. Halvorsen says that, typically, work to book Bluesfest for the following year starts shortly after the previous one. With a lot of uncertainty still hanging over how the pandemic will continue to play out, he says “we’re just not in a position to commit to anything at this moment in time.” Still, Halvorsen says, there are plans to revive the festival when it’s appropriate to do so. “If we get things behind us and we can start working on 2023, then we will,” he says. “There’s a very good chance this is going to come back in 2023—we’re hoping.”

courriel pour recevoir votre lien de connexion By email to receive your connection link RSVP Par

Haven’t spoken French in a while? Not sure if your child is eligible? Come to the information session or give us a call. We would love to talk to you about the possibilities for your child.

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OfftheWall Reviews

Uprooted

Matt Sellick

Given its rugged, isolated location, Thunder Bay often spawns artists whose work juxtaposes grit and grace. Flamenco guitarist Matt Sellick spent his last offering, North Shore, grounded in that contrast, exploring his cold Superior roots within the signature warmth of his compositions. No surprise, then, that follow-up Uprooted feels untethered, fluid, and bold; having paid tribute to home, Sellick now stakes his claim as a national force. Though Sellick graciously pays homage on “Allow Me to Introduce” before segueing into “Soot” with Jesse Cook, he confidently stands toeto-toe with the iconic Canadian guitarist on the shimmering track. Sellick is clearly talented enough to master his craft; more interesting is his commitment to pushing its limits. By turns contemplative (“Quiet World,” “Overcast”) and sultry (“On Your Toes,” “Tether”), Uprooted is consistently, quietly masterful— and a warm, welcome reprieve on cold January nights. -Kirsti MacKenzie

Raise the Roof

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss What do you get when the frontman for Led Zeppelin gets together with an icon of bluegrass and country? What you get is new music from Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Raise the Roof is the second album from this unlikely pairing and it’s very good. There's a mix of ethereal bluesy ballads, a couple of boot-stomping rockers, and a few alt-country and bluegrass gems. Neither Plant or Krauss have lost their vocal chops. Each share the lead vocals and provide amazing harmonies on all the tunes. There is an elegant simplicity to the production on this album. It’s uncluttered, with some great percussion and juicy guitar, banjo, and mandolin riffs. Favourite songs include the sexy, bluesy “Trouble with My Lover,” and “Searching for My Love” is a wonderful rocker with a 1960s and 1970s vibe. Raise the Roof proves that a couple of musical heavyweights from different genres can come together and produce something special. -Gerald Graham

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Good To Be

Renewal

Keb’ Mo’

Billy Strings

The catalyst for Good To Be, Keb’ Mo’s latest release, was the five-time Grammy Award winner’s recent move from Nashville back to his hometown of Compton, California. It’s an album about purpose, place, heritage, and legacy. Highlights are bountiful. The title track bubbles over with the excitement of rediscovering boyhood Compton haunts. Two songs, “Good Strong Woman” and “Marvelous to Me,” revel unapologetically in the sheer bliss of being in love. “Lean On Me,” the album’s only cover, is Keb’ Mo’s haunting take on the late, great Bill Withers’ famous ode to friendship. Throughout, voices and instrumentation are tastefully balanced, with content always trumping genre. It is, however, Keb’ Mo’s signature buoyant optimism, natural delivery, shower-friendly melodies, and lyrics that marry insight to wit that lift these 13 songs into the realm of the special.

When asking someone what styles of music they listen to, a common response is often “anything but country.” Billy Strings is one of a handful of artists currently bridging the gap between popular music and country. Strings has a handful of albums under his belt and has been on the festival circuit for quite a few years now, blending virtuosic bluegrass guitar with jam-band style arrangements and incredibly thoughtful songwriting. His newest release, Renewal, launches him into the stratosphere of modern country/bluegrass. It’s a very personal album combining all the elements that make Strings a benchmark for modern bluegrass music. This album runs the gamut from straight-up traditional country and smoking fast bluegrass to progressive rock/newgrass/jam band styles. If you’re someone who claims to dislike country music, I think this album will make you think twice about that opinion.

-Ken Wright

-Kyle Shushack

I Heard They Suck...Blood VHS

It’s still easy to be impressed with VHS. The local trio keeps beating out their sloppy, catchy brand of metal and with each release somehow the songs get better and better. By now you know the deal: VHS picks some subgenre of horror movies and then exorcises the best (read: “best”) cinematic examples for two handfuls of songs brimming with riffs, rolls, and rottenness. I Heard They Suck…Blood deals with vampires, obviously, but we know VHS doesn’t traffic in wind-swept moors and cold moonlight. Instead, any crimson-hued passion here is closer to the grimy bloodsucking of the 1987 film Near Dark’s barroom bleeding. Ragged and raw, these nine songs (along with the requisite sample-constructed intro/outro) are diabolical fun. Mike Hochins’s reliable riffs work overtime—and holy Bela Lugosi, those solos he’s throwing out!—while Curtis Mill’s bass and Andy Middaugh’s drums propel this undead machine towards repeat listens. Add in guest spots from Black Dahlia Murder’s Trevor Strnad, Benediction’s Dave Ingram, and a wild saxophone solo on “Frog Brothers,” and you have another VHS album that’ll spend a lot of time on your stereo before it’s laid to rest. -Justin Allec

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Norman Jewison: A Director's Life Ira Wells

Norman Jewison is one of Canada’s finest film directors. He is also little known to the newest generation of avid film fans. Jewison was born in Toronto and now lives in Los Angeles, where he turned 95 this past July. He worked in mainstream television and has made more than 40 major feature films, including In the Heat of the Night (1967), The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), Fiddler On the Roof (1971), Jesus Christ Superstar (1973), Rollerball (1975), Moonstruck (1987), and The Hurricane (1999). All of these date him from the past century. His final feature film was The Statement, made in 2003, and it was only a modest success. Ira Wells’s biography of Jewison covers all of these and more. With access to Jewison himself and family members, as well as other Hollywood stars and personnel he worked with, this is a rich and fascinating story about a humble man who fought for good projects. Wells writes with enthusiasm, empathy, and compassion for the great director. Highly recommended. -Michael Sobota

