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Behind the scenes of Thunder Bay’s waterfront
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City Paths & Trails p 17
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Coney Dogs p 26
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Mushroom Hike p 33
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Magnus Theatre Turns Forty p 37 The Walleye
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9/19/11 2:02:53 PM
Harvest Moon in a Port City
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For most cultures, the October moon is known as the Harvest Moon. Other moon names include Hunter’s Moon, Blood Moon, and even Moon When Quilling and Beading is Done. But for the most part, October is the Harvest Moon month. According to the Farmers’ Almanac, full moon names date back to Native American tribes as a means of keeping track of the seasons. And although there are some variations, for the most part, the same moon names were used from New England to Lake Superior. And given that Thunder Bay has been a grain port for over 100 years and is the largest grain-handling port in North America, harvesting time is an important time.
Thunder Bay’s arts & culture alternative
Editor-in-chief Darren McChristie Editor Tiffany Jarva: tiffany@thewalleye.ca Contributing Editor Rebekah Skochinski Photographers Darren McChristie, John-Paul Marion, Storm Carroll, Chris Merkley, Dave Koski, Tara George, Cole Breiland, Amy Vervoort Art Director Dave Koski, R.G.D.: production@thewalleye.ca Copy Editors Amy Jones, Nancy Saunders, Diane Piovesana Business Manager Doug McChristie Sales Manager Heather McLeod: sales@thewalleye.ca Advertising Sales Tracy Sadgrove: tracy@thewalleye.ca 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 © 2011 by Superior Outdoors Inc. All Rights Reserved. Editorial and Advertising: Submissions must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Superior Outdoors cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. Superior Outdoors Inc. Suite 242, 1100 Memorial Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 4A3 Telephone (807) 624-1215 ; Fax (807) 623-5122 E-mail: info@superioroutdoors.ca Printed in Canada Superior Outdoors Inc donates 1% of all sales to 1% for the Planet
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www.TheWalleye.ca
On the Cover Photo by Dave Koski Thunder Bay Tug Services tug boat “Point Valour” moored at Keefer Terminal.
The Editor on board Thunder Bay Tug Services “Point Valour” alongside the Freighter “Algocape” with the Sleeping Giant in the background.
In this month’s cover story, we take a closer look at the industry and jobs down at the harbour front. Who hasn’t ever looked at one of the elevators towering on the shore and wanted to take a peek inside? In the story, “Elevated,” writer Marlene Wandel slips on a pair of steel-toed rubber galoshes and takes that peek for us. “This elevator is fascinating,” she writes, “so long as claustrophobia is not an issue.” We also take a look at the Canada Malting Company’s local plant. Who knew there was a local company processing and shipping malt for 1.2 billion bottles of beer a year? Making it quite likely that the beer you’re drinking today was made from the malt processed down at the waterfront. We also tour some tugs with Captain Gerry Dawson of Thunder Bay Tug Boat Services, best known for the harrowing rescue of two men from the American yacht Grampa Woo during a wicked storm on Lake Superior in 1996. And the Port Authority of Thunder Bay takes some time out to share their vision for the future. And because the October Moon is also sometimes known as the Hunter’s Moon, food writer Mark Piovesana shares his Coq au Vin recipe, which he makes each fall using fresh partridge, and sommelier Jeannie Dubois offers some game bird pairings. Fall is synonymous with school and as such we welcome all the new and returning college and university students. This month we feature the recreational trails and paths to get you from place to place in the city, either by bike or foot, without having to fight traffic. A student guide helps you ease into the city and if you’re looking for cheap local eats, food writer Amy Jones writes about the local history of coney and some of the best places to try a coney dog or burger. Here’s to enjoying October on this harvest moon. -TJ
The Walleye
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Dave Koski
Contents
■ 17 Public Paths
FEATURES
■
6 CoverStory: Port f Thunder Bay
& Recreational Trails
■ 18 Fall Salmon Hunt ■ 19 Empty Bowls Caring Hearts
■ 7 Lakehead Marine & Industrial Inc.
■ 8 Thunder Bay Tug Services ■ 9 Canada Malting Company ■ 10 Richardson International Ltd. ■ 12 Q&A with LU President, Dr. Brian Stevenson
■ 13 Halloween Town ■ 13 Pot, Pills & Parties ■ 14 Student Guide ■ 15 Random Acts of Poetry ■ 16 Catherine St. Book Society ■ 16 International Festival
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■ 26 Crazy for Coney ■ 26 Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. ■ 27 The Annual Autumn
FILM&THEATRE
■ 36 Biindigaate Film Festival ■ 37 Magnus Theatre Review ■ 37 On Stage Thunder Bay
“Coq au Vin” Party
■ 27 Get your game (bird) on!
MUSIC
■ 20 Music for the Masses IV ■ 21 Gord Ellis
THE ARTS
Burning to the Sky
CITYSCENE
of Authors
FOOD
■ 22 L.U. Charity Bash ■ 22 Hollerado’s “Meet the Mayor Tour”
■ 23 TBSO Season Opens ■ 23 Trevor Potts ■ 24 Rise Against/Flogging Molly/ The Black Pacific
■ 24 Bachman & Turner ■ 25 The Great Lakes Swimmers
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■ 30 Improvisational Dance ■ 30 Hunger Cabaret V.666 ■ 30 October Studio Walkabout ■ 31 A Toadstool for a Pixie ■ 32 Living a Wild Life LIVING GREEN
■ 33 The Fall Mushroom Hike ■ 34 Question of the Month ■ 35 Gardening 101
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■ 26 Drink of the Month ■ 40 ZYGOTE bop ■ 25 Off the Wall Reviews ■ 38 October EVENTS ■ 41 The Wall ■ 42 The EYE
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David Francey Finlandia Club October 8
This show marks the start of the Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society’s 2011/12 season—a series of six shows featuring some of Canada’s best performers. Up first is David Francey, a three-time Juno award winner who is regarded as one of the greatest songwriters appearing on the roots circuit today—not just in Canada, but around the world. This fall, Francey, a lifelong manual labourer who didn’t debut until the age of 45 and who only quit his carpentry job after winning his first Juno, is touring in promotion of his ninth album, Late Edition. The album was recorded in Nashville with the godfather of Americana music, Kieran Kane, and is a profound yet catchy collection of songs that are both worldly and personal. Tickets are $20, available at the Hoito, Fireweed, Chaltrek/Ostrom Outdoors and P.C. Medic. www.my.tbaytel.net/etose
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Lower Level of Eaton’s October 19-22
Oktober Beer Tasting Lot 66 October 23
Building on the sell-out success of their premiere beer tasting last April (reviewed in the May issue of The Walleye), Lot 66 will be hosting a second event in the spirit of Oktoberfest. This is an opportunity to sample five European beers paired with a five course menu of sumptuous and complementary dishes, such as grilled pear, Pork Belly & an aromatic jus emulsion and black forest terrine, almond cream ganache & black cherry drizzle . Tickets are $65 and available at Lot 66. www.lotsixtysix. com
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One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
The Hunger Cabaret V.666 Downtown P.A. October 29
Presented by Definitely Superior Art Gallery as a fundraiser for the contemporary arts, The Hunger is Thunder Bay’s quintessential Halloween event and the largest music and performance event of the year. Last year’s event drew a crowd of 2,150 and this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better. A ten-dollar ticket buys admission into six venues with live entertainment (36 bands and 46 acts), a chance to win thousands in raffle prizes, costume contests (no rentals or online purchases allowed!) and free candy. www.definitelysuperior.com
Frankly Scarlet productions presents Dale Wasserman’s adaption of Ken Kesey’s unforgettable story about a mental hospital and its patients. In a world where sanity means conformity, following the rules is the only way to survive. But conforming does not come naturally to Randall P. McMurphy, a criminal serving a short sentence on a prison farm who hopes to avoid hard labour by serving his sentence in a hospital. McMurphy’s experience, along with that of his fellow patients, tells a powerful and heart-wrenching story that will come alive with an exceptional local cast, directed by Jesica Bouvier. Tickets are $15, available at Steepers and The Great Northwest Coffee Company. frankly.scarlet@hotmail.ca
Jeff Beck
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium October 21
With a career spanning over four decades, Jeff Beck is one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock music. As an innovator with a taste for distortion, he helped to redefine the sound and role of the electric guitar. Beck is the guitarist who replaced Eric Clapton in the Yardbirds and although he only stayed with the band for 18 months, he played on almost all of the group’s hits. His most recent studio album, Emotion & Commotion, adds to Beck’s legacy as an innovator. The album debuted at #11 on the Billboard chart and was nominated for five Grammys, taking home the awards for Best Pop and Best Rock Instrumental Performances. www.tbca.com
Darren McChristie
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TOPfive
The Walleye
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Damien Gilbert
CoverStory
Largest Outbound Port on the Great Lakes Seaway
As the gateway to western Canada, the port of Thunder Bay is well known for having the largest grain storage capacity in North America. In addition to handling grain, Port Authority CEO Tim Heney is optimistic that the port can diversify its marine cargo (think: oilsands project cargo and wind turbines) thanks to the port’s unique access to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence seaway, a dedicated on-dock cargo railway system, and a sexy new multi-million dollar mobile harbour crane on its way from Germany. Dave Koski
By Tiffany Jarva
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The Walleye
The Port Authority Harbour Master Guy Jarvis and CEO Tim Heney
Damien Gilbert
The Port of Thunder Bay
Walking into one of the Port Authority’s massive waterfront warehouses is much more impressive than looking at it from the outside. In this particular warehouse, Lakehead Newsprint is housed and huge rolls of paper are piled high, dwarfing the largest of men. In total, the port authority has access to 550,000 square footage of storage space, the largest of its kind between Toronto and Winnipeg. The space is definitely big—a great selling point in terms of shipping cargo. And actually, all of Keefer feels big to me. I feel tiny against the big ships, big elevators, big cranes, big warehouse spaces, the big sky and, of course, the reason for even being here in the first place, the big sea of a lake itself—Superior.
The shipping season on Lake Superior (and most of the Great Lakes seaway) is usually open from the end of March through to late December, weather permitting of course. The Thunder Bay Port Authority’s four fulltime employees are responsible for overseeing shipping traffic, the Coast Guard, port security, warehouse space, drumming up business, and the list goes on. Grain continues to be the largest export shipped from Thunder Bay (usually bound for Europe), accounting for 75% of the 6.9 million tonnes of cargo shipments handled by the port in 2010. Future growth in the grain exports is expected, especially shipping to the Middle East and Africa. Thunder Bay is also the only port on the Great Lakes seaway that exports potash, accounting for about 5% of the port’s outbound cargo.
In addition to grain, coal (about 15%), and potash, Port Authority CEO Tim Heney and Harbour Master Guy Jarvis recognize the importance of diversifying the cargo handled and “re-inventing ourselves” as a port. In order to help achieve this goal, the Port Authority, with assistance from the provincial government, is investing in a new 150-foot (to put in perspective the harbour’s tallest elevator is 140 feet) mobile harbour crane (the Liebherr LHM 320) with a unique travelling and supporting system capable of lifting over 100 tonnes of cargo. Heney also says it’s important to elevate the profile of the port. It’s important to continue educating (and in some cases reminding) customers that the port of Thunder Bay has huge advantages as a result of where it is located on the Great Lakes seaway, especially with its easy access to a dedicated cargo railway system, acting as a gateway to the west. The Port Authority even has their own blue caboose to house workers so that they can closely monitor awkward and heavy cargo during train shipments. Heney predicts that due to shipping congestion on the west coast (i.e. coal demand is ever-increasing in China) and the increased need for special project cargo especially for the oilsands and wind farms, and with significant private investment in launching new Lake Vessels, Thunder Bay is poised to be a very busy port in the years to come.
Do you wonder how many cargo ships come to port annually?
DOMESTIC FOREIGN AMERICAN TOTAL
YEAR TO DATE (2011) 183 24 2 209
LAST YEAR (2010) 167 39 0 206
Vessel Report stats from the Port Authority of Thunder Bay as of September 20th, 2011.
