FILM FREE ARTS Vol. 13 No. 7 MUSIC JULY FOOD 2022 CULTURE thewalleye.ca
Summer Festivals & Events Allison Huot
The Sweet Caroline Tour
The Marvelous Wonderettes Tomlin Subdivision
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The Walleye
Contents
82 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 Meagan Griffin sales@thewalleye.ca Photographers Jack Barten Olivia Bosma Kevin Dempsey Damien Gilbert Chad Kirvan Dave Koski Shannon Lepere Marty Mascarin Darren McChristie Sarah McPherson Lois Nuttall Laura Paxton Art Directors Steve Coghill, R.G.D. Dave Koski, R.G.D. production@thewalleye.ca Ad Designers Dave Koski Miranda van den Berg The Walleye is a free monthly publication distributed on racks throughout Thunder Bay and region. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written permission is strictly forbidden. Views expressed herein are those of the author exclusively. Copyright © 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 August Issue July 13th
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Star Nation
Summer in the Parking Lot
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Novelty Café
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TheTOPFive
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FEATURES 9 Summer Festivals & Events 10 Live from the Rock Folk Festival 11 Forty Years and Counting 12 Summer Festival and Events Guide 19 Festival Foods
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FOOD 20 THE GRINNING BELLY 21 DRINK OF THE MONTH 22 SUPERIOR SIP 25 OFF THE MENU 27 Novelty Café 28 Tomlin Subdivision 31 Ducky’s Diner FILM&THEATRE 32 THE SECOND MOST PLEASURABLE THING WE DO IN THE DARK. A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES 33 The Marvelous Wonderettes THE ARTS 35 FROM THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY’S COLLECTION 36 A THOUSAND WORDS 38 Selling Pottery on the Lake 40 Allison Huot 42 The Francophonie in All its States
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Clean, Green Festivals
OUTDOOR 44 The Thunder Bay Yacht Club Opener CITYSCENE 46 WALL SPACE: The David Thompson Astronomical Observatory 48 The Sugar Thief 51 GO LOCAL Thunder Bay Country Market 53 CANNABIS CORNER
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Oh, Canada: Our Home On Native Land
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EYE TO EYE: With Leith Dunick School of Indigenous Learning Born to Run Stuff We Like This is Thunder Bay SECOND CHANCES THE ENTHUSIASTS
MUSIC 68 Playing with Caution 70 Star Nation 73 BURNING TO THE SKY 74 Orchestrated Chaos 77 Summer in the Parking Lot 79 The Sweet Caroline Tour 80 Night Terrors 81 MusiCounts Band Aid Program 82
OFF THE WALL REVIEWS
ARCHITECTURE 84 Black Bay Bridge 86 Architecture and Community Identity 88
Tbaytel JULY EVENTS GUIDE
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LU RADIO'S MONTHLY TOP 30
TATTOOED YOU 92 A Mother Remembered GREEN 94 Clean, Green Festivals 96 LET’S GET GROWING HEALTH 98 TBRHSC Incorporates Digital Patient Monitoring in Cancer Care THE WALL 100 Oh, Canada: Our Home on Native Land 102 HOROSCOPES 105 THE BEAT 106 THE EYE
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From Our Instagram Feed
Burning Twice as Bright
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hether it’s sampling some delicious eats from food vendors, listening to live music outside, or just enjoying the laid-back atmosphere, for me, summer in the Northwest is synonymous with festivals. And as the saying “the candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long” could definitely apply to our summers, it’s no wonder the season brings forth so many festivals in Northwestern Ontario and just south of the border. As with many things we love during the last two years, the pandemic has hit the pause button on festivals. But as COVID restrictions were lifted across the country earlier this year, events are returning this season, and so we’re happy to bring back our Summer Festival Guide as well. From blueberries to classic cars, we profile 17 summer festivals in Northwestern Ontario and across the border on the North Shore. As part of our cover story, we celebrate two special anniversaries with the Westfort Street Fair entering its 40th year and Live from the Rock Folk Festival turning 20. Keeping with our theme, our music columnist Gord Ellis writes about
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picking up his guitar and heading back on stage, for Stuff We Like we present ideas for festivals, and Erin Moir of EcoSuperior looks at waste reduction at events. And with summer in full swing, Chef Rachel Bayes serves up a sizzling recipe for kofta kebabs, film columnist Michael Sobota shares his picks for movies about summer holidays, and Tyler Sklazeski heads out on the water as part of Thunder Bay Yacht Club’s Wednesday races. Also, we go Eye to Eye with Dougall Media’s director of news Leith Dunick, Wall Space explores the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory, and Taylor Onski gets a sneak peek at Badanai Theatre’s production of The Marvelous Wonderettes. Aside from Canada Day, July also marks another celebration: the 12th anniversary of The Walleye. Thank you to our amazing team of staff and contributors, as well as our readers and advertisers; without you and the city’s incredible arts and culture scene, we wouldn’t be here. Happy summer! -Adrian Lysenko
Featured Contributor Jack Barten
Since he started practising film photography and development from a young age, photography has become Jack’s passion. Graduating from Confederation College’s Digital Media Production program in 2022, Jack started an internship with The Walleye shortly after. He hopes to eventually be a freelance photographer and writer for publications and self-publish photographs for print and exhibition. Apart from photography, his hobbies include everything to do with music, cooking, and watching movies. Other than his review of Ryan McCulloch’s new album on page 74 and B.A. Johnston’s concert review on page 66, you can find Jack’s photos throughout the pages of the July issue.
On the Cover Summer Festival and Events Guide Photo by Chad Kirvan Special thanks to Jake Vaillant and the Town, Emily Carr, Patrick Morash, Peter Boyle, and the staff at Fort William Historical Park.
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“At our school, there is
something for everyone” You belong here 6
The Walleye
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Waterfront District’s
Canada Day and Live on the Waterfront
TheTopFive
July 1 & July 13, 20, & 27 Marina Park
2 Home: A Bluegrass Celebration
Chad Kirvan
City organizers are pumped to engage the community in events this summer! First up is a newly reimagined Canada Day event that will be similar to previous years in terms of a stage show with food vendors, but will be adding ways to incorporate messaging and Indigenous content going forward. The opening ceremony will include an Elder from the community to provide an opening prayer, as well as feature Indigenous dancers and drummers. Also returning on July 13 (and running until the end of August) is the popular Live on the Waterfront series. This awardwinning festival will include a roster of local and Canadian talent in a variety of musical styles. Check out the website for more information and a complete lineup so that you won’t miss a beat! thunderbay.ca
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Superior Theatre Festival
July 14–30
July 21–24
Get ready for a toe-tapping, foot-stomping show! Magnus Theatre is very excited to bring back Home: A Bluegrass Celebration this summer for Magnus in the Park. The show, written by local playwright and actor Jo-Ann Waytowich, originally kicked off the 50th anniversary season and it will be back for a special summer encore under the theatre’s new tent. Told from the point of view of three women at different stages of their life, it also showcases bluegrass music by Danny Johnson as well as an ensemble of local actors and musicians, like Olivia Korkola on fiddle, Robert Balabuck on banjo, Martin Blanchet on bass, and Dan Zadkovich on mandolin. Seating is general admission and tickets can be purchased by calling their box office or online. magnustheatre.com
The Superior Theatre festival is back this summer to celebrate their sixth year of multi-disciplinary programming in Thunder Bay! Join them this month for a showcase of local artists presenting a variety of exciting performances in theatre, music, and dance in the beautifully situated Spirit Garden. The festival will also include workshops for people of all ages to take part in. On July 21 and 22, the STF will ask you to consider the Possibilities of Dialogue—a contemporary dance piece created and performed by David Norsworthy and Marielis Garcia. This dynamic piece deals with the parallels between making a dance and having a conversation with an aim to engage, surprise, connect, and inspire the audience. Showtime is 7:30 pm and ticket info is available online. superiortheatrefestival.com
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La Francophonie dans tous ses états Exhibition
Until July 23
Definitely Superior If you missed the very fun gala opening in late June, the stars are in your favour—you have until July 23 to see La Francophonie dans tous ses états/The Francophonie in all its States. Experience and celebrate Thunder Bay’s Francophone culture, heritage, and Humble, Sébastien Hardy traditions expressed through art by a collective of 16 artists who share a common love of the French language and an eagerness to share their works with the community. Stop by to see their latest masterpieces in the form of painting, sculpture, photography, yarn art, and more, as well as a collaborative project with the Catholic School Board Aurora Borealis. Hosted by the amazing folks at Def Sup. Stop by the gallery Tuesday through Saturday from noon–6 pm in Gallery 1 & 2. definitelysuperior.com
Spirit Garden/Magnus Theatre Fran Chudnoff
Magnus Theatre
5 Family Fest 101 July 28–August 1 Chippewa Park
Last year Chippewa Park turned 100, but the celebration is happening now! To commemorate the wondrous occasion of Chippewa Park’s opening, there’s a weekend-long list of fun and festivities planned. This will include musical entertainment, amusement rides, water and beach activities, games, theatre, fireworks, great food Ian Tamblyn and drinks, and so much more! Enjoy the outdoors and the amazing lineup of musicians, comedians, and other entertainers taking the stage, including headliners Ian Tamblyn, Daylin James, The Sensational Hot Rods, the Damones cover band, and Psycho Therapy. Joining them will be Shy-Anne Bartlett, Sunday wilde, Robin Ranger, J.C. Campbell, Nadjiwan, the Macgillivray Pipe Band of Thunder Bay and more. This all-ages event is free, there will be merchandise for sale and RV and tenting sites available. See you at the park! chippewapark.ca
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where ever you find yourself, be ready with our SUMMER collection A portion of all clothing sales in JULY is donated to isthmus thunder bay
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Summer Festivals & Events
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hings have changed a lot in the last few years, but every year there’s summer. And now that July has rolled around, we’re happy to bring back our Summer Festival Guide! Start circling dates on your calendar so that you don’t miss all of the amazing festivals happening in the city, throughout NWO, and across the border. It’s a nonstop circuit of fun: carnivals, country music, a car show, street fairs, and more. Grab your sunscreen, your bucket hat, some bug dope, and let’s go! - Rebekah Skochinski
Jake Laakkonen of Femur performs at the Tumblestone Music Festival Photo by Jason Spun
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Live from the Rock Folk Festival Red Rock Celebrates 20 Years of Music and Community
Story by Kelsey Raynard, Photos by Kay Lee
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When: August 5–7
Where: Pull-a-Log Park at the Red Rock Marina, Red Rock, Ont. Headliners: Valdy, Rita Chiarelli, Coco Love Alcorn, and The Honest Heart Collective Cost: Adult: $90; senior/ youth: (13–18) $80; child (5–12): $30; and children four and under are free. Camping passes are $20 per person What not to miss: The Saturday workshops are where “the magic happens”; artists and community members come together for impromptu concerts, activities, and entertainment The scene: A super relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere Where to stay: The festival camp grounds provide the best experience for festival goers, with afterparty campfires and jam sessions are an annual highlight Food: You can find something for everyone with approximately seven food vendors and a full food court, providing festival staples like poutine and burgers as well as vegan and gluten-free options Insider tip: Bring layered clothing! While we love a good lakeside festival, the weather can be temperamental and LFTR is a rain or shine event
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here aren’t too many festivals in Northwestern Ontario that can boast 20 years of success; this year, Live from the Rock Folk Festival in Red Rock intends to celebrate exactly that. For two decades, Red Rock has been sharing its smalltown charm with some of the biggest names in Canadian folk music and thousands of festival guests. Laura Foulds, longtime supporter and current festival chair, explains that this festival had humble beginnings in the local high school. “People may not know this, but when Live from the Rock Blues and Folk Society incorporated as a notfor-profit—before the festival was even held—they held a series of concerts in the gym of the high school here in Red Rock,” she says. Following municipal improvements to their marina, the board decided to try out a small folk festival as there was ample room for stages, camping, and festival activities. Now, 20 years later, the event is still going strong and is 100% volunteer-run with no paid staff on board. “At the heart of what made this festival successful, whether it was the first or 10th or 20th year, is our volunteers and our community. A lot of festivals like ours don’t run for 20 years, and I think that’s a testament to the community,” Foulds comments. Aside from the breathtaking views of the Red Rock Marina, Foulds says that the festival has always drawn in a diverse group of artists near and far. “We want to give local and northern artists a platform to showcase what they have to offer, but also to bring in artists that may not have any other reason to play in this community and area. It’s a mix of showcasing where we live
and this homegrown sense of community and the artists are really blown away.” Rita Chiarelli, one of Canada’s most highly acclaimed female roots and blues artists, was there for Red Rock’s first festival and is set to return to headline this year. What she is excited about, as are many other festival regulars, are the Saturday workshops where different artists collaborate and provide one-of-a-kind musical performances. “One of the wonderful things about the Red Rock Folk Festival is that they were really champions of putting different artists together for their workshops. I could be playing together with someone I’ve never met before, sharing music, and I think that was one of their biggest successes,” Chiarelli says. While COVID put the event on a two-year hiatus, Chiarelli, Foulds, and everyone else who speaks of the Live from the Rock Folk Festival describes an intangible, almost magical quality that is sure to return for the 20th anniversary bash. “When you see something that was done with so much love prospering and getting bigger—well, you want something that is that great to do well. We need more folk festivals like that; everyone who is there does it with an open heart,” Chiarelli concludes. “I’m just really looking forward to coming back.” Advance weekend passes will remain on sale until July 22. Regular price tickets will be available until they sell out. For more information, visit livefromtherockfolkfestival. com.
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Forty Years and Counting Westfort Street Fair Celebrates Milestone
Story by Matt Prokopchuk, Photos courtesy of Westfort Productions
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rganizers of a popular Thunder Bay summertime street fair say this year’s event is slated to be a sort of a return to a more familiar party than they’ve been able to hold over the past couple of years, as they’re also marking the event’s 40th birthday. The Westfort Street Fair has been a staple of the summer events season in the Lakehead for a couple of generations now, and Andrew Moro, a board member with the Westfort Village Association, says this year’s celebration, which will take place along Frederica Street on August 20, will feature the whole gamut of entertainment, from live music, outdoor activities for the kids like train rides, bouncy castles, and more, to booths from neighbourhood businesses, food, and a beer garden. Over the past two years, Moro says, COVID-19 forced a much more scaled-back party. “We did do a couple of events and we still kind of went outside,” he says of more recent celebrations. “It was still pretty busy but we didn’t do the full-blown street closure and all the extra vendors that come in for the day.” This year’s event, Moro says, will be more familiar to those who have attended the fair for most of its now-40-year history. The fourthgeneration owner of J.B. Evans Fashions & Footwear (Moro’s great grandfather John Evans started the business in 1912)
has his own long history with the event: aside from attending the fair ever since he was young, Moro says his father, Jack Moro, was among those area business owners who were instrumental in organizing it in the first place, and it’s grown ever since. “I know the people of Westfort look forward to it every year,” he says. “When I was a kid I used to come with my grandmother—every year my grandmother would bring me down and we’d walk the street fair, grab some food, and I’d jump on the rides.” As for the Westfort business area itself, Moro says it continues to serve as a unique and important commercial node in the city, with a diverse roster of merchants, and, on the whole, has been able to weather the challenges of the past couple of years. “It’s a busy little neighbourhood,” he says. “I think people underestimate how busy the neighbourhood is.” And it’s that neighbourhood charm that will be on display in August—just as it has been for the past four decades— and, with it being the 40th year, Moro says they’re planning an even bigger party than usual. “It brings the neighbourhood together,” Moro says of the street fair. “It’s a fun time for everybody, it’s probably our busiest day of the year, so it’s a good day for our business, and I know all the businesses look forward to it every year.”
When: August 20 Where: Frederica Street (downtown Westfort Village)
Headliners: Southern Comfort and other local musicians, artisans, and special guests Cost: Free
What not to miss: Thunder Bay’s largest and longest running local street fair with local food, great deals and shopping,
kids rides, and entertainment for the whole family The scene: Downtown Westfort Village shuts the street traffic down and a bustling street fair comes alive for one day each year Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites, Valhalla Hotel, Victoria Inn Food: Westfort’s best eateries, plus many
other local foods from local vendors Insider tip: Be there early for the best sales and the closest parking For more information on this year’s street fair, and the Westfort business area, check out the Westfort Village Association on Facebook @WestfortVillageAssociation.
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Grand Marais Art Colony
Grand Marais Art Colony
Grand Marais Art Colony
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Grand Marais Arts Festival When: July 9–10
Where: 105 West 5th Street, Grand Marais, Minn. Headliners: 85 booths with ceramics, mixed media, jewelry, painting, wood, metal, fibre arts, and more
The Lutsong Music Festival When: July 15–17
Where: Lutsen, Minn.
Headliners: Chris Castino & Chicken Wire Empire, and the Erik Koskinen Band Cost: Full weekend advance passes: $80 (USD); day passes: $45 (USD); day-of tickets: $90 (USD); kids 12 and under: free What not to miss: Do not miss any of this great lineup, but make sure to attend the guitar and metal pouring demonstrations, Dusty Heart, Turn Turn Turn, and each night's main act at the North Shore Winery stage The scene: A family-friendly event with the whole weekend is all about music, art, and community
Cost: Free
Where to stay: Caribou Highlands Lodge (all festival ticket buyers will receive a 25% discount on lodging there)
The scene: Vibrant variety of artists from around the region
Food: A festival food menu will be available from Moguls Restaurant at Caribou Highlands, and multiple local and regional beers will be available from the Bernick's Beer tap truck
What not to miss: The charming village of Grand Marais has a lot to offer for a day trip
Food: Four food trucks: Bad Seed, The Crooked Spoon, Crosby Bakery, and The Fisherman's Daughter Insider tip: Plan on a day trip!
Insider tip: Bring an instrument and join festival-goers for the Caribou Campfire Guitar Pull to share an original song, or jam along
For more information, visit grandmaraisartcolony.org/arts-festival.
For more information, visit lutsongmusicfestival.com.
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Lighthouse Carnival When: July 16, 9 am–11 pm
Where: Porphyry Island Lighthouse (departing from Silver Islet dock) Headliners: The Scott vanTeeffelen Band
Cost: $160 with transportation, $75 without transportation What not to miss: Historic tours, film showings, great food, and excellent entertainment The scene: Learn about the lighthouse history and enjoy a walk in the forest Where to stay: Porphyry Island Guest House or the new prospector tents Food: Fish and chips, corn on the cob
Insider tip: Wear layered clothing, bring a windbreaker/rain coat, and take home awesome memories For more information, visit facebook.com/cana dianlighthousesoflakesuperior.
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Kenora Harbourfest Country on the Bay When: July 22–24
Where: Fort William Historical Park
Headliners: Johnny Reid, Terri Clark, and Brett Kissel Cost: Day pass: $89; weekend pass: $209
What not to miss: An incredible weekend of extremely talented performers and headliners and making some amazing memories The scene: A fun, bright, and exciting atmosphere with great music Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites, Valhalla Hotel, Days Inn & Suites, campsites available at Thunder City Speedway racetrack Food: TBD
Insider tip: Ensure to book at the campsite at least a week before you plan to arrive, as it could take up to a week for payment and booking to be received For more information, visit countryonthebay.ca.
When: July 29–31
Where: Kenora Harbourfront, Kenora, Ont. (entertainment at the Whitecap, all other activities around the Harbourfront, on the Greenbelt, and Bernier Drive South parking lot) Headliners: Econoline Crush, Finger Eleven, The Wild!, Darby Mills, and others Cost: Evening entertainment: $75; daytime show with Fred Penner on July 31: $20 What not to miss: Family Fest daytime activities are a must for families The scene: It's the perfect bite of ice cream, classic car shows, sandals, chirping birds, crashing waves, flashing lights, food and drink, singing, laughing, high-fives, and of course, memories Where to stay: Check out stayinkenora.com Food: Various food vendors on site from 11 am until 1 am, and many restaurants in the vicinity to choose from too Insider tip: Evening entertainment shows usually sell out, so get your tickets early For more information, visit harbourfest.ca
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Family Fest 101:
A Celebration of Chippewa Park’s Century Plus One When: July 28–August 1 Where: Chippewa Park
Headliners: Ian Tamblyn, Daylin James, The Sensational Hot Rods, Psycho Therapy, and many more Cost: Free
What not to miss: Music, theatre, fun on the beach and in the water The scene: Family Fest 101 is geared to all ages and interests—a celebration of Chippewa Park in a beautiful outdoor setting Where to stay: Out-of-town visitors are encouraged to book their stay at a local hotel, motel, or B&B in advance Food: Food and beverage vendors will be on site Insider tip: Before you head to the park, check their website for weather conditions, bring a hat (wide brim is best), add a longsleeved shirt or top and a pair of long pants, and pack lawn chairs for each member of your party For more information, visit familyfest101.ca.
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Fisherman’s Picnic When: August 4–7
Where: Downtown Grand Marais, Minn.
Headliners: Fishburgers sold by the Lions of the Grand Marais Lions Club Cost: Free
What not to miss: Sunday parade, fireworks over the harbour, fish toss, live stage music, and lots of activities for all ages The scene: Family fun
Where to stay: Motels, campgrounds, B&Bs, and Airbnbs around Cook County
Fat Guys Car Show When: August 5, 11 am–4 pm
Where: Fat Guys Auto Parts, 333 Memorial Avenue, and surrounding neighbourhood Headliners: Thunder Bay’s best vehicles/bikes Cost: Free
What not to miss: The mechanical bull ride The scene: A summer street party
Food: Local restaurants and street vendors
Food: Fox on the Run, We Knead Pizza, Union Jack’d Bustraunt, and Epic Cones
Insider tip: Accommodations go fast so make reservations ASAP
Insider tip: The city’s best make-up artists will be on site doing glitter tattoos for the kids
For more information, visit visitcookcounty.com.
For more information, visit fatguyscarshow.com.
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Trout Forest Music Festival When: August 12–14
Where: Ear Falls, Ont.