Growing Through It Lak Williams and Shaynah Twance

This podcast focuses on candid stories from youth who were all once part of Roots to Harvest, and illuminates how their experiences supported their overall health and growth while helping them develop lasting connections and friendships. A project of Roots to Harvest in conjunction with Great Big Stories Project through Frayme, Growing Through It provides a platform for guests to talk openly about loss, addiction, dysphoria, and many other important topics. Williams and Twance do a fantastic job of allowing each episode to unfold naturally, while embracing the power of sharing life-changing experiences and knowledge. In one memorable, emotional episode, the guest states that they “wouldn’t be clean today if it weren’t for the strong support system at Roots to Harvest” and then later says “the sky’s the limit these days.” Growing Through It is a vital tool for all of us, bringing forward much-needed awareness and a powerful sense of community. -Andrea Lysenko

We All Go Back to the Land Suzanne Keeptwo

We All Go Back to the Land is about land acknowledgement. For some people those two words might be frightening, for others, encouraging. Perhaps the words are overused or underused or used inappropriately. This book helps readers understand why land acknowledgments exist, why they are important, and how to do them respectfully. The author explains that in 1710, four Haudenosaunee leaders traveled to England to meet with the Royal Family. During their trip overseas, the Haudenosaunee leaders were stunned by the open disparity between wealthy and poor. Why would the Royal Family allow their own people to live in squalor? For the Haudenosaunee (and the Algonquins and the Anishinaabek), sharing abundance with others is the best form of community and governance. For First Nations peoples, sharing is about creating relationships, not class divisions. This is symbolized by the metaphor of the dish (natural resources) with one spoon (the people). Understanding this is fundamental to understanding Canadian history and treaties. The book truly earns its fivestar rating because it has a tremendous amount of information. -Chris Waite

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Elena Slobbe

Mobile Mortgage Specialist

T: 807-476-8801 elena.slobbe@td.com

The Walleye

Architecture

The Ross Residence Sandstone Court By Laurie Abthorpe

The Walleye

Alberta, 1888), and Chalet Lake Louise (Lake Louise, Alberta, 1890). For the construction of the earliest CPR grain elevators at the Lakehead along the Kaministiquia River, Ross personally purchased lot 7 at the corner of Victoria and Simpson Streets in 1889. Once the existing school house was removed, Ross had a commercial block built here in 1890, the first brick built building in what would later become the Town of Fort William. Near the turn of the century, the family briefly moved to Chicago, where Ross worked for himself as a construction contractor. Fond of the area, they choose to return to Canada and make Fort William their permanent home. Ross went on to found the Northern Engineering and Supply Co., a manufacturing factory, here in 1906. The magnificent Ross home on Catherine Street,

with its estimated cost of $22,000, began construction in the summer of 1911 under the personal supervision of Ross. For many years the design of this home was attributed to Hood and Scott; however recent research has revealed the architect to be R.E. Mason. Details of the project published in the June 21, 1911 Contract Records note the materials to be used included dressed stone, concrete, cut stone, brick, mantels, plate glass, and art glass. It took 110 cords of Vert Island sandstone to complete the residence, very likely the reason behind the home’s moniker of “Sandstone Court.” The eye-catching brick redcoloured sandstone, once quarried on Vert Island in Nipigon Bay, was used on many structures throughout Fort William and Port Arthur, though a smaller number, including the Ross residence, used this sandstone for its entirety.

“It took 110 cords of Vert Island sandstone to complete the residence.”

Courtesy of the Thunder Bay Public Library

ne of many striking residences built in the Vickers Park neighbourhood is the Ross Residence. Located at the corner of Catherine Street South and Ridgeway Street East, this two-anda-half storey Romanesque Revival home was built for William J. Ross and his wife Elizabeth (McInnes) Ross. After marrying in their native Scotland, the Rosses immigrated to Canada in the early 1880s. First working the harbour and elevator works in Montreal, William J. Ross, a member of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) construction staff, then became building and bridges superintendent, directing projects from the Great Lakes through to the Rockies. This included overseeing the construction of some of the original CPR hotels: Mount Stephen House (Field, British Columbia,1886), Banff Springs Hotel (Banff,

Photo of the Ross Residence on the front page of the Fort William Daily Times Journal from November 11, 1911

Architecture Laurie Abthorpe is the heritage researcher for the Heritage Advisory Committee, which advises City Council on the conservation of heritage buildings, sites, and resources, and their integration into development. For more information visit thunderbay.ca.

Courtesy of the Thunder Bay Museum

Aside from its exclusive use of block cut Vert Island sandstone, the solid, striking design of this home can be attributed to its massive two-storey entry portico with paired square columns flanked either side by circular terraces. The roof of the portico acts as a balcony for the dormered level. An elliptically arched umbrage above the balcony doorway is topped by a battlemented parapet. Battlemented parapets are continually used for all of the home's dormers. The Ross Residence stayed in the family until the mid-1940s, after which it housed the Board of Education offices. Sold again in 1966, the structure was converted into apartments and remains as such today. Recognizing its historical interest and cultural value, the Ross Residence was listed on Thunder Bay’s Municipal Heritage Register in 2010.

Portrait of William J. Ross

The Walleye

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

January 7, 9 pm

January 2, 11 am–2 pm

Massachusetts duo Matt and Willie, a.k.a. Barely Alive, combine dubstep, trap, drum, and bass influences to create their unique sound. The pair has been working together since 2013. Local talents performing with the headliners are BLVCKSHEEP, Bevz, and Ginja Ninja. Tickets are available online. This is a 19+ event.