CoverStory
The Shipyard By Larry Hogard
Located at the mouth of the Current River and currently operating under Lakehead Marine & Industrial Inc., business has been downsized from the days when it was the Port Arthur Shipbuilding Company (PASCOL) and Portship, but the services offered at the Shipyard remain specialized and diverse. The Shipyard started operations in 1910 as a shipbuilding company, with a drydock capable of handling ships near 700 feet long. It became a place of large scale, local employment, and played a significant role in the development of Northwestern Ontario. The manufacturing facility was equipped with a large machine and boiler shop, punch shed, foundry, and a power house containing the steam boilers, electrical generators, air compressors and engines necessary to power the shop machinery. Marine vessels such as ocean freighters, naval trawlers, tugs, minesweepers, corvettes, barges, and passenger and bulk carriers were built and repaired. By 1993, when the last vessel was manufactured, nearly 150 ships had been built or experienced major conversions at the Port Arthur Shipyard. In the 1920s, the Shipyard started to diversify by providing machinery for pulp and paper mills across the nation and by 1930, the Millwork Department was producing fine furnishings, cabinets, doors, and stairs for the local community. It also designed and manufactured four-sided time clocks for arenas, found in places like the Montreal Forum and Maple Leaf Gardens. During the war effort of WWII, the Shipyard found itself building vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and producing aircraft wings and woodwork needed for aircraft manufactured at the Canadian Car and Foundry of Fort William (now Bombardier). At its peak, there were 2200 men and women producing fine work and products for local, national and international contracts. But the 1990s saw a major downsizing and much of the work became seasonal or dependant on servicing the mining or unstable pulp and paper industries.
Winter is the busy season at the Shipyard, with generally four boats in drydock and 100 workers performing repairs. It is demanding work to endure through the harsh winter, but the workers’ efforts, both past and present, have made a landmark of the grand facility known as “The Shipyard.”
Dave Koski
Steve Allen, the General Manager of Lakehead Marine and Industrial Inc., claims they have faced many challenges trying to keep up with the times and maintain the Shipyard as a repair facility and specialized machine shop.”Today,” states Allen, “our drydock is capable of handling a 730-foot ship design, but now vessels are built 740-feet long. This makes it difficult to remove the propeller shaft for repairs.” Allen claims that for approximately $1 million, the drydock could be retrofitted to accommodate the larger vessels and create more employment at the Shipyards. This seems like a relatively minor investment to help improve the facility, but attempts at securing funding through various sources have been unsuccessful.
The massive 730 foot drydock at Lakehead Marine & Industrial Inc. The Walleye
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CoverStory During a storm in October 1996, high winds swirled and 15-foot waves crashed off Thunder Cape, where the propeller-less Grampa Woo was adrift. Even after an unsuccessful towing attempt by a laker, a Coast Guard’s cutter disappearing from the radar, and their own stern deck submerged under water, the ice-covered tug Glenada and her crew persevered, rescuing the two men from the yacht. The following year in Ottawa, Captain Gerry Dawson, engineer John Olson, and deckhand Jim Harding were awarded medals of bravery. Writer Tiffany Jarva catches up with Captain Gerry Dawson, touring his tugs (including Glenada) and tagging along on a “ship assist” trip with Captain Stan Dawson, Gerry’s brother.
Thunder Bay Tug Services
The Art of Harbour Assist By Tiffany Jarva
“This is an unpredictable, 24-hour business,” says Captain Gerry Dawson, owner and operator of Thunder Bay Tug Services. “You don’t know one day from the next what you’ll be doing.” Most of the company’s business is “ship assist” work in the harbour, using the five-vessel fleet’s three larger tugs—the Point Valour from Quebec, Glenada from Sarnia, and Miseford from Port Maitland. Dawson estimates that they probably assist about 90% of the lakers that come to port and about 50% of the salties. Due to the modernization of ships and increased maneuverability, today traditional tug work has been cut in half compared to the 60s, 70s and even the 80s, explains Dawson. Now, the company must rely on other tug work, which includes ice breaking, cleaning out ice in the elevator slips, responding to distress calls, providing vessels for commercial diving, towing barges to Isle Royale, helping to tie up the cruise ships, and sometimes even delivering items to the anchored ships, like extra burlap bags for grain and once even a Christmas tree. “It’s fun,” Dawson says. “You do something different every day, no two days are the same, and you’re not stuck in an office.” Over the years, Captain Gerry Dawson has responded to distress calls from different vessels ranging from powerboats to sailboats, but nothing was quite like the October 1996 rescue of two men from the American yacht, the Grampa Woo, which was blown adrift on Lake Superior from Grand Portage. The Glenada headed out into the high winds and frigid temperatures. Waves broke their towline, the windshield was icing up, and Dawson could no longer see his deckhand Jim Harding. Although the stern deck was submersed in water, and the decks icy, eventually Harding emerged, still functioning thanks to his survival suit, and hanging on tight. Despite the 15-foot waves and losing sight of the Coast Guard’s cutter, the Westfort, on radar, the crew was able to rescue the two Americans from the drifting yacht. They then spent a day and half waiting out the storm at Tee Harbour. Modestly, Dawson says he was surprised when they were awarded bravery medals by the Governor General at a ceremony in Ottawa the following year, and he makes sure it’s clear that deckhand Jim Harding was the one awarded the Star of Courage.
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The Walleye
Captain Gerry Dawson in front of the fleet’s largest tug, Point Valour
All photos: Dave Koski
On a crisp, sunny September afternoon, rolling past the gatehouse and into Keefer terminal feels like entering another world. Here on the harbour’s edge are vast warehouses, historic brick buildings, soaring elevators, tugs, and, today, a docked “salty” (ocean vessel). Sharon Dawson of Thunder Bay Tug Services greets us with a wave and a smile saying that they may have a “ship assist” coming up that we can be a part of—we’ve been on standby for days waiting for the next opportunity to “shadow” a tug boat operation, and today may be that day.
On a tour of the three larger tugs, Dawson explains that each tug has its own character. For instance the Miseford has four Detroit diesel engines, the Point Valour has a large impressive piston engine, and the Glenada has an updated bright yellow 24-cylinder caterpillar engine. Each tug requires three crew members to operate: captain, engineer and a deckhand. Tugs are inspected regularly, and updated, each equipped with radar, GPS, searchlights, and more. Dawson points out that the Miseford was originally built in 1915 and is proof that if taken care of properly, a tug can last forever. During our tour, Dawson receives a call to assist the freighter Algocape a ship with close to 30,000 tonnes of cargo capacity similar to the Edmund Fitzgerald, move from one terminal in the harbour to another. Gerry’s brother Captain Stan Dawson takes us out for about two hours on the Point Valour, assisting the ship as it moves from Keefer to Mission Terminal. Captain Stan stresses that wind is their biggest enemy when they are out on the water, especially considering the surface area of barges and ships like the Algocape. Throughout the move, the tug helps keep the freighter steady, pushes and guides it off the dock at Keefer, and then guides it into place at Mission Terminal, holding it steady as two crew members clipped on to the ship’s boon are lowered down on to the dock so that they can “stitch” the wire for anchoring purposes. Once set, the Point Valour heads back to Keefer, past an eagle, past the Sleeping Giant, and back to port until the next call comes forth. Hungry for more details about the tug Glenada’s rescue effort during the storm of October 1996? Check out the book Rescue from Grampa Woo by NWO author Joan Skelton.
CoverStory
Canada Malting Company Local plant produces approximately 125,000 metric tonnes of malt annually The tug “Point Valour” assists the Great Lakes freighter “Algocape” past the breakwater
By Tiffany Jarva
Like many of the companies located in the port of Thunder Bay, the Canada Malting Company has been part of the local waterfront industry for decades—since 1946, when it bought one of the original 1923 elevators. Fittingly, their local office, tucked amongst the towering elevators, is in a historical brick building with a inset stone that reads: This stone was laid by RT. HON. C.D. Howe M.P. June 8, 1957. “What we do hasn’t changed much in 5000 years,” explains plant manager Jim Desaulniers. “Technology has changed but the process of making malt and eventually beer is still the same.”
Established in 1902, the Canada Malting Company currently has three plants in Canada, including Thunder Bay, Montreal and Calgary. The Thunder Bay malt houses alone provide the malt for about 1.2 billion bottles of beer a year, supplying major, regional and micro breweries. The tug Glenada at work in the harbour Captain Stan Dawson
The local plant converts raw barley from the Canadian prairies into malted barley and provides, on average, 125,000 tonnes of malt to 78 different North American breweries annually. The local operation includes three malt houses, referred to as “houses” because originally, in places like Germany, malting was a family business, operating from their house. Today, local operations are modernized, fully-automated, employing 53 local people.Waste is used to create animal feed (malt sprout pellets that are high in protein), primarily for the European market. Thanks to the arrival of an ocean-going vessel coming to load up on pellets this past spring, it was the first time that Canada Malting opened the international shipping season for the port of Thunder Bay, marked by a traditional top hat ceremony. “Every crop year the barley is different,” explains malting manager Andrew Parkes. As a result, the process is tweaked every year. Barley arrives between late August and early September, with busy production times coinciding with warm weather, holidays and major sporting events—whenever beer drinking is a must. And although things have changed over the years, including the rising cost of doing business (i.e. water, taxes, etc.), Parkes says, “We’re still here. We’re still doing business.”
Engineer Dave Gurney
Deckhand Ron Serino
Unlike many other businesses on the waterfront, the malting business operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So the next time you sip a beer at a hockey game or on the deck at camp, consider the fact that chances are, the fine malt was created right here in the port of Thunder Bay. Want to learn more? Visit www.canadamalting.com The Walleye
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CoverStory Curtis Phillips Annex Worker 1. He is in the old Annex, the bin tops
All photos: Storm Carroll
Elevated
Following the grain at Richardson International Ltd By Marlene Wandel Looking east from Hillcrest Park, it’s not uncommon to see a freighter outlined against the Sleeping Giant. Coming or going, these big vessels are part of our view, our history and of our economy. Outbound, the majority of the cargo is grain—of the close to 7 million tonnes of cargo last year, over 5 million tonnes were grain. Grain shorn off prairie fields makes its way east to Thunder Bay, where it continues its journey by water; in between is the journey through the grain elevator.
On arrival, each incoming load is inspected by both the elevator and the Canadian Grain Commission. The shipment is assigned a quality label in keeping with inspection parameters. Further along its journey to the ship, much of the grain is cleaned at the elevator, with different machines for different grains. The noise of the elevators, conveyors, and cleaning machines is deafening; it’s a relief to step into an elevator of a different kind and take a ride to the roof.
Eight elevators are operational in the Port of Thunder Bay; Richardson International Ltd is the only one on the north side. This elevator has been operational since it was built by the Richardson family in 1919, with additional construction in the 1930’s and 1970’s.
This elevator is fascinating, so long as claustrophobia is not an issue. Three of us are fairly cozy in the small industrial elevator, yet the sign clearly indicates maximum capacity is eight. “That’s not such a bad thing in the winter,” points out our tour guide, Operations Supervisor Ryan Fay. Aside from the lunchrooms and offices scattered throughout, this massive structure is somewhat open to the vagaries of weather, with windows that look like they could well be the original windows. The air is surprisingly clear; due to the highly explosive nature of grain dust, a grain dust extraction system is in place. Central vacuum tubes run throughout the structure, with vacuum heads propped at the ready for the housecleaning that takes place between shipments. Grain dust gleaned from these systems is transformed into feed pellets on site, and shipped out on recently emptied grain cars.
Grain elevators are true to their name—the grain is elevated from ground level through a bucket elevator, enclosed in a tower called a “leg.” The receiving legs carry the grain up to the level of the distribution floor. The distribution floor is mind-boggling, and brings to mind a dance floor for beginners: round-numbered hatches cover the floor, and each hatch leads to a different conveyor belt that feeds a set of bins in one of four annexes. In total, 370 bins are accessible from the distribution floor. Once it is time to ship the grain, the shipping legs bring it back up to the level of the shipping chutes, where gravity assists with the loading. The crew of 30 at the Richardson can unload 70 hopper cars, at 90 tonnes of grain each, and load 2000 tonnes of grain per hour on to a waiting ship in an eight hour shift. At any given time, the Richardson elevator can have any combination of nine different grains being unloaded, cleaned, or loaded, without any actual mixing of the grains.