Headliners: Russell deCarle and Steve Briggs, The Good Lovelies, Fontine, Zrada, Andrew Neville and the Poor Choices, The Weber Brothers, Burnstick, and Al Simmons
Blueberry Blast When: August 12–14 Where: Nipigon
Headliners: Jim ‘n’ I, Shy-Anne Hovorka, Our Tyme, Curbside Cruisers, Brad Kukko, James Boraski Duo, Orville Councillor, and the 11/17 Band Cost: Free
What not to miss: The Land of Nipigon Berry Pickers Guide and other local guide books can be purchased at various local sites The scene: A lively, upbeat festival with great music, vendors, and food
Cost: Adult (19-64) weekend passes: $85, day passes: $45, night passes: $30; student (13-18) weekend passes: $75, day passes: $40, night passes: $30; senior weekend passes: $75, day passes: $40, night passes: $30; and children (6-12) weekend passes: $25 and day passes: $20 What not to miss: The headliners
The scene: Laid back, with three stages of music and fun in beautiful Waterfront Park in Ear Falls Where to stay: Camping on site, or motels (Trillium Motel or Hotel 105, both in high demand on that weekend) or various lodges in the area Food: Various food carts (woodfired pizza, bannock burgers, breakfast, coffee)
Food: TBD
Insider tip: If planning to attend, book accommodations early
Insider tip: Check out the instructional workshops: Learn to Play the Ukulele workshop by Kate Ferris and Fred Casey and Learn to Play the Washboard with Bobby Stahr and Doc Bailey
For more information, visit facebook.com/ NipigonBlueberryBlastFestival.
For more information, visit troutfest. com.
Where to stay: Various locations in and around Nipigon
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Keegan Richard
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Tumblestone Music Festival When: August 26 and 27 Where: Lappe, Ont.
Headliners: Stay tuned to social media for more information Cost: TBD
What not to miss: There will be so much talent you won’t want to miss a thing, as well as all sorts of surprises, and big fun throughout the entire course of the weekend
When: August 20–21
Where: Fort William Historical Park
Headliners: Drumming, dancing, and artisan demonstrations Cost: TBD
What not to miss: Bannock samples
The scene: Celebrating Indigenous culture
Where to stay: Fort William Historical Park’s campground. Serviced and non-serviced sites and RV rentals available Food: The Cantine restaurant (located on the historic site), and food samples available throughout the day Insider tip: Engage and try new things! For more information, visit fwhp.ca.
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Food: Most likely the pig roast/ potluck dinner will still be out of the question due to uncertainties in a post-pandemic climate, but organizers are looking into options and open to ideas (BYOF, communal cook area, food trucks/vendors, and others) Insider tip: Stay tuned for details about the event, and if you feel like you have a good idea or something to offer this year, reach out to organizers For more information, visit facebook.com/ TumblestoneMusicFestival.
Keegan Richard
Anishnawbe Keeshigun
Where to stay: Camping is recommended and encouraged, with tenting being free while RVs/ trailers will require a camping pass/arrangement (price based on size/space available) with limited space for large units
MNRD
The scene: A festival curated by and for artists to celebrate creativity and assembly
William Stunden
William Stunden
CoverStory
Moose n’ Fiddle Music Festival When: August 26–27
Where: Caliper Lake Provincial Park, Nestor Falls, Ont. Headliners: On Friday, three musical acts fronted by women, while on Saturday, the festival comes to a close with Low Lily and The Slocan Ramblers Cost: Adults: $85; seniors: $80; youth (13–17): $40; children 12 and under: free; Friday passes for adult: $45; Friday passes for youth: $20; Saturday passes for adult: $50; Saturday passes for youth: $25 What not to miss: The Kitchen Party, a jamming session live on stage led by Black River Drifters The scene: A little indie, a little bluegrass, a little folk, and a whole lot of fun, this cool little festival is back Where to stay: Book a campsite at Caliper Lake Provincial Park or, find the moment you seek at one of the many lodges, cabins, and resorts along nature's scenic corridor that is Highway 71 Food: Food trucks will be serving up everything from poutine to slow-cooked beef brisket and wood-fired pizzas, with Busters BBQ and The Black Oven Insider tip: Lake of the Woods Brewing Company is serving up craft beers, ciders, and coolers with all proceeds supporting the Women’s Shelter, Saakaate House in Kenora For more information, visit moosenfiddle.ca.
Radio Waves Music Festival When: September 9–11
Where: Sweetheart’s Bluff at the Grand Marais Rec Park, Grand Marais, Minn. Headliners: Sam Miltich & The Clearwater Hot Club with Briand Morrison, Rich Mattson and the Northstars, Barbara Jean and Mike Lewis, Superior Siren, Ginger Bones, Dre AKA Jamaican, The Evening Stars, Splints, and many more Cost: Weekend pass: $30; kids under 12: free (day passes available at the gate) What not to miss: Sunday morning in the park with music by the Community Swing Band The scene: Family-friendly, community-oriented festival with a focus on the music Where to stay: Camping available in the Grand Marais Recreation Area, also a number of area hotels, motels, and VRBOs Food: On-site vendors plus great restaurants within a 10-minute walk from the festival Insider tip: Bring your own chairs and a camp cooler, so you can base camp at the festival! For more information, visit wtip.org.
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Dave Zahodnik
CoverStory
Wake the Giant Music Festival When: September 17
Headliners: Our Lady Peace, DJ Steve Aoki, and Aqua
What not to miss: Make sure you check out the newer artists, because that’s where some of the best music is, and these guys are all future superstars. This also includes the very special performance from Dennis Franklin Cromarty (DFC) High School student and piano sensation Malachi Beardy, who will take the stage just before the final act of the night
Dave Zahodnik
Cost: Tiered pricing (you snooze you lose) price range: $80–$150; children 11 and under: free (general admission prices only)
Dave Zahodnik
Where: Thunder Bay waterfront
The scene: A warm, positive vibe of community and inclusivity
Insider tip: Step outside your comfort zone to make the most of your festival experience For more information, visit wakethegiant.ca.
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Dave Zahodnik
Food: A food truck frenzy with bannock tacos, a bunch of local family recipes and traditional festival faves with northern ingredients
Dave Zahodnik
Where to stay: Check out partnering hotels for exclusive Wake the Giant discounts via wakethegiant.ca
CoverStory
Festival Foods
Local Tastes Will Suit the Season
Howe Street BBQ
Dave Koski Nikos Mantis, chef and owner of Pinetree Catering Thai Kitchen's popular satay skewers
Dave Koski
festivals. Canada Day on the Waterfront, Festa Italiana, Festival of India, and other festivals are re-emerging. And food is at the heart of it all, says Paul Pepe, manager of Tourism Thunder Bay. “Thunder Bay’s culinary landscape adds considerably to our reputation as a visitor destination,” he said. “We like to encourage visitors to get out and play as hard as they want to and reward themselves with our culinary diversity. We’re very fortunate to enjoy Indigenous, North American, and global culinary influences that surprise a lot of people given that we’re a city nestled in the boreal forest.” According to Pepe, this year a number of businesses are also primed to offer popup events around the city. Notably, Goods and Co. Market, he says, is slated to offer five new onsite culinary experiences. Norteños Taqueria will be hosting pop-ups, including at On the Links sports bar and virtual golf course. Pepe adds that he anticipates Howe Street BBQ will be back for another year on the corner of Howe and Water Streets. And Thai Kitchen, with its permanent location in the downtown vicinity, has been a longtime summer festival staple. What strikes Pepe, however, is that a number of these food businesses have been establishments born out of the pandemic. To him, it’s a testament to the outpouring of support and appreciation Thunder Bay has for the people that work so hard to leave their culinary mark on the city. It’s also a sign that as summer begins, and restrictions become an afterthought, enthusiasm for the local food scene will be stronger than ever.
Adrian Lysenko
A
fter a cold, long winter and stretches of COVID-induced isolation, it’s to be expected that the summer season will inspire residents to leave their homes, partake in gatherings with loved ones, and enjoy the charm of the city. Part of that char m includes the selection of local food. Inside Pinetree Catering’s kitchen, Chef Nikos Mantis says there’s already a strong feeling that people have a desire to get out, be seen and make up for lost time with good food. “From weddings, various celebrations, and parties that have been deferred because of the pandemic, this summer is going to be extraordinarily busy in the best way possible,” he says. “We’re gearing up and we’re ready to go.” Aside from his catering commitments, Mantis, who also owns Local Motion Food Truck, is planning to make regular rotations around the city and other public and private events. From walleye tacos wrapped in a bannock shell with Thunder Oak cheese and fresh salsa, to its smash burger made with My-Pride Farm veal, Mantis says Local Motion will be well prepared to offer its flagship items that have been traditionally known and loved, with the occasional feature. “I’m really excited to be part of people’s summer celebrations, whatever that looks like,” Mantis says. “It feels like the right time to shake off some of this stress from what we’ve all dealt with the past few years.” His won’t be the only business hoping to take advantage of the season. It’s the first year since the City of Thunder Bay has brought back its summer
Keegan Richard
By Lindsay Campbell
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Food
Kofta Kebabs Makes 10 skewers
Soak 10 wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, and remove from water when you are ready to begin. Lightly oil the grates of a gas grill and preheat it to medium-high for about 20 minutes.
Fixings: pita bread to serve tahini sauce* tomato wedges onion wedges more parsley, chopped side salads as desired
1 medium yellow onion, quartered 2 garlic cloves 1 bunch parsley, stems removed (two-ish packed cups of parsley leaves)
Eat Like an Egyptian
THE G GRINNIN Y L BEL
T
*Tahini sauce: On a cutting board, mince 2 cloves of garlic with ½ tsp salt. Add salty garlic to a small food processor/smoothie cup and add in ¾ c tahini, ½ c fresh lemon juice, and up to ¼ c water (depending on desired thickness). Blend well, scrape into a serving dish and stir in 1 c chopped parsley leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
In a food processor, chop the onion, garlic, and parsley until fairly fine, but not obliterated.
1 slice of bread, toasted until browned and soaked in water until tender 1 lb ground beef ½ lb ground lamb Salt and pepper
By Chef Rachel Bayes
he word “kofta” (or “kefta”) has Persian roots, meaning “ground” or “pounded,” but generally refers to flavourful meatball or meatloaf dishes made from beef, lamb, veal, pork, or chicken—there are as many ways to prepare kofta as countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Here, with some ground beef
Have ready all the fixings before you start grilling, so you can eat as soon as the kebabs are done.
1½ tsp ground allspice
and lamb, fresh aromatics (onions, garlic, and parsley), and warm Middle Eastern spices (allspice, cardamom, sumac, and nutmeg), you can travel to Cairo without even leaving your backyard. Serve your grilled kofta on fresh pita bread, slathered with garlicky tahini sauce (recipe), and alongside fattoush or tabouli salads.
½ tsp cayenne pepper ½ tsp ground green cardamom ½ tsp ground sumac
Squeeze extra moisture from toasted and soaked bread (I realize this sounds bananas, but work with me here). Add the bread to the onion-parsley mix, along with the beef, lamb, and spices. Run the processor until everything is well combined and forms a pasty meat mixture.
½ tsp ground nutmeg ½ tsp paprika
Shane Norrie
Geoff Farnsworth
Remove the meat mixture from the food processor and place in a large bowl, or at least remove the food processor’s blade. Take a fistful of the meat mixture and mold it in the shape of a hotdog on a wooden skewer. Repeat the process until you have run out of meat— about 10 skewers. For best results, make sure each kofta kebab is about 1” thick. Place each skewer on a parchment-lined baking tray.
15TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW AT GOODS & CO.
Join us in celebrating 15 years of Chenier Fine Arts bringing Fine Art from around the Country to Thunder Bay. This
show will feature brand new original artworks from our most celebrated artists. Enjoy artwork from 20 local & national artists including Shane Norrie, Pippi Johnson, Ron Vilim & more. Opening Friday July 8 6:00 - 10pm. Free Admission - Tickets available at www.colabgallery.ca
WWW.CHENIERFINEARTS.CA
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JULY 8 - AUGUST 7
Place the kofta kebabs on the heated grill, and grill over mediumhigh heat for about 4 minutes on one side. Turn over and grill for another 3–4 minutes, until the internal temperature reads at least 160°F. Serve immediately with pita bread, tahini sauce, and the fixings and salads you prepared. Bil hana wish shifa'!
$
Raspberry Beret
$
Bight Restaurant
Story by Rebekah Skochinski, Photo by Jack Barten
W MONEY. LET US HELP YOU KEEP IT IN YOUR OWN POCKET.
hen you go to Bight you know it’s going to be great. The food is great. The servers and bartenders are great. The patio is great. Being near the big lake is great. And for the purposes of this feature, the cocktail menu is great, and also first-rate. Like the Raspberry Beret cocktail we tried recently. Listen, we love Prince and we love pretty pink drinks, but even that didn’t prepare us for how much we adored every sip of this smooth little number. Made with
Food
DRINK OF THE MONTH
the spicy and sweet notes of Jameson Irish whiskey and the 40-plus secret botanical blend of Italy’s Amaro Montenegro, which includes vanilla, orange peels and eucalyptus, there’s raspberry pureé, a vanilla pepper syrup, and some fresh lemon juice that’s mixed with egg whites. A riff on a whiskey sour, this cocktail expertly walks the line between sweet and tart—Raspberry Beret, we think you’ll love her. Bight Restaurant 2201 Sleeping Giant Parkway 622-4448
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Food R SUPERIO SIP
You Be the Judge Evaluate Cider, Enjoy Cider, Repeat!
By Jeannie Dubois, Certified Pommelier and Sommelier
F
ull-fledged summer has wholly arrived up here in our sunny city on the north side of Superior (the bugs have proven it!), and celebratory circles have blossomed up everywhere to embrace what we’ve had to set aside for the past two years. Enter the drink competition circuit, which was diminished for some time but has come back full force with new and exciting (in person!) contests for the best brewed and fermented offerings awaiting evaluation. Recently, I had the opportunity for just such an adventure—as one of three BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) Certified Cider Judges in Canada, I was afforded a spot on the judges’ bench for the Canuck Cider Cup hosted by Loch Mor Cider in Prince Edward County. As an amateur (noncommercial) cider competition,
the entries were still judged on a stringent criteria, with a lack of faults being the strongest checkmark and with rigid guidelines per category. Sounds onerous? I wish I could say it was, but with a full flight of near-faultless cider to taste throughout and the tantalizing vote for best in show (personal favourites) at the end, it was a thrilling exercise for the senses. Time for you to be your own cider judge. If a cider smells wrong, it probably is faulted. Trust your senses. If it smells right, does it meet the criteria for the style that it presents as? Lastly, is it an enjoyable and cohesive cider that speaks to the apples that made it? You’ve got this! Evaluate, enjoy, repeat! For more information on what goes wrong and right with cider, visit bjcp.org.
CRACK OPEN SUMMER
Lobster Summer is back on July 11th. Book your reservation at the Thunder Bay Keg to enjoy your favourites like our Lobster Gratinée or Whole Atlantic Lobster. 735 Hewiston St. | 807.623.1960 | thekeg.com 22
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Food
BJCP Category C1A New World Cider A New World cider is made from culinary/ table apples, with wild or crabapples often used for acidity/tannin balance. Compared to other styles in this category, these ciders are generally relatively lower in tannin and acidity. “New World” refers to the style, not location, as ciders in this style are also made in England, Australia, Germany, etc. Overall Impression A refreshing drink of some substance—not bland or watery. Sweet ciders must not be cloying. Dry ciders must not be too austere. Appearance Clear to brilliant, pale to medium gold in colour.
Aroma/Flavour Sweet or low-alcohol ciders may have apple aroma and flavour. Dry ciders will be more wine-like, with some esters. Sugar and acidity should combine to give a refreshing character. Acidity is medium to high, refreshing, but must not be harsh or biting. Mouthfeel Medium body. Some tannin should be present for slight to moderate astringency, but little bitterness. Comments An ideal cider serves well as a “session” drink, and suitably accompanies a wide variety of food. Characteristic Ingredients Common: Winesap, McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Jonathan apples.
Multi-use: Northern Spy, Russet, Baldwin, crabapples, any suitable wildings.
Enjoy a Classic Example: Duxbury Cider Co. Heritage 1650 – Meaford, Ont. - $3.95 for 473 ml – available at the Real Canadian Superstore
BJCP Category C1D New World Perry New World Perry is made from culinary/ table pears. Overall Impression Mild. Medium to medium-sweet. Still to lightly sparkling. Only very slight acetification is acceptable. Mousiness, ropy/oily characters are serious faults.
Appearance Slightly cloudy to clear. Generally, quite pale. Aroma/Flavour This is a pear character, but not obviously fruity. It tends toward that of a young white wine. No bitterness. Mouthfeel Relatively full, low to moderate tannin apparent as astringency.
Comments Some table pears may contain significant amounts of sorbitol, in which case a dry perry may give an impression of sweetness due to sorbitol in the pears. Perception of sorbitol as sweet is highly variable from one person to the next. Hence, entrants should specify sweetness according to actual residual sugar amount, and judges must be aware that they might perceive more sweetness than how the perry was entered. Characteristic Ingredients Bartlett, Kieffer, Comice, Conference pears.
BJCP Category C2B Cider With Other Fruit This is a cider with other fruits or fruitjuices added, for example, berry. This is the correct style to enter a beverage fermented from a combination of apple and pear juice. Overall Impression Like white wine with complex flavours. The apple character must marry with the added fruit so that neither one dominates the other. Appearance Clear to brilliant. Colour appropriate to added fruit, but should not show oxidation characteristics (for example, red berries should give red-to-purple colour, not orange). Aroma/Flavour The cider character must be present and must fit with the other fruits. It is a fault if the added fruit(s) completely dominate; a judge might ask, would this be different if neutral spirits replaced the cider? Oxidation is a fault. Mouthfeel Substantial. May be significantly tannic, depending on fruit added.
Enjoy a Classic Example: Niagara Cider Company Rose Gold Berry Soaked Cider – Niagara Falls, Ont. - $3.95 for 473 ml – available at the Real Canadian Superstore
Enjoy a Classic Example: Eden Grove Perfect Pear Cider – Toronto, Ont. - $3.65 for 473 ml – available at the Real Canadian Superstore
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To your
PATIO,
from Bob’s
Find your perfect gas or charcoal barbecue today.
807.345.3453 bobswoodburners.com
(807) 475-4755
J B E VA N S . CA
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Trout Niçoise Salad
Food E OFF TH U N ME
Story by Olivia Bosma, Photo by Lois Nuttall
W
hat comes to your mind when you hear the words “summer” and “food”? I think fresh, light, healthy, and local. The Foundry has developed new summer menu items that definitely fit the bill—in particular, the new trout Niçoise salad. Now, as someone who is not typically a fish lover, I thought this salad was delicious. Using locally sourced trout from Eat the Fish, head chef and creator of the dish, Adam Scarcello, accentuates the taste of the fish with arugula, beans, tomato, fried potatoes, olives, pickled red onion, a soft-boiled egg, and a rich maple mustard dressing. Basically, summer in a bowl. "The idea behind this dish was to kind of put a new twist on an old classic," says Scarcello. "I have worked with Niçoise salads before and wanted to mix it up for the new summer menu." For those who don't know, a classic Niçoise is a French salad served with tuna and a mustard vinaigrette. The Foundry has
kicked it up a notch with trout and maple mustard dressing. “Another reason for switching from the classic use of tuna in the dish was that I really wanted to stay in line with staying local and sustainable as far as the fish goes,” Scarcello says. “I always want to use local as often as I can.” Some may think of a salad as an appetizer or a light snack, but The Foundry’s trout Niçoise salad is hearty enough to be the main course. You will be full but feel light at the same time due to its organic and vitamin-rich ingredients. This will definitely be a salad you will crave all summer long. This salad will remain on the menu throughout the summer, along with some additional new summer menu items as well. You would be missing out if you didn’t head down to The Foundry this summer to check it out. The Foundry 242 Red River Road 285-3188
“I have worked with Niçoise salads before and wanted to mix it up for the new summer menu.”
Lunch, Dinner Apps & more:
(807) 623-8775 snpcatering.com @saltpeppertbay The Walleye
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3 Different Camps Kinder Gymnastics And Ninja
www.giantgymnastics.ca Giant Gymnastics is Northwestern Ontario's largest gymnastics facility offering a wide rage of programs to suit a busy family’s schedule
Summer Camp Registration is open!!!