Sunday Brunch

Red Lion Smokehouse

The monthly Sunday brunch is back on the first Sunday of the year. Enjoy poached eggs, beerflavoured cocktails, and good company. Please call to book your spot.

redlionsmokehouse.ca

January 4,11,18, & 25, 10 pm

Foundry Karaoke The Foundry

Warm up those vocals cords, grab your friends, and enjoy the Foundry stage. This is a 19+ event.

facebook.com/foundrytbay

January 5

Playing Small is Cancelled

The Creative Company

Are you a business owner ready for the new year? This session by The Elliance Network will truly give participants everything you need to step into 2022, show up for your business and build beyond your dreams. Tickets are $54.06

thecreativecompany.ca

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

ATMOS Presents Barely Alive ATMOS

atmostbay.ca

January 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, & 29, 8 pm

Fast Lane Karaoke

Fast Lane Bar and Grill Bust out the tunes every Friday and Saturday night at The Fast Lane. This is a 19+ event.

thefastlanebarandgrill.com

January 8, 8 pm

Comedy Night with Rob Kanutski and Issu Rautsalainen Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5

Join Ron Kanutski and Issu Rautsalainen for a night of comedy. Tickets are $20.

portarthurlegion.ca

January 9

Weekly Warlord Games Wednesday Night and Bolt Action Trivia Game Day The Foundry

There is a new topic each week for trivia night at The Foundry. Each game has themed food and drinks to match the trivia. Registration starts at 7:30 pm and game time is 8 pm, but teams are more than welcome to come early to guarantee a table.

facebook.com/foundrytbay

902

The The Walleye Walleye

The GameShelf

Enjoy an open game day for family fun and try different products by Bolt Action, Warlord Games, and Pike and Shotte. Demos of various games will be available for you to try and play. There will also be a random draw for a Warlord starter game set for one attendee.

gameshelf.thunderbay.com

January 9

Stitch and Bitch

Red Lion Smokehouse

Have a current needle craft project? Bring your knitting, crocheting, and embroidery to the Red Lion Smokehouse and connect with other crafters in town. Share projects, patterns, and techniques while you work. All skill levels are welcome. Bring your own supplies. This is a free event.

redlionsmokehouse.ca

January 9, 16, 23, & 30, 3–6 pm

Total Talent Karaoke

Port Arthur Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5 Club Room

Come sing with friends on Sunday afternoons from 3 pm until 6 pm in the Club Room. This is a 19+ event.

facebook.com/ portarthurlegion

January 10

The Northern Lights Trail is Going to the Dogs

Kamview Nordic Centre

Love the cross-country life? Bring along your best fur buds to the Kamview trails. It’s a dog-friendly atmosphere for both of you to enjoy the snow.

tbnordictrails.com

January 12, 6–8 pm

Kamview by Candlelight

Kamview Nordic Centre

Enjoy the beautiful crosscountry ski trails of Kamview lit by candlelight with special trail pass rates in the new year. Kamview cookies, hot and cold beverages, soup, and chili will be available at the chalet. Rentals by appointment only. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

tbnordictrails.com

EVENTS GUIDE KEY General Art Food Sports Music Starting January 12

January 15, 7:30 pm

January 20, 8–10 pm

Lakehead University

Paramount Theatre

Join in on the third Thursday of every month for dropin style chess at Red Lion Smokehouse.

12 Days (or is it Stand Up Comedy Pints and Pawns Ways) of Learning @ the Paramount Red Lion Smokehouse Lakehead University’s Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning is offering 12 events during their new year. For each day that you register, you will receive a unique experience, with materials and instructions included. January and February can be isolating during the winter months, and this is a great way to stay in touch with your campus and fellow students. Almost all sessions will include Zoom. You must register for each event to ensure your spot and to pay event fees.

lakeheadu.ca

January 13, 7:30 pm

TBSO Presents: Celebrating Genius

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is returning for their first show in January, featuring Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony guided by music director Paul Haas. Pieces from Philip Glass and Larysa Kuzmenko round out the show. Tickets are available online.

Bobby Knauff is headlining this night of laughs at the Paramount Theatre. Knauff is known for his comedic talents across Canada, he has previously toured with the Yuk Yuks and released his own comedy album. Other featured comics include Mark Menei, Taylor Green, Lee Noyes, and Trevor Green. This show is recommended for ages 16+ and proof of vaccination and ID will be required at the door. Tickets are $27.54 and available online.

facebook.com/ campfirecomedy

January 15, 8 pm

Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society Presents: DRTFR and Sleepy Jean Port Arthur Polish Hall

tbso.ca

Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society is proud to present the one-man creation Oscar Anderson-Shortt a.k.a. DRFTR, and the nostalgic sounds of Sleepy Jean together in one night. Tickets are $32.84 and available online. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

January 15, 10 am

sleepinggiant.ca

Advanced Bike Mechanic Workshop Community Spokes

Come to Community Spokes and learn intermediate bike mechanic skills that will help keep your two wheels rolling! This workshop organized by EcoSuperior Environmental Programs requires an intermediate level of bike maintenance knowledge. Tickets are $20.

kelsey@ecosuperior.org

January 15, 8–11 pm

Ira Johnson Band Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5

At the age of 20 Ira Johnson started his first band, and now at 62 his life still centres on music. His music is described as a blend of hard rock, blues and country. Bryan Kabatay joins him on drums and Josh Shebiget completes the group on the bass. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

portarthurlegion.ca

redlionsmokehouse.ca

January 21, 7:30 pm

TBSO Presents: Stravinsky and Schubert

Hilldale Lutheran Church

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is playing tribute to the late composer Stravinksy and Schubert’s Symphony No. 5. Strings and melodic violins are the centre of this show. Second violinist Christopher Stork also takes the spotlight. Tickets are available online.

tbso.ca

January 21, 8 pm

Our Tyme

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5

Sing along to a night of country, folk, pop, and Our Tyme’s original music. Special guest Randy Hyvarinen takes on the drums for the band. Tickets are $5 at the door. This is a 19+ event.

portarthurlegion.ca

January 22, 7 pm

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

The 2021 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is underway, and the Auditorium will be one of the virtual tour locations. Enjoy a night of film screenings from the 2021 festival along with winners from previous years. See this month’s Top Five listing for more info.