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The Walleye
Up on the work house roof, we see the big picture. There is a “salty” waiting in the harbour, and far below our lofty perch at 176 feet is the lake freighter Manitoba. At 185 m long, and in the process of being loaded with 13 000 tonnes of canola, she is considered small. There are three inactive elevators within a stone’s throw—reminders of a busier time in Port of Thunder Bay. To the west, the old concrete foundations of additional off-site grain barns from WW II are evident. At a time when
the St. Lawrence seemed vulnerable to submarine attack, Thunder Bay was considered a safe haven for grain. Built on the lake bottom, and supported with thousands of logs at the time of initial construction, the elevator juts out into the lake so that the big ships can nestle alongside. The shipping chutes jut out from high up on the building. Remote control allows the “grain trimmers”—the crew responsible for the deposition of the grain in the ship in a safe manner—to manoeuver the chutes over the hatches. This load shimmers black and gold in the hold. Canola is a black grain, in this case destined for Windsor, to be pressed for its golden oil that finds its way back here in the form of canola oil and margarine. On loading, there is another round of inspection. In a room full equipment, one gets the sense that one of the best tools in the room is a well-trained and highly sensitive eyeball, able to pick out dockage in the form of chaff, weed seeds, unripe grains and heated grains. The constant sampling ensures a consistent grain quality is loaded on to the ship, and is corroborated by the Canadian Grain Commission’s simultaneous and separate inspection. Leaving the structure via the narrow, steep staircase, one steps into the quiet of the outdoors. Turning for one last look, it’s hard to believe that the impassive-looking structure that catches the eye as you approach Thunder Bay by road, air, or water houses such a hive of activity. This industry, with its massive ships and soaring structures, all dedicated to the movement of millions of tonnes of tiny grains is so visible, yet from where most of us usually stand, so quiet.
CoverStory
Supervisor Ryan Fay conducts tour with writer Marlene Wandel.
100% Tast e
Tod Donaldson, Grain Inspector 1 Dock office, inspecting canola as it is being loaded onto the boat.
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Food CityScene
Q+A
Dr. Brian Stevenson, New President of Lakehead University By Mark Piovesana
Mark Wanzel
It is the first week of classes and the student population of Lakehead University has grown to 9,000 students, all eager to embark on their educational (and social) endeavours. The Walleye, curious about the buzz, felt compelled to ask Lakehead’s top administrator and public face, Dr. Brian Stevenson, a few questions. Waiting to be welcomed to his office for an interview, a significant change to “Executive Row” was noticed. The long hallway, once adorned with plaques and other university memorabilia, has now become what is known as “The Row.” Student art is on display and for sale, the works all hand picked by Dr. Stevenson, reflecting his sincere interest in the Fine Arts department. “I’ve picked a fabulous piece for my own home and plan on purchasing several more,” he says.
Having spent some time in Thunder Bay now, what are some of the cultural activities you have participated in and what has been your impression of them? I haven’t had a lot of time here to experience many of the wide variety of cultural activities Thunder Bay has to offer but I am looking forward to experiencing all of them. The LU art show was special to me for obvious reasons. I love the TBSO and was thrilled to see a sold out performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and have the LU Symphony Chorus play a role in that. We hosted a reception in the LU Main Cafeteria following the concert to celebrate and it was wonderful.
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The Walleye
What has surprised you most about the Thunder Bay lifestyle?
You stated that one of your priorities was to “reach out to the First Nations communities.” In your words, you stated “Camp,” in a nutshell. Throughout that “Universities have, historically, been the summer as I solicited thoughts, ideas and opinions, many people invited me to the source of social mobility.” Can you their summer retreats. In a relaxed atmos- share any success stories with us?
What do you like to cook (as you are renowned for your cooking) and what music do you like to listen to?
What is your vision for the Law School at Lakehead University?
As for music, I like everything, especially Cuban, Mexican and Spanish when I am in a festive mood. For reading and studying my favourite is the band Kitaro—in fact I was listening to it just before you arrived. Malcolm McLaren Fans is a highlight for me. It is a modernization of several opera arias from Carmen, Madame Butterfly and others. It is definitely worth downloading.
phere, I learned a lot about the people of this community and more importantly its culture. It is a very tight knit group who work very hard, but also relax hard.
My vision is that it will become an integral part of the development of greater access to justice in Northern Ontario and greater legal literacy in the North. It means there is a greater engagement by the community in legal issues. It is more than it appears on the surface.
Statistics will prove the value of a university education. We currently have over 1,000 aboriginal students on campus representing 12-13% of our student body, the highest percentage of any university in Canada. That is a huge success story.
It has become known that you have a keen interest in foreign films. Do you have a favourite and if so what do you like about it? I really love the film The Bicycle Thief for its poignancy in characterizing the relationship between a father and son in post-war Italy as hardship befalls the father. My favourite, though, is Mishima: A Life in Four Parts. It is a story about a poet who deals with the unity of pen and sword in the post war culture of Japan. Both are well worth seeing.
I love to cook Mexican, and what I like more than anything is having guests who will sip margaritas as they assemble their own specialties—with my guidance of course. In fact, I just got back from Mexico with a whole case of mole sauce to ensure authenticity.
Paul Morralee
CityScene
Halloween Town at Pioneer Village Not for the squeamish
A once quaint little village on the edge of town has gone sinisterly wrong. Something evil is lurking... are you brave enough to venture into this dark, foreboding place? Brian Cronk, board member and consultant for Founders Museum/Pioneer Village, is very excited to bring Halloween Town to life. “My love for Halloween started many years ago with the Freaky Forest in my backyard on 15th side road and carried into the Butcher Brothers indoor walks more recently,” says Cronk. “I’ve driven by this little village most of my life and always said: wouldn’t that be a great place for a Halloween walk?” Very soon the dream will come true and Halloween enthusiasts will be able to experience a completely different village. The walk will feature a spooky story that will take you through the entire town: old school house, church, pioneer home, graveyard and more, all featuring actors and creeps from your worst nightmare. The walk will have a definite “boo!” factor, but Cronk and his crew like to attack all the senses, so expect some subtle eerie effects as well. “Our motto is: If you have to ask how scary it is, then it might be too scary for you! We are hoping to get a great turn out to help raise some much needed cash to help keep the village operating,” he says. Visit Halloween Town October 21-22, 28-30 at Founders Museum, Pioneer Village. The cost is $15 and the walk begins at dark and ends at 10 pm. www.founders.ca
Pot, Pills & Parties
Youth for Drug Policy Reform Conference By Laura Prinselaar
The first ever Youth for Drug Policy Reform Conference will be held in Thunder Bay October 14. Youth and adults are invited to come out to ask questions, learn facts, and gain understanding about marijuana and the law, safer partying, realistic drug education, overdose prevention and more. “Blowing the lid off the conversation, giving young people information they request (instead of what we think they need) and getting young people mobilized around the issues...that’s what Pot, Pills and Parties is all about,” explains Patty Hajdu, Thunder Bay Drug Strategy coordinator. Special guest speaker, retired Judge Morten, will talk about why drug policy must be reformed. As a Toronto assistant crown attorney and provincial court judge in the Ontario Court of Justice, Morton witnessed how drug prohibition affects the poor (especially women), and he is convinced there is an undeniable relationship between poverty and crime. “It is poverty that drives most people into criminal clutches, so a punitive society and the war on drugs do not work,” he says. The conference will close with a group panel discussion about harm reduction and improving the health and lives of youth in our community. The Pot, Pills & Parties Conference takes place at the Lakehead Labour Centre Friday October 14, 9am to 4pm. Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are included in the $10 entrance fee (subsidies are available—they want all interested youth to be able to attend). Contact Patty Hajdu, Thunder Bay Drug Strategy, at 625-7994; patricia.hajdu@tbdhu.com or search for the Pot, Pills & Parties group on Facebook for info and to register online.
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CityScene Lookin’ to wind down? You needn’t pay a lot to relax. Rent DVD’s from Great Canadian Video (330 Memorial Avenue) or Barb’s Laundry (three locations around town) and while you’re there, you can wash your duds too. The Bookshelf/Gameshelf (920 Memorial Avenue) is a great place to trade, browse and buy used books and games, or meet friends and play. Gaming tables are open ‘til 10pm, 7 nights a week. For the night life, check out our events listings at the back of the mag for your gateway to everything entertainment in the Bay.
More of an outdoors fun seeker?
Student Guide Welcome back! Whether you’re a lifetime resident or newcomer to Thunder Bay, it never hurts to have a little insider information. Here are a few pointers to help make your school year a little more fun and relaxing. Missing mom’s eats? Home-cooked meals with student-friendly prices are available at the Hoito(314 Bay Street), Beacon Restaurant(61 S. Cumberland Street) and Nivas(376 Lisgar Street). Not only will you find great breakfasts, but lunch and dinner too.
Scoring some ‘za Golden Crown Pizza(386 N. Cumberland Street) offers an extra large pizza with unlimited toppings for $14.99, and Eat Local Pizza & Pastry(401 N. May Street) uses local, homegrown ingredients and features half-priced wings on Wednesdays. Bonus!
Lunch-a-go-go If you need eats in a hurry, head to Quality Market (just around the corner from LU) for nutritious sandwiches, soups, chili and a massive salad bar.
Gammondale Farm
PUMPKINFEST Weekends til Halloween 11am-5pm $9/person (cash only please) under 2 FREE Tons of Pumpkins, Tons of Food, Tons of Fun Buy 1 Pumpkin. Get 1 FREE!
475-5615
www.gammondalefarm.com 14
The Walleye
Thunder Bay boasts some of the most beautiful hiking and running trails. Seek out Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Centennial Park and the Cascades Conservation Area for some of the best the Bay has to offer. Join a free running group at Fresh Air Experience (311 E. Victoria Avenue) or, weather permitting, head over to Boulevard Lake for a round of Frisbee golf .
Totally Stylin’ Frugality shouldn’t mean a style trade-off. Head to Easy Home(a lease-to-own company) for great deals on new and slightly used home furnishings. Or go totally retro and hit up Value Village and the Salvation Army, where there are always great finds.
Got a case of the sniffles? With cold and flu season approaching, don’t despair. There are three walk-in clinics open to the public. Northwest Walk-in Clinic (located at the Brentwood Mall on Arthur Street) is open Monday-Friday, 4-8pm and Saturday and Sunday, 12-5pm. Simply Pharmacy, located at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, is open Monday-Thursday, 12-8pm, Friday, 12-4pm; Saturday, 10-1pm. There is also Ridgeway Clinic (1001 Ridgeway Street) open MondayThursday, 9:30-4:15pm. - Alex Larson, Tracy Sadgrove, Rebekah Skochinski
D E PA R T M E N T O F
MUSIC LUMINA Concert Series
2011-2012
October 11 • 12:30 p.m. Damian Rivers-Moore, horn Katharine Rappoport, violin Carolyn Jones, piano
November 8 • 12:30 p.m. Erin Brophey, oboe Evgueni Tchougounov, piano
January 17 • 8:00 p.m. Tim Brady, electric guitar
February 28, 12:30 p.m. E-Chen Hsu, clarinet Dean Jobin-Bevans, baritone Joy Fehrenbruck, piano
October 25 • 12:30 p.m. E-Gré Competition winner Erica Huang, violin with Emily Hamper, piano
November 22 • 12:30 p.m. Joseph Roy, guitar
January 31 • 12:30 p.m. Music in Common Heather Morrison, piano Peter Shackleton, clarinet Derek Conrod, horn
March 12 • 12:30 p.m.