Summer Camp isof $35.00 Open!!! Early Bird Registration till JulyRegistration 3rd Full Days Full Week $215.00 a savings Programs Offered: • Gymnastics • Tumbling • Trampoline / Foam Pit • Drop In Classes • Birthday Parties • PA Day Programs • Summer Camp • Ninja Zone • The highest Level NCCP
certified gymnastics coaches in Thunder Bay
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807-683-3730 512 Marks St S. (FWCI) (parking off Marks St.)
www.giantgymnastics.ca
July 28-31 Aug 4-7 grandmaraisplayhouse.com
Food
Novelty Café The Newest Coffee Shop in Fort William
Story by Leah Morningstar, Photos courtesy of Yvonne Hyland
A
s a teenager, Yvonne Hyland spent many years working behind the front counter at Robin’s Donuts. She left that job behind as she moved into adulthood and motherhood, but there was always a part of her that thought back favourably to that time in her life. Hyland's husband, the owner of Hyland Properties, keeps up to date on what’s available for rent in and around the city. He knew his wife wanted to open up a coffee shop at some point, so he showed her a location on Victoria Avenue. Hyland loved the location, and then suddenly everything started happening very fast. Papers were signed, keys changed hands, small renovations were completed, and brewing equipment was acquired. The doors opened to the public in early May and customers started coming in almost immediately. Hyland says once the decision was made, she actually wanted things to move quickly. She wanted the opening to coincide with the warmer weather and easing COVID restrictions. For many people, the last few years have been stressful and isolating, and it was such a long and cold winter. During the soft opening period in May and June, Hyland says she had people practically lining up outside the door. Everyone was so excited to be getting out of the house and resuming normal routines; the Novelty Café was ready for them. Presently, Hyland is focusing on keeping things simple and classic with a slight retro vibe. “I’m going to be wearing an old-school waitress uniform and offering up simple baked goods
and classic fresh brewed coffee, plus there’s tea, bagels, and amazing soft pretzels.” Hyland says she’ll eventually add more items to the menu, but for now she’s excited to concentrate on simple fare, being a safe space in the community, and getting to know what her customers like. She’s already received a lot of positive feedback about the iced coffees (with whipped topping) and the homemade daily specials. While it may seem like it all happened quickly, it’s an idea that’s been percolating in Hyland’s mind since she was a young teen. “Nothing made me happier than helping people with their coffee fixes and seeing them smile first thing in the morning!” In the future, she hopes to welcome mommy-and-me playgroups as well as parents just looking for a way to distract their young children. She has an area set up as a play corner, with fun toys for toddlers and preschoolers. She would also Yvonne Hyland, owner of the Novelty Café love to see people coming in with their laptops to work and study. In other words, Hyland envisions a cosy and comfortable space open and receptive to the neighbourhood’s wants and needs. The official grand opening will be happening at some point this summer, so watch the Novelty Café social media pages for the news! Find @noveltycafe2022 on Instagram and Novelty-Cafe on Facebook for more information. Novelty Cafe 516A Victoria Avenue East 620-8536
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Food
Tomlin Subdivision Fast-Casual Eats Paired with Lakehead Beer
Review by Susan Pretty, Photos by Jack Barten
P Pork belly
Mortadella pizza Italian sub
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Mushroom arancini
Buffalo wings
izza lovers rejoice! Tomlin Subdivision is now open and features their famous Detroit-style pizza with a variety of toppings. Tomlin Subdivision has been a labour of love for front-ofhouse manager Krista Hansen and kitchen managers Cam Prest and John Caron (who affectionately call Hansen “mom”). The three have been hard at work for eight months prior to opening, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. The restaurant adjoins the Lakehead Beer Company, the friendliest neighbours ever, and the partnership is more than ideal. The menu consists of approachable, snackable, pubstyle fare with flair, ranging from good old-fashioned wings (purchased whole and fresh and split in-house) to pork belly and arancini. The subs are packed full of meat—the Italian is a house favourite. All dipping sauces are made inhouse, and the wings could almost be just a vehicle to get at the dip. The pizza’s unique shape got its start in Motor City back when the auto era was emerging. Baked in a rectangular shaped pan, this ‘za employs the art of “frico”:
when the cheese meets the side of the pan, a crispy, browned crust forms and makes for a lacy ledge, which adds an extra-savoury crunch. Caron wants to talk about the dough, though. “It’s a fourday process,” he explains. The trio did so much testing they (almost) didn’t want to see a pizza again, but thanks to a weather tracker and humidity check, they landed on the best possible blend. “It’s like a focaccia with toppings.” And the toppings! Fried chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese and bacon. Mortadella with pistachio and arugula pesto. All told, there’s a dozen different pies to choose from. If this doesn’t sound good enough, the trio is excited to announce the opening of their patio, which will be able to seat roughly 100 happy customers. Open for take-out and dine-in (at the brewery) starting at 4 pm Wednesday–Saturday. Check them out at tomlinsubdivision.com or @tomlin.subdivision on Instagram, or drop in to 28 Cumberland Street South.
(L–R) The team behind Tomlin Subdivision: John Caron, Krista Hansen, and Cameron (Cam) Prest
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hosting an event? Add it to our online Events Guide (for free) at thewalleye.ca
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Food
Ducky’s Diner
The Community Behind Cuisine By Olivia Bosma
F
ood has the power to provide comfort in times of sadness, is used to celebrate in times of happiness, and creates communities. These powers are the motivation behind the cooking of Cory Ralke, head chef and owner of Ducky’s Diner in Nipigon. “I have been planning Ducky’s Diner since I was 10 years old,” says Ralke. “I still have the original menu I made.” After receiving his Red Seal and moving to Nipigon in 2019, Ralke followed his dream of opening his own restaurant. “During COVID I opened the first Ducky’s Diner at the Nipigon Café, but after operating for merely a year, I had to shut down,” says Ralke. “When the opportunity to reopen again at our current location came, it happened with a lot more knowledge, preparedness, and confidence. My team and I have now made a name for ourselves and created an atmosphere our guests feel warm to be in and our food really has become our art.” If you are looking for some delicious, good old-fashioned comfort food, Ducky’s Diner is the place to go. “We serve comfort food with a unique twist. Our dishes are made to share because with food comes community,” Ralke says. “I want to capture that through the dishes and atmosphere. My goal with every dish is to serve it to a guest and The Donnybrook
have them feel as though they’re home for Sunday dinner in mom’s kitchen.” For those wondering what they should get when they stop by the diner for a meal, they do have some very popular options. “Our fried chicken is definitely most notable,” he says. “We have numerous items on the menu featuring our home-cooked chicken, but the classic fried chicken sandwich has always been and continues to be our most sought-after dish.” Also available on the menu are items such as burgers, fried chicken poutine, an assortment of sandwiches, salads, and much more. They say the only way to do great work is to love what you do. Well, customers can expect great food when visiting Ducky’s Diner. “I’ve always wanted Ducky’s Diner to be known as a safe space for all, accessible for all, and somewhere everyone can convene and feel welcome,” says Ralke. “In terms of food, I want to continue to let my creativity flow, and be able to present my art to my guests day in and out. I learn every day and I make mistakes every day, but I always give 110%. It’s really neat seeing my dreams come to life right before my eyes.” For more information, visit @duckysnipigon on Facebook.
Huevos Rancheros
My Favourite Part (an ode to Mac Miller and Ariana Grande) Fried chicken poutine
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FilmTheatre
Summer Holiday Movies By Michael Sobota
THE T D MOS O C SE NURABLE S A E PL WE THING HE T IN O D DARK A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES
Roman Holiday (1953)
Director William Wyler cast an unknown Audrey Hepburn in her first feature film, guiding her to an Oscar-winning performance. In it, she plays a European princess, bored and frustrated by the restraints of royalty. One night in Rome, she escapes and, inebriated and under the influence of anxiety medication, she meets Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), a bored and frustrated journalist. He guides the princess to his hotel room to sleep it off. The next morning, realizing who he has in his room, he convinces his editor (via a phone call) and a photographer friend (Eddie Albert) that he can deliver the exclusive entertainment scoop of the year. The smart story and witty script was originally written by Dalton Trumbo, who had to be uncredited because of the Hollywood blacklist. Trumbo’s story also won that year’s Oscar, and he would eventually be granted the award posthumously. This is a classic, beautifully made, black-and-white romantic comedy, with superb performances by Hepburn and Peck.
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Joe, we can’t go running around town with a hot princess!
-Irving Radovich (Eddie Albert) to Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) in Roman Holiday
Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
Two decades ago, director David Wain assembled some of the brightest young American comedians and actors, including Molly Shannon, Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Christopher Meloni, Amy Poehler, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Rudd, and Bradley Cooper, and threw them together into a summer camp in the woods. The script, co-credited to Wain and Michael Showalter, features a wild blend of their writing and group improvisation. We are watching the final day at Camp Firewood, where relationships between camp kids and their counselors have pretty much deteriorated into anything-goes. Though there are kids in the cast, this is an adult film with a lot of R-rated humour that climaxes in that old camp tradition, the talent show. The movie, set in 1981, contains all sorts of anachronisms, and it doesn’t matter. It is indulgent, wicked fun.
T
here are hundreds of summer holiday movies. Several dozen of them are pretty terrific. Some are dramas. Some are comedies. Some are dramedies. None of them, in this collection, are CGI-drenched or have Hollywood superheroes and/or supervillains. These feature incredible stories with fine script writing and ensemble acting. Here are four of these summer holiday gems.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Written by Michael Arndt and co-directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, this is a family summer road trip saga. Dad (Greg Kinnear) and mom (Toni Colette) pack her depressed gay brother (Steve Carell) and her seven year old daughter (Abigail Breslin), teenage son (Paul Dano), and mom’s scatological, foulmouthed father (Alan Arkin) on a cross-country road trip to California. The goal is for the young daughter, Olive, to compete in the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant. Enroute, Arnot delivers an incisive look at middle America, its family values, its shortcomings, and its celebrations. This is another great ensemble acting summer showcase.
The Way Way Back (2013) Co-written and directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, here is another family summer holiday story. This one is set in an old home on the mid-Atlantic coast. The story centres on 14-year-old Duncan (Liam James) trapped in this summer retreat by his mom and her nasty, would-be boyfriend (two more fine performances from Toni Collete and Steve Carell). Nobody gives him respect or a break until he stumbles into an awkward friendship with an employee in a super-sized water park (Sam Rockwell, in a suave and engaging, energetic performance). This is a dramedy, with the relationships veering between wit and worries. Newcomer James is superb at capturing the angst of early teen youth, navigating an adult world he has little knowledge of or control over. This is a smart, serious summer comedy, highly recommended.
And here are six more summer treats to savour with a cool beverage of your choice: Breaking Away (1979), Stand By Me (1986), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), Life as a House (2001), Something’s Gotta Give (2003), and Moonrise Kingdom (2012).
FilmTheatre
The Marvelous Wonderettes
Badanai Theatre’s Summer Musical Throwback to the 50s and 60s By Taylor Onski
W
ant to fill up some summer nights with some live theatre? If so, check out Badanai Theatre’s production of The Marvelous Wonderettes. This jukebox musical follows four friends, Missy (Amanda Commisso), Suzy (Jaime Morrison), Betty Jean (Katherine Nemec), and Cindy Lou (Tegin Menei), navigating life while singing along to popular music of the 1950s and 60s. “It’s prom and their last day of high school. They’re having a wonderful time, but also dealing with ups and downs of loss of love. Then
in act two, we see them 10 years later and how they’ve grown, and face trials and tribulations with their eyes focused on good music and good times,” says director Spencer Hari. Rehearsing since early May, these four talented ladies all bring something different to the show— something Commisso says is “a strength”. Another strength these four women have is the bond they all share in and beyond the rehearsal hall. “We’re onstage the entire time. We don’t get a break. We’re singing and
acting the entire time,” says Menei. “It is draining energy wise but it’s also the easiest show I’ve done because of the strong relationships the cast has with one another. You’re working with your friends. There’s no drama, there’s no competitiveness. We all get along so well. We’re all each other’s cheerleaders.” The show features 27 songs—including classics such as “Mr. Sandman,” “You Don’t Own Me,” “Respect,” and “Son of a Preacher Man”—and everyone involved is looking forward to bringing this show
to life for summer theatre with a little bit of their own take on these classics. “The show is something different in terms of content and the amount of people you see onstage. But at the same time, it’s super familiar,” says Nemec. “It’s music of the 50s and 60s, something that people kind of go in knowing what to expect. They know the songs and that they’re going to love the music. So it gives us an opportunity to take them along on the journey through the music.”
(L–R) Amanda Commisso, Tegin Menei, Katherine Nemec, and Jaime Morrison
“We’re onstage the entire time. We don’t get a break. We’re singing and acting the entire time.” The Marvelous Wonderettes runs from July 26–28 and August 2–4 at Paramount Theatre. Purchase tickets online at badanai. eventbrite.ca or for more information, find on Facebook @badanaitheatre.
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A great night of popular songs from the past including blues & country!
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TheArts
Don’t Eat the Fish! By Penelope Smart, Curator, Thunder Bay Art Gallery Artist: Christian Chapman Title: Don’t Eat the Fish! Date: 2009 Medium: Mixed media on canvas Dimensions: 58 x 68 inches Purchased with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Assistance program, 2010 A human skull with spiral eyes floats in a lake-blue void. Fish swim this way and that, like ghosts on a fish finder. As a warning, Don’t Eat the Fish! is for real. Fort William First Nation artist Christian Chapman illustrates a cautionary story he was once told: don’t eat the fish from some of the freshwater lakes in northern Ontario. The bright, pop art colours are at odds with the seriousness of the message, scribbled like an anonymous message on a bathroom stall door. The neon palette and spun-out energy of the brushwork contrast with the popular perception of the untouched wilderness surrounding Lake Superior. In the surface and depth of this piece lives the story of the mercury contamination of the English-Wabigoon
HE FROM T BAY R E D THUN LLERY’S ART GA TION E L COL C
River system that surrounds Grassy Narrows First Nation, where a poisoned water source has caused harm to people living in the area and their livelihood for more than 40 years. The work was part of the artist’s 2009 solo exhibition at the gallery titled Don’t Eat the Fish! & Other Cautionary Tales. Chapman is a leading artist of his generation. Known for paintings and prints that riff on Andy Warhol’s pop art iconography and colour and Norval Morrisseau’s figuration, intrinsic teachings, and X-ray vision. There’s singular irony, cleverness, and sass in Chapman’s Woodland style. Love this painting? Check out brand new works by Christian Chapman on view as part of Woodland POP!, New Expressions of Woodland Style on display at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery now until September 25.
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TheArts
Enchanted Birch
Dorion Wind Farm at Night
A Natural Fit
Photographer Linda Ryma Loves the Northwest’s Landscapes and Wildlife
A AND THOUS DS R WO
Story by Bonnie Schiedel, Photos by Linda Ryma
“I
say if it’s outside, I’ll probably shoot it!” jokes Thunder Bay photographer Linda Ryma. Ryma is captivated by the beauty of Northwestern Ontario, heading out at dawn, dusk, and everywhere in between, five or six times a week when she can. She got into photography in 2011, when her husband bought a premium point-and-shoot camera and she wanted to use it to photograph her work in Swedish weaving, an intricate fibre art. “He
Photographers of Canada (PPOC). “I felt that I could get a lot of education there, and I did, because you’re constantly getting feedback from other really, really good photographers, learning how to improve what you’re doing.” She also got to know other local photographers along the way who shared their insights. Today Ryma is accredited in a number of areas of expertise from PPOC, including botanical and ornithology, and holds a masters of photographic
pictures is of a great grey owl. “It looks like it's coming right at you […] and I actually thought it was going to fly right into my Jeep [where] I was sitting across the road from him.” Now that she’s retired, her dream photography trips include an African safari or an Alaskan cruise, but the Northwest remains close to her heart. When she drives down old logging roads and back roads, she’s hoping to find wildlife. “But then suddenly, you’ll go around the curve, and there’s a lake that you didn't know existed, and it’s just a beautiful landscape.” To see more of Linda Ryma’s work, visit lindarymaphotography.com.
Linda Ryma
Anna Buske
Thunder Bay Main
said, ‘oh just set everything on auto, that’s what I do!’” she remembers. “I thought, ‘There has to be more to it than that.’” After taking an introductory course by local photographer Barry Wojciechowski, she was hooked. Ryma continued her photography education while working full time as a public accountant, learning via online courses from the New York Institute of Photography and then joining the Professional
a r t s d e s i g n a t i o n f ro m that organization for her consistently high-quality work. In both 2020 and 2021, she was a finalist for their photographic artist of the year. Abstract approaches have recently caught her attention. “It draws on your creative side,” she says. “There’s lots of different ways you can do it, and it’s just fun to experiment with doing double exposures. Intentional camera movement is probably what I do the most with abstract—that’s where you deliberately blur the scene… It’s easy to blur the scene, but it’s a lot harder to blur it and make it look nice. So to get the result that you want, you might have to try the shot 20, 30 times.” One of Ryma’s favourite
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TheArts
Richardson Terminals, 100th Anniversary Celebration
Foggy Silver Islet
Fire in the Sky
If Looks Could Kill, Great Grey Owl Festival of Colours, 2018
Broken, Because Beauty Comes in Many Forms
Tech Specs
Canon 5D Mark III Canon 70200, 24-70 and 100 macro lenses Tripod and a shutter release cable
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TheArts
Selling Pottery on the Lake
Kiefer Floreal’s Pottery Reflects the Colours and Textures of NWO Story by Ayano Hodouchi Dempsey, Photos courtesy of Kiefer Floreal
K
iefer Floreal’s pottery journey started in Seattle, where he took a ceramics 101 class with a teacher who inspired him. Although he and his family moved around a lot, Floreal grew up enjoying summers in Kenora, where his mother is from. “I spend a lot of time on the lake, with my grandfather,” he says. “And my uncle is an outdoor education teacher at Beaver Brae [Public School] so I spend a lot of time fishing with him too. It’s nice to reconnect with the outdoors after being in cities for so long.” As a young adult, he gravitated back to Northwestern Ontario, continuing with pottery as a hobby, and selling his work at various markets. He became a full-time potter in 2020. Pottery is a time-consuming form of art. All-nighters aren’t unusual to Floreal, who is now in Winnipeg for a pottery apprenticeship. While potters are few and far between in Kenora and Dryden, he has met and made friends with others in Winnipeg. “I was in a vacuum out there [in Northwestern Ontario,] and developed my own habits. But here I meet people, compare notes, get help, and ask questions,” he says. “I want to make sure I’m the best potter that I can be. I don’t want to be doing just what I know. I want to push my pots and make them more intriguing for people.” Northwestern Ontario heavily influences Floreal’s work. Shades of deep blues and greens, reminiscent of the water of the lakes where he fishes, as well as the northern lights, dominate his work. “You’ll be hard pressed to find any warm colours like reds,” he says. “And that kind of feathered, mottled texture, just reminds me of lake water.”
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Floreal employs a Japanese technique called gyotaku to print fish on his wares. Gyotaku is traditionally done by pressing washi paper onto an actual fish with ink on it, but Floreal wondered if he could do it on pottery. “I experimented with it; nailed it on my first try.” He catches the fish himself. Walleye is the most popular fish on his pottery, he says: “It means something to a lot of people.” He also works with smaller fish, or uses just the tails. “All the fish, we keep and we eat,” he says. “I’ve never been taught to be wasteful. I worked out on Migisi Sahgaigan (Eagle Lake) for two and a half years. There, I was taught to utilize as much as you can out of everything that you catch or kill.” Floreal’s goal is to return to Kenora and open a studio, not just for pottery, but for other forms of art as well. “That’s going to happen when it happens,” he says. In the meanwhile, he is at the Matiowski Farmers’ Market in Kenora every Wednesday, and hopes to come to Thunder Bay to sell his work as well. “I want to keep as much of my sales and opportunities in Northwestern Ontario as I can,” he says. “I don’t want to just get up and take my work to Winnipeg. I was supported through the pandemic; I was able to become a full-time potter. I really appreciate it.” In the end, he just wants to come back to his roots in Northwestern Ontario. “I feel like with my work, there’s a tie with the lake,” he says. “Selling pots on the lake—there’s just something about it.” To see more of Kiefer Floreal’s work, visit @kflorealpottery on Instagram.
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TheArts
Allison Huot Creating Art from Within By Olivia Bosma
E
very artist has their own styles, themes, and inspirations that are carried throughout each of their creative pieces. In Canadian artist and Thunder Bay resident Allison Huot’s case, she sees music in colour and uses this to create incredible works of art. “I have always been painting and into visual arts,” Huot says. “My parents were actually musicians, so I have always been exposed to and around musicians and artists.” After studying and obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Algoma University, Huot did not wait to follow
Ghost of You
Skeletons
Abide
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Seven Degrees
her passions, and begin working professionally as an artist. “I work in both acrylic and oil mediums. Mainly oils though,” says Huot. “I do both figurative and abstract paintings. I also kind of blend both of the disciplines.” The inspiration and style for her paintings are grounded and centred around kinesthetic memory within the body, as well as music. Huot has a condition known as synesthesia, which is a perceptual phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary experiences in a second sensory or
cognitive pathway—which is why she sees colours when she hears music. Throughout the years, Huot has made a name for herself and accomplished many impressive feats, having recently been featured in Vanity Fair UK in May. “It was a pretty cool experience actually,” says Huot. “I guess they saw my Instagram and my art, and they contacted me. It was quite an honour to be in that publication, for sure!” Huot did a three-month campaign in two issues of the publication. Along with this accomplishment, she also works with the Alessandro Berni Gallery in New York, has an art dealer who handles the selling of her pieces, and has a solo exhibition coming up in Montreal. Turning any passion
TheArts into a successful career takes drive, courage, and tenacity to reach the end goal. Huot is not unfamiliar with facing these challenges head on and will continue to do so in the future. “It takes years of gruelling hard work to get anywhere. It took me years of driving back and forth to Toronto
Allison Huot
at the drop of a hat to get me to where I am today,” says Huot, “So I hope to continue doing what I am doing now. I wake up every day doing what I love, and there are so many Canadian icon painters who are painting well into their 90s, so I guess that is my end game.”
For more information, visit allisonhuot.com or @allisonhuot on Instagram
Res Ipsa Loquitur (the thing speaks for itself) Clockwise
Spring Waters
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TheArts
Profiter de la brise/Enjoying the breeze, Carole Lapointe
A table !, Audrey Debruyne
The Francophonie in All its States New Exhibition Features 16 Local Francophone/Francophile Artists By Carol Cooper
T
here are many ways to get the creative juices flowing. And this year, the organizers of La Francophonie dans tous ses états (The Francophonie in All Its States) project came up with a unique twist. Along with artist collective members having the opportunity to showcase their most recent works
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of art, they were given a challenge: take one small wooden box and consider or be inspired by a Frenchlanguage expression, "ferme ta boîte" (“close your box”). Artists of the collective were given free rein to decorate their small wooden box accordingly. La Francophonie dans tous ses états was started
Tous prêts à rencontrer des amies / Ready to meet friends, Murielle Horsman
in 2018 by two artistic individuals from France who immigrated to Canada and reside in Thunder Bay, Céline Mundinger and Sébastien Hardy. In 2019 the project transferred to the umbrella of Le club culturel francophone de Thunder Bay and they are now excited to be presenting its sixth edition. The word "francophonie” refers to people who share a common language: French. And just as the English language has its diverse dialects and accents, cultures, heritage, and traditions, so does French. It’s this diversity that is being highlighted with this
project. The club has reached out to a number of multidisciplinary local artists from different backgrounds, with different cultural traditions and ancestral heritages, to be part of a unique artistic collective. Together, they speak an enriched diverse French, understood by all. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Le club culturel francophone de Thunder Bay is pleased to present this project thanks to the support and funding from the Ontario Arts Council. The exhibition will feature 16 local Francophone/Francophile artists and will be hosted
at Definitely Superior Art Gallery on Cumberland Street North from June 24 to July 23, with a gala reception evening on June 24 at 7 pm. As an added bonus, the organizers are pleased to have collaborated with the Conseil scolaire catholique des Aurores boréales for this project. A selection of students’ works from some of the schools will be showcased as part of the exhibition. For more information visit ccftb.ca.