tbca.com

January 23, 11 am

Cider and Yoga

Red Lion Smokehouse

Visit the Red Lion Smokehouse for an hourlong stretch instructed by Melanie Ollivier. Suitable for all levels, the flow class will be followed by a guided cider tasting and light snacks. Please bring your own yoga mat. Tickets are $37.11

redlionsmokehouse.ca

January 25, 7:30pm

Jeremy Hotz: The Marquis de Sad Tour

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

Canadian actor and standup comedian is bringing his talents to Thunder Bay’s stage. He has been featured on Just for Laughs, Comedy Central, The Late Show with David Letterman, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. His improvisational comedy style is sure to make you laugh and relate. Tickets are available online.

tbca.com

January 25, 7:30 pm

January 27, 7:30 pm

Dr. Brian McLaren: The Trews I Wanna Play Tour “Travelling West NV Music Hall and East from This rock and roll group Lake Superior is taking the NV Music to Lake of the Hall stage along with Woods” special guests The Honest Thunder Bay Museum

Visit the Thunder Bay Museum for an insightful lecture by Lakehead University professor Dr. Brian McLaren as he walks you through the Canadian Heritage River that spans five Ontario provincial parks and 11 traditional territories of First Nations, and its impact on commerce, culture and recreation. This is a free event. Refreshments will be available during the lecture.

thunderbaymuseum.com

January 28, 9 pm

Funkadelic Friday with Phineas Gauge and The Thirsty Monks, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5

January 27–February 12

Enjoy an evening of funky music (and cheese) at the legion. Dress to impress like it’s the 70s. Sponsored by Virtual Lifestyle Media. Tickets are available at the door for $10 with themed outfits, $15 without.

Magnus Theatre

January 28–February 6

Heart Collective. General admission tickets are still available for $44.80. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

cabinmedia.ca

Salt Baby

The first show of the year for Magnus Theatre is Falen Johnson’s modern comedy, Salt Baby. Follow the story of a young Indigenous woman as she navigates her place in both the world and her small community. This thought- (and laugh-) provoking story will run into February of this year. Tickets are available in person or online.

magnustheatre.com

portarthurlegion.ca

2022 Scotties Tournament of Hearts

Fort William Gardens Sixteen women’s curling teams from across the country will be competing in this year’s Tournament of Hearts for the Canadian Women’s Championship, proudly sponsored by Kruger Products for 41 years. Tickets start at $20 and are available in person, online, and by phone. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

January 29, 7:30 pm

Until April 2022

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

Thunder Bay Museum

TBSO Presents: Piano Men

Strawberry Hill Werkshop

Jeff Christmas conducts this piano night with Jim Witter behind the keys. THe duo take you through the piano hits of the 70s inspired by the likes of Elton John and Billy Joel. Tickets are available online.

The Thunder Bay Museum is proud to present over 50 works of ceramic art by Liz and Peter Powlowski. On display on the second floor of the museum in the North gallery, the exhibit features work created between 1967–1994.

tbso.ca

thunderbaymuseum.com

Until February 21

Indigenous Ingenuity

Thunder Bay Art Gallery

Celebrate and interact with the ingenuity of Indigenous peoples. Using nature as inspiration, view the impact their innovations and techniques have had on modern western science and culture. An interactive adventure for all ages, learn to observe, listen, experiment, and share while exploring the exhibit

theag.ca

curling.ca

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Music

LU RADIO’S MONTHLY TOP 1 Ovlov Buds

Exploding in Sound

8 KC Westfort*

The Shuniah E.P. Self-Released

16 Hot Garbage* RIDE

Mothland

CILU 102.7fm’s Monthly Charts for this issue reflect airplay for the month ending December 14, 2021. Check out our weekly charts online at luradio.ca and tune in to the Top 20 Countdown, Mondays from 7-9 am, or catch one of the rebroadcasts throughout the week! Keep it locked on 102.7 FM, online streaming at luradio.ca.

22 Alien Nosejob Paint It Clear Feel It

23 BADBADNOTGOOD* Talk Memory XL

24 Wine Lips*

Mushroom Death Sex Bummer Party Stomp

2 Frvits*

Stupid Era lovenly

3 Ducks Ltd.* Modern Fiction Carpark

4 Teen Mortgage Smoked - EP King Pizza

5 Sea of Lettuce* Sun/Moon - EP Sea of Lettuce

6 Sleepy Jean*

9 Max and the Martians All the Same

Slammin Media

10 Daniel Romano*

18 10 000 Russos

Cobra Poems

Fuzz Club

11 Parquet Courts

19 Unschooling

Sympathy For Life Rough Trade

12 Avataar* Worldview Insound

7 Little Oil

Arté Boréal

1311074 Records DK

Naufragés

14 KennyHoopla & Travis Barker SURVIVORS GUILT: THE MIXTAPE// Arista

15 Pond 9

Spinning Top * Indicates Canadian Content

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Superinertia

You’ve Changed

Half Right Little Oil

Stir Crazy

Perpetual Doom

13 Alex Lefaivre Quartet*

Idle Hands

17 The Heavyweights Brass Band*

25 OMBIIGIZI

Sewn Back Together Arts & Crafts

26 Idles

Crawler Partisan

Random Acts of Total Control - EP Howlin’ Banana

20 Uh Oh

Good Morning Self-Released

21 Suuns*

The Witness Secret City

27 underscores fishmonger

underscores

28 Meatbodies 333

In the Red

29 Good at Rockets Unraveled

Shelf Talker Music

30 The Zeldas* Cool Waves

Cardinal Fuzz

Advertising Feature

NWO Innovation Centre BTIF Project Curtis Jensen

that allow users to share their work and interact with viewers simultaneously, such as Facebook Live. By implementing the stream switch hardware, Jensen has been able to create events for clients.