Dare to be Scared
Fri & Sat - Oct 14 & 15 • Fri & Sat - Oct 21 & 22 Fri & Sat - Oct 28 & 29
Open Dark to 10 pm
You pay $15 cold cash to get in. But youʻll pray to get out! Daring souls under 18 must be accompanied by a brave adult 21 years or older. 1 adult/ youth
475-5615
www.gammondalefarm.com tickets available at Intercity Shopping Centre Customer Ser vice and at the Gammondale Farm Gate.
Marie-Claude Tardif, bass Katie Stevens, violin
Concerts Location:
Jean McNulty Recital Hall, Music and Visual Arts Building, Lakehead University
Admission:
Students $8.00 Adults $12.00
CityScene
Random Acts of Poetry Watch for the orange jumpsuits By Katie Zugic
During the week of October 1st through 8th, Thunder Bay’s civilians should be prepared to witness orange jumpsuit-clad spoken word artists delving into random poetry performances across the city. Random Acts of Poetry— Definitely Superior’s initiative to promote literacy, art, and poetry to Thunder Bay’s public—is here for its seventh year. More than 30 performances will take place throughout the city during this time, showcasing local poets, singer-songwriters and lyrical artists in unpredictable places such as your local coffee shop, library or park. The beauty of this event is that it really does expose a diverse audience to an enchanting art form they may not otherwise experience. It invokes a sense of curiosity, and ambition in those young and old to pursue a new art form—one that is gaining more and more recognition as the years pass. Both scheduled and unscheduled performances are scattered during three-hour time slots throughout the week, so be sure to find a showcase happening near you. Remember Thunder Bay, if you don’t go to them, they’ll come to you. Performance schedules will be available Oct 1-8 on Facebook and at Definitely Superior Art Gallery.
MONDAY JANUARY 9 - 8:00 PM ORDER TICKETS ONLINE AT
www.tbca.com
Call 684-4444
Toll Free 1 - 800 - 463 - 8817 ALL TICKET SALES FINAL - NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES
The Walleye
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CityScene
International Festival of Authors Comes to Thunder Bay
The Catherine Street Book Society 170 Meetings and Still Reading By Tara George
“ So what is your book club reading this month?” I think it’s fair to say that Oprah popularized this topic of conversation with the inception of her book club in 1996. However, a group of avid readers in Thunder Bay, affectionately known as the Catherine Street Book Society, had been well established by that time. The members of the Society, who started meeting in 1988, originally connected through their various capacities at the Fort William Historical Park. Although membership numbers have fluctuated over the years, there are still five or six original members in this nine-person group. A small notepad serves as an impressive record of approximately 170 meetings since 1989, when they started recording what material was featured at each meeting. Not limited to any one genre or medium, this group has read fiction, non-fiction, poems, plays, and watched the odd video. They have even had some local guest authors join in on a meeting! I was invited to join the Society for their most recent gathering. I was interested to see how such a long-standing book club conducted their meetings, since the focus of my book club’s meetings inevitably turns to the company and the snacks. I arrived while they were in mid-conversation about this month’s read—The Beggar’s Garden by local author Michael Christie. I listened as they discussed the characters, relating one of the short stories back to their personal experiences and Thunder Bay. As the conversation turned to the ins and outs of their book club, I found myself entertained with tales of bad book choices, favourite book choices (To Kill a Mockingbird was a unanimous thumbs up), and the personal interests of some of the members. It was clear that not every book choice was right for everyone, but as one member, Joe, pointed out, when you are part of such a group “you are more likely to read books that you wouldn’t otherwise read.” Book preferences aside, the reason for the long standing success of this book club became evident as the meeting progressed—this was a group of readers who enjoyed each other’s company. Book Clubbers –don’t forget to check out the Thunder Bay Public Library’s Book Clubs in a Bag. With almost 100 titles to choose from, each bag consists of 10 paperback copies of the book, discussion questions, information on the author, and reviews. http://www. tbpl.ca/article/book-clubs-in-a-bag-267.asp
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The Walleye
IFOA Ontario, the touring branch of the successful, Toronto-based International Festival of Authors, is a program that brings literary events to towns and cities across the province of Ontario in partnership with local community organizations. This year, thanks to support from Thunder Bay Public Library, Sleeping Giant Writers Festival, Lakehead University, and Northern Women’s Bookstore, IFOA Ontario will make a stop in Thunder Bay for the first time in its five year history. The event, which takes place on October 16, 2011 at the Prince Arthur Hotel, will feature readings from former Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario James Bartleman, last year’s Giller Prize winner Johanna Skibsrud, and internationally-acclaimed novelist Jane Urqhart, who will read from her novel The Underpainter, which is set in Thunder Bay. For tickets and information, www.litontour.com or call 345-8275.
Elsa Trillat
Tara George
By Amy Jones
Food CityScene
Waste Reduction Week
Ecological consideration is evident along all of Thunder Bay’s recreational trails, thoughtfully planned to take advantage of the city’s natural charm. In recent years, signs have been posted along the way with descriptions of area wildlife and information about our urban streams. Accessible year round, I’ve often found the recreational trails are cleared of snow before the city streets are. They’re the place where urban snow stays white.
Oct. 17-23
• • • •
Free tours: recycling plant & landfill Composter delivery service Classroom presentations Contests & prizes!
Visit www.ecosuperior.org for details
Public Paths + Recreational Trails A network of urban trails weaves amongst the trees and waterways Story and Photos by Amy Vervoort
On a sunny evening in July, I attended a Streamwalk along McVicar Creek hosted by Eco Superior and the Thunder Bay District Stewardship Council. We walked along the restructured recreational trail, which was recently moved inland to protect the urban stream’s habitat. Werner Schwar from the City’s Parks Division was there, and spoke about the rehabilitation efforts that have gone into moving that section of trail: preserving favourite streamside places, conserving the creek, and maintaining a much-loved public path.
From Current River to Parkdale, Port Arthur to Intercity, the network of recreational trails connect to commuter routes throughout the city, weaving through residential areas and connecting them to commercial areas, the hospital, the college and university, and recreation centres. They’re used by many for transportation, and by exercise enthusiasts, by families, and neighbourhood dog walkers—I’ve used them for all of those things. I once lived in an area that allowed me to ride the trails to work and back in less time than it took me to drive. The route was a shortcut through the city, and a ticket out of the morning congestion on Oliver Road. It slowed me down as it saved me time, travelling on a beautiful detour, with most trails following urban waterways and rolling around river bends, tree-lined and full of clean air. The trails are my favourite way to travel through this city. For more information, including a PDF map of Thunder Bay’s recreational trails network, visit www.thunderbay.ca/Living/ Getting_Around/Recreational_Trails.htm.
HALLOWEEN FUN
Ages 8-11 - with artist Stephanie Siemieniuk Oct 22 & 29 - 1pm -4pm Cost $60 all materials included
LANDSCAPES IN OIL
Adult Painting Class with artist Stephanie Siemieniuk November 5th, 12th & 26th Saturdays noon till 2pm Cost $100 materials included
LANDSCAPES IN ACRYLIC Adult Painting Class with artist Eugene Vandal November 9th,16th, 23rd & 30th Wed 6pm- 8pm Cost $100 materials included
Part of the Confederation College Campus
OCTOBER STUDIO
Railway tracks close to the McIntyre Mall
The McIntyre River where it crosses Central Ave
184 McKibbin - Sarah Link & James Woodbeck pottery, sculpture Alison Kendall - prints, books, beadwork 121 Prospect - Mark Nisenholt - prints 14 College - Tim Alexander - Island Pottery John Books - sculpture
Walkabout 2011
373 Tupper - Josh Dowback - Kleewick Glass Luke Nicol - painting 119 Regent - Elizabeth and Peter Powlowski Strawberry Hill Pottery
Friday October 21, 6 to 9 - Saturday October 22, 10 to 4 - Sunday October 23, 12 to 4 Maps available at Fireweed, 182 Algoma and Kleewyck Glass 601 Simpson The Walleye
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Food CityScene
Fall Salmon Hunt By Storm Carroll
For most people, fall is the prologue to a long dreadful winter. However, there are some “elite” anglers who can’t wait for summer to be over and for the rivers to be filled with the fall run of salmon.
Storm Carroll
Every autumn, the circle of life fills the rivers along the coast of Superior with numerous species of fish, the largest being the Chinook salmon. Introduced to the Great Lakes in 1967, the Chinook are a popular catch amongst anglers. If you hook into one of these river monsters, odds are it’s going to be big and it’s going to fight hard. Once the salmon start to swim upstream they genetically start to disintegrate. Usually by the time they start spawning, they are almost dead. It is in an angler’s best interest to only keep fish in the early stages of the run, before the meat rots. Be responsible and only keep a few - the limit is five and it’s in our best interest to keep the species thriving.
Tips
• Most rivers out of Superior have runs of trout • Use brightly-colored lures • Obtain a valid Ontario fishing license • The legal possession is five • Fish responsibly and always inform somebody if you plan on fishing alone
CHANGES consignment boutique
New and gently used clothing, footwear, jewelery, purses and accessories, Youth, ladies and men’s wear.
Make a “change” today
113 S. May St., (807) 285-0791 18
The Walleye
CityScene theTOPfive
Empty Bowls Caring Hearts By Marlene Wandel
Marlene Wandel
The 12th Empty Bowls/Caring Hearts dinner is coming up October 16th at the Moose Hall. This event is your chance to enjoy a simple meal of delicious soup in support of the Thunder Bay Food Bank and Shelter House. The generosity of various chefs, potters, quilters, musicians, and volunteers has created a warm and lively community event. The live music and the always-popular silent auction round out the evening’s entertainment. At the end of the night, diners take home their beautiful handcrafted bowl or placemat as a reminder of the event and the need in our community. Tickets available at Fireweed, Good News, and George’s Market. Sold out last year–don’t miss out!
LOCAL ARTISTS TOGETHER WITH THE PICTURE STORE, MUSSELWHITE MINE, NORTH STAR MERCEDES, DOUGALL MEDIA AND FLADGATE EXPLORATION
cordially invite you to the
1st Anniversary Gala Reception at
LO L OC CA AL COL LO OUR ART GALLERY Friday, October 14th from 6pm to 9pm
33 South Cumberland Street snack & refreshments • artists in attendance The Walleye
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Music
Which PEN would you buy?
Darren McChristie
PEN E-PL3
1186 Memorial Ave 622-2012
www.imagetech.biz
Music for the Masses IV Downtown Hopping By Susan Hagens
online video link
Bar hopping has taken on a whole new meaning in downtown Thunder Bay thanks to L.U. radio fundraiser Music for the Masses. Where else can you hear heavy metal, hip hop, jazz, rock, ska and folk all in a one-block radius? There was standing room only at The Sovereign Room for Robin Ranger and Damon Dowbak. Hip hop’s Reach (Jarret Schilke) and Jenero Sanus (Bryan Johnston) of Wax Philosophic took the stage next at Crocks, combining scratchy beats with lyrical free styling. I hurried over to Jacks to catch Damon Dowbak and band, and discovered a new favourite: The Sea Side Villains, playing a rock/ska combination - the dance floor was literally hopping with dancers. With the Sugar Shakedown crew taking on a larger crowd at Crocks, I happily went to hear them weave the music into fast-paced beats that had this girl shakin’ her sugar on the dance floor. The last band I caught was The Communication at Kilroys (their lead singer left work and drove 500 kilometres to be here for one night).
Darren McChristie
Sad you missed out? Not to worry, Music for the Masses is an annual event and many of the bands are local. Keep your ear to the musical ground and you’ll be sure to catch at least one of the great acts playing again soon.
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The Walleye
Dave Koski
Music
Jim Cuddy
Joe Juda
Dave Koski
Greg Keelor at this year’s Thunder Bay Blues Fest
Wayne Petti performing with Blue Rodeo
Burning to the Sky Full Moon Fever, Greg Keelor’s Ears and the Beauty of Wayne Petti By Gord Ellis
The Blue Rodeo show that wrapped up this summer’s Thunder Bay Blues Fest was one of the strangest I’ve ever witnessed. But weirdness and drama are not uncommon at BR shows, as a man named Greg Keelor is in the band. Keelor, a brilliant songwriter and musician, is one of the odder ducks in Canadian music. He is known to flights of fancy on stage, yelling at roadies, launching off into impromptu guitar solos, and fussing over his beloved guitar pedals. I once watched him disassemble an ancient Echophlex as his band played on as if nothing was happening. A few years back, he stopped a Kenora show in mid-song when a fan in the front row kept touching his effects.