TheArts
BOZ21103, Carol Cooper
Désir, Céline Mundinger
Envol -Abstrait, Carole Lapointe
Perturbant bleu, blanc, rouge, Sébastien Hardy
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Outdoor
The Thunder Bay Yacht Club Opener Racing on the Largest Freshwater Lake in the World Story and photos by Tyler Sklazeski
F
or those of us whose fates have intersected with the greatest of lakes, there is a sense of ancient power that lies just beyond the threshold where ice-sculpted rock meets the pristine waters of Lake Superior. The wild ones who choose to race across this great abyss are no stranger to the power that lies at our doorstep, as a chance wind can summon primal forces and transform a tranquil scene into a roaring frenzy of foam and towering, ocean-like conditions. It was against this backdrop that I set out on the Thunder Bay Yacht Club race committee boat with member and long time sailor Mike McDonald and his friend Carlos, who helps on
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the course. There are 21 race days in the season as part of the Wednesday Night Series, along with casual bouts happening Mondays and Fridays—if you’re looking to join in on the action, these are your best bet as the emphasis is on fun and skill development. The crews come from a variety of backgrounds, and are united by a desire to compete and connect with the unique energy and challenges that come with navigating a lake like Superior. Race days find our harbour peppered with a small army of brightly coloured spinnakers—a quick-to-deploy sail that gives many of the boats a splash of personality. Our task on the water that evening was to set up the pairs
Outdoor
(L-R) Carlos and Mike McDonald help set the course for Thunder Bay Yacht Club's Wednesday Night Series
of buoys that serve as markers at either end of the course for the regatta. I hopped on the boat and we set out past the breakwall that stands vigil against the “real weather.” We quickly encountered the roaring late spring winds and surf that is common this time of year. As we were being tossed about in the pounding surf, McDonald and Carlos were busy inflating the buoys and launching them into the water, marking the length of the course via a GPS unit. As wind cut through my coat and water sprayed up from the boat’s hull, I was surprised to realize all the while that Carlos had been wearing shorts and a T-shirt—attire that would put most native northerners on the lake to shame. Once the course had been prepared, McDonald steered us deftly alongside the now tightly packed group of boats, where crew members waved and called out to each other from the bows of their respective vessels. Several shouted out to Carlos as he mounted the rear of the boat to wave the starting flags. And with a blast of our horn, the crews leapt into gear, adjusting riggings and latching onto the powerful headwinds howling across the bay. Meanwhile,
I was attempting to disconnect my lower body’s motion from the parts that required a steady aim to capture moments from the race with my camera. Far out past the breakwall, the boats soared across the open water, syncopated as they leapt through the white froth of the lake, framed by distant salties and the Giant looming from afar. As the boats rounded the far end of the course, launching their spinnakers to quickly corner and head back, one of the vessels was caught off guard and was dramatically pulled onto its side by the pounding force of the wind. Fortunately, after some tense moments the crew recovered and rejoined the fleet to finish the race—a reminder of how quickly things can change on the big lake, and how much skill is required to recover from a bad situation. After completing the journey, I felt like the real winner, as I’d managed to hold my dinner in for two hours of rolling waves while staring through a zoom lens. Next time I’ll be sailing backbench! For more information on the race season and local sailing programs, visit the Thunder Bay Yacht Club website at tbyc.on.ca.
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CityScene
Jonathon Reid, environmental, ecological, and outdoor education specialist at the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory stands beside the Corrected Dall-Kirkham Telescope
The David Thompson Astronomical Observatory
WALL SPACE
Story and photos by Adrian Lysenko
L
ocated in Fort William Historical Park, the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory offers the public a chance to explore the cosmos using a fleet of telescopes and educational programs. This includes their public star walks: a themed night taking place once a month in the summer. “We’ll be doing a presentation about a certain space theme, whether it be science fiction or meteorites; basically anything to do with space,” says Jonathon Reid, environmental, ecological, and outdoor education specialist. “And if it’s clear,
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we’ll be viewing through the big telescope.” The observatory is named after the explorer, astronomer, and cartographer David Thompson (1770– 1857), who worked for the North West Company. “He mapped about several million square kilometres of what is now Canada,” Reid says. “Because of his contribution to astronomy, to the fur trade, and because we portray the company he worked for here, it made sense that when we opened an observatory to name it after him.”
CityScene
Historical items The observatory has a collection of authentic astronomy instruments like those used by David Thompson in the 1700s and items that illustrate the importance of Indgenious astronomy. “We also talk about traditional—in this area—Anishinaabe views of the sky,” Reid says. “So we have one of my colleagues John Walmark, he does programs here with us and he talks about their constellations and the stories that they have surrounding the night sky.”
Hydrogen Alpha Solar Telescopes The solar telescopes allow people to see the sun up close. “You can safely look at it because the filter blocks out all the harmful light,” Reid says. “You can see filaments on the sun, you can see sun spots, solar flares, all sorts of stuff like that. It’s very, very cool.”
The Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) Telescope The CDK telescope is the largest telescope that is publicly accessible in central Canada. With the researchgrade telescope, people can view celestial bodies, including galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and planets. Meteorite collection “Most of them are from different deposit sites around the world from impacts,” Reid says. “We also have moon rocks here—not actually from the moon, but because the moon was once part of earth, so we have rocks that are identical to those on the moon.”
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CityScene
The Sugar Thief A Love Story to Nancy Mauro’s Hometown By Tiffany Jarva
T
he forthcoming novel The Sugar Thief by Nancy Mauro is inspired by Thunder Bay’s popular persian, and loosely based on the lore of a local Italian immigrant family and their closely guarded grip on the pastry’s secret recipe. “I’ve been working on it for a long time, over a decade,” says Mauro, who grew up in Thunder Bay and is the daughter of an immigrant baker. “It’s a bit of a love story to my hometown.” Mauro explains that in the beginning the book—which would become her second novel—was more of an autobiographical exploration of family. “It was going to be about how three young immigrants had to hustle and be scrappy going into the business of running a bakery,” Mauro says. She was trying to capture the spirit of her industrious father Ralph Mauro and his cousins, Vince Mauro and Mario Nucci, who bought Bennett’s Bakery from a widowed Julia Bennett in the 1960s. Before passing away, Art Bennett was the baker who created a cinnamon bun-like pastry with pink icing, and it is believed that he named it the “Pershing” for war hero General John J. Pershing. “Along the way, somehow the name—maybe because it was difficult to pronounce—was changed to persian,” explains Mauro. In the novel, Mauro fictionalizes the contents of the secret recipe. “Recreating and learning the chemistry to come up with a recipe was one of my favourite parts of writing the book. It was a lot of fun.” Initially, Mauro spent many hours delving into research. Her hope was to focus on unravelling the mystery of the persian, while documenting the stories of her immigrant family
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from southern Italy’s Calabria region. However, Mauro says the extensive research started to hamper her writing progress, so she shifted gears. “I decided to focus on the generation after the first immigrants arrived,” she says. She set her new novel in the present day and the 1980s. She also shifted to fiction, using satire to weave in the tale of Sabine, a social media star who has a YouTube baking channel that attracts millions. Sabine is gunning for her own Netflix show, and executives want to see her return to her hometown Thunder Bay to document the 40th anniversary celebrations of her family’s local bakery. “Sabine returns home for superficial reasons, yet while home she starts to piece together the secret of her father,” explains Mauro. It’s a novel about coming home, and a commentary on the pitfalls of chasing social media celebrity. In the novel, Sabine learns that her father had to escape his home country, like how Sabine felt like she had to escape Thunder Bay. In somewhat of a parallel way, Mauro left Thunder Bay when she was 19. As an adult she has lived in Toronto, Vancouver, and now resides in Brooklyn, New York. Mauro tries to visit Thunder Bay at least once a year to see family. “I think in many of us there’s a longing for a place to call home.” In addition to the Italian Canadian bakeries and the persian, local readers will recognize familiar references to the Sleeping Giant, Lake Superior, and past places like Ziegler’s Furniture. The Sugar Thief is set for release on July 19.
Advertising Feature
Celebrating 95 Years in 2022
Bill Martin’s Nurseryland Celebrates 95 Years in Thunder Bay, Miles Away from Its Coal-fuelled Past by Graham Strong Bill Martin’s started with a coal shovel, not a garden shovel as you might expect. In 1927, Bill Martin Sr. founded the Martin Coal Company on Algoma Street with a wagon, two Bill Martin Senior (right) standing next to horses, King coal truck with employee in the early 1940s. and Queen, and a load of coal. It was a steady living, making home deliveries through the coal chutes up and down the hill. By the 1940s, the company officially became a family business with daughter Lena and then son Bill Jr. joining. Eventually coal gave way to oil, prompting a name change to Bill Martin Fuels and Enterprises. The family had a thriving business – until natural gas started to dominate the home heating market. Luckily, Bill Sr. had an ace in the hole. Heating fuel was his business, but gardening was always his passion – he won many awards for his roses. So it was probably inevitable that Bill Sr. started landscaping services to keep busy through the summers, beautifying many Port Arthur businesses and institutions including St. Joseph’s Hospital. When Bill Sr. passed away, Bill Jr. took the company further in that direction. He built two greenhouses and a garden centre, sold off the fuel business, and officially renamed the company Bill Martin’s Nurseryland in 1975.
The third generation was already onboard by then. Bill Jr.’s children Cathy and Billie began working for the company during the transition. Billie enlisted his two brothers, Michael and Paul, who helped Billie launch one of the first paving stone services for driveways and gardens in Thunder Bay. Meanwhile Cathy was busy expanding the garden centre, bringing in climate-appropriate plants and flowers, and joining a buyers’ group for other garden-related supplies. They launched Thunder Bay’s first garden centre Christmasland in 1980. In 2000, Bill Martin’s Nurseryland marked another first in Thunder Bay, opening a unique gift shop featuring Canadianmade products not found elsewhere in the city and quality gifts from Europe. Today, the shop features more and more local artisans including potters, jewellery makers, knitters, candle makers, and even a local jigsaw puzzle company. These personal touches make Bill Martin’s such a special gift and garden destination in the city. So what’s around the corner for this Thunder Bay landmark as it celebrates its 95th anniversary? Billie and Cathy, like their father and grandfather before them, are always ready for that next big opportunity. We’ll just have to wait and see what they bring us next!
Garden Centre exterior from the late 1980s which housed a floral shop where the gift store is now.
265 S. Court St. | billmartinsnurseryland.com
The Walleye
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CityScene
Must Have Sweets Just Like Grandma Used to Make
AL GO LOC R E D N U H T TRY N U BAY CO ET MARK
Rebecca Leduc, owner of Must Have Sweets
Story by Olivia Bosma, photos by Aravinth Sundararaj
D
esserts are comforting and they bring little bits of joy to our everyday lives. One thing everyone can appreciate is the individuals who spend their days baking and creating these delicious treats for all to enjoy. Rebecca Leduc is one of these amazing individuals who is bringing her tasty homemade desserts to the people of Thunder Bay with her new business Must Have Sweets. “I have always loved baking. My grandmother was a big cook and baker,” says Leduc. “So, I kind of followed in her footsteps.”
After moving to Thunder Bay from southern Ontario nine years ago, Leduc had to put her passion for baking on hold to run the No Frills in Northwood with her husband. “I have been so busy with the store the last several years that I haven’t had the time for much else,” Leduc says. “I used to make cakes back home, and I finally decided that I wanted to get back into doing what I love to do, which is baking.” Leduc’s booth at the Thunder Bay Country Market had its grand opening on June 8, and market customers are able
to purchase her delicious homemade treats every Wednesday and Saturday. “I have always loved shopping at the Country Market and when I decided to start up my business, I was looking at options and I just felt that the market was a really great idea, so I applied just after Christmas.” she says. At her booth, customers will be able to find a wide assortment of delicious cupcakes, bars, truffles, and cookies, all homemade with love and care. “Along with everything I am baking right now, I am also trying to develop new
recipes,” Leduc says. “I am currently getting into allergy baking. I have a delicious keto recipe and I hope to expand into gluten-free eventually.” For those who cannot make it to her booth on Wednesday or Saturday, Leduc also accepts home orders for pick-up. In a day and age where baking is becoming a lost art, it is a blessing that we can rely on the passion and talents of others to provide us with the warmth and taste of grandma’s kitchen. Just like Rebecca Leduc is doing at the Country Market.
“Along with everything I am baking right now, I am also trying to develop new recipes.”
For more information, find Must Have Sweets on Facebook or upstairs at the Thunder Bay Country Market.
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CityScene
BIS CANNAER CORN
Big Ol’ Bags of Green A Look at Ounces By Justin Allec
A
s much as cannabis legalization was introduced to curb the black market, I find it pretty amusing that the old methods of weighing cannabis are still standard. It’s a bizarre mix of metric and imperial measurements that don’t make a lot of sense unless you look to the past. The gram may be the smallest quantity of dried flower you can buy, but the legacy of the ounce still dictates all your available, pre-packaged quantities. Why isn’t there a two-gram size available? Why does it then expand up to seven grams? As someone raised
on the metric system who describes their body weight in pounds, what the heck is an ounce? To explain, an ounce is equal to about 28 grams— 28.3495 grams to be specific, though rounded down for the sake of convenience. Those smaller quantities available for purchase—3.5 grams and 7 grams—represent what used to be called an eighth and a quarter, standard sizes on the black market. Twenty eight grams is two grams less than you’re legally permitted to purchase at one time. It also sounds like a big bag of cannabis. because it is. However, I have a feeling
it’ll become the ideal size for consumers looking to balance between quality and quantity. Despite inflation affecting everything on earth, we’ve steadily seen the price for the dried flower go lower and lower. As of this month, there’s more than a handful of tasty strains that are available for less than $5 a gram. That magic ratio is appealing to both producers and consumers, and perhaps the best evidence that legal cannabis can beat the black market. Thanks to better packaging and the use of hydration packs, dried buds are also staying fresher for
radiant .
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much longer, which helps justify having a big bag on your shelf. Take a look at the three strains we’ve profiled below. Bake Sale: All Purpose Flower Indica (THC 14.00– 17.00%, CBD 0.00–1.00%, $99.96/28g) This strain by Hexo most closely matches the cheap ounces that first graced the Ontario Cannabis Store’s shelves. While this indica does veer closer to “quantity” than “quality” in profile, it’s a great generic blend that gives you just enough of everything. Taste and experience are moderate, but this is a great strain to share during summer festivities. Back Forty: Mandarin Cookies (THC 21.00–27.00%, CBD 0.00%, $139.95/28 g) A newer company, Back Forty is a Kolab Project brand
that’s coming up with some interesting hybrids. Mandarin Cookies is a sativa-dominant strain that mixes the classic Cookies with Mandarin Sunset to produce an intense lemon flavour with hints of sweetness. High potency and great flavour mean that a big bag might not last as long as you expected. Spinach: Wedding Cake (THC 21.00–31.00%, CBD 0.00–1.00%, $5.18/g, $145/28 g) I’ve become a big fan of Spinach’s strains, and their Wedding Cake has become something of a local favourite. A cornucopia of terpenes means you get densely frosted buds that sweetly combine fruit, earth, and spice into a delicious mouthful. As a hybrid strain, effects vary, but there’s lots to recommend with this strain.
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The Walleye
53
CityScene
Leith Dunick at a Tears for Fears concert in Charlotte, North Carolina
With Leith Dunick
EYE EYE TO
As told to Matt Prokopchuk, Photo courtesy of Leith Dunick
L
eith Dunick has been a fixture in Thunder Bay’s journalism scene for roughly two decades. He was born in Edmonton but grew up in Halifax, and came to the Lakehead in 2002, where he’s been ever since (with the exception of a one-yearlong stop back east in 2006). Dunick has held numerous editorial and publishing positions with Dougall Media, now serving as the company’s director of news. We spoke with him about his love of road tripping, stories that he’s covered that stand out to him, and what’s on his music playlist these days. The Walleye: I know we’re speaking while you’re on the road. Tell me about your trip. Leith Dunick: I go to the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee usually every year, although
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COVID has interrupted that. But right now [in mid-June] I’m in Charlotte, North Carolina visiting friends of mine, which is kind of an annual stop on my way to the music festival, and I’ve got my girlfriend’s 19-yearold with me. We have gone and seen a couple of ball games along the way in Kansas City and St. Louis, and we’re going to a Tears for Fears concert Monday night here in Charlotte, and then off to the music festival. TW: Road-tripping is something you do a fair bit, right? LD: Yeah. I’m going to be back [in Thunder Bay] for three days and I’m heading off to Grand Rapids, Michigan to see Willie Nelson in concert and a couple of ball games there. And then we’re going to
California later this summer, and then I’m going to a music festival in Kentucky in September. I love being on the road—there’s something about flying but there’s really something about driving to get to a place. You can stop along the way and all of a sudden you spot things that you wouldn’t spot from 35,000 feet up and it’s like ‘Hey, I want to do that.’ We went to NASA, for example, in Texas about 12 years ago. We just happened to see it on the map, and it was like ‘I wonder if they offer tours?’ And that was one of the most fun parts of that trip. MP: During your time in the news business in Thunder Bay, which story or stories stick out to you as memorable? LD: The story that first popped into my mind was
the Snowbird crash in 2005 [when Captain Andrew Mackay was forced to eject from his plane while flying over the Thunder Bay area en route to an airshow]. We were right out there within 10 minutes of the plane going down and while we didn’t actually get to see the plane, we kept getting information on the ground. This was not pre-internet days, but precellphone days, and we were left to our own devices to try and figure things out. We found the canopy of the Snowbird plane on somebody’s lawn. That story made national news obviously, and luckily the pilot survived. So that kind of stands out as something that was pretty big for me to cover. On the sports side of things, I’ve had the chance to interview Bobby Orr a few times. The first time we interviewed him was out at the Tournament Centre, so I did my interview with him in
the dressing room and was finished up. My roommate at the time was a television reporter and he set up to do his interview, so I went over to see what he had to say to see if there was anything more that I could add to my story and just to watch him. I was a bit in awe—it was the first time meeting Bobby Orr, who is the best defenceman in NHL history. Bobby sees me, gets this big grin on his face, and takes his stick and sort of jabs the blade into my side. So my claim to fame is, I guess, being speared by Bobby Orr. He was just laughing at it, but then the other part of that story is that my roommate forgot to plug his microphone in. MP: What are you bingewatching right now? LD: Of all things, Downton Abbey. I’m a big movie guy—I usually go to a movie a week and I’ve watched both the feature films, but I’ve never seen the show. So it’s like I want to see how they got to this point, so I’ve been bingewatching that. MP: What’s on your music playlist these days? LD: Always Jason Isbell. He’s kind of a country-folk artist, he used to be in the band Drive-By Truckers. To me, he’s the best singersongwriter out there. He’s also on the bill with Willie Nelson, which is one of the reasons I wanted to go to Grand Rapids so quickly after coming back. MP: Is there somebody you look up to, or consider a personal hero? LD: I’m going to give a shout-out here to Barry Third. He’s helped me immensely over the years. Even though I wasn’t a direct report to him, I went to him quite a bit for advice and for mentorship and he was fantastic throughout the 19 years or so that I worked with him. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Joline & Devin Members since 2018
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rapportcu.ca The Walleye 55 2022-06-08 3:58 PM
CityScene
School of Indigenous Learning
Nurturing Youth Through Holistic Healing By Sara Sadeghi Aval
F
ollowing in his father’s footsteps, Jeordi Pierre and family members founded the School of Indigenous Learning (SOIL). Pierre’s father Xavier Michon was a trailblazer in creating friendship centres in Thunder Bay and stayed committed to healing his community. Now, Pierre is living the dream of creating a safe space for youth, adults, and children to learn and connect with their ancestors and traditional teachings. The school is one of the first of its kind in Northwestern Ontario. Pierre’s connection with Indigenous youth has made them a priority of the school. “We want to give them back their identity because our youth are lost. And because of this, they turn to drugs and alcohol and get further from our culture,” explains Pierre. The school opened four years ago and saw 200 people in the first two months. They were forced to close due to COVID but still managed to help over 1000 individuals by December. Along with hosting and facilitating its programming, the school collaborates with Indigenous-focussed groups such as Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre and Community Living Thunder Bay to spread awareness and provide accessibility. A collective of individuals— including Pierre’s partner Dorothy Rody, and Pierre’s mother, Dr. Marlene Pierre, the group’s honourary elder— overlooks the school and its programming. Each teacher brings their unique skills and knowledge to share with the group. Together they provide resources, tools, and spiritual guidance, all in the name
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of self-healing, which Pierre maintains is the only way to move forward. The school offers a variety of courses such as language lessons, pow wow protocols, Medicine Wheel teachings, history of Indigenous peoples, moccasin making, and traditional crafts used in ceremony and practical applications. “The sky is the limit out here; if you want something, we can make it happen,” he reflects on providing the groups with what they need to connect and heal, from cooking beaver tail for the first time to working on self-esteem and traditional teachings. Pierre’s favourite workshop to teach is the grandfather teachings, which he believes begins the foundation for reconnecting with Indigenous culture. “We connect with the land out here. And we are not government funded in any way or matter,” he says, proud of the clientele they have built through grassroots efforts. Pierre shares that the school has not reached out to the public for advertising and credits its success to the “moccasin telegraph” and word of mouth. “We’ve had people of all ethnicities come through here, and we believe the people will end up here when they need to,” he says, encouraging anyone in need of support and healing to participate. “We won’t be here forever, but we are building this and passing it onto the youth,” says Pierre. The school is located at 79 Little Pigeon Bay Road in Neebing. For more info, visit indlearning.ca.
Put the sizzle back into Summer The season of sizzling grills, crackling campfires and waves crashing ashore is here! Get ready for summer by getting your hearing checked at Superior Hearing, Thunder Bay’s only locally-owned hearing clinic.
Make an appointment today with your local hearing professionals: 807.346.0101
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superiorhearing.ca The Walleye
57
JULY 15 | 16 | 17 2022 A Weekend of Music, Art & Community
Overlooking Lake Superior and just up Ski Hill Road from Lutsen, Minnesota, comes the first annual Lutsong Music Festival! The Caribou Highlands great lawn and The North Shore Winery will host artisans, musicians, and music lovers all weekend with two stages, a vendor village, food, drink, and fun!