Curtis Jensen, creator of Apple Wagon Films, is one of the many local business owners who had to quickly adapt to COVID and its regulations. With a focus on photography, videography, and film production, Jensen had to find a way to take his talents online for clients looking for his services. Apple Wagon Films was one of the first video companies in Thunder Bay to film and deliver content in high definition as well as use video gear like Steadicams, gimbals, sliders and drones. However Jensen’s newest technological advance is streaming. With the help of the BTIF Program, the

founder was able to purchase various hardware solutions to enter the world of live events. Jensen’s music video work has aired on Much Music, his short films have aired on Bravo, and his feature films have screened on The Movie Network.

The BTIF program also helped the founder invest in a new internal server, which houses all his work files like images, videos, and film projects. “Uploading massive video files to multiple clients from all over Canada became painfully taxing to my limited Dropbox resources, forcing me to find a solution that would benefit both my

new clients as well as myself,” says the creative director. Introducing the internal server gives Jensen virtually unlimited workspace on the cloud, along with creating revenue opportunities through his photo stock library. The BTIF program aims to increase innovation and efficiency in day-to-day operations of businesses through advancements in software, hardware, and data management. For information on applying, please visit nwoinnovation.ca/btif.

“As a causality of the COVID-19 outbreak, the video industry has changed, as have the needs of my clients, which required me to expand my business in even more innovative ways than I had in the past,” says Jensen about taking his work online. With the introduction of livestreamed events, Jensen transitioned into streaming on online platforms

“The BTIF program was crucial to the evolution of my business during the pandemic, and it provided me with the support I needed to adapt to the changing face of the video industry during a very uncertain time.” The Walleye

TattooedYou

Flowers and Bees Story by Leah Morningstar, Photos by Finlay Arpin Artist: Ray Atwood of At The Well Tattoo This is the arm of Meg Arpin, a local fibre and multimedia artist who showcases their work under the name “witchwoodforest” (search that on Instagram). Arpin has always admired tattoos and always knew they wanted an expansive collection of body art. For as long as Arpin can remember, they have had negative feelings towards their ar ms. That’s not uncommon of course—many people have a body part (or parts) that cause insecurity and anxiety, and for Arpin it was arms. “They were a huge insecurity,” Arpin says. “I heard about Ray and his art through my friend Heather and I was dazzled. I wanted him to create something magic for me.” Ray Atwood, the owner

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and proprietor of At The Well Tattoo, definitely created magic. The design took several years to complete from start to finish because of cost and time, but it’s not unusual for artists to work slowly on such big projects. Arpin asked Atwood to develop a design based on flowers and bees, but mostly gave him free creative rein. “I chose bees and flowers because I love nature and bees fascinate me and gardening is a happy place for me,” Arpin says. The end result was thrilling for Arpin. The sense of power in the bees and the beauty of the flowers tied together with swirling colours and geometric honeycombs helped them fall in love with a part of themself that had previously been a battle.

We’re collecting information to help better match First Nation people with the right training and jobs.

There’s a lack of workforce information available about First Nations in our area.

GET PAID TO TAKE OUR LMI SURVEY

At AETS, we’re working hard to change this.

Email or Call us!

www.aets.org/LMI Participants must be 15 years of age or older. Open to members living both on and off reserve from North Superior First Nations. Annual survey closes March 31, 2022.

sales@impactpromos.ca

807-622-8640 The Walleye

Health

Dr. Mandy McMahan, PhD, clinical and health psychologist and director of adult and forensic mental health at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Setting Goals for an Outstanding 2022

By Caitlund Davidson, Health Promotion and Communications Planner, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

022 is officially here and it’s time to set goals for the upcoming year to become a healthier, stronger, and better you! However, with so much uncertainty in the world, it can be difficult to think about setting goals when we have no idea where we will be a year from now. If we don’t reach the goals that we set out to accomplish at the beginning of the year, it can create stress and disappointment, and impact

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our mental health. Does that mean we should avoid setting goals? How can we avoid negative feelings if we set a goal and fail to accomplish it? Dr. Mandy McMahan, PhD, clinical and health psychologist and director of adult and forensic mental health at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, provides her expert opinion on how we can successfully set goals for any time of year. “The act

of setting a goal can be good for your mental health,” she explains. “When we set a goal, we are imagining a state better than right now. Our brains love this! We feel a little boost of accomplishment and happiness.” When most people think about goal setting, the first thing that comes to mind is the SMART goal method: make the goal specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

“ S M A R T g o a l s a re sufficient when conditions are smooth and predictable,” Dr. McMahan says. “However, if we have been reminded of anything over the past two years, it is that conditions are often far from smooth and the only thing predictable is that life is unpredictable.” With that in mind, we asked Dr. McMahan how to set realistic goals to help avoid disappointment when things don’t go as planned. “Setting goals is like planning a journey. We need to know where we want to go—that’s our ‘what.’ We need to know the route to get there—that’s our ‘how.’” she says. “We can plan SMART, but what do we do when the weather turns, we get lost, or there’s a road block? It’s our ‘why’ that keeps us going. When you have a firm sense of the ‘why’ of your goal, you will stay motivated and problem solve until you reach your goal.” With so many aspects to consider when goal setting, Dr. McMahan provides her top tips to help us get started. • Imagine how you will feel a year from now if you haven’t made progress to your goal. It feels yucky. Sometimes NOT wanting to feel a certain way is enough to get us out of the starting blocks and working towards that goal. • Ask yourself: how important is this goal and how confident am I that I can reach it? That yucky feeling will only keep you motivated for so long. To keep moving towards a challenging goal it has to feel truly important to you. This is your essential ‘why’ that will keep you going when the roads get rough. If it turns out the goal isn’t that important, take it off your list and channel your energy into what

does feel important to you. If you aren’t confident that you can reach the goal, you may need to problem solve, ask for advice, do some learning, or practice to get to a place where you feel more able to achieve. • Acknowledge and accept where you are now. Acceptance isn’t about having to like how things are, it is about acknowledging things exactly as they are (and often all the hard emotions that go along with it). Even if we really don’t like being so far from our goal, if we don’t acknowledge and accept it, we will never be able to determine our route to where we want to go. • Choose goals that align and support your values. This ensures the longevity of the feel-good factor of achievement. The outcomes feel good to achieve, but the feelgood factor can quickly become hollow if the path to reach our goal isn't consistent with our values or brings us closer to living them. Value-based goals also provide a nice back up; we get quick wins of achievement and really can’t fail. Setting goals that are based on process rather than outcome may be especially important during times of uncertainty. As 2022 begins, take time to reflect and discover what is important to you. No matter what your goal is, it can be big or small, cost a lot or nothing at all, take a lot of time or just a moment, setting goals that are consistent with our values can be good for our soul and beneficial to our mental health.