Cuff the Duke
The Blues Fest Blue Rodeo show certainly had Keelor drama. Everything looked pretty normal at the beginning, with. Keelor stage right on acoustic guitar and Jim Cuddy centre stage on mandolin. Sure, steel guitarist Bob Egan was missing in action, but I doubt most of the crowd noticed, and not a word was said about it by the band. After a few greatest hits selections, Keelor mysteriously ambled off stage and another guitarist came on stage in his place, wielding an electric guitar and fine chops. It was Colin Cripps, a Toronto musician who has long ties to BR. Cuddy got the audience revved up with some familiar rockers, and then Keelor was back on and Cripps was gone. This time Keelor sang Dark Angel with single piano backing—a gorgeous tune and fine performance, but maybe not the best choice for a festival crowd fuelled on beer and full moon fever. The Keelor disappearing act continued for the rest of the night, and the crowd was starting to stir. I could hear people saying he was pissed off, or drunk, or both. As it turns out, the reason was a little more disturbing than either theory. Keelor suffers from serious ear problems, and has been skipping the louder sections of Blue Rodeo shows. Such a sad fate for a guitarist and singer who has always relished letting his freak flag fly at high volume.
One solid constant at the Blues Fest BR show was Wayne Petti. The lead singer and chief songwriter of Cuff the Duke has become the unofficial 6th Blue Rodeo member. He played with the band throughout the All the Things that We Left Behind Tour, and is all over that fine album. Petti is a perfect vocal foil for both Cuddy and Keelor, filling a George Harrison-like middle ground. He is neither obtrusive nor invisible on stage, and is a welcome addition to the Blue Rodeo sound. Yet Petti really shines when he fronts his main gig, Cuff the Duke. The earthiness of the band, and its ability to shift from Neil Young Country Grunge to shimmering Byrds style folk-rock makes for a pleasing show. Petti is a great singer and songwriter, and his band mates in Cuff the Duke are uniformly excellent. It’s a beautiful sound. The band deserves a wider audience and is working hard to win it. They have a new album coming out called Morning Comes. They are touring in support of the album and will play Crocks in Thunder Bay on October 20th. Should be a great show, but don’t expect much drama. Check out Cuff the Duke at www.cufftheduke.ca. Recommended cuts: “Follow Me,” “You Were Right,” ”Listen to Your Heart.” The Walleye
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Food Music
L.U. Charity Bash
Meet the Mayor Tour
Regina’s Rah Rah + Vancouver’s Said the Whale
By Duncan Weller
By Greg Carveth
Party music and musical innovation can make good bedfellows if the band members agree on terms. Although the night was geared to make the audience jump, cheer, and dance, what will give these bands a future following is that they proved they were more than ”just that”—they could be ”all that,” if they wanted.
The L.U Charity Bash in support of cystic fibrosis featured Regina-based rockers Rah Rah and Vancouver’s Said the Whale, two bands with complementary styles. Both have a sound that is difficult to describe. Power pop? Indie rock? Cute, sentimental lyrics, driving guitars, auxiliary percussion, and thunderous drums dropping on the beat, Rah Rah and Said the Whale told many slowly-climaxing tales of young Canadians on the loose, tales that drove a small but very appreciative crowd into a frenzy. Rah Rah are always a treat to watch. Under the watchful eyes of their tour manager James Brown and Outpost mainstay Bono, they cranked up the energy and pulled out stage antics that drew the crowd in and made everyone feel like part of the show. After blasting the audience with the confetti cannon, Rah Rah tossed three giant inflated letters into the audience, an R, an A, and an H, and the audience responded by keeping the letters bouncing for a total of three songs—until halfway through the hit “Arrow,” when the A met an untimely demise. Stage antics aside, it was definitive melodies, clear powerful vocals, and an abundance of honest rock and roll energy that put Rah Rah at the forefront of this show. Said the Whale took the stage to a well-oiled audience and delivered an entertaining display of guitars on the down stroke and happy-go-lucky lyrical schemes.
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On the partying side, Hollerado are gifted, enthusiastic, and consummate performers. They belted out their two radio hits, “Americanarama” and “Got to Lose,” both from their latest album, Record in a Bag. And it is—literally. These songs will become immediate favourites. They’re infectious. However, when listing their influences, they refer to many bands not of the jump-around- partying variety. It’s an indication they may create more serious work, both musically and thematically. More than only seeking popular appeal, they want to connect and express themselves musically, along with making incursions into social and political activism. And it’s working. Our mayor, Keith Hobbs, was delighted by the opportunity to participate in their concept “Meet the Mayor Tour,” and to his credit, Hobbs was really interested in hearing what young people had to say. You can see the interview on Hollerado’s blog, http://holleradomeetsthemayor.tumblr.com/. Wildlife was awesome! In fact, the lead guitarist went on his own little trips into progressive rock that were brilliant. Again, false advertising—they are far more than a party band. The only disappointment was that they called it a night after only five songs. My girlfriend turned to me and said with surprise, “That’s it?” We wanted more. The same goes for Young Rival. They wanted to bond with beer, and they forced the audience to the dance floor. The pretense again was that they were there to party. Sure they were—but their musical ability, with hints of greatness, revealed they could do much more. And that’s the really exciting aspect to their music. In fact, that was the exciting aspect to all the bands that night. I should have got all their signatures on their albums, and photos with the musicians. Then I could really brag.
Damien Gilbert
Sarah Furlotte
Hollerado with Wildlife and Young Rival… and Mayor Keith Hobbs
Music
Alan Dickson Photography
TBSO
Darren McChristie
Season Opens By Marlene Wandel
October 13th marks the first concert of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra’s 2011-2012 season. The enthusiasm and engagement of conductor and music director Arthur Post are evident in the selection of music for this season. Maestro Post is not afraid to bring fresh music to the stage, and it shows: the program leaps with surprises and anticipated pleasures. Stravinksy shares the stage with an electric guitar (or 20) in Beyond the Horizon; Papa Mambo promises a night of Latin Jazz with the orchestra in Rhythm of the Night. The more typically anticipated symphony fare is also well represented; for those who love the sounds but not the scene, there is Beer & Beethoven on April 28. The Gala Ball provides an opportunity for finer threads, fabulous food and fancy shoes. For the youngest music lovers, the family concerts include a Halloween Spooktacular and the classic Peter and the Wolf. For more information or tickets: 684-4444 or www.tbso.ca
Trevor Potts Taking it easy By Kathryn Lyzun
These days, singer/songwriter Trevor Potts is taking it easy. The talented 28-year-old recently opened for Rolling Stones cover boys The Sheepdogs at the Superior Youth Festival in August. It was his first big gig in awhile, but he said he doesn’t mind taking a more mellow approach to his music. Potts spent four years with popular local band Last Night, touring across Canada and opening for major artists like Collective Soul, Richard Marx and The Calling. The Ontario Arts Council funded the band’s critically acclaimed debut album, Flops and Couches, and Potts was nominated for the 2010 Canada Council for the Arts Molson Prize. He emerged as a solo artist in the summer of 2010, after Last Night disbanded and members went on their separate paths. A producer brought him to Virginia where he laid down some tracks in a studio that’s seen the likes of Radiohead and Jimi Hendrix. He’s hoping his debut solo album, Honk: for the Flowering Cactus, will be out in the next year.
Every feature
of thousands.
Over the last ten years, The Keg Spirit Foundation has raised over 5.5 million dollars to support over 300 local charities. These charities provide help and mentoring to children and youth in need. We’d like to thank all our guests and partners that have helped us along the way. Visit us between October 3rd and November 27th and by purchasing one of the entrees that are featured on our special Keg Spirit Foundation menu, you too will be helping support local youth charities.
kegsteakhouse.com
735 Hewitson Street (807) 623-1960 Find us on
Now back in Thunder Bay, Potts admits that going full-tilt as a full-time musician would be a dream come true, but he’s at a place in his musical career where he’s cool with just playing the odd gig and seeing what unfolds. You can check out his acoustic, coffee-house sound at various spots in the city, or check out his site on ReverbNation (reverbnation.com/trevorpotts). Here you can also check out The Broke Musicians, a series of clips documenting Potts’ random tour of London England with no plan, no money, and no real gigs lined up – just an open schedule and an open mind. The Walleye
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Dave Koski
Music
Bachman & Turner Letting it Ride By Tracy Sadgrove
Rise Against/Flogging Molly/The Black Pacific By Rebekah Skochinski
On the heels of their sixth studio album, Endgame, Rise Against is set to bring their hard-edged brand of punk to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. The show will also feature Flogging Molly (adding a decidedly Irish flavour to the mix) and The Black Pacific (upping the ante with some vitriolic punk). Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, because this line-up should have you rising to your feet, pumping your fist and eagerly singing along. Rise Against play at 7pm, Tuesday October 4. www.tbca.com
The Walleye Walleye.indd 24Cervical_Cancer_
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Forty years and still going strong, Bachman and Turner wowed the 1000+ crowd at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on September 22. Heavy bass riffs pounded as the band opened with “Roll on Down the Highway.” The performance was a seamless blending of BTO’s definitive collection and B&T’s newer collaborations. In a unique guitar solo, Bachman tapped and slid a drumstick along the fret board, creating a boogie-woogie sound that segued into the iconic wail of “American Woman.” All too soon the performance drew to a close, and with an enthusiastic plea from the audience, the band returned to the stage for a much appreciated encore, ending the night with “Let it Ride” and the definitive “Takin’ Care of Business.”
9/21/11 2:44:43 PM
Music
beware of
blue bag
blunders
The Great Lakes Swimmers Unplugged X at the North House Folk School by Michelle McChristie
Toronto’s Great Lakes Swimmers joined an impressive line-up of singer/songwriters during the second night of the tenth annual North House’s Unplugged event, a fundraiser that features live music, workshops, demos, presentations and a folk artisan and northern hospitality auction (where else can you bid on a dovetail log shelter/sauna?). Led by frontman Tony Dekker, the band played a set featuring songs with delicate, folk-tinged melancholy, mainly from their album Lost Channels. The evening also included performances by a string of criticallyacclaimed folk singers such as Jon Vezner, whose dry wit was as evident in his lyrics as his between-song banter. Kathy Mattea, a multiple Grammy award winner, gave a soulful performance that included some of her country hits as well as the heart-wrenching “Where’ve You Been”—a song written by Vezner, who also happens to be her husband. The last performer of the evening was Tim O’Brien, a Grammy award winning masterful bluegrass artist whose upbeat guitar and mandolin playing left the audience craving more. If this concert was a six course meal, O’Brien was the sweet, delectable dessert. The digestif came in the form of an encore—all of the musicians returned to the stage and, as a tribute to Bob Dylan, performed “All Along the Watchtower,” with Mattea contributing a convincing Dylan impression. If you missed the show, you’re in luck because NPR’s Mountain Stage Radio Show recorded the concert, as well as the concert on the preceding evening. Both will air during the week of October 28 and November 4. Visit www.mountainstage.org/mtnstagebroadcast.aspx for details.
blue bags just
Can’t take it: • #3 to #7 plastics • clear plastic food
containers • hazardous waste (aerosol or paint cans) • plastic shopping bags • toys • waxed soap boxes
not all plastics can be recycled in thunder Bay’s recycling program Don’t contaminate the recycling stream
for more information call
684-2195
www.thunderbay.ca/recycle The Walleye
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Chris Merkley
FOOD Food
Crazy for Coney By Amy Jones
I have a confession to make: before I came to Thunder Bay, I thought Coney sauce was a condiment. Even when Thunder Bayers told me otherwise, in the back of my mind I still pictured it as something that is squeezed out of a little red bottle. When I pressed for a more specific definition, however, the response was vague. “It’s Coney sauce,” I was told. “It’s just... Coney sauce.” Now, a couple years and approximately 100 Coney burgers later (figuring one Coney burger every Saturday morning at Westfort Coney Island for the better part of two years—give or take a few weeks of vacation and a couple of visits to the McKellar or the Greeks), I am no closer to finding a more accurate description. Coney sauce is just that: Coney sauce. It’s kind of like chilli, but it’s not chilli. It goes on burgers and hot dogs—coating them, not just sitting on top, and complemented by mustard and diced white onions—and is mixed with spaghetti noodles and beans to make a curious concoction called Half-and-Half.