Chris Castino & Chicken Wire Empire • Erik Koskinen Band Turn Turn Turn • Sarah Morris • Dusty Heart • Fire Good Mary Bue • Black River Revue • Gordon Thorne Bump Blomberg • Teague Alexy • Greg Mueller Presented by:
Tickets available at:
lutsongmusicfestival.com
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CityScene
Born to Run
Jordan Macintosh Finds Success in Steeplechase Story by Caroline Cox, Photo by Eric Shelby
I
t’s been a banner year for runner Jordan Macintosh. Originally from Thunder Bay, Macintosh is currently ranked third among Canadian men in the steeplechwase. It’s an impressive feat, particularly considering that this is a new event for Macintosh— he began competing in steeplechase this spring and has only raced the event twice. For the uninitiated, the steeplechase is a 3-km track race that includes hurdles and a water pit in each of the race’s seven laps. These literal hurdles create additional challenges for distance runners. “I did my first ever steeplechase about a month ago and I ran a time that
would have put me in the top 30 in the NCAA [the American National Collegiate Athletic Association],” says Macintosh, who modestly calls the result “cool.” “Then on Friday [June 10] I ran my second ever steeplechase and I ended up running the same time as before, but I fell in the first water pit. I picked myself up and slowly worked my way back up to the front of the race and ended up winning my race.” A master’s student at Portland State University, Macintosh also distinguished himself during cross country season in the fall. A highlight was a team effort at the NCAA West regional that improved Portland State’s best-ever men’s team result
from 16th place to 8th. Macintosh has held sports scholarships during his master’s at Portland State and his undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota. “Running definitely opened some gates,” Macintosh says. “Getting a running scholarship, I had my pick of almost any school in the nation, which was an amazing experience—to have every option and just be able to pick one. To get a degree in architecture and a master’s in urban studies and come out debt-free has been amazing. It’s been huge in terms of my education and financially.” Macintosh credits his coaches at Hammarskjold
High School (Joe McDonough) and Lakehead Running (Sharon Komar and Kip Sigsworth) with helping him discover his love for the sport. Up next for Macintosh at press time was the Canadian World Championship Trials on June 24 in Langley B.C., where he hoped to qualify for Team Canada by running the Canadian standard time of 8:22 and finishing in the top three. Macintosh also looks forward to the second year of his master’s at Portland State, where he will continue to run cross country and track while writing his thesis on walkable and bikeable cities—an interest inspired partially by running.
“Getting a running scholarship, I had my pick of almost any school in the nation.”
The Walleye
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CityScene 8
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1 Recycled Flat Brim Snapback
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Stuff We Like For Festivals
By Kelsey Raynard
4
F
estival (n.): an event ordinarily celebrated by a community and centering on some characteristic aspect of that community and its culture. Whether it is food, music, art, or religion bringing us together, festivals have been an important part of the human experience since time immemorial. Of the many traditions we have missed sorely over the past three years, festivals are high on the list. So, with a happy heart, a tank full of gas, and a pocket full of stuff, here is Stuff We Like for festivals.
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2 Sunglasses Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. 712 Macdonell Street We may not be willing to admit it, but half the fun of packing for a festival is planning out our festival outfits (#coachella #styleinspo). Make a statement and shade your eyes with these sunglasses from Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. With “Drink Local” printed on one arm, these stylish shades share a message we can get behind.
$7.99
3 Natural Sun Care Creme for Families
Ritual Skin Co. 8 Court Street South As we mentioned earlier, sunburns can be a real bummer at any festival. Keep the whole family protected with Natural Sun Care Creme for Families from Ritual Skin Co. Made with organic shea butter and green tea extract, this sunscreen is both chemicalfree and water-proof.
$23
4 Hand Sanitizer Tim’s Whole Health 160 Waterloo Street South COVID taught us many things; two lessons we will not forget soon are the importance of hand sanitizer and the misplaced confidence we used to place in public restrooms. Keep your hands clean in every public space with Ultra Clean Hand Sanitizer Spray from Tim’s Whole Health. With aloe vera, vitamin E, tea tree oil, and witch hazel, this hand sanitizer has a light and airy smell in a sleek and portable spray bottle.
$4.99
5 3
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5 Backpack Cooler Lake of the Woods Brewing Company lowbrewco.com Lounging by the lake with your favourite artist on stage and a cold beverage in hand—we could cry just thinking about it! Ensure all your drinks are as cool as can be with a stylish backpack cooler from Lake of the Woods Brewing Company. With a padded back panel and comfortable straps for carrying, this handy cooler may just be your new favourite travel accessory (Blueberry Ales not included).
$65
6 Dragonfly Ultralight Backpacking Tent Fresh Air 710 Balmoral Street After a long day of festival celebrations, you need a cosy home base to return to. Meet your new home-away-from-home: the NEMO Dragonfly Ultralight Backpacking Tent from Fresh Air. With an ideal balance of weight and livability in a freestanding tent, this piece of equipment has more than enough room for you and the stuff *you* like for festivals.
$699.99
7 RCTB Wide Mouth Aluminum Water Bottle
Rainbow Collective Thunder Bay rainbowcollectiveofthunderbay. com Keep your body hydrated and your pride elevated with this wide mouth aluminum water bottle by Rainbow Collective Thunder Bay. Maybe you spent all day dancing in the sun to your favourite rock band. Maybe you spent all night drinking with your new festival friends (no judgment here). No matter how you spend your time at festivals, keep this refillable water bottle handy— complete with a carabiner for ultra convenience.
$12
8 ENO DoubleNest Hammock
Gear Up for Outdoors 894 Alloy Place You’re sure to be the envy of the entire festival crowd when you set up your new ENO DoubleNest Hammock from Gear up for Outdoors. While festivals are usually chock-full of excitement and entertainment, don’t forget that they can also be an excellent opportunity to lie back and relax. Soft, breathable, and fast-drying, this hammock is a must for your next getaway.
$89.99
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CityScene
This is Thunder Bay Interviews and photos by Olivia Bosma This month we asked The Walleye readers: What are your summer road trip plans?
Kristen: I am going to be driving to Calgary this summer to visit my fiance’s family and also going wedding dress shopping and venue hunting. I am very excited! It will be a fun trip!
Blair: I am planning a road trip up to the Yukon. I am going to visit family that I haven’t seen in a very long time. So, I will spend a week or two up there.
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Jacqueline: My road trip is going to be to Ottawa. I have family and friends there that I have really been wanting to go and visit, so I am finally going to go this summer.
Ryland: A friend of mine is getting married in London this summer, and I am a groomsman. So, I am making a trip out of it and will be driving there. Afterwards, I may drive around southern Ontario just to check it out.
James: I am going to drive up to Algonquin Provincial Park to do some camping with some buddies of mine. It’s a long drive, but to a beautiful area that I have never been to, so I am looking forward to it.
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CityScene
D SECONES C N A H C
Breaking Necks with Wildcat Vintage By Kelsey Raynard
D
on’t turn heads— break necks! This is the motto that Jennifer Miller, the owner of Wildcat Vintage, uses to describe her edgy, 90s-inspired thrifting. While many of the thrifters we have interviewed curate a softer, more feminine aesthetic, Miller rocks (emphasis on the rocks) pleather jackets, fringe bags, band tees, and quirky home decor. Since 2019, she has been sharing her own personal style @ wildcatvintagetbay and is excited to bring her Wayne’s World-inspired collection to the homes and closets of Thunder Bay. Miller’s pursuit of thrifting and vintage goods was born from both a growing personal
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collection and a deep respect for the past. “W ildcat Vintage was born three years ago out of my love for the trends and fashion of days gone by that aren’t around anymore. I think it’s important to preserve the past—to keep what once was still present.” However, it is clear from looking at Miller’s bright and eccentric Instagram page that to her, old is anything but boring. “I wanted to showcase vintage with an edge. That’s where my slogan came from: ‘Don’t turn heads—break necks,’” she says. “I want people to do a hard double take every time they see something from my shop. I want people to reconsider the idea that
second-hand means second place.” Not only does Miller’s wild style set her thrifting business apart, but her seamless incorporation of women’s wear, men’s wear, and home decor make Wildcat Vintage feel both genderless and limitless. “My love for men’s clothing is almost stronger than my love for women’s. The men’s section has never let me down for a size; there is no shrinkage; and often, it’s not ten times as expensive!” she explains.“Clothes don’t have a gender, so I say if you like it, then rock it! Why the hell not?” Miller has compiled an offbeat and original collection of fashion and
home decor that is sure to have you breaking necks this summer. Up top we have three bold graphic tops: an acid wash Bob Dylan tee (size large for $25), a cheeky billiards tank top (size small for $20), and a classic Dirty Harry T-shirt (size medium for $25). You can finish off the look with a vintage purple velvet handbag ($10) or a stunning suede fringe jacket (size medium for $40). As promised, Wildcat Vintage is here to brighten up every aspect of your life. Freshen up your home with some of Miller’s funky housewares that bring both nostalgia and nuance. On the right we have a pair of vintage Thunder Bay placemats ($10); you may not want to eat on them, but these are sure to bring some good conversation at your next dinner party. You can score a truly memorable collector’s piece with a set
of 13 vintage Thunder Bay postcards (all 13 for $10). Cheers your new thrifted purchases and sip in style with a classic pike mug ($5) or a vintage CN Tower stein ($10), and give all your houseguests a good laugh with a vintage dog sign for only $5. Lastly, on the left we have a curious vintage pill box ($5) and a fierce panther lamp ($25). The thrifters we feature spend a great deal of time, effort, and love curating these awesome collections. You can support Miller by liking, following, and checking out @wildcatvintagetbay on Instagram. “Message me and interact with me online. I love sharing customer photos! Be sure to use the hashtag #wildcatvintagetbay to be featured,” she says. Finally, keep your eye out for an exciting vintage event happening this August!
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CityScene
(L–R) Dennis Poulin, Andrew Kondor, and Archie Gribben of the Lakehead Aeromodellers Club
The Lakehead Aeromodellers Club
Eric Kondor
THE SIASTS H T EN U
By Wendy Wright
N
ot far from the Thunder Bay Airport on Highway 61, there is another group of planes taking off into the skies. These ones are a bit smaller, and the members of the Lakehead Aeromodellers Club are at the controls. Some of the members of this dynamic club are commercial pilots; however you don’t need to be certified to fly the big ones to fly here. A variety of aviation enthusiasts are present at any given flying session and the club is always open to new members. There is training available and practice planes for those interested in trying things out before making a purchase of their own. Basic models start in the low hundreds and run into the thousands.
At present, there are around 40 members flying at the field they have leased for nearly 40 years on Highway 61, across from Little Norway Road. “The club, over and above the outdoor venue, also pursues indoor flying activities in the winter months, through the auspices of both the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board and Lakehead District School Board,” says Andrew Kondor, vice-president of the club. “These flying activities are geared to small, electrictype aircraft, helicopters, and drones.” Much care has been taken over the years to make things comfortable and accommodating for all, including accessibility for wheelchair users on the flying field. During the
outdoor season, the group meets at this location and are open to newcomers, whether for training, guidance, or watching the airshow. Every Tuesday and Thursday from May to September, hands-on flight training takes place. Club events are also held at various times throughout the year that welcome the public to take part and find out what the hobby is all about. A wide variety of flying machines participate in flights, from helicopters to replica WWII fighter jets that sometimes put on mock battles. Some of these craft can also be outfitted with skis for winter and pontoons for water fun. July 23 is the date to save for the annual AIRFEST. This is an opportunity to come out and see all the great
planes and meet the group members, who can answer questions regarding the flying machines themselves and the way they operate. The club will be at the field from 10 am to 4 pm, putting on airshows and welcoming everyone to take a journey with them. Bring a lawn chair and sit back to enjoy the show. “Come and try flying, instructors are available,” Kondor says. “We are here to encourage all ages and abilities to join us.” Rules and regulations are of, course, part of the experience, though—they are safety oriented, as these flyers are regulated by Transport Canada. This group is enthusiastic and en route to becoming a Thunder Bay favourite.
“We are here to encourage all ages and abilities to join us.”
For more information, please visit their website lakeheadrc.ca or Facebook page @lakeheadaeromodellers.
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Music
Playing with Caution Bringing the Bands Back to Thunder Bay
Story by Amy Sellors, Photos by Jack Barten
M
Elliott BROOD playing at The Foundry on June 15
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usic promoter Frank Loffredo is well known for bringing bands to Thunder Bay. For decades, he has delivered the concerts that have got us up on our feet—and then, COVID came and messed it all up. Now, as we start opening the doors on concert venues again, Loffredo is poised to deliver “the right artist in the right venue with the right people.” In smaller venues there’s more of a focus on the people, and it’s the people who deliver a memorable night out. On June 15, Loffredo presented Elliott BROOD on The Foundry stage— his first concert since the pandemic. Elliott BROOD is a band he loves and has a relationship with. When he heard they were on the road, he reached out and very quickly, Thunder Bay was added as one of their dates. The audience was left blown away. “I want to thank Dane at The Foundry,” says Loffredo. “A concert is not just about the band; it's also the venue and the staff. There’s no better feeling than the venue, the staff, and the customers all digging the event.” This concert is the start of something, but Loffredo is holding his cards close to his chest with regards to what comes next. “People think it’s back to normal, but it’s not. There’s not a lot of bus tours. Much of the infrastructure for bus tours folded during the pandemic. You will see localized tours, but not national tours, not for a while,” he says. “The scene needs to be rebuilt. They said it would be like the roaring 20s like after the last pandemic, but
right now it’s not even purring.” There are different COVID protocols between provinces, and at the Canada/U.S. border. With all of this in mind, Loffredo is adopting a “watch and wait” approach, where he’s cautiously optimistic. Loffredo’s concerts are a passion project that connect his love of music, his love of people, and his love of the energy in the room. “If people want live music back, you need to go see it! Just go! Some of the coolest clubs, people just walk right past. Some of the best experiences you can have in life are at street level,” he says. “You get something different in a larger concert hall. It’s more personal, more intimate in smaller venues. There’s more connection between the band and the music.” Thunder Bay’s proximity to the United States and position in the centre of Canada has made it a hot spot for new and established bands to play. Loffredo’s passion for live music hasn’t wavered. He wants to rebuild the live concert scene. “I want to explore every venue that wants to work with me,” he says. “And I want to do things on my own terms.” He’s talking to the venues and he’s talking to the artists. He wants to put big names in intimate settings, and there are more concerts coming up. Even if the concerts haven’t been announced yet, know that there is definitely something brewing. Follow @crockstbay on Facebook and Instagram to see what Frank Loffredo concerts are coming next.
WTIP North Shore Community Radio
Join us for the 15th Annual Radio Waves Music Festival ! 1 September 9 - 1 ec Park Grand Marais R
New name, same great people.
22 Musical Acts
Onsite Camping & Food Vendors Weekend passes available pre-sale Kids 12 & under are free!
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Music
Star Nation
Thunder BayBorn Artist Aims for the Stars By Sara Sadeghi Aval
A
fter 30 years of music, more than a dozen releases, and many road trips, Marc Meriläinen, a.k.a. Nadjiwan, has released his newest LP, Star Nation. Meriläinen began playing music at 20 and was born in Thunder Bay, where he lived until 1998. “ P re - S p o t i f y d a y s , Toronto was the centre of the universe for music,” explains the artist on moving south. Meriläinen never forgets his Northwestern Ontario origins, however, and he is adamant that “my roots made me who I am today.” Exploring his Indigenous and Finnish heritage through music has allowed him to continue storytelling and carry on his initial interest in poetry. “Storytelling and music are synonymous with the Indigenous culture, and I think I’m carrying out those traditions [contemporarily],” he shares. “I first started getting into music during the Oka crisis in Quebec, and I had many feelings in writing it down,” he reflects. The conflict over land between the Mohawk people and the town of Oka lasted over two months and was heavily publicized. It also inspired Meriläinen to create his alter-ego Nadjiwan. His most recent project, Star Nation, was recorded in Hamilton and debuted last May. It is a collection of 10 narratives about the star people and their
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teachings, including one original. Meriläinen shares his experience recording part of the album with his sons over the summers in a cabin off Dog Lake and how it was “a great time to connect as a family and explore musically.” Star Nation is a full-length LP
that “stretched my music and creative muscles,” says Meriläinen. A mix of rock and roll and ambience, Star Nation exudes a stellar atmosphere and the ultimate trip through the stars made for that last-minute summer trip. His newest single, “Land of Skoden,” was released
in April of this year and celebrated Indigenous language and inclusivity. Visit headingnorthmusic. com for more info.
Marc Meriläinen, a.k.a. Nadjiwan
“My roots made me who I am today.”
Aug. 5-7, 2022 - Red Rock, Ont.
Live Music & Entertainment | Community Led Workshops Artisan Market | Food Vendors | Onsite Camping Saturday Night Anniversary After Party
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Music
Being a Musician During the Pandemic Story by Gord Ellis, Photo by Kay Lee
P
laying live music has been an important part of my life for many years. Like many musicians, I started playing in bands in high school, and that continued into my late 20s. Marriage and family led to a push on the pause button for nearly 15 years, although I did sit in for the occasional gig or special occasion. Then, as our boys entered their teens and started living their lives, the call of music became strong. Soon I was back in bands again, strapping on a guitar and playing live music. In the winter of 2020, I was busier than ever, playing in two bands and working with the singer of one of the groups as a duo. It was very satisfying to have so much music happening and to be able to play for people who were keen to listen. Then came the pandemic. By mid-March of 2020, every gig that had been booked was cancelled. Every musician I knew was in the same boat. Major acts were cancelling world tours. For all intents and purposes, playing live music was off the books. So, what to do? It was a little depressing facing a winter and spring without gigs. There would be no band rehearsals, and no jamming with brilliant musicians who were also long-time friends. The initial lockdown had us all at home, but something amazing happened. Musicians (both professional and amateur)
G BURNINE H T TO SKY
took to social media. I’m not sure who I saw first singing a tune with an acoustic guitar on Facebook, but I do remember it was comforting. It also led me to think about doing the same. I’m no stranger to social media: I post regularly and have for years. However, I’d never, ever posted a video of myself singing solo with guitar. It had never crossed my mind. Music was played live, usually with a band. I only sang and played solo at home or at the lodge. By chance, a month before the pandemic began, I’d bought my very first 12-string guitar. This was done on a whim with no thought of how or when it would be used. That 1980s Takamine 12-string became my security blanket and friend, and when I finally worked up the guts to point the iPhone my way and do a song that’s what I played. I realize now that the “Sunroom Sessions,” as I dubbed them, provided a chance to keep playing music for people while
staying at home. As it turned out, many folks enjoyed them and found comfort in the songs. As for myself, playing acoustic music and singing alone allowed me to push way out of my comfort zone. Learning new songs by artists I loved but always felt too intimidated to sing became the focus. So I tackled Blue Rodeo, the Beatles, Cat Stevens and even Bread. It was a great experience and improved my confidence as a singer and player. In the summer of 2020, my Gypsy Moon bandmate Ashleigh Winchester and I were able to play one live gig as a duo, at Nipigon’s Blueberry Blast. Although it was outdoors, we had to play with a large piece of polyethylene draped across the front of the stage as a COVID precaution. That seemed odd as we were outside, and the closest audience member was 50 feet away. Our heads peeked above it, but just barely. Yet it was exhilarating to play live with another musician again, and it went well. But there
were no more gigs booked after that. The second wave rolled in, and live music was taken under again. As the pandemic dragged into 2021, playing live music did not seem to be coming back. No artists were touring, wedding bands didn’t have weddings to play, and many venues that traditionally had music went under or changed their business model. By the summer of 2021, it didn’t seem like it was ever coming back. Then, the good folks who organized the BrewHa! Craft Beer Festival in Thunder Bay contacted Rock Steady about performing outdoors in September. A week later, my bandmates– most of whom I’d not seen in two years–were back in our rehearsal space and we were jamming. The gig was great, and many people said it was great to hear live music again. Things seem to be returning to some kind of normal again, but I’ll never take playing a live gig for granted again.
(L–R) Members of Rock Steady Tyler Raynard, Clay Breiland, and Gord Ellis play at the BrewHa! Craft Beer Festival in 2021
“Playing acoustic music and singing alone allowed me to push way out of my comfort zone.”
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Music
Orchestrated Chaos
B.A. Johnson, Pedestrian Lifestyle, and Cartwrights Live at BPP Review and photos by Jack Barten
I Cartwrights
Pedestrian Lifestyle B.A. Johnson
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t was around 10 pm when I arrived at Black Pirates Pub. The opening band, Cartwrights, were already setting up on stage and tuning their instruments before the show. As I walked to the bar I noticed members of the second band, Pedestrian Lifestyle, huddled around a small merch booth in the corner socializing with someone who appeared to be an ex-ship captain. This, as I later found out, was Hamilton-based musician B.A. Johnson. Cartwrights went on first, and played a very relaxed yet engaging set. The band sounded put-together and wellpractised. The guitars were bright and crisp, the bass was very present in the mix, and the drums supported both perfectly. The lead singer summarized the band’s Canadian indie-rock style as “a school dance but with depressing songs.” Next came Pedestrian Lifestyle with a sonically sculpted sound full of dissonant vocals, chimey guitar solos, and bombastic drums. The band built on the energy of the evening, and created a wall of sound that made the set very cohesive. Then there was B.A. Johnson himself. While setting up, he frantically ran around the room with scattered determination. He then emerged from the back of the audience
with sparklers in his hands and slowly approached the stage. The mood was set. While onstage, Johnson pulled out a Hamilton flag from his tattered Canadian Olympic children's jacket and called Thunder Bay “the second greatest city in the world.” After beginning his set by cheerfully mocking the audience, Johnson started playing his punk/folk songs with his signature ironic humour. His beatenup acoustic guitar and rough- around-the-edges voice supported each other marvellously well, as he delivered lines about deep fryers, aliens, and education. Johnson would frequently jump off the stage and back on again in the middle of singing songs. At one point he chased me down, singing “give me some treats, give me some treats,” and the audience loved it. Everyone present at the show was engaged in what he was delivering, be it lyricism, comedy, chaos, or a combination of all three. Johnson commanded the room with music and words for the rest of the night. Overall, B.A. Johnson, Pedestrian Lifestyle, and Cartwrights all built up the positive energy of the show with different genres of music and stage presence. Together, they created a fun and memorable evening in “the second greatest city in the world.”