Advertising Feature

January Entrepreneur of the Month

Monique Mercier, Owner, Kindful Psychology Services

Photos by Nathan Church

Meet Monique Mercier, owner of Kindful Psychology Services. Monique is a psychological associate registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She founded Kindful Psychology Services in July of 2021, which was born out of a vision for creating a space for individuals to explore the not-often-talked-about aspects of our human experience with curiosity and kindness. Monique has a decade of experience in working with adults struggling with stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Through her work at Kindful, Monique is now focusing on clinical supervision, facilitating groups, and consulting with organizations on staff wellness. She is also a trained eight-week Mindful Self-Compassion and six-week Self-Compassion for Healthcare Communities teacher through the Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion.

Q & A with Monique

What drew you to entrepreneurship? As therapists, we do not receive any training in how to care for ourselves while we are caring for others. This became very clear

to me after my experiences of working in various mental health contexts and observing the experiences of my peers. It seemed counter-intuitive to me to be in mental health and not be practicing what we were preaching to our clients around taking care of ourselves and setting healthy boundaries. So I decided to create a space where both the therapists’ and clients’ well-being are valued and nurtured. Another element for me was that the combination of movement, meditation, and yoga have always been so helpful for me in terms of coping with my burnout. When combined with psychological tools, they can be very powerful agents of change. After working four years in solo private practice, I was feeling like I wanted to work with other people. I didn't see anything like this being offered, so I decided to create it myself. I really wanted to create a psychological practice that was more approachable and one that normalized the universal challenges we all have as human beings, while providing tangible tools and experiences to support healthy coping. It sort of unfolded quite naturally. We found a 2,000-square-foot place

in downtown PA with three offices and a space I could offer my groups in. Even though it seemed like a big move, I sort of had the mentality of “if you build it they will come.” Fortunately, things did come together and now we have five therapists and full caseloads. Our next step is to really focus on our group and community offerings. What is your most memorable moment being an entrepreneur? I don't know if I could say that it is one moment, but more the process of watching your vision come to life, including the renovations, the staff, clients and then hearing positive feedback that your vision is having the intended effect. It definitely makes me feel proud to have built something that I really believe in. Who was your biggest inspiration/mentor? Again there probably isn’t just one. My mom is a therapist too so it feels pretty natural that I landed in this field. We are both really curious about people and understanding them and their stories—sort of what shapes someone and how do they adapt around their life experiences, etc. My dad was a business owner as

well and had a lot of entrepreneurial qualities around taking risks and building relationships in the community. When I first saw the office space I knew it was bigger than what I was originally planning to take on but I had the confidence and vision to take a risk and trust that it would work out. That’s definitely my dad’s spirit in me. I also feel that when I did my Mindful Self-Compassion teacher training I was really inspired by the facilitator, Dr. Kimberly Sogge (based in Ottawa). She showed me the power of combining neuroscience, psychology, meditation, and self-compassion. I was able to really soak up what she was offering and that felt like something important that I wanted to share with others in my community. If you could go back in time what piece of advice would you give yourself? I think my burnout has been a real teacher for me in terms of “what not to do.” But when I was in it, it was really quite difficult. But all those difficulties helped me to connect with what my values and my needs are and bring those forward guiding how I run my business.

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Advertising Feature

Above: REALTORS® from the TBREB volunteering at St. Andrew’s Dew Drop Inn during REALTORS CARE® week. Right: Many members from the TBREB volunteered their time to help out with the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign. Below: REALTOR® Alexander Mirabelli pictured volunteering at St. Andrew’s Dew Drop Inn.

The Thunder Bay Real Estate Board’s members, directors, staff & volunteers are thankful for another year serving their community. 2021 was another tough year for many people and the Thunder Bay Real Estate Board wants to thank all of the front-line workers, service industry and all those throughout the city and region for all their continued hard work and support. With such a challenging past couple of years, the Thunder Bay Real Estate Board decided to donate $12,000 towards mental health first aid in the Thunder Bay District. They split the donation of $4,000 each to the St. Joseph’s Balmoral Centre in Thunder Bay and the

Canadian Mental Health Association of Kenora and Fort Frances. Through the REALTORS CARE® foundation, the TBREB also donated $7009.00 within the Thunder Bay District, with $2,336.33 each going to The Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre, Beendigen and Sioux Lookout Out of Cold Shelter. The TBREB members have made it a tradition to spread some Christmas cheer and volunteer for the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign during the holiday season. They also spent some time helping out at the Dew Drop Inn during REALTORS CARE® week. Thank you to Michael, Linda, Julio and everyone at the Dew Drop Inn for all the great work they do for our community. The Thunder Bay Real Estate Board members, staff and volunteers hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season. Have a healthy, prosperous and happy New Year!

www.thunderbay-mls.on.ca

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Green

Answering the Call By Erin Moir, Education Director, EcoSuperior

hen the phone rings we answer!