Where to get your Coney fix:
Westfort Coney Island 142 Frederica Street West (807) 577-9059
McKellar Confectionary 241 McKellar Street South (807) 622-0721
JFC 280 Algoma Street South (807) 344-6717
And it has nothing to do with the actual Coney Island. The first Coney Dogs were served in the early 1900s by Greek immigrants in Michigan, and variations still exist in Jackson, Flint and Detroit. All have a base of bean-less chilli, and although the ingredients and texture vary, the one thing they have in common is that they are almost exclusively a topping for hot dogs—unlike here in Thunder Bay, where you are just as likely to find Coney Burgers on the menu.
Carrie’s Corner
How Coney sauce migrated north to Thunder Bay remains somewhat of a mystery, and the recipe itself is as mysterious as its origins. And local Coney sauce producers aren’t about to divulge their secrets, either. While the internet is rife with “authentic” Coney sauce recipes, it seems the most successful recipes are those passed down from generation to generation with the caveat of confidentiality under threat of bodily harm.
(807) 623-5691
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61 Windemere Avenue North (807) 768-1104
Gabby’s Spudz N More 642 Franklin Street South
Hodder Greeks 445 Hodder Avenue 807-683-8741
Drink of the Month St. Peter’s Organic English Ale The Sovereign Room By Amy Jones
While we might still be a month or so away from total hibernation, the air in October is cool and crisp enough to compel us to seek refuge with a pint and a plate in a cozy setting. If you find yourself in this particular situation, may we suggest a bottle of St. Peter’s Organic English Ale. St. Peter’s comes in a bottle reminiscent of something you might see on an old-fashioned apothecary shelf, and is a replica of a bottle made in the 1770s for an innkeeper in Philadelphia. The beer itself is a typical English ale, moderately carbonated, with a bitter flavour profile and hints of lemon. We think it pairs extremely well with The Sovereign Room’s incredible Duck Confit Poutine, with the bitterness of the ale a perfect foil for the richness of the duck—an ideal warm-up for those nights when you’ve forgotten your sweater.
Chris Merkley
In Thunder Bay, it seems like every corner store with a grill in the back has their own version of Coney sauce, but there are really only two places in town that truly contend for the Coney crown: McKellar Confectionary and Westfort Coney Island. Both have been around forever, both serve a slightly different but equally delicious Coney sauce, and both have their obsessive followings. Although Westfort Coney Island has a slightly larger menu (the McKellar’s menu— Cheeseburger, Hamburger, Hot Dog, and Toast—remained unchanged until this year, with the addition of fries) there is no question as to what keeps drawing in the crowds. Like the Persian, Coney sauce is something that only Thunder Bayers “get,” in every sense of the word. Just ask any Westfort kid transplanted to another part of the country—or an ex-Maritime girl who now knows that, like most good things, real Coney sauce could never come from a bottle.
The Sovereign Room is located at 220 Red River Road, 343-9277
The Sleeping Giant Brews Beer By Jeannie Dubois, Certified Sommelier
A niche in Thunder Bay has just been filled. On Saturday, September 17 the Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. became incorporated and thirsty locals should be raising pints in celebration. Locally owned and operated, the Giant is currently sourcing out their brewing/retail space and will be up and running by the spring of 2012. Until then, Kyle and Andrea Mulligan, who are the coolest, keenest beer aficionados, will continue brewing the beer at their home, honing it to perfection. As of now, they don’t have far to go and are consistently brewing three diverse and delicious beers with seasonal offerings in the wings:
360 Ale – Based on the American Pale Ale and Amber Ale styles. Slightly hop focused, the 360 is extremely drinkable with a medium to light body, moderately malty palate balanced with crisp hoppy bitterness and a refreshing dry finish. Elevator Wheat – Based on the American Wheat style. Easy drinking and refreshing, this straw coloured brew has a pleasing wheat aroma and a fresh citrus and hop finish. Locally sourced honey adds a hint of flavour and aroma to the bright hops on the palate. Lumbering Bear Oatmeal Stout – Using six different malts and toasted oats, this full bodied beer has a hint of sweetness and flavours of chocolate and roasted grain. Dark and enticing, the Oatmeal Stout has a silky smooth palate.
FOOD
The Annual Autumn “Coq au Vin” Party By Mark Piovesana
With small game hunting season in full swing and vegetables, herbs and fruits readily available from the garden and/or farmers’ market, it seems reasonable that a celebration befitting the season should be the order of the day. The theme is as simple as good friends, good food, good music and the right wines. Preparation for the event begins early in the morning. Grouse, spruce hen and/or rabbit are the key ingredients for the main dish and to achieve the right flavours, a slow cooking time is needed. I heat olive oil in a cast iron sauce pot and once it has come to temperature, add olive oil. When the olive oil just reaches the smoking point, quickly add fresh garlic (get it early from the farmers’ market as it goes fast) and onions (Vidalia are my favourite) and stir until tender. Add bite-size pieces of the wild game, seasoned with salt and pepper, browned lightly. Next add vegetables (bite-size chunks). Whatever is fresh is best: sweet peppers, zucchini, eggplant, celery, carrots, tomatoes and green or yellow beans. Wild mushrooms are essential and knowing the right ones to pick requires knowledge and skill. When the vegetables have softened somewhat, add generous amounts of fresh herbs. If in doubt, use Simon and Garfunkel’s mix of parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. A couple of finely diced hot peppers add a bit of a spicy bite. A nice sauce will develop from the liquid from the vegetables. Let that boil down and “kick it up a notch” Emeril Lagasse style, with a generous slug of red wine (I prefer a Chianti for its boldness). Simmer for about half an hour and transfer to the oven at 275 degrees, stirring occasionally for several hours.
The main dish is done. I like to serve bruschetta as an appetizer. Fresh tomatoes, basil, rosemary, thyme and oregano, crumbled gorgonzola cheese and parley for garnish can be mixed in advance. Cut a baguette on the diagonal and brush the bottom side with olive oil. Turn over and top with the tomato mixture and place on a heated ceramic baking sheet and heat in the oven until crisp on the bottom and the cheese in the tomato mixture has melted. Take a vegetable peeler and top with a curl of Parmigiano-Reggiano (no other will do) and serve on a platter. Be sure to time how long it takes before the entire platter of bruschetta vanishes! Some people love to serve their “Coq au Vin” over polenta and if you know how to make good polenta, I would highly recommend it. As I don’t, I prefer to make a whipped potato base, with pureed roasted garlic and gorgonzola cheese. The potato at the bottom of a shallow bowl with the rich, saucy “Coq au Vin” on top will get any musician in the mood to play his/her best. A simple dessert of fresh fruit, Italian cheeses and a bit of Amarula whipped cream, along with a nice espresso sets the stage for a cozy evening of live entertainment, jam-style. To be clear, the party is by invitation only. To garner an invitation, you could offer to bring wild game, be a musician, or offer to help cook (better yet offer to help clean up!). The beauty of this party is that if it goes well, you can always do it again as there are many birds in the bush. With a chill in the air, warm attire is a must. My guests this year will be invited to leave sweaters, light jackets, hoodies, etc. as donations to help keep less fortunate families warm as the fall season morphs into winter.
Get your game (bird) on! By Jeannie Dubois, Certified Sommelier
Hunting season is in full swing in the great white north and we are naturally blessed with a plethora of wild game in our backyard . With a license, you can bag your own bird, anything from partridge to ruffed grouse, mallard to snow goose. Whether they’re native waterfowl or migratory game birds, these plump pickings are naturally free-range and flavourful to boot. With extremely rich meat and their tasty game character, dishes with these birds require big flavours in the wine you serve alongside. So go big or go home with these savoury seasonal pairings.
Partridge: try a big spicy New World red such as Porcupine Ridge Syrah from South Africa ($14.95 LCBO No. 595280)
Grouse: t hink fruit forward red with bright acidity like A to Z
Wineworks Chemin de Terre Pinot Noir from Oregon ($14.95 LCBO No. 234724)
Mallard: try Old World elegance and go with classic Bordeaux
such as Christian Moueix Merlot from France ($14.95 LCBO No. 961227)
Goose: think white and aromatic with fresh fruit and acid-
ity like Cattail Creek Riesling from Ontario ($15.95 LCBO No. 241547)
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Books Music Video
REVIEWS
OfftheWall
Mirror Traffic
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks’ fifth album, Mirror Traffic, is worth a listen. It is music with a cool pace and tasteful chord changes. It maintains a solid rock ‘n roll feel, but takes the time to explore the unexpected, both lyrically and musically. Produced by Beck and released on Matador Records, this is an album of many colours… give it a listen.
Flavours of Northwestern Ontario
Tim Matthews
-Eddie Bruce
Confederation College, School of Business, Hospitality and Media Arts, 2005
Don’t Bring Me Down
The Heavyweights Brass Band
The Heavyweights Brass Band is a five-piece Toronto outpost of New Orleans street band culture. Having formed in 2009, they have opened for visiting New Orleans luminaries such as Allen Toussaint and Nicholas Payton. Their album, Don’t Bring Me Down, is a frenetic, enthusiastic mix of New Orleans, classic funk and modern pop covers. From Beyonce to Michael Jackson, as well a couple originals, the band precisely renders tunes in the rhythmic, ridiculously upbeat sound of the street band. A minor complaint: the sound is too clean in places—the fun is in the chaos—not so much in the unison sections. But, as far as first offerings go, this is a band to listen to now, and to keep on the radar. -DM Klein
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The Walleye
Northwestern Ontario has a strong tradition of convivial hospitality and good food—one that has been influenced by vibrant, culturally diverse communities and an abundance of the finest natural food in the world. We are privileged to have access to many varieties of fish, such as pickerel (walleye) and rainbow trout, as well as a wide assortment of game, fresh vegetables and berries, wild rice, honey and maple syrup. Tim Matthews, Program Manager of the Culinary Management Program at Confederation College and chef extraordinaire, takes full advantage of this fortuitous circumstance, combining locally available ingredients with an international flare to create a unique cookbook filled with exciting and original dishes, such as Murillo Apple and Squash Soup, Stuffed Walleye Fillets with Grilled Cherry Tomatoes, Sherry Marinated Moose Kabobs, Boreal Forest Rabbit Goulash, and many more. For the discerning cookbook collector, Flavours is a necessity. Review by Jill Otto
CityScene The Greatest Movie Ever Sold In the documentary The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, director Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me, 30 Days) examines the proliferation of product placement in the entertainment industry and the infiltration of advertising into every aspect of people’s lives. But, as with Supersize Me, Spurlock’s examination is satirical in that the movie chronicles his efforts to finance his film through corporate sponsorship. Spurlock makes his pitch to a variety of companies, from mainstream big box retailers like Old Navy to smaller, more alternative thinking companies like POM Wonderful. Throughout the process, Spurlock incorporates interviews with high-ranking professionals from the marketing industry—corporate lawyers, advertising executives, film producers, academics and some other behind-the-scenes jobs that nourish the symbiotic relationship between corporations that make stuff, people whose work needs financing (like high-schools), and consumers. Although Spurlock’s message becomes a little repetitive towards the end, it is a funny and insightful film that will leave you craving a POM. - Michelle McChristie
Our Community’s Municipal Trees
It Pays to Plant a Tree!
You may be surprised to know that trees lower heating and cooling bills, reduce chances of flooding, slow road traffic, make neighbourhoods safer, improve concentration and increase property values. These are just a fraction of how trees pay us back by being in our neighbourhoods. For more cool facts on how trees pay, visit www.treestewardship.com.