“The band built on the energy of the evening, and created a wall of sound that made the set very cohesive.”
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Naomi Harris, Untitled #14 (detail), 2018, Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario
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Music
Summer in the Parking Lot New Concert Series at the Da Vinci Centre Story by Olivia Bosma, Photo by Jack Barten
W
hen you hear the word parking lot, does a concert come to mind? It probably doesn’t… but now it will. Beginning June 2 at 6:30 pm and continuing every Thursday throughout the summer, the Da Vinci Centre will present their new Summer in the Parking Lot concert series. “The meeting of the minds behind this idea was Tony Biscardi and his crew from the Boreal Ultimate Music Society (BUMS), as well as Dominic Falcetta, who is president of Societa
Italiana di Benevolenza Principe di Piemonte,” says Michelle Carter, controller at the Da Vinci Centre. “After two years of the pandemic, we really wanted to bring people to the Da Vinci Centre to have some fun. Given that we have a large parking lot, they thought that it would be great to turn it into a concert venue.” This is the first season of what is hoped to be an annual concert series. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and just sit back and relax. “We have a whole bunch of
different bands playing every week for 11 weeks. It is a $5 admission or donation to attend, with children 12 and under for free,” says Carter. “The name of the charity that the admission donation is going to will be announced each Thursday. Our patio will also be open for those who want some drinks or food while they are listening to the incredible musicians.” For the beginning of July, concertgoers can expect to hear from performers such as Kross Kid, TC & The Natural Actors, The Roosters, and many more. There will surely
be something for everyone each week. “We really hope that this concert series gives people something to look forward to every week,” Carter says. “Our slogan is ‘rain or shine.’” Of course, nobody wants to sit in the rain, so in the case that the weather does take a turn for the worse, the concert will simply move inside. Why not make Thursday nights special this summer and head over to the Da Vinci Centre?
Tony Biscardi of the Boreal Ultimate Music Society
“We really hope that this concert series gives people something to look forward to every week.”
For more information, go to @davincicentretbay on Facebook.
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Do It FORE Your Health Get screened for cancer Did you know that the average time it takes to play one hole of golf is 20 minutes? That is the same amount of time it takes to get screened for cancer. This summer take time to book a cancer screening appointment. To learn more about your cancer screening options in Northwestern Ontario, visit tbrhsc.net/cancerscreening.’
For more information about cancer screening, scan the QR code or visit:
www.tbrhsc.net/cancerscreening
Screen for Life Coach Northwest
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Music
Zac Coombs performing as Neil Diamond
The Sweet Caroline Tour A Tribute to Neil Diamond By Kris Ketonen
“S
weet Caroline,” “ C h e r r y C h e r r y, ” “Red Red Wine,” and “Forever in Blue Jeans”— Zac Coombs will be running through Neil Diamond’s best-loved tunes when he takes the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium stage this month. Coombs portrays the beloved singer in Sweet Caroline: A Tribute to Neil Diamond. And while Coombs has been performing on stage for years, he admits he came to be a fan of Diamond a bit later than may be expected. “I used to work on cruise ships all around the world,” Coombs says in a recent phone interview
from Australia. “People who come onto the ship are always requesting songs that they want to hear, so I accumulated a huge amount of material. A lot of that material ended up being Neil Diamond songs, because it kept on getting requested,” he says. “That was when my interest really piqued.” Coombs would then successfully audition for the Sweet Caroline production in December 2020. “In terms of getting into that character, obviously it’s his voice that needs to be the strongest element,” he says. “I spent hours upon hours […] imitating his voice,
listening to him singing songs—both live and the original recordings—to get an idea of how he can approach singing songs.” “He’s one of those unique performers,” Coombs adds. “He never sings the same song twice, he sings it a different way each time.” Coombs says the show, which has toured in New Zealand and Australia, has been very well-received thus far. In addition to the musical element, Coom bs says the show is also a storytelling experience, which is in line with how Diamond himself performs. “Neil likes to talk
about his songs,” he says. “We captured that element of his performance.” As to why Diamond’s music has endured for so long, Coombs says he believes the message of the music is a big part of it. “I think it’s the simplicity of the message of these songs,” he says. “They’re often about love and about relationships, and just about having a good time. And with the past couple of years we’ve had, I think everybody’s keen on having a good time, and that’s what we’re looking forward to bringing to Thunder Bay.”
“In terms of getting into that character, obviously it’s his voice that needs to be the strongest element.”
The Sweet Caroline Tour comes to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on July 19. For more information, visit tbca.com.
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Music
Night Terrors
Railgun Ready New Music Video Story by Kris Ketonen, Photos courtesy of Curtis Jensen
T
hunder Bay metalcore band Railgun is bringing something extra to the launch of their new album. The band will soon be debuting a new video for the single “Night Terrors,” conceptualized and directed by Thunder Bay filmmaker Curtis Jensen. “They’re sort of like the dream client as far as musicians go, where they’re like, ‘Here’s the song, you do what you want with it,’” Jensen says. “I pitched them on doing a horror movie musical, and they were like ‘Yeah, go with that.’” The video is influenced by horror films from the 1960s and 70s, such as those released by Hammer Film Productions, Jensen says, and was shot at locations in and around Thunder Bay, including the Red Rock Inn. “A band came across an old horror film from the 60s,” Jensen says. “It’s all kind of degraded, decomposing, and they kind of spliced that in with their music video. The band stuff is modern, but then the horror movie component is very retro.” Railgun guitarist Ray Milton says the band was impressed by Jensen’s dedication to the project. “We may
have given some very, very small suggestions here and there, but by and large, this is his idea,” Milton says. “We thought it worked with the song.” Milton says the band plans to release the video online later this summer. The hope, he says, is that it’s a hit, but the band isn’t overly concerned with that. “We’re doing it because we want to do it, and we love to do it,” he says. “We take it as seriously as we can, but we don’t release something and go, ‘Okay, if we don’t get 100,000 listens on this thing, we’re a failure.’” “We’ve definitely upped the production value on the video, for sure,” he adds. “Structurally, it’s one of our stronger songs. I think it’s going to be, to some degree, a little bit more palatable for people.” Beyond that, Railgun—which also includes Mike Henderson, Zack Kangas-Sainsbury, and Jake Pechiwa—is preparing to head to southern Ontario and Quebec for a tour, which is expected to begin in September. For more information, visit railgunmusic.com.
“I pitched them on doing a horror movie musical, and they were like ‘Yeah, go with that.”
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Music
MusiCounts Band Aid Program Local School Among the Chosen Recipients
Students from Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School on stage with July Talk at the 2019 Wake the Giant music festival
Story by Olivia Bosma, Photo by Darren McChristie
T
he benefits of music to a young person’s development is widely known. Learning and listening to music exposes a child’s mind to challenges and multisensory experiences that not only provide a positive outlet, but also enhance and encourage learning and cognitive development. Unfortunately, with most schools focusing mainly on math and science, the arts are put on a back burner and left with very little, if any, funding. Since its creation 25 years ago as Canada’s music education charity, MusiCounts has made it their mission to bring music education back to schools by providing the
necessary funding. This year, a local Thunder Bay school is among those chosen to receive funding by MusiCounts’ Band Aid Program, which provides under-resourced schools with grants of up to for musical instruments, equipment, and resources. Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School will be receiving close to $15,000 to put toward their music program. “It’s just really awesome,” says Sean Spenrath, First Nation student success program coordinator at Dennis Franklin Cromarty. “This grant is another way for kids coming from up north to connect back with their communities. Part of the grant is going towards building a radio station, so
we are able to broadcast in northern communities.” Along with the funding to build a radio station, students will be receiving brand new instruments and music resources. “Our goal is to ensure that all kids have access to music education through their school or community,” s a y s K r i s t y F l e t c h e r, president of MusiCounts. “We aim to make music education accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for young people. In the last 25 years, MusiCounts has allocated over 15 million dollars’ worth of musical instruments to schools and programs across Canada.” All schools across Canada are able to apply for the Band Aid Program
annually. If a school is not chosen one year, MusiCounts encourages t h e m t o re a p p l y t h e f o l l o w i n g y e a r. “ T h i s program makes a big difference,” Fletcher says. “It can be transformative for schools. Music and music education are so beneficial and important for our children. It really is so valuable and yet so undervalued.” “This grant has provided a lot of different and new opportunities, not only to improve our music program, but also our school programming as well,” Spenrath says. “We are really looking forward to continue building what we have already started.”
“Our goal is to ensure that all kids have access to music education through their school or community.”
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OfftheWall
Formentera
Metric
Metric’s eighth studio album, Formentera, opens with “Doomscroller,” an ambitious, 10-minute meditation on the selfdestructive act of compulsively scrolling through bad news. It’s a bold choice for an opener, as the track’s indulgent run time feels out of place among the hooky, earworm choruses that populate the album. However, this excessive length also allows Metric to introduce listeners to Formentera’s apocalyptic hopefulness within a single track. “What Feels Like Eternity” and “Formentera” navigate this balancing act between light and dark with such beauty and precision that the tracks felt virtually inseparable. The former sees Emily Haines frantically rambling on about the monotony of eternity while post-punk guitars fade in and out, resisting the urge to rest on one idea for too long. Meanwhile, the spacious, breathy synths on “Formentera” feel like a deep exhale, reminding us to stop scrolling and “give [our] soul some peace.” -Melanie Larson
Reviews
A Light for Attracting Attention
Lifestyles of the Young and Aimless
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers
Throughout their careers, the members of Radiohead have taken breaks from the band to pursue different side projects— most notably, lead guitarist and keyboardist Jonny Greenwood’s film scores, and singer Thom Yorke’s solo projects. Consisting of Greenwood, Yorke, and Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner, The Smile is another one of these projects. A Light for Attracting Attention doesn’t stray too far from Radiohead's signature sound—the album is also produced by the band’s longtime producer Nigel Godrich—but this isn’t a bad thing. The album’s best songs, “The Smoke” and “Skirting On The Surface,” sound like an evolution of Radiohead’s canon, while other tracks feel like B-sides or outtakes from previous efforts. But once again, this isn’t a bad thing. It’s been six years since Radiohead’s last album, and to hear music that Greenwood and Yorke have been making during COVID lockdowns is a treat in itself.
Recorded using only two microphones and a laptop, Ryan McCulloch’s sophomore album, Lifestyles of the Young and Aimless, proudly displays influences ranging from early English rock and roll to modern hip hop anthems. Listeners will be able to hear how McCulloch effortlessly plays around with genre on tracks like “Hedy Lamarr,” “Dianne,” and “The Walk/The Jam.” Over 17 tracks, the album rarely shows its humble beginnings, a testament to its production quality. The occasional muddy mix comes off more charming than jarring. McCulloch is able to cover a wide scope of themes including identity, youth, stagnation, anxiety, fake activism, and hope in a way that feels hyper-organic and unique. Broad and quirky influences as well as thoughtful lyricism makes this record not only one you should listen to because it’s local; but one you should listen to because of its diversity and timeless quality.
-Adrian Lysenko
-Jack Barten
It has been five years since Kendrick Lamar dropped his most commercially successful album, DAMN. and reached a rarefied air of hip hop superstardom in the process. His narrative up to that point had been prophetic and palatable enough for us to anoint him to the throne. With Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, Lamar attempts to distance himself from that weighty expectation. He comes face-to-face with his personal trauma and its implications. It’s clear he wants to engage in the culture that anointed him, but he sees society in all its ugliness and finds it difficult to put trust in the next man. It’s a profound position— especially considering many of his contemporaries have released music that serves more as a distraction rather than a reflection of the times. Whether deeply personal or overtly theatrical, Lamar’s art reveals the most honest and brutal look at society. Mr. Morale is a disturbed and dark piece of work. Should Lamar return to the “valley of silence” for the rest of his days, this will remind us that although nobody ever did it like Kendrick, he is just one man.
The Smile
Ryan McCulloch
Kendrick Lamar
-Michael Charlebois
For more information call 623-2353 82
The Walleye
Colder Streams
Voodoo Nation
On July 22 of this year, everyone will have full access to The Sadies’ 11th album Colder Streams, and to say its arrival is bittersweet is an understatement. Founding member Dallas Good died unexpectedly in February and despite that incredible loss, the band trudged onward, finished his last recordings, and released an amazing piece of work from beginning to end. Many hands make the load light, and this holds most true in hard times with guests like Jon Spencer and Richard Reed Parry stepping in, as well as, wonderfully, Dallas Good’s parents—mother Margaret with backing vocals on the track “So Far for So Few,” and father Bruce playing autoharp on “All the Good.” I have a hard time believing that anyone would take issue with saying that this is the best album The Sadies have made and the battle between that and the sadness that it is Good’s last adds a raw emotional quality that enriches the experience overall.
With power chords, crunchy guitar solos, and harmonic choruses, the music of Supersonic Blues Machine leans towards classic rock. But the California-based trio of Fabrizio Grossi (bass), Kenny Aronoff (drums), and Kris Barras (guitar and vocals) calls on an A-list of guest blues guitarists to bolster Voodoo Nation, their third studio album, attesting to some serious genre crossover. King Solomon Hicks’s six strings send the stand-together anthem “You and Me” soaring, while the tale of temptation“8 Ball Lucy” reaps the swampy atmospherics of Sonny Landreth’s slide guitar. The title track addresses societal discontent. Then, Joe Louis Walker’s spot-on fret work underwrites the ballad “Is It All.” Sweetened by vocals from Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr, as well as harmonica and piano, “All Our Love” closes an album full of strong musicianship, songwriting, and production credentials.
The Sadies
-Jamie Varga
Supersonic Blues Machine
Stuff You Should Know
Josh Clark and Charles W. “Chuck” Bryant Ever wonder about how moss works, what happens to abandoned mines, or why some people just can’t stop staring? Well, Stuff You Should Know tackles random topics that you may be curious about and puts them all in one place. It’s clear that Clark and Bryant have done their homework and both bring a tonne of education and varied perspectives to the table, and the podcast is strangely relaxing to listen to. One of the aspects I love the most about it is you don’t have to wait another week for the next episode, as there’s a new one released almost every day! Although there are quite a few ads in the mix, Stuff You Should Know is engagingly funny and sparks a sense of wonder that is much needed for all of us. -Andrea Lysenko
The Mariposa Folk Festival: A History Michael Hill
Toronto Star columnist Michael Hill takes on the history and significance of the Mariposa Folk Festival. Beginning in Orillia in 1961, Mariposa has, from its earliest days, been a showcase for Canadian talent, as well as a draw for the cream of international acts. Hill has effectively captured the ebbs and flows of the festival, which has been a mirror of Canadian popular culture. While the book details the backstage antics of star performers over the years such as Pete Seeger, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan, the heart of the book deals with the struggles to keep the festival going over the years. Moving venues a number of times over its 60-year history, Mariposa has kept reinventing itself—sometimes a trendsetter, sometimes out of step with the times, but always adhering to its mandate to promote and preserve folk traditions through song, story, dance, and craft. -Lori Kauzlarick
-Ken Wright
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Adrian Lysenko
Architecture
By Jennifer Bonazzo
W
h e n y o u c ro s s over the Black Bay Bridge on Arundel Street, it’s very likely you wouldn’t expect the innovation of the design underneath the roadway, or the storied history that celebrates it. In 1908, the bursting of the Paquette Dam sent a cascade of water down the Current River, sweeping away the two bridges that crossed it. Once the damages had been assessed, it became apparent that something more substantial was required to replace them. The project was taken on by city engineer Joachim Antonisen, who was tasked with designing the new bridge in 1910. It was apparent from the outset Antonisen had a vision for this project, writing “this bridge is in harmony with the beauty and grandeur of the landscape.” When he left the city the following year, his designs were handed over to fellow engineer L.M. Jones, who
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drew the construction plans, and in the summer of 1911 work on the bridge started, continuing into the next year. Local contractors Seaman and Penniman, who had previously worked on Court Street’s Ruttan Block, were hired for the project with an $18,000 budget. When the bridge finally opened in August 1912 to great acclaim, it was clear that Antonisen achieved his goal. Rising 33 feet from the bed of the Current River, there are several things that make the Black Bay Bridge so innovative and unique. One is that the bridge is constructed entirely out of reinforced concrete, unheard of at the time, or in any other community. Another is the structure itself: a single span open deck, which when it was built was North America’s first single spandrel reinforced concrete bridge, advertised as the longest cement span in the world. Lateral stability was ensured with the use of transverse struts placed between the ribs. Yet this
Advisory Committee placed the Black Bay Bridge on the heritage registry, recognizing its importance to the city for the uniqueness of its design. Although it was first conceived 110 years ago, this bridge still honours the landscape around it just as we should still honour its innovation. Next time you find yourself on Arundel Street, take a moment to walk through Seaman Park
and view the bridge for yourself. Jennifer Bonazzo is a member of the Heritage Advisory Committee, which advises city council on the conservation of heritage buildings, sites, and resources, and their integration into development. For more information on the city’s heritage resources, visit thunderbay.ca.
Adrian Lysenko
Black Bay Bridge
functionality doesn’t detract from its inspiring design, with its arching 130-foot parabolic curve, arch ribs and columns spaced every 10 feet, and open spandrels complementing it. In 1963, the bridge underwent a renovation but only to widen it, with the original design of reinforced concrete being used once more. In 1989, the City of Thunder Bay’s Heritage
Courtesy of the Thunder Bay Museum
Courtesy of the Thunder Bay Museum
Courtesy of the Thunder Bay Museum
Courtesy of the Thunder Bay Museum
Courtesy of the Thunder Bay Museum
Adrian Lysenko
Architecture
A postcard of Black Bay Bridge seen from the Bluffs
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Architecture
Architecture and Community Identity
F
or a long time, tourism has been an essential part of the world economy and one of the most widely developed industries, with a substantial contribution to the prosperity of a region. As a result of the recent global pandemic, during which international travel came to a halt, we were encouraged to hit pause and rethink how we experience the world. This, paired with the current movement towards environmental consciousness, led to the growth in popularity of domestic, eco-friendly escapes as a more sustainable alternative, and a way to reduce our carbon footprint. The built environment is a critical contributor to the allure of a destination. Even though memorable wonders such as the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt and the Colosseum in Rome have always constituted an important force of attraction, the role of contemporary architecture as a promoter of tourism has shifted to building communities that
are as appealing as they are sustainable, that emphasize a sense of belonging, balance progress with respect for ecology, and focus on the relationship between a place, local people, and visitors. In the last decade, Thunder Bay has been making a conscious effort to take advantage of its privileged location on Lake Superior and its broad range of local talent in an attempt to attract travellers and appeal to the population. An example of this is the redevelopment of Prince Arthur's Landing, by Brook McIlroy, which served to transform an industrial area of Thunder Bay’s waterfront into a place of community gathering, while reconnecting the downtown core to the shores of Lake Superior. The development is filled with projects emphasizing the city's rich Indigenous heritage, like the Spirit Garden and the Honouring Circle, and incorporates public spaces for entertainment, recreational activities, and art exhibits that celebrate the deep cultural and historic
Chad Kirvan
By Julia Manfredi, NWOSA Affiliate Member
Nipigon’s Bridgeview Lookout Tower
legacy of the region. Since its opening, it has become a popular spot in Thunder Bay for locals and visitors alike, and has had an enormous impact on the city's tourism industry, as well as on the quality of life of its residents. An authentic connection to culture adds value to a destination and elevates the livability of a city. The revitalization of the downtown core, with its myriad of cafes, restaurants, and inviting storefronts, has brought an influx of visitors to the area. Goods & Co. Market, a recently opened marketplace in the former Eaton's building that showcases local makers,
is a notable example of how contemporary architecture can help redefine vacant or neglected urban sites into spaces that highlight the characteristics and individuality of a town, build community, and promote the growth of tourism. Improving the aesthetic value of a place and emphasizing connection with nature positively influences tourism demand. Nipigon’s Bridgeview Lookout Tower, completed as a phase one implementation of a waterfront development master plan by FormStudio A rc h i t e c t s , i n t e g r a t e s timber frames together with
galvanized steel evocative of the industrial history of the region, and was assembled in a form inspired by the dramatic structure of the cable-stayed bridge over the Nipigon River. The lookout tower encourages tourists travelling along the TransCanada Highway to pull over, visit the town and take in the stunning views of the Nipigon River Bridge, the waterfront, and the river valley. The challenge of good architecture is not only to understand the importance of respecting a city's heritage, but also how to add to this unique legacy, producing buildings and spaces that
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David Whittaker
Architecture
Celebration Circle
has left most of us feeling isolated. As an antidote to this isolation, we are gaining a new appreciation for the spaces that bring us together through shared experiences and realize a strengthened level of community. The ultimate objective is to create cities that people want to live and work in, that stimulate migration and become destinations that travelers want to visit. To this end, tourism and architecture work in a symbiotic manner to the benefit of each other, but perhaps most importantly, to the ensuing benefit of the people they serve.
Keegan Richard
are exciting and dynamic, that can adapt to changing demands, and shape community life. In keeping with this trend of creating flexible urban landscapes, and constructing a more inviting, livable city, Thunder Bay has recently presented plans for reimagining the north core. The development proposes, among other things, the reduction in number of street lanes to concentrate on walkability and support uses like festivals and patios, and focuses on the utilization of green infrastructure to further promote sustainability. The post-pandemic world
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JulyEventsGuide Due to ongoing and changing pandemic-related restrictions, we recommend checking for updates with each venue.
July 1, 8 pm
July 1
Test your Canadian knowledge, eh, in this team trivia night. Call the Red Lion to book your table.
Canada Day Marina Park
The City of Thunder Bay invites you to the new and improved Canada Day festivities with a focus on Indigenous inclusion. See this month’s Top Five for more info.
thunderbay.ca
July 1
Canada Day Concert and Car Show
Country Cafe, 1725 Highway 61 Come out for a day of music, cars, food, fireworks, and good cheer, raising money for RFDA and Camp Quality and celebrating the grand opening of Country Cafe. Featuring performances from The Sensational Hot Rods, The Hoolies, and more.