In September of 2020, a concerned teacher called our office, asking; “Is there a recycling program for all of these disposable masks?” Like many of our projects at EcoSuperior, this launched an inquiry for staff to help find a solution and divert waste from the landfill. If you aren’t aware, teachers, staff, and administrators in the school communities are only permitted to wear disposable masks, instead of those cute fabric masks to which many of us have become accustomed. Rewind 10 years. Streak of Green, a local salon, has always used a company, Green Circle Salons, to recycle masks, gloves, hair, and hair dye waste. When the pandemic hit, Green Circle Salons created a re c o v e r y p ro g r a m t o collect personal protective equipment (PPE) and divert this seemingly neverending waste stream from our landfills. The program allows participants to order a collection box, fill it with the accepted PPE, and then ship it back to Green Circle Salons (shipping is included in the purchase of your collection box). Turns out anyone can subscribe. In response to the inquiring teacher, EcoSuperior launched a PPE recovery pilot project to interested Thunder Bay area schools. PPE collection boxes were set up in 10 schools throughout the city and it didn’t take long for teachers, staff, and administration to realize how easy the program was

“Lakehead Public Schools had a seamless transition to EcoSuperior’s PPE recovery initiative.”

to use—and, of course, how easy it was to divert waste from our landfill. “Lakehead Public Schools had a seamless transition to EcoSuperior’s PPE recovery initiative, and we were able to expand it to all board facilities,” says Kyle Ulvang, health and safety officer, Lakehead Public Schools. “At Lakehead Public Schools, we teach students to respect the environment and we are

always pleased to be invited to do our part—and more— to contribute to a healthy ecosystem. EcoSuperior’s PPE recovery initiative has been well-received by the school communities and we will continue to operate the initiative as long as PPE requirements are in place.” EcoSuperior is proud of the participating schools from Lakehead Public Schools, Thunder Bay Catholic District School

Board, Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales, and Superior-Greenstone District School Boards who are part of the PPE recovery program! Want to get involved in the PPE recovery program for your organization? Visit greencirclesalons.com or contact erin@ecosuperior. org. Together, we can create a healthy future for people and the planet.

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TheWall

Dayna Elizabeth Karle relapsed and died from a toxic mixture of cocaine and fentanyl on September 19, 2021

The First Step Towards Recovery By Sheena Campbell, Shannon MacDonell Ellard, and Carolyn Karle

ayna Elizabeth Karle was a talented hairstylist, a hockey player, and a loyal friend to everyone she met. Using substances was also a big part of her life. In 2018, Dayna began her recovery journey. She struggled with relapse, but gained a strong footing in sobriety for almost a year— this, after being turned away from detox and enduring long wait times to enter local treatment, ultimately

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going to a private facility in southern Ontario as a gift from her parents. But in the early morning hours of September 19th of last year, Dayna relapsed and died from a toxic mixture of cocaine and fentanyl. Dayna wanted to give back to those struggling with addictions and didn’t get the chance. In the months following her death, Dayna’s mother, Carolyn Karle, has taken up the cause and created the DEK Foundation

in Dayna’s memory—a team of like-minded individuals determined to improve addiction treatment services in northern Ontario. The DEK Foundation has been meeting with people who work in the field of mental health and addictions, members of city council, MPs, and MPPs representing northern Ontario, as well as advocacy groups. All agree that we are in crisis and that resources and funding are severely lacking.

There’s no one-sizefits-all solution when it comes to helping people who use substances. What we do know is that certain services do need to be in place if people are going to have a fighting chance to gain sobriety. Withdrawal management—or “detox,” as most people call it—is often the first step towards recovery. Detox aims to minimize the negative impacts of withdrawal symptoms, and make

the experience as safe as possible. Thunder Bay only has one publicly funded withdrawal management p ro g r a m , o u t o f t h e Balmoral Centre. It is estimated that staff turn away about 3,000 people a year looking for help due to capacity issues. That is nine people a day. Here are some facts: Thunder Bay's opioid overdose rate is over twice the national average. As of July 2021, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre had seen 148 overdoses, with 48 of them being fatal. Some questions we need answers to: is there an acknowledgement that northern Ontario is being disproportionately impacted by the crisis? Are there plans to move forward with the proposal submitted in spring 2021 from community health care providers for the expansion of treatment facilities? Is there an overall plan being formulated that can be shared with the public, or will we need to be content with a patchwork response based on allocation of funding from the three levels of government instead of need? As the organization moves forward, it will be advocating to address the lack of treatment options in northern Ontario, from withdrawal management services and in-person treatment facilities, to aftercare where people can receive counselling and life skills training. The seeds for the DEK Foundation have been planted and we would love for you to join us on this journey. For more information, to show support, or to advocate with us, message Carolyn Karle on Facebook or find #tbaydemandsdetox on all social media platforms.

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JanuaryHoroscopes Aries

(March 21–April 19) Happy new year, Aries! Being the first sign of the zodiac, you are always the one to take the lead to arrange celebrations to welcome in the new year. Whether it’s hosting New Year’s Day brunch or having an informal drop-in, social Rams always enjoy the fresh new feel of a brand new year. 2022 will be a good year for fire signs—yours especially. Plans will come to fruition, and that longawaited vacation will start to appear a little closer on the horizon. This year may see a partnership take the next big step. Raise your glass and toast to the stars—they’ve got your back!

Taurus

(April 20–May 20) M e r c u r y ’s b a c k i n retrograde again on the 14th, Taurus, and life can seem a bit trickier during this astrological event. In your case however, things get shaken up for good. Cobwebs clear and Bulls will become even more focused and determined. Have you been thinking about a side hustle or starting your own business? The entrepreneur in you is coming out loud and proud, and the stars are aligning for you to say “just do it”! Take some classes, talk to a boss babe, and then jump in. You will find that events just roll smoothly into place. Go with it!

Gemini

(May 21–June 20) January is for gym memberships, and Gemini is no exception. The sense of community might be just the thing to ramp up your well-being for the new year. The beginning of the calendar year gives us the chance to start fresh. Use this quiet time to set goals for the year, both spiritual and practical, and set those

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By Sunny Disposish

intentions into place with a blessing for new beginnings that will carry you through the year ahead. Always the social butterfly, this airy sign finds beauty in winter every day. Why not whip out your camera and take a few shots of the sparkling snow? You may find yourself taking up a new hobby this month.