Are you Eager for a Boulevard Tree? Here Are A Few Ways To Get One:
OPTION 1
The City will provide a 50mm diameter tree at no cost to the homeowner, however, there is a two-year waiting list. Call 625-2351 if you wish to be put on the waiting list.
OPTION 2
Homeowners can themselves arrange for the planting of a 50mm diameter tree and pay for the full cost of the tree and installation. Approval by the City must be obtained first by calling 625-2351. Tax receipts will be issued.
OPTION 3
Homeowners can participate in the Tree Stewardship Program by paying for a portion (approx. $150) of the cost of a tree and have it professionally planted. Under the Tree Stewardship Program, a cost-shared, accelerated tree planting approach is used that empowers homeowners to become stewards of their public boulevard trees. For more information please visit: www.TreeStewardship.com or call 625-2956. Tax-deductible receipts will be issued. Please Note: Not all boulevard locations will qualify due to space & utility restrictions. Trees under the Tree Stewardship Program are planted in spring and fall. If you call 2 months before our scheduled planting, we will try to accommodate your request. Please remember all trees on municipal property are protected by law. Please call the Parks Division at 625-2351 to have your public tree assessed or pruned.
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theArts Food
Improvisational Dance Varied within the form By Tiffany Jarva
Surrounded by the life-like animal portraits of painter George McLean, local Image Studio dancers move high and low around the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, improvising their animal moves to music scored in collaboration with Juno award-winning Chad Irshick, Toronto jazz artist David MacDougall, and Thunder Bay singer and pianist Kim Erickson. Guided by award-winning Toronto contemporary dancer and choreographer Michelle Silagy, the dancers are encouraged to improvise and work “intuitively and thoughtfully,” following the music. During the first song, dancers step throughout the gallery, looking at the paintings, moving organically to the strong beat of the bongo drums, making eye contact with the audience, smiling throughout their “subtle and sophisticated” improvisational movements. Next, the dancers move to “Blue Horizon,” a Kim Erickson original—from the first suspended note, her operatic voice and piano guide the dancers’ movements. Finally, inspired by the words of Margaret Atwood’s creative essay “Time Folds,” Silagy movements to the words and music composed by Irshick, range from floating arms stretched out, long legs and long steps to small, graceful movements with her hands and staccato jumping. After the performance, the dancers discuss the process and art of improvisational dance with the audience. “Form is still really important in improvisational dance,” Silagy insists. When the body is more informed the dancing is more full and realized. Silagy says she’s inspired by both geometric and organic form in nature, motion dreaming (i.e. thinking while walking or wondering through book and music stores) and, as a Learning through the Arts mentor artist working in the schools, she is inspired by the magic and creativity of children, who have a unique way of stepping into their own musicality. Michelle Silagy’s works have been presented at various venues including the Art Gallery of Ontario and Massey Hall.
The Hunger Cabaret V.666 Supporting Local Contemporary Arts Definitely Superior Art Gallery has created one of the largest and most unique annual fundraising events in support of the contemporary arts. Money raised will help pay professional artist fees throughout the programming year, with the hope of retaining young artists in the city. This year, The Hunger V.666 will expand to six downtown venues. The Sovereign Room will act as a triage with food and snacks in addition to music. Hell’s Story (in the old Eaton’s building) offers 10,000+ square feet of space and a multi-level stage with bleachers adjacent to the Definitely Superior Art Gallery. Last year The Hunger Cabaret was huge, with over 2000 people in attendance. This year it promises to be massive. Throw on your costume, make-up and be prepared to have some full-throttle, urban Halloween fun. The Hunger Cabaret takes place downtown Port Arthur Saturday October 29 starting at 8pm. $10 gets you into all six venues: Black Pirates Pub, Jacks, Kilroys, Crocks, The Sovereign Room, and Hell’s Story. www.definitelysuperior.com -TJ
October Studio Walkabout By Rebekah Skochinski
Now that nature’s paintbrush has tipped the trees in golden yellows, bright reds and orange, the canvas is set for bundling up to head outdoors while fallen leaves crunch underfoot. The October Studio Walkabout allows you to appreciate both the beauty of this time of year and the talent of local artists at the same time. Tim Alexander of Island Pottery says that an urban event in Vancouver served as the springboard for the tour. “The idea made sense to me, especially after having moved back to Thunder Bay to find many friends in the arts living in the neighbourhood. We live close enough that people could easily do the tour on foot and giving the idea some green appeal,” he says. This year’s tour will showcase an eclectic group of sculptors, glass artists, painters, potters and printmakers, featuring Alexander’s work as well as John Books, Joshua Dowback, Alison Kendall, Sarah Link, Luke Nicol, Mark Nisenholt, Liz and Peter Powlowski and James Woodbeck. The tour takes place from October 21-23; Friday (6-9pm), Saturday (10-4pm) and Sunday (12-4pm). All work is for sale. Admission is free and maps are available at Kleewyck Stained Glass Studio and at Fireweed.
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Tara George
theArts
Darren McChristie
A Toadstool for a Pixie By Michelle McChristie
Leslie Bailey has been a professional artist for over 20 years and is known to many people as the owner of T’was the Month Before Christmas—a shop she owned and operated on Victoria Avenue for ten years. Last May, Leslie relocated to a smaller retail space at her home on Cumming Street. Her new shop, called Vintage Pixie Studio, affords her the time and space to create and sell her own art and offers an assortment of recycled and hand-made collectibles, vintage collectibles and vintage home decor that extend into her funky and inviting garden patio. Leslie also teaches workshops where participants can create altered art, folk art, assemblage, jewelry, faeries, and mosaics. When a friend suggested we gather a small group of friends and book our own workshop, I was hesitant. I’ve never been much of an artist, but I’ve always had fun in my attempts to create art.
Our challenge was to create a tile mosaic toadstool, kind of like the one I remember skipping around as a Brownie (ironically, I was a Pixie). Leslie had already made each student a toadstool and she began by explaining how to cut the tiles, mix and apply the adhesive and fix the tile pieces to the toadstool. The creative process began by selecting tiles from a plethora of colours, sizes and textures. Feeling inspired, I got to work, cutting (nipping) and grouping my tiles and mixing adhesive, barely looking up to socialize or observe the work of others. When I did pause to look around at the work of my friends, I immediately wished I hadn’t… The other toadstools were impressive, even professional! Feigning discouragement, I put my head down and focused on my little ‘shroom until it was covered in a rather odd-looking assortment of tiles. I had to laugh when I heard one of the lesser crafty people in the group proclaim, “I can do this!” and I couldn’t help but notice Leslie’s content and maybe even amused expression as she sat back and observed the group. After a few days, the group returned to Vintage Pixie to grout the toadstools. I waited until after dinner one night to unveil my creation to my family. My father asked, “What is that?” “It’s a toadstool,” I responded and then added, “I made it.” “When, in grade six?” he asked. My neighbour’s family was more impressed with her toadstool, which was actually very cute (taking time to pick colours and make a plan has its benefits). Her son proudly showed it to me, “My mom made this!” to which his brother added, “By hand!” For more information on Vintage Pixie, visit www.vintagepixiestudio.com
Hunger Cabaret V.666 Creative Costuming By Rebekah Skochinski
What does one wear to a Halloween cabaret of epic proportions that is giving out costume prizes and requests no rentals or online purchases? We asked Sarah Furlotte, designer and co-MC for the last four years for The Hunger Cabaret, for some hints on choosing a costume for this year’s event.
Presto-Chango: “Buy things that can be quickly altered,” she says. “Find something that is close (to finished) like a prom dress. Use your imagination and make it a princess dress and see what you can add to it.”
Birds of a Feather: “Have a pre-planning costume-making party with some friends.”
Think Outside the Closet: “Remember the things you made in grade school,” suggests Furlotte. Play with papier-mâché or transform something like the humble coat hanger into butterfly wings - making sure to keep that glue gun handy.
Last Resort: “If you’re not good at making your own, think of a concept costume, i.e. Woody Allen - it’s super easy.” Armed with these tips and some moxie, and you’re well on your way to participating in one of the highlight Halloween events of the year with an original costume. For inspiration, hit up Definitely Superior Art Gallery on Facebook for photos from past events. The Walleye
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Food Music theArts
All images: Stephen Krauseman
Living a Wild Life
A one-time Rolling Stones + National Geographic photographer calls Northwestern Ontario home By Tracy Sadgrove
Stephen Krauseman, artist, photographer and world traveler, was born on the south shore of Lake Superior. Krausemen spent his youth surrounded by local beauty. At age 19, he left home to pursue what became a very prolific career in photography and videography, working with the likes of National Geographic, Walt Disney, and The Rolling Stones, touring with the latter as their publicity photographer from 1973-76. Krausemen has certainly seen it all, and then some, but after 35+ years in the business he says, “the excitement was gone.” Krausemen now sees the beauty in his own backyard. Home is nestled on 350 acres of inspiration. Armed with his brushes, canvas and paint, he trudges into the bush to capture Northwestern Ontario at its finest. His body of work is comprised of landscapes, nature scenes and natural history. I am taken with Krauseman’s ability to paint such beautiful and realistic images, capturing textures and colours that the dimensions of film simply cannot. An exhibit of Krauseman’s works will be on display at the Framing and Art Centre, 1186 Memorial Avenue, October 1- 22. Opening reception is October 1st, 7-9 pm and includes a draw for a limited edition print. www.krasemannart.com
Home Building Centre
• 670 Beaverhall Place • 475-5300
PRICEMATCHPROMI$E
®
We will gladly match any advertised local competitor's price on an identical in-stock item.
This offer can not be combined with any other offer.
Home Owners helping homeowners® 32
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LIVINGGREEN theTOPfive
The Fall Mushroom Hike Story and Photos By Amy Vervoort
When I head out looking for mushrooms I’m not thinking about my next meal, I’m thinking about aperture and focal length. Don’t get me wrong - I love eating mushrooms and cook with them often, but I’ve never trusted my identification skills well enough to hunt them for food.
When you buy a pumpkin, We give $1
Buying a Belluz Farms pumpkin supports local business, local labour and now local charities as well!
Hosted by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority and guided by Dr. Leonard Hutchinson from Lakehead University, the Fall Mushroom Hike followed the Forest Community Trail along the banks of Hazelwood Lake. It was a hot September afternoon and like the weather over the preceding summer months i, not the best conditions for mushrooming, but that didn’t stop a few fruiting bodies from appearing for our hike.
PARTICIPATING LOCAL RETAILERS George’s Market 14 Balsam Street
Vanderwees Home & Garden 6488 Mapleward Road
Landale Gardens 1230 Hawker Road
Belluz Farms Little Red Barn 901 Memorial Avenue (Home Hardware)
Quality Market 1181 Golf Links Rd., 146 Centennial Sq.
Bill Martin’s Nurseryland 265 Court Street S.
Belluz Farms Open Weekends
Can the Canned Pumpkin! Eat our Pumpkins a great seasonal treat, sustainably grown
picked by local labour, no preservatives added! Pumpkins shipped from Toronto release over 300kg CO2/load and use about 1L of diesel/5 pumpkins
Amy Vervoort
Oct. 1st - Oct. 30th 11am - 5pm - Free Farm Admission Including Thanksgiving Monday
We learned about fungi’s relationship with the forest: how to identify a mushroom by what tree it grows on or near; and by their spores and features. I might still trust the market for my mushrooms, but my photos will be better labelled in the future.
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Food
10/06
LIVINGGREEN
2011 Find out how our local candidates plan to handle food and agriculture issues that affect our health, our economy and our environment online at
www.foodsecurityresearch.ca
Food Security Research Network l e ar n . e at. th in k. gr o w.
CRAFT BEER & CUISINE Cold weather is coming, and I hate getting into a cold car in the morning. Is it okay to let it run for a while before I leave for work? If “a while” is more than two or three minutes, it’s not okay. Research shows a link between fuel consumption, climate change, our health and that of the environment. One of the easiest actions that Canadians can take to reduce their fuel use is to simply avoid unnecessary idling.