@CountryCafeHwy61
July 1, 10 am–5 pm
Canada Day Celebrations Fort William Historical Park
Celebrate Canada Day at the Fort!
fwhp.ca
July 1, 1 pm
Canada Day Persian Eating Contest
Red Lion Smokehouse
EVENTS GUIDE KEY General Art Food Sports Music July 2, noon–2 pm
Oh, Canada Trivia Night
Red Lion Smokehouse
redlionsmokehouse.ca
July 1, 9:30 pm
Back Forty The Foundry
The Foundry presents this Canada Day dance party to celebrate all night long. Country attire is recommended. This is a 19+ event.
thefoundrypub.com
July 1, 10 pm
14th Annual Canada Day Bash
Black Pirates Pub Grab a matey for this night of dancing featuring Seth Anderson, and tributes to The Tragically Hip and Rush. This is a 19+ event.
blackpiratespub.com
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 6 pm
Jazz & Old Fashioned Fridays
Dragon of Sand & Storm: The Autobiography of a Goddess Launch
Chapters Thunder Bay Join author H. Leighton Dickson for the launch of her novel Dragon of Sand & Storm: The Autobiography of a Goddess.
@ChaptersThunderBay
July 2, 7 pm
Back to the Thunder Reunion NV Nightclub
Come out for a fun night of music, including Garrison, Parallel 49, and Tommy Horricks.
nvmusichall.com
July 2, 10 pm
Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Come out for spectacular scenery, smooth jazz, and incredibly crafted cocktails and food at the Anchor & Ore in The Delta for Jazz and Old Fashioned Fridays with Mood Indigo!
@AnchorAndOre
Come out for an open jam at the legion! This is a free, all-ages event.
portarthurlegion.ca
July 4, 11, 18, & 25, 6:30 pm
Waverley Park Concert Series
Put your love of persians to the test in this 10-minute race to finish 10 persians. Contact Red Lion Smokehouse by email to register.
Waverley Park
Mellow out in the park with live music every Monday night in July brought to you by the
redlionsmokehouse.ca
Grand Marais, Minn.
Russell Peters: Act Your Age Tour
Fort William Gardens Comedian and Canadian icon Russell Peters is bringing his comedy act to town. Laugh along as he discusses family, immigration, and love. Tickets are available online. This is an all-ages show.
625-2929
Babies and Brews
Grab a drink and mingle with new parents (and make some play dates) at the Red Lion. Nursing stations available for your little ones.
redlionsmokehouse.ca
July 7, 14, 21, & 28, 6:30 pm
Summer in the Parking Lot Da Vinci Centre
Enjoy live music every Thursday night presented by the Boreal Music Society and the Da Vinci Centre. Bring a lawn chair and jam out, rain or shine.
davincicentre.com
Grand Marais Arts Festival
Witness the ultimate Rush tribute act with special guest Pyramid Theorem. This is a 19+ event. Tickets are available online.
atmostbay.ca
Black Pirates Pub
Red Lion Smokehouse
Port Arthur Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5 (Club Room)
Atmos
July 5, 8 pm
A night of Fleetwood Mac music with Tin Pan Alley. Tickets are $10. This is a 19+ event.
July 3, 8 pm
July 9–10
Atmos Presents: Crush
July 8, 9 pm
July 6 & 13, 4 pm
thefoundrypub.com
July 7, 8 pm
@TheCoalitionFor WaverleyPark
The Foundry
Sunday Open Jam
Anchor & Ore
Musicians’ Association 591 and The Coalition for Waverley Park. Bring your lawn chair and a blanket and enjoy music from Mood Indigo, Thunder Brass, Jamie Philp, Flipper Flanagan’s Flat Footed Four, Jim ‘n’ I, Southern Comfort, Brother JOHN or Martin Blanchet Jazz Quintet.
Enjoy a cornucopia of art in a variety of mediums by over 80 artists in Grand Marais this July. See this month’s Cover Story for more info.
grandmaraisartcolony.org
Deadwolff
July 9, 6 am
Fighting Walleye Fishing Derby
Toronto-based rock and roll band Deadwolff is hitting the Black Pirates stage with local talents Wrong Odds, Shatterhorn, and The Selfies. This is a 19+ event. Tickets are available online.
Kam River
The second annual fishing derby is back and better than ever, in support of Our Kids Count and presented by Sleeping Giant Brewing Company. Entry fee is $60 for adults and free for under 16 years old. Get your bait and get fishing.
blackpiratespub.com
July 8, 7:30 pm
Choclair Live
201 Syndicate Avenue South
fightingwalleye.com
July 9, 9 am–5 pm
Juno winner Choclair is bringing Canadian rap back to Thunder Bay. Bay Dream Records proudly presents the “biggest rap show of the year.” Tickets are available online.
Crime Scene Investigator Thunder Bay Various locations
Think you could solve a murder case? Experience life as a Crimescene Investigator in this thrilling outdoor murder mystery event. Use forensic techniques, codebreaking, and good old-fashioned detective work to crack the case in this limited ticket event.
baydreamsrecords.com
July 8, 10 pm
Tropical Storm ft DJ Big D The Foundry
Dance the night away with DJ Big D in this summer blowout. This is a 19+ event.
@CluedUpp
thefoundrypub.com
July 9, 10 am–1 pm
Advanced Bike Mechanic Workshop
July 8, 22, & 23, 9 pm
Late Night Grillin’ on the Patio
Community Spokes
Red Lion Smokehouse
Come to Community Spokes and empower yourself by learning some advanced bike mechanic skills that will help keep your two wheels rolling!
Let your tastebuds party all night with a chefcurated menu made just for the patio Josper grill.
redlionsmokehouse.ca
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624-2144
July 10, 4 pm
Stitch and Bitch
Red Lion Smokehouse Get together with fellow crafters and chat about your newest needle creations. This is a free event.
redlionsmokehouse.ca
July 13, 20, 27
Live on the Waterfront Marina Park
Music in the park is back this month bringing you live entertainment every Wednesday night. Bring a blanket and a friend and enjoy the tunes. See this month’s Top Five for more info.
thunderbay.ca
July 14 & 15, 8:30 pm
The Hardest Out 2022: Roney, Pound Banga, and 420 Klick Atmos
No Limit of the North Entertainment presents an evening of Canadian rap and hip hop music with Dallas, 420 Klick, Pound Banga, and Roney. This is a 19+ event. Tickets are available online.
atmostbay.ca
July 14–30
Home: A Bluegrass Celebration Magnus Theatre
Magnus Theatre presents this musical production told from the perspective of three women as they navigate life with the bluegrass musical stylings of Danny Johnson. See this month’s Top Five for more info.
magnustheatre.com
July 15, 8 pm
Dylan Gott: Giggle Boys Comedy Tour
On the Links Sports Bar Giggle the night away with Dylan Gott and the Giggle Boys on the Thunder Bay stop of their 2022 tour. Canadian comedians Gott, Mitch VK, Aaron Stephenson, Tyler Shazma, and local talent Mark Menei will have you laughing from the minute you take your seat. Tickets are available online.
@campfirecomedy
July 15, 9 pm
Falsifier
Black Pirates Pub Rock out to Falsifier, Born a New, Saltwound, and local artists in this stop of the Northern Hostility Tour. Tickets are available in advance and at the door. This is a 19+ event.
blackpiratespub.com
July 15–17
Lutsong Music Festival Lutsen, Minn.
What better place to get into the summer festival mood than on Ski Hill Road for the Lutsong Music Festival? Listen to 12 artists, visit vendors, and enjoy food and drinks on the festival site. Tickets are available online. See this month’s Cover Story for more information.
lutsongmusicfestival.com
July 16, 11 am
Lighthouse Carnival Porphyry Island Lighthouse
Back for the third year, the Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior group presents an evening on the water with tours, film screenings, and food. Tickets including transportation are available online. See this month’s Cover Story for more info.
clls.ca
July 16, 3 pm
Festival of India Marina Park
July 16, 6 pm
Integrity Tour Motorcycle Rally Mount Baldy
Thunder Bay’s very own motorcycle rally is here. Tickets are available and include dinner and entry to the festivities. Mount Baldy has camping spots available for out-of-town guests. Contact Thunder Bay Harley Davidson for tickets. Proceeds will be donated to Camp Quality.
tbharley.com
July 16, 7 pm
Old Time Favourites
Port Arthur Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5 (Imperial Lounge) Come out and dance the night away to popular songs from the past.
portarthurlegion.ca
Until July 17
Through Our Hands VI Exhibit Grand Marais, Minn.
The Northwoods Fiber Guild presents an exhibition packed with weaving, knitting, felting, basketry, quilts, beadwork, paper art, clothing, jewelry, rugs, wall hangings, and other mixed media at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.
cookcountyhistory.org
July 17, 4 pm
Festival of Colours Marina Park
Enjoy a spectacular chariot parade, music, east Indian dance, drama, henna tattoos, exhibits, a yoga show, and much more! Many new attractions have been added to the festival. And the best part: free Indian food for all!
Paint the sky, literally, at this year’s Festival of Colours. Inspired by ancient Indian roots and culture, the festival aims to have you laughing, playing, dancing, eating, and of course, participating in the colourful display. Tickets are available online.
@FestivalofIndia. ThunderBay
festivalofcolours.ca
July 17, 25, & 31
July 16, 6 pm
Boreal Museum’s Foragers Walk
CWE Returns to TBay West Thunder Community Centre
The Canadian Wrestling’s Elite group is back to lay it out on the mat. Watch Northwestern Ontario’s best compete. Tickets are available online.
@CWECanada
Clarke Street
Join the Boreal Museum on a guided tour showcasing the wild food in Thunder Bay’s boreal forests. Each tour will run about two hours in length, rain or shine, and will help you identify various plants and foods. Please check online for recommended gear and trail information. Tickets are available online.
borealmuseum.com
July 19
The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Enjoy this all-ages show celebrating your favourite Neil Diamond classics and the artist himself in tribute form. Tickets are available online. See this month’s Music section for more info.
tbca.com
July 19, 7 pm
The Standstills Live at the Foundry The Foundry
Crocks Entertainment presents an evening of music with The Standstills, Page 38, and Mother of Wolves. This is a 19+ event. Tickets are available online.
thefoundrypub.ca
July 21, 7:30 pm
Jeff Dunham: Seriously!? Tour
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Jeff Dunham is bringing the ultimate puppeteer show to the Auditorium stage with one-of-a-kind characters and relatable laughs. This is an all-ages show. Tickets are available online.
tbca.com
July 21–24
Superior Theatre Festival Spirit Gardens/ Magnus Theatre
The multidisciplinary festival is back for its sixth year at Marina Park’s Spirit Gardens and at Magnus Theatre. See this month’s Top Five for more info.
superiortheatrefestival. com
July 22–24
Country on the Bay
Fort William Historical Park
Feel the country music sway with a weekend of your favourite country artists. Day and weekend passes are available. See this month’s Cover Story for more info.
countryonthebay.ca
Until July 23
La Francophonie dans tous ses états Definitely Superior Art Gallery
Celebrate Thunder Bay’s Francophone artists in this collaborative exhibit made up of 16 artists expressing culture, heritage, and language. See this month’s Top Five for more info.
to watch the games. Visit the NODG website for full details.
discgolfscene.com
July 29-31
Kenora Harbourfest
Kenora Harbourfront
definitelysuperior.com
The largest three-day festival in Northwestern Ontario is back after its year-long hiatus. See this month’s Cover Story for more info.
July 24
harbourfest.ca
Thunder Bay Art Gallery’s Garden Tour Various
The popular fundraiser returns! 2022 has been declared Year of the Garden by the Canadian Garden Council, and it’s also the 25th anniversary of the Garden Tour. Tickets will be available to purchase the week of July 5. Watch the gallery’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.
theag.ca
July 26–August 4
July 29–31
2022 Canadian National Martial Arts Championships & Festival
CJ Sanders Fieldhouse Come out and support your Canadian National Martial Arts athletes as they compete in the 2022 Championships and host the largest sporting event the Lakehead Fieldhouse has seen. Tickets are available online.
wushucanada.com
The Marvellous Wonderettes
July 30, 9 pm
The Badanai Theatre troupe is bringing 27 throwback songs sure to give you the jukebox feel in this ode to the 50s and 60s. This is a familyfriendly show. Tickets are available online. See this month’s Film and Theatre section for more info.
Pop-punk group Wasting Time is making a stop at Black Pirates on their Bite Fight Tour, with special guests Psycho Therapy and Travis Doggett. This is a 19+ event. Tickets are available online.
@badanaitheatre
I, Voyageur
Paramount Theatre
July 28–August 1
Wasting Time Black Pirates Pub
blackpiratespub.com
Until September 25
Family Fest 101
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
Who says the end of summer can’t also include fireworks, concerts, and amusement rides? Celebrate with family and friends as Family Fest turns 101 years old. See this month’s Cover Story for more info.
theag.ca
Chippewa Park
chippewapark.ca
July 28–August 1
Northern Ontario Disc Golf Championship Birch Point Park
See Canadian photographer Naomi Harris’s take on Frances Anne Hopkins’s route during the voyageur era.
Until September 25
Woodland Pop! Thunder Bay Art Gallery
This group exhibit showcases a mix of modern and classic Indigenous Woodland style art including NFTs, paintings, and sculptures.
theag.ca
After many months of training and hard work, Thunder Bay is ready for a go at the Northern Ontario Disc Golf Championships. Grab your disc and a lawn chair
The Walleye Walleye The
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Music
LU RADIO’S MONTHLY TOP 1 Pierre Kwenders* José Louis & The Paradox Of Love
Arts & Crafts
30
10 Fontaines D.C. Skinty Fia
Partisan
11 Samantha Savage Smith* Fake Nice
Saved by Vinyl
12 Ghostkeeper
Multidimensional Culture
18 Angel Olsen Big Time
Jagjaguwar
CILU 102.7fm’s Monthly Charts for this issue reflect airplay for the month ending June 14, 2022. 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.
25 Destroyer* Labyrinthitis
Merge
19 Sister Ray* Communion
Royal Mountain
20 DEHD
Blue Skies
Fat Possum
Victory Pool
2 Cola*
Deep in View
Next Door/FireTalk
3 Kamikaze Nurse* Stimuloso
Mint
4 Apollo Ghosts* Pink Tiger
You’ve Changed
5 Gus Englehorn* Dungeon Master
Secret City
6 Julie Doiron & Dany Placard*
13 Modlee*
Royal Mountain
15 PUP*
THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBAND
Little Dipper
16 Stars*
From Capelton Hill
Last Gang
The The Walleye Walleye
Anxious Avoidant
Bonsound
22 Dear Rouge*
28 Sharon Van Etten
We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong
Jagjaguwar
Spirit
Pheromone
23 Lisa Leblanc* Chiac Disco
Stay in Touch
Arts & Crafts
29 Dana Gavanski* When It Comes
8 Tops*
90 4
21 Sophia Bel*
24 Georgia Harmer*
Flemish Eye
Wet Leg
Volcano Volcano
You’ve Changed
Bonsound
The Zug
Domino
27 Steven Lambke*
To Hell With You, I Love You
7 Yves Jarvis*
9 Wet Leg
dBpm
14 Deanna Petcoff*
Costume
Empty Seats
Cruel Country
7ième Ciel
Julie & Dany
Musique TOPS
26 Wilco
SOUL URGE
Flemish Eye
17 OMBIIGIZI*
Sewn Back Together
Arts & Crafts
30 Mitch Davis* The Haunt
Arbutus
* Indicates Canadian Content
PORTUGAL. THE MAN • TASH SULTANA BUDDY GUY • JAPANESE BREAKFAST • BAHAMAS
BETTYE LAVETTE • KURT VILE & THE VIOLATORS • WEYES BLOOD IN THE STRUMBELLAS • JERRY HARRISON AND ADRIAN BELEW “ REMAIN LIGHT “ SUDAN ARCHIVES • LIDO PIMIENTA • THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS ANDY SHAUF • WILD RIVERS • BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA • DERVISH CHICANO BATMAN • FRUIT BATS • AROOJ AFTAB • JEREMY DUTCHER
ALLISON RUSSELL • OCIE ELLIOTT • THE WEATHER STATION • CADENCE WEAPON JUDY COLLINS • MADISON CUNNINGHAM • REUBEN AND THE DARK • BEDOUINE BOY GOLDEN • BUCK MEEK • GANGSTAGRASS • LES FILLES DE ILLIGHADAD PACHYMAN • TRIO SVIN • SWEET ALIBI • JAYWOOD • TRÉ BURT • IFRIQIYYA ELECTRIQUE JEREMIE ALBINO • TEKE::TEKE • AHI • LEITH ROSS • PIQSIQ • TALL TALL TREES CHARLIE CUNNINGHAM • RUBY WATERS • JJ SHIPLETT • SAM LYNCH • DEL BARBER MOONTRICKS • NDIDI O • TRISH KLEIN • RICHARD INMAN • BOBBY DOVE THE TRADE-OFFS • SHANLEY SPENCE • FONTINE • CLEREL • SEBASTIAN GASKIN ALLISON DE GROOT & TATIANA HARGREAVES • KIRBY BROWN • CASSIE AND MAGGIE JESSEE HAVEY & THE BANANA BAND • JAMES CULLETON SUPER FUN • GREEN FOOLS THEATRE • MADAME DIVA ET MICAH
BIRDS HILL PROVINCIAL PARK TICKETS AVAILABLE AT WINNIPEGFOLKFESTIVAL.CA
The Walleye
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TattooedYou
A Mother Remembered Story by Leah Morningstar, Photos by Evelyn Davey
Tattoo by Ren at Studio Four Four Nine he last 50 years have seen the disappearance and murder of more than 1,200 Indigenous women across Canada. Collectively, the movement to raise awareness is called MMIW, or Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. If you aren’t affected personally, it’s likely you know someone who is—someone who lost their mother, sister, cousin, daughter, or friend, someone who knows their loved one was killed, or someone who’s still searching for answers. Zongwe Binesikwe Crystal Hardy is a young Indigenous professional who has grown up knowing their mother was taken too soon. Hardy remembers good times living with their mother and siblings on the West Coast: idyllic childhood scenes like learning to ride bikes and playing outside until dark. And later, when Hardy was living with relatives in the Thunder Bay area, their mother, Ruby Hardy, made sure to call her kids regularly. Then the calls stopped. Hardy spent many years wondering about their mother, and many years researching and hoping for answers. The authorities
T
Zongwe Binesikwe Crystal Hardy
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believe Ruby Hardy was a victim of Robert Willie Pickton and his infamous pig farm in British Columbia, but DNA evidence has been inconclusive. Officially, Ruby Hardy is listed as still missing. Tragically, like many others, there may never be an official answer. The only certainty is that she won’t be going home to her family. The tattoo on Hardy’s arm is based on an original painting by Indigenous artist Maxine Noel. The piece is called Not Forgotten and was created in tribute and memory to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The piece resonated deeply with Hardy and they asked Ren from Studio Four Four Nine to put ink to skin as a permanent reminder. When Hardy looks at the tattoo, they’re reminded of all the missing women. “I think about the moms, the daughters, the sisters, the grandmothers, the aunties, and the friends, all taken before their time… and I think about my mom.” Ruby Hardy, the mother who loved her three children, the mother who chased behind her kids’ bicycles, the mother who won’t be forgotten.
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93
Green
Clean, Green Festivals By Erin Moir, Education Director, EcoSuperior
A
s summer approaches and outdoor events and festivals bring us together, we need to remember that the planet needs to be celebrated too. Any event can have a significant impact on the planet, especially in regard to waste consumption.
Fortunately, there are easy Earth-friendly alternatives to consider this summer for both event planners and festival goers. As an event planner: • Keep low- to zero-waste initiatives at the forefront of all the planning details • Consider renting reusables
from a company that does the dirty work for you. You can rent everything from linens to glasses • Local caterers help reduce an event’s carbon footprint by sourcing local produce, meats, cheeses, breads, and spreads. Focus on simple things,
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like banning single-use water bottles. The City of Thunder Bay has adopted the Blue Community Resolutions, pledging to not sell bottled water at City events Encourage festival attendees to bring a reusable water bottle, or even their own reusable dishes, cups, and cutlery Provide extra secure parking for cyclists to help attendees get to congested festival grounds actively and efficiently; better yet, provide incentives for those who arrive by bike or public transit Arrange a receptacle for organic waste. Food waste is one of the largest contributors to climate change Provide receptacles for recycling, and ensure as much “waste” gets diverted from the landfill as possible Provide opportunities for public volunteers to help pick up litter. This can really showcase that event planners are taking pride in the space they are hosting in Instead of providing swag or gift packages, consider donating those dollars to a reputable charity or local nonprofit organization. Not only will this benefit the community, it will reduce the waste from extra items people don’t need
As a festival goer: • Remember a reusable water bottle or mug • Pack yourself a fork, or even a food container/ plate/napkin(s). All that amazing festival food deserves to be sampled waste-free • Try carpooling, cycling, using public transport, or walking to the event. You could save on parking fees, and you’re likely going to walk a distance from your car anyway • Use waste receptacles properly, and sort your recyclables • Pack a rain jacket! Using a garbage bag is not only wasteful but really doesn’t keep you dry • Volunteer at the event to help with waste management. Who knows, you may even get free admission • Avoid the swag bag. Often these are packed with advertising, or singleuse or gimmicky items that end up in landfills From planning to participating, we all can play a role in ensuring we do our best to be wastefree, celebrate with the living landscape, and consider future generations. Enjoy the summer festivals and continue to support a healthy future for people and the planet!