Cancer

(June 21–July 22) Cancers may find themselves loafing around the first part of the month. A n d t h e r e ’s n o t h i n g wrong with that. Crabs are oftentimes the caregivers, but now it’s time for them to be the pampered ones. They sure do love a bit of extra attention. And why not—Cancers are some of the kindest people around. Enjoy being catered to, but don’t go overboard. Midmonth, it’s back to business, so enjoy the lap of luxury while it lasts. The full moon in your sign on the 17th brings a whole bunch of fun into your life in and around that time. Your wit and charm are ramped up, so enjoy being the life of the party

Leo

(July 23–August 22) Pursuing your passion is key this month, Leo! Do the things that make you feel lit up. If you are running a little low on gas, make a list to help remind you of all the things you love to do. Ask others for their input if you feel called to do so. Careerwise, you’re keeping very busy in that aspect. Keep lists to stay organized. Lions can be fairly sociable, to plan a night on the town! Dinner, a show, and a few laughs with friends could be just the ticket to warm your heart. It might be time to freshen up your wardrobe. Leos steal the spotlight at the best of times, so keep that good vibe going!

Virgo

(August 23– September 22) Last month was a right whirlwind and you are still recovering! Spend some time doing some grounding and meditating. A good method for this is to hang out in the kitchen baking a loaf of bread or cooking the fam’s favourite comfort meal. Some good, soul-warming food is sometimes just what the doctor ordered. Furry friends play a role this month—make sure they are amply covered when it comes time for snowy strolls this winter. You may have an epiphany late in the month, so make sure you get those thoughts down on paper. You may find yourself hosting or attending a small party night. Enjoy yourself!

Libra

(September 23– October 22) One day this will be 20 years ago. Time is flying, isn’t it, Libra? Some Scale-babies have been feeling like they are in a bit of a time warp. It may be a good time for some higher learning or taking that course or class you have always wanted to. Don’t feel bad about taking time away from responsibilities— self-care is where it’s at, and exploring different interests will keep your fires fueled in these dark, cold months. Career-wise, there could be some shake-ups in and around the time Mercury is retrograding. Stay focused and keep your cool. It’s not the time for a temper tantrum. Not reacting is a reaction, and sometimes it’s the best one until your wits are back about you.

Scorpio

(October 23– November 21) It’s time to take a breath of relief, Scorp. The tree is down, the clutter is cleaned, and you’re all about making

changes for the better this year. Spend some time outside in nature to clear your head. It’s okay to hug a tree—just make sure you ask it first. Light some candles and curl up with that new book you were gifted during the holiday season. Spending solitary time in silence is a great way to hear your own inner voice, which will help you chart your path for the future. Luck is on your side in and around the new moon on the 2nd, so don’t be shy. Pay attention to your dreams—you are being given a message and it’s in your best interest to listen.

Sagittarius

(November 22– December 21) New year, new you. We’ve all heard that expression before, Sag, but this time it’s true! Archers have taken full stock of their goals and plans are in place to implement them immediately. Restless to the core, Saggis are starting to look at finally planning a trip of a lifetime. Possible plans are better than no plans at all, and simply doing research will satisfy most of you Archers despite what’s going on in the world. You get by with sheer optimism and just know you’ll be alighting from that plane in due time. Create that vision board, tell the world, design that Pinterest collage—it’s going to happen for you!

Capricorn

(December 22– January 19) Happy birthday to all of our Capricorn friends! And friends they are. There will never be a loyal or truer pal than a Goat. Caps seem to be on a bit of a roll these days with some financial abundance, but don’t sell yourself short. You’re not done by a long shot! The universe is highly abundant and will always reward hard work and dedication.

Celebrate your birthday in style by going out for dinner! And leave room for dessert. Some decisions lie ahead—it might be difficult to comprehend at the time, but brighter and better roads ahead are in bloom for you. Stay tuned!

Aquarius

(January 20– February 18) Your spiritual side has you branching out into nature, Aquarius. Already a lover of the outdoors, Aquarians are ramping it up this month. Elements be darned— inclement weather is not going to spoil this airy sign’s day. There’s great satisfaction to be had in taking down the seasonal decorations and writing in your crisp, fresh 2022 planner. Reacquaint yourself with your slow cooker and have a hearty stew burbling happily upon your return from a skiing or snowshoe adventure. Break bread with family at the table. Many happy returns of the day for late January Aquarian babies.

Pisces

(February 19– March 20) Your generosity over the holidays have you taking a second look at your finances. Fiscally frugal Fish are usually strong in this department, but it’s always good to be aware and make a few changes. The full moon in Cancer on the 17th may have your emotions in a knot. A watery sign like you may find you have to take a step back from group conversations before you say something you’ll regret. Host a brunch the first week of January for some folks with youthful energy. Not only will they eat all the pancakes and bacon, it’ll make your day to have some smiling faces under your roof to kick off the new year.

T B AY ON

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Arboreal Affection By Lenore Lotecki

I hugged a tree today It was a beautiful fall day and I was spoiled for choice Black spruce debutantes in ball gowns flounced in front of me Jack pine old men with scruffy beards reached out scrawny arms while leaning against each other for support Icy aloof cedars cocooned themselves in fragrant branches to keep the world away Balsam firs called to me with sticky boils ready to burst and Red Pine, mixed media, boy Roland

hold me there forever Red pines stood tall and majestic and held their branches up to beckon me in and enfold me in their tender embrace I walked closer until my toes touched and I leaned in to smell nature and sunshine Its bark was hard but yielding against my skin and the wind urged the tree to talk in squeaks and groans Around me, the pines made the clearing

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WWW.LAKEHEADCA.COM @lakeheadregion The Walleye

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Snowkiting on Whitefish Lake

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This image was taken with a GoPro10 camera mounted to my ski pole during an unusually mild December day on Whitefish Lake. A recent snowfall had blanketed the lake with deep, dry powder and gusty northwest winds provided the perfect conditions for going fast. - Photo by Darren McChristie

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