Advertising Feature
July Behind the Business Feature
Michelle Addison, Owner of Go Beyond the Show
Meet Michelle Addison, mom, wife, owner and music fanatic behind Go Beyond the Show. Michelle has always loved music, especially live music. Growing up Michelle was known for blasting tunes in her room or being the first and last fan at any live concert. She enjoyed watching the entire production behind live music and always jumped at the chance to interact with the musicians. Another common thread in Michelle’s life is social activism and in 2016, she began volunteering for a variety of non-profits linked to brands like U2 and Imagine Dragons. Now she runs her own business, bringing her passion for music and social activism together. Go Beyond the Show makes live music more accessible to all by collaborating as a creative thinking partner specializing in fan engagement, fan experience, wellness and social impact in the music industry. Having fun while doing good, cultivating connection through music is at the core of what they do. You can keep up with Michelle and her business by following @gobeyondtheshow on Facebook and Instagram. What drew you to entrepreneurship? It’s honestly something I just fell into, and it’s taken a few years to get comfortable with the title “entrepreneur.” I would say I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit of ideation, innovation, ambition,
and leadership, but I’ve been an employee all my life, with a career in health care, so becoming an entrepreneur is something that happened gradually and continues to evolve. I think what really pushed me to step further into expanding Go Beyond the Show was the complete lack of live music during the height of the pandemic. I had such a pain in my heart from not seeing shows, that I wanted to do everything in my power to ensure live music came back strong in Thunder Bay, as quickly as possible. I believe our collaboration with Nomad on Bay, hosting live music on their patio last summer, was the first live music event in the city since March of 2020. I think what I experienced is the same for many entrepreneurs, where they see a gap or something that’s frustrating them, and they step into the space to address it. As I continue to grow GBTS, what drives me most at this point is creativity and connection. I love how my business allows me to continuously learn new things, and has introduced me to so many incredibly talented people in this city, from a variety of sectors, giving me opportunities to dream with them and co-create incredible live music experiences. What inspired you to launch your business? Initially I was inspired to bring people together to share in live music and have incredible experiences, making memories along the way. I knew how much joy live music had brought me throughout my life, and I wanted to
create that opportunity for others. Coming out of the height of the pandemic, I found new inspiration, in a desire to support local musicians and give a boost to the local music scene. The individuals in this industry were so hard hit by the pandemic, being the last to return to their profession and even when they did, there were strict restrictions, limiting their ability to perform as they did previously. I also felt a pull to make live music more accessible, based on the negative impact I experienced of not being able to access live music during the pandemic. This led me to explore how we could offer live music in new and exciting spaces where people could attend for free, while ensuring musicians were paid. What advice would you give someone who is trying to become an entrepreneur? / What advice would you give yourself? Don’t let others or your own limiting beliefs determine your future. If you have dreams, go for them! Initially I was trapped by my own self-doubt…am I too old to start something new, who am I to start a business in an entirely new sector than where I’ve spent my entire career, can I really go from being an employee to business owner? And what I’ve learned is that if you believe you can, you can. If your desire is strong enough, it will carry you through. What are you working on now? There are several exciting events across the city that I’m booking musicians and curating line-ups for. I’m collaborating with Goods & Co. Market to bring more live music to their space. Recently I worked with Sara Kae on her single release party for her new song, Rise, which was such a highlight. To help make music more accessible I am building out a sponsorship package to bring live music to more spaces, free of charge, and with a community that is so supportive of live music, I feel confident these sponsors will emerge. I am also developing the content for my website and looking forward to launching it later this
year. And of course, with the Wake the Giant Festival happening September 17th, I’m in the thick of planning the VIP experience, Wellness Tent and artist gift bags. Is there anyone specific you would like to thank? There are so many people to thank, and I hesitate to recognize people specifically because I don’t want to miss anyone. But my deepest thanks goes to my closest support crew… my husband, daughters, mom and sister for being my amazing cheerleaders; my dear friend Enette who asked me six years ago “what would you love to do?”; my friends Ivy, Kelly, Kirsten, Lynne and Susan who listen to me ramble on and help me make sense of where to go next; my friend and mentor Maelyn for being a constant source of inspiration; a long list of local female entrepreneurs who consistently support each other in the most generous ways (you know who you are); Sean at Wake the Giant for bringing me into the mix and being so hilarious; all the people who host live music; and of course the musicians who bring us so much joy with their art and talent!
The Walleye
95
Green
Watering Tips for Happy Plants By Hedy Koski
W
ater! Every living thing needs it to survive. Plants are no exception. So far, this year has given us plenty of moisture. Rivers, creeks, and lakes are the highest I’ve seen. When it comes to newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials this moisture in the ground is a bonus. Plants can develop a deep root system. I want you to think of it this way: plant roots go in search of moisture, and if the soil is dry deep down and only gets light waterings at the surface, then the roots will more than likely only form on the top. Then, if the surface of the soil does dry out, so does the plant. Most plants can be drought-tolerant after two or three years if they are able to establish a deep root system.
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When (if) we have dry spells, get the water where the plants need it most— the soil. This can be done through soaker hoses laid on the ground under plants, or a long watering wand can direct the water down to the soil level without bending over or watering the leaves. Watering the leaves doesn’t water the plant! Roots drink water from the soil and deliver them up to the leaves. Ideally, the best time to water plants is early in the morning. This gives a chance for any water that may have ended up on the leaves to dry off quickly, which helps to eliminate the chance of fungal growth like black spots (black spots on leaves) and powdery mildew (white powder on leaves). These are hard to get rid of and look awful! Keep
an eye on your plants for these issues that can form due to prolonged moisture, humidity, and heat. But let’s face it, if the soil is severely dry, water those plants any time of the day. Wilted plants from lack of water can die quickly so don’t wait—water them! Now, if Mother Nature takes a vacation like she did last year, make sure your newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials are watered deeply every other day for the first month, then at least once a week. Established plants (two-plus years) will benefit from a deep watering couple of times a month. Without knowing your soil type (sandy, clay, or loam) the best general rule of thumb is that one inch of water can penetrate about six inches of soil. Just
calculate how many inches of water is needed to reach the deep roots. A rain gauge is a handy tool to have in your garden, as it can tell you how many rainfall inches were received. When it comes to fertilizing your plants, here are a couple of tips. Never fertilize a plant with a water-soluble fertilizer when the soil is dry—you run the risk of causing fertilizer burn. So try to fertilize when the soil is moist. Also, stop fertilizing trees and shrubs with any high nitrogen fertilizers in July, as nitrogen can produce new tender growth that may not strengthen enough, and those tender tips may die during a harsh winter.
t Let’s Gewith g in w Gro dy He
Following these water tips will produce happy plants.Happy plants, happy life.
Leave it where it lies. BE A GRASSCYCLER Don’t bag up those grass clippings. Leave them where they lie. Grass cycling is an easy and effective way to have a healthy, beautiful lawn and is easier than bagging up your clippings.
Better for the environment
It’s good for your lawn.
Grasscycling saves water. Clippings left on the lawn keep grass moist. Your lawn will look lusher and need watering less often.
Grass clippings protect the soil by keeping moisture in the ground. Clippings decompose quickly, naturally fertilizing your lawn with nutrients after each mow.
It’s less work.
No raking, no bagging. Just mow it and you’re done. In just one summer, you will save up to a full day of your time – time you can spend enjoying the summer weather.
QUESTIONS? Call Infrastructure & Operations at 625-2195
Leaving grass clippings on the lawn (grasscycling) can cut water use in half and reduce fertilizer use by 25% per household.
Mow high. Only cut off the top 1/3 of
the grass. No more than 1/3 of the grass height should be cut at any one time.
Mow only when grass is dry.
If grass is too long after prolonged wet weather, start with a higher cut and gradually lower it during successive cuttings.
www.thunderbay.ca/grasscycle
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97
Health “SeamlessMD is essentially patient education at your fingertips.”
TBRHSC Incorporates Digital Patient Monitoring in Cancer Care By Caitlund Davidson, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
A
fter the successful implementation of SeamlessMD, a remote patient monitoring app, across numerous surgical programs at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), the Northwest Regional
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Cancer Centre at TBRHSC has become one of two sites in Ontario to offer the digital technology to oncology patients. Six months after introducing SeamlessMD to the oncology program, feedback from patients and staff remains positive.
“SeamlessMD was being used by our breast surgery patients to help prevent emergency department visits, adverse outcomes, and readmissions to our hospital,” explains David McConnell, director for regional Cancer Care Northwest. “The idea
of introducing SeamlessMD to our oncology patients was attractive. Working with the SeamlessMD team, we were able to adapt the platform to tailor it for oncology patients.” Cancer patients in Northwester n Ontario undergoing active treatment (radiation or systemic therapy) are now able to stay engaged in their care, get educated, and stay connected while at home. Patients and their caregivers are provided with access to this free interactive platform, which provides a step-by-step guide to help patients throughout their cancer care journey. The platform can be accessed from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. “SeamlessMD is essentially patient education at your fingertips,” shares McConnell. “Rather than searching the internet to find answers to cancerrelated questions, most of the information you need will be available on the app. When using this platform, patients can ensure that the material has been reviewed in depth by our Cancer Care team and comes from reliable health resources.” It is also important to note that patient education materials are still available in paper versions if patients choose to forego the virtual platform. Through SeamlessMD, the Cancer Care team can send messages and reminders to help patients manage their symptoms and prepare for active treatment. Patients can complete their daily health checks to identify any questions or concerns about symptoms. Patients also have access to a self-care library with information on different topics related to cancer care, treatments, side effects, and follow up care, important phone numbers, and more. The goal of implementing
SeamlessMD is to improve the patient experience, provide patients with the confidence to handle appropriate concerns at home, be a reputable resource for patient questions and concerns, and catch signs of trouble including infection, fever, extreme pain, and more. Depending on the severity of symptoms indicated by patients within the app, patients may be prompted to call their doctor or visit the emergency department. To date, over 400 patients have been enrolled in the program and feedback has been positive. One oncology patient who has used the program at TBRHSC says, “It is very easy to use and the program helps me focus on relevant health issues that can affect me. It gives guidance on actions that can be taken to address areas of concern.” For another patient, SeamlessMD has enhanced patient experience by reducing anxiety and inspiring confidence when it comes to taking control of their health and knowing when to seek help. “It really helps me as a reminder of options on selfcare and in my situation that is a big deal. I seldom feel sick enough to warrant a hospital visit but I certainly do not feel good.” Patients who began treatment on or after the January 2022 launch date are presented with the option to enroll in the program. If eligible, our Cancer Care team will connect with patients and guide them through the process to register. To learn more about what SeamlessMD has to offer, visit seamless.md. If you have an upcoming appointment at the Cancer Centre, talk to our staff or your care team to find out if SeamlessMD is an option for you.
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Visit ontarionorthland.ca or call 1-800-461-8558 to book your trip today
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TheWall
Oh, Canada: Our Home on Native Land Editorial by Sarah McPherson
H
appy Canada Day, Thunder Bay! In this age of postcolonial reconciliation, we are excited to move forward and celebrate our future as Canadians, bound together by our glorious right to freedom…right?
Let’s talk about that word, “postcolonial.” The word suggests that these lands are no longer under the control of colonial power; but is Canada not still a constitutional monarchy? Are these lands not still occupied and controlled
Reconcile What?, Mary McPherson
by settler populations? The doctrine of discovery allowed explorers to claim vacant land (i.e., not already occupied by Christians) in the name of their sovereign, and so Canada holds the underlying title to all of this land. As a result, Indigenous
communities are fruitlessly trying to prove our rights and title in Canadian courts. That doesn’t sound very postcolonial to me. The patriotic freedom of this “great country” is often presented as reason to celebrate Canada Day. But remember last May, when the remains of 215 children who died in Kamloops Indian Residential School were found? We all put up orange shirts in our windows, painted “Every Child Matters” on fences, and… well, eventually, the topic fell out of discussion. We are working towards reconciliation, after all, and those deaths are in the past. We’re working towards healing from the atrocities of colonialism: together, as a great country, we’re all moving on. Of course, we won’t forget the seven youth lost to the rivers that flow into Lake Superior. We won’t forget Barbara Kentner; or Colten Boushie, who was shot in Saskatchewan; or the hundreds of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls lost throughout history, and the thousands of Indigenous peoples living in fear of meeting similar fates. We’re moving on, though, and that’s why Indigenous children are dying systemically through Canada’s child welfare system. We’re moving on, and that’s why the Thunder B a y P o l i c e a re u n d e r investigation yet again for flawed investigations
and complaints of racial discrimination. There is no reconciliation to be had in a country founded on Indigenous blood. As David Garneau summarizes in the 2012 article “Imaginary Spaces of Conciliation and Reconciliation” published in West Coast Line: “Reconciliation refers to the repair of a previously existing harmonious relationship [and] imposes the fiction that equanimity is the status quo between Aboriginal people and Canada [...] And it sees the residential school era [...] as an unfortunate deviation rather than just one aspect of the perpetual colonial struggle to contain and control Aboriginal people.” 7 In other words, the term “reconciliation” openly denies the root of Indigenous struggles throughout history: not only the past, but also the present and potentially the future. There’s nothing wrong with being happy about where you live. The tricky part is recognizing the historical truth of these lands, and taking responsibility for our own continuing roles in that context. This Canada Day, I urge you to think about why you launch fireworks, and instead open hard conversations about the violent histories that continue to take place on the land we call “Canada.” Perhaps, as William Faulkner once wrote, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”
“The term ’reconciliation’ openly denies the root of Indigenous struggles throughout history: not only the past, but also the present and potentially the future.” 100 100 The The Walleye Walleye
Renée Marion Practice Areas
Real Estate, Wills & Estates, Estate Administration, Corporate & Commercial Renée was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba and moved to Thunder Bay to pursue her law school education. After graduating from Bora Laskin Faculty of Law in 2020, with a Juris Doctor (First Class Standing), she was called to the Bar in October 2020. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Renée obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba in Global Political Economy. Between her undergraduate degree and law school, she travelled north to First Nations communities in Manitoba and Alberta on behalf of the Federal Government. This experience inspired her to seek out a First Nations focused law school, which led to her attending Lakehead University. Renée enjoys solving everyday problems for her clients and prides herself on being a client focused and driven lawyer. Renée practiced in the same areas of law at another local law firm since her call to the bar and is excited to continue building her law practice and assisting clients at Ericksons LLP. In her free-time, Renée enjoys cooking and spending time at her camp with her family and friends in Lake of the Woods, Kenora.
We at Ericksons LLP are delighted to have Renée Marion join our dynamic team. Renée’s skills and talents in real estate, wills and estates, estate administration and corporate and commercial law are a great addition to our wide range of services. We look forward to her successful partnership with us.
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JulyHoroscopes Aries
(March 21–April 19) You’re always the life of the party, aren’t you Aries? And rightly so—your knowledge, warmth, and humour mends bridges and brings people from all walks of life together. You may find this month others are reaching out to you to seek solace or gain a bit of wisdom. Rams should be commended for their natural teaching abilities and inclination to help anyone who comes their way. Spend some time in the kitchen with the summertime harvests. Fruit and vegetables are plentiful, and with your knack in the kitchen the family is bound to be happy with the results. Fire signs love a good bonfire, and that may be the perfect environment for a much needed heart-toheart chat.
Taurus
(April 20–May 20) This month’s full moon on the 13th is known as the Buck Moon or Thunder Moon. This date is important to Bulls because around this date, you’ll be bit by the travel bug. Planning a trip is one of this earth sign’s favorite things to do, and no detail goes unmissed by the discerning eye of a Taurus. If your travel plans can incorporate the viewing of this supermoon, all the better. Spend some time earthing this month— simply going barefoot and connecting with the earth is said to impart feelings of calmness and relaxation. This month is a busy one, so ensure you are resting up and staying hydrated.
Gemini
(May 21–June 20) Did you know the 27th is Sleepyhead Day in the Finnish community? It’s been said that the last one out of bed on this day gets tossed into the water by “early birding” family members. Don’t let this happen to you! Whether you’re having family frolic at camp, or out fishing on
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the boat, enjoy a bit of lighthearted fun. Excellent strides are being taken in your fitness regime, and the sign of the Twins is reaping the rewards of recent physical commitments. Keep up the great work. Enjoy the farmers markets with friends or even solo. Poking around at the local fare brings you immense joy. Seasonal blessings abound.
Cancer
(June 21–July 22) Cancers love to be around water, and this month is no exception. Jumping into the lake, hot-tubbing, and jetskiing are up there with some of Crab’s favorite adventures. This is your time to shine, and everything that you hope for seems to easily fall into your lap these days. July is full of fun and excitement, and the celebration of your birthday is the icing on the cake. Instead of celebrating your special day, turn it into a whole weekend if possible! Friends and family have nothing but good wishes for caring Crabs. Always the nurturer, let the gang take care of you for once while you sit back and reflect on the past year. Happy solar return, and go ahead and have that extra piece of birthday cake. You deserve it.
Leo
(July 23–August 22) Proud Leos are ruled by the sun, and there won’t be any shortage of sunshine this month. Camps and parks are in your future, so do enjoy the great outdoors with friends and loved ones. The new moon in your sign on the 28th brings about fresh resolve to stick to that diet plan or finish off those home renos. Of course, happy solar return to those late-July Leo babies. Another trip around the sun is certainly worth celebrating. Take the lead and plan your own party— there is nothing wrong with that whatsoever. Leos need to be treated like the
royalty they are. Buy yourself a special birthday gift, too, even if it’s just a sunstone at your local metaphysical shop. It’ll brighten up your day.
Virgo
(August 23– September 22) There’s nothing Virgos like more than a good old picnic-style lunch. This month, take time to enjoy the yummy things in life. Grab a basket and load it up (can’t go wrong with potato salad) and enjoy some sandwiches made with hearty bread, wrapped in wax paper, and sealed with a twine knot. Ever made some sun tea? Fill a glass pitcher or mason jar with some tea and set in direct sunlight. After a few hours, bring it in and add some ice and your favorite sweetener—lo and behold, enjoy the sun’s bright energy and solar-infused goodness. This summer, plan to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible!
Libra
(September 23– October 22) Airy Libras are yearning for some new knowledge this month. Finding harmony in all aspects of life is part of Libra’s balanced ways, so do sign up for that class you’ve been eyeballing lately. Healing modalities are coming up for those born under the scales this month. Perhaps yoga has been calling to you, or some energy work such as reiki. Your artistic self is feeling the creative love flowing, particularly around the full moon mid-month. Whatever you enjoy creating, the universe is saying to keep on going. You are on the right track. Libras may be called upon to make a fairly quick decision in the near future, and the best advice is to go with your heart.
Scorpio
(October 23– November 21) Scorpio has three symbols associated with it: the scorpion, the eagle, and the phoenix. Scorps may
have a feather in their path this month, and may want to accept it as a gift from the universe. In fact, this whole month is dedicated to receiving messages from symbols and signs. Take time to do some journaling and reflect on what is being presented. Work-wise, it’s a busy month for Scorpions. Plan a get-together with some pals. Nurture those friendships. A weekend at camp or out in nature will bring that well-needed rejuvenation back into your heart. If you’ve ever considered a tarot or oracle card reading, now is the time to pursue that interest. Music features prominently this month.
Sagittarius
(November 22– December 21) Slow your roll, Sag! After a whirlwind spring, it’s time to take things down a notch or two. Let the lazy summer days soothe your soul. Unplug and unwind is the order of the day. While off on summer vacay, it’s important to implement a morning routine that tends toward self-care. Have coffee on the deck and listen to the birds sing. Be lost in your own thoughts. Do a meditation and perhaps have a little smudge with some ethically sourced sage. Curl up with that tome you’ve been dying to read. Fill your cup and keep it full. Try something new this month, particularly around the new moon on the 28th.
Capricorn
(December 22– January 19) Happy Canada Day, Cap! Although there might not be the fireworks display you normally like, it’s still a tradition with Goats, and tradition is indeed hard to break. Having a picnic with the famjam or hosting a bonfire is always a good time. Inviting the neighbours or a special friend adds to the fun. The full moon in your sign on the 13th adds
a little spice to your life. Relationships flourish, and love interests abound. For the already committed, why not consider renewing your vows or having a handfasting ceremony? This month is all about love for you, so enjoy those long summer nights. An unexpected surprise in the mail arrives later this month.
Aquarius
(January 20– February 18) It’s strawberry season, Water-bearer, which is really a lovely highlight of the summer! The wild strawberry, also known as fragaria vesca, seems like a good theme to have this month. Incorporating this luscious fruit into your smoothies, baking, and cocktails will have you living your best juicy life in no time. There’s nothing you like more than tending your garden, but do have a plan for those rainy days also. A good book or podcast at the ready will make those indoor days a little more bearable. Curl up with someone you love (or even just really like).
Pisces
(February 19– March 20) Did you know that the dog days of summer officially begin on July 3, Pisces? Give that furry friend in your life a little extra love—and maybe a treat or two. After a long winter, it’s nice to get out in the sunny outdoors with man’s best friend. This month, there may be a festive occasion that could require some travel. Welcome with open arms any weary travellers, or make your own plan for a trip to reunite with others. Either way, a good time will definitely be had by all. Gardening, tending, and harvesting bring joy this month. The Fish may enjoy some financial success this month. Sharing with family members keeps that good prosperity and energy moving.
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FORT WILLIAM HISTORICAL PARK T hu n d e r B ay, O n t a r i o, C a n a d a
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TheBeat
Tunnel Island Trail to Norman Dam By Lenore Lotecki
Off the highway to a quiet trail the bridge construction noise pushed out pines towering over the path to the river branches reaching out to display perfect clouds of needles a green canopy over nature's campsite The river is high and the current is deadly water flowing so fast it moves on an angle it rises and falls making humps and hollows like a giant sea monster breaching the surface of the river On the leeside of a point I see an eddy forty feet spinning fast its sides angled with the water's force the centre seemingly quiet and unmoving A grey Heron stands on the point unmoving surrounded by the water urgent to keep moving Walking toward the dam down the right of way all the new hydro poles are dressed in thigh high black vinyl boots power lines buzz from the sultry humidity of the early morning heat Through the pine forest along the tree root path with the sun breaking through the canopy to reveal the undisturbed blanket of moss rotting poplars cloaked in a shroud of their own leaves Beyond me, the river rushes to get to Manitoba Just hours to go now We all need to go somewhere We all need to keep moving
Stories Of Anishinaabe Resilience SOAR Project www.tbpl.ca/soarproject
Unmoving/Urgent, digital illustration, boy Roland
SOAR Podcast
Survivors of St. Joseph’s Residential School in Thunder Bay, Ontario, open up about their personal experiences at the school known locally as the “boarding school”. New podcast episodes are released monthly. Access the podcast on Anchor, by Spotify.
This project was funded by Canada Heritage for Commemorating the History and Legacy of Residential Schools.
www.tbpl.ca 345-8275 The Walleye
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A Foxy Smile - Photo by Linda Ryma
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