BEER PAIRING DINNER
Friday, October 14
Saturday, October 15
5byCourse Meal Rauchfest Lager Chef Richard Heavy Hors D’o euvres Paired with HarrietSelz Beer Local Artists Gondola Ride Live Painting Mountaintop Chalet Live Music by Jason Sowards @ Papa Charlies Stories (Harriet Brewing’s Owner)
+ MountainMash.Lutsen.com 34
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Warming up or cooling down a vehicle is the most common reason given for idling. In winter, Canadians voluntarily idle their vehicles for a combined total of more than 75 million minutes a day, equal to the amount of fuel required to idle one vehicle for 144 years! We idle about 40 percent less in summer, the equivalent of idling one vehicle for 89 years! Surveys show that Canadians also idle their vehicles when waiting for passengers, while stopped at railway crossings, waiting to park, running quick errands, sitting in drive-through lanes, waiting to refuel or to have the car washed, while stopped to talk to an acquaintance or friend, and when preparing to leave the house. These are all situations where you can make a change. Idling contributes to air pollution and smog because vehicle emissions, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX) contaminate the air. Idling wastes money ($1.8 billion a day across Canada) and fuel (3% of Ontario’s fuel is idled away every year). Idling contributes to global climate change through increased emissions of carbon dioxide, a powerful greenhouse gas. Idling also impacts human health, especially children’s health because they breathe more rapidly than adults and take in more of the pollution. Drive your vehicle to warm it up‚ rather than idling the engine. On cold winter days, two to three minutes of idling is enough warm-up time for the engine. Use a block heater to warm the engine before starting it (ideally, the block heater should be turned on by a timer two hours before starting). Dress for the weather, and use a quality scraper to clear your windshield before departing. Use remote car starters wisely to avoid excessively long warm-ups. If you’re stopped for more than ten seconds, except while in traffic, turn off your engine. This has minimal impact on the starter system, and idling for more than ten seconds uses more fuel than it takes to restart your vehicle. For the average vehicle with a three-litre engine, every ten minutes of idling costs over one quarter of a litre (over one cup) in wasted fuel. Keep in mind that every litre of gasoline you use produces about 2.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide. -Ashley Priem
LIVINGGREEN
Gardening 101 Harvesting Time By Tara George
If you recall in the spring, when I started my Community Gardening project, I set out to answer the question: Do I have a green thumb? Well, now that my gardening project has come to a close, I think the more appropriate question would have been: Will I earn my green thumb? My gardening experience has taught me that these green-thumb people with amazing gardens have these gardens because they’ve put in the time and energy over the years. They too have had years where their carrots didn’t do so well, but they observe and make the appropriate changes to ensure that the next growing season is successful. So the long and short of it is yes, I think I did earn my green thumb. As I look back through my Gardening 101 columns, I see that the silly mistakes I made, and the lessons learned (including making up excuses) were all a part of my overall gardening journey that will extend into the future. But for this year, I fulfilled my gardening goal of making a couple of different kinds of soup with my fresh produce, as well as many other delicious dishes. I ate a lot of beet and feta salad…mmm… Aside from the gardening, I think the best part of this summer project was being part of the County Park gardening community. I met a kind and diverse group of people who supported me as a newbie with their many gardening tips and words of wisdom during those planting, weeding, fence building, and harvesting days. I look forward to exchanging more ideas during our Fall Harvest Celebration.
Tara George
Harvest time! Finally the time has come to reap the benefits of my hard work. The planting, the watering, the questionable weeding, the second guessing, and the replanting (for those rows with stubborn seeds) has all transformed into a bountiful harvest. I have to thank my fellow County Park gardener Peter for kick-starting me into harvesting mode. While out for a routine watering, it was he who pointed out that my potatoes and beets looked like they were ready to come up. You couldn’t imagine my delight as we dug up that first potato plant, only to find a plethora of hidden white gems. And so started my weekly visits to the garden, where I would peruse my plot looking for dinner or a small offering to friends and family.
a n a z i l Me MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
Now on to planning my garden plot for next year…
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FILMTheatre
132 Cumming Street Open: Thursdays, Fridays 11am-5pm and Saturdays 11am-3pm www.vintagepixiestudio.com
vintagpixiestudio.blogspot.com
BASE CAMP FOR ADVENTURE. Authentic North Shore adventure. Eagle Ridge Resort puts you right in the middle of it all. With amenities like fireplaces, jacuzzis, an indoor/outdoor pool, and stunning mountain views. Base Camp is now redefined.
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FIRESIDE 2 FOR 1 Stay 2 nights for the price of 1 Rooms from $49 per night Vaild 10/23/11-11/17/11
Biindigaate Film Festival
Beating their drums and singing the words “stand up and rise again” in Ojibwe, the Women’s Hand Drum Group opened this year’s Biindigaate film festival– somewhat foreshadowing the reaction (a standing ovation) of the audience to local filmmaker Michelle DeRosiers’s new film Return to Manomin. DeRosier’s film is an emotionally-charged documentary that captures the joys and challenges of her journey to return to harvesting her family’s traditional lands after a 25-year absence. Other opening films included “Spring to Come,” the sexy Digging Roots music video directed by Charles Officer, and a thought-provoking Scifi short ?E?ANX [The Cave] by Helen Haig-Brown.
The Great Northwest is now Superior Morning. It’s still the place to turn to for the news you need to start your day. Weekdays at 6am with host Lisa Laco
Later in the evening, Definitely Superior Art Gallery hosted the opening gala, featuring local and regional aboriginal art, a collection on-loan from Louise Thomas’ Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, including pieces by Jane Ash Poitras, and live music, with a performance by Jason Burnstick, and Faye Blais, who contributed to the Return to Manomin soundtrack. cbc.ca/superiormorning
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The Walleye CBC Radio Canada, English Communications 250 Front Street West P.O. Box 500, Station ì Aî Toronto, ON M5W 1E6
theTOPfive FILMTheatre
On Stage Thunder Bay By Kyle Poluyko
This fall and winter, stages across Thunder Bay will be bright and alive with live theatre and cabaret. Frankly Scarlet Productions Barry Wojciechowski
presents Dave Wasserman’s adaptation of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, October 19-22 in the lower level of the former Eaton’s.
Darcy Evans directs this Tony Award-winning musical, currently playing at Magnus. L to R: Nick Settimi, Curtis Tweedie, Rachel Fischer.
Review: Magnus Theatre:
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee By Rebekah Skochinski
I L-O-V-E spelling bees. I love learning new words and being reminded of ones that I have forgotten (lugubrious!), dissecting the English language, and of course, getting completely absorbed in the nailbiting competition. So, I was very excited to see this musical comedy as Magnus Theatre’s opener to their 40th season. And I was not disappointed. The Putnam County Spelling Bee takes place in a school gymnasium, with a set, designed by Scott Penner, so lifelike that I could practically smell the gym socks. The eclectic ensemble cast is filled with one-sided stereotypes, but that is to be expected and tolerated in such a feel-good tale, with notable performances by Curtis Tweedie as Leaf Coneybear, a red-mopped kid who sings a fun number with the lines, “I’m not smart,” Rachel Fischer as Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre, a loveably lispy lass, and of course Nick Settimi, as William Barfée, who has a magical foot. Even the adults in this play are delightfully quirky. The tension of competition is manipulated like an elastic band, pulling back and snapping us with zingy one-liners and catchy tunes. Musical director Danny Johnson aptly displays his musical chops and I particularly enjoyed the voice of Stewart Adam McKensey as Mitch Mahoney. To draw us in further, the production requires audience participation and included many local references. There were a couple of times where the story veered in a direction that I found slightly puzzling but it certainly wasn’t enough to take away from the general lighthearted feel of the show. Overall, it’s a simple lesson: life is about facing challenges—however you can, the best you can—and learning from every experience. Oh yes, and don’t take yourself too seriously, either. Going in I was curious what Magnus would choose to open such a momentous season. And now I think I understand. We were an audience with a purpose: cheering for the bee, applauding the talent before us, and supporting professional theatre in our community. The play runs until October 8. Contact Magnus Theatre box office for ticket information and show times. www.magnus.on.ca
Larry Hogard
807.620.3886
larry@superiorinspections.ca Certified Home Inspector www.superiorinspections.ca Energy Advisor Residential Home Inspections • Energy Assessments • Home Energy Savings
Serving Thunder Bay & Northwestern Ontario since 2008
Cambrian Players
presents Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, November 10-19 at the Paramount Theatre. www.cambrianplayers.ca
Paramount Live!
presents Disney’s Aladdin Jr. December 2 & 3 and Back to the 80’s… The Totally Awesome Musical December 16 & 17 at the Paramount Theatre. www.paramountheatre.ca
Eleanor Drury Children’s Theatre
presents their 30th Anniversary production, to be announced. Public performances: December 11 & 12; school performances: December 13-16. www.wix.com/edct_tbay/edct
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
presents Monty Python’s SPAMALOT January 9, 2012. www. tbca.com
Gem of a Season Magnus at 40 by Kyle Poluyko
From its humble beginnings in 1972 at a small theatre in the city’s east end, Magnus Theatre celebrates a gem of a milestone with the 2011/2012 40th Season Ruby Anniversary. A centre of both professional entertainment and culture, the new season is as diverse as the history of Magnus itself. Comedy abounds in the season opener, the Tony-winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, as well as in the December offering of the West End and Broadway smash adaptation of Hitchcock’s classic The 39 Steps. More intimate and dramatic productions, such as The Syringe Tree and 400 Kilometres, delve deeply into the sometimes comical and often uncomfortable realm of human emotion and condition. Family and friends are brought together in Mesa and The Long Weekend respectively, exposing the jarring and unpredictable encounters with those we hold close, or not as close as we thought. There is something in the Ruby Anniversary of Magnus that is likely to catch the eye, heart and imagination of everyone. Visit www.magnus.on.ca for more information. The Walleye
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OctoberEventsGuide theArts Food October 1, 10am-4pm
October 2, 9, 22-23
October 12, 4-5pm
October 16, 5pm
October 21-22, 28-30
Open House for Cultural Days
Fall Workshops at Vintage Pixie Studios
Information Session for the 2nd Annual Out of the Darkness Walk
Empty Bowls Caring Hearts Dinner
Halloween Town
CBC Radio To celebrate Cultural Days and their 75th anniversary, CBC is opening their doors. Meet local hosts and personalities, tour the studios, enjoy a host of local entertainment, birthday cake and a chance to win CBC merchandise. You are asked to bring a donation of a non-perishable food item for the Regional Food Distribution Association. www.cbc.ca/thunderbay/ October 1, 8:30am-4:30pm
Go Green Expo
Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Coliseum, Cardinal Room An exposition of businesses and other organizations that are operating in a “green” fashion. These groups promote and function in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way. There will also be four seminars conducted on ways for citizens to be “green” in the areas of food and energy, a guest speaker and a local foods lunch will be served. www.earthwisethunderbay.com
Learn about fibre canvas art, how to make a folkart pumpkin head or sculpt your own faerie. These workshops are for all skill levels although some supplies are required. vintagepixiestudio.blogspot.com Until October 2
The Bay Street Film Festival
Finlandia Club There are films from Germany, Spain, India, France, the United Kingdom as well as some great local films. Tickets are $5 a session and $20 for a weekend pass. Available at the door. Students, and the unemployed, can pay what they can to gain admittance. www.baystreetfilmfestival.ca October 2-10 1-4pm
Culture Days
October 1-8
Thunder Bay Art Gallery A wide variety of art projects will be made available by the galleries’ education department for children to explore. It’s a great event for families and admission is free. www.tbag.ca
Random Acts of Poetry
October 5, 7-9pm
Definitely Superior Art Gallery 30 performances by more than 24 spoken word performers/singersongwriters throughout Thunder Bay to promote literacy, art and poetry in places where people live their everyday lives. Performance schedules available via Facebook and online. www.definitelysuperior.com October 1, 2, 5, 6-8, 8pm
Macbeth
Fort William Historical Park Shakespeare’s classic, dark and bloody tale of power, betrayal and guilt tells the story of an ambitious man and his wife, their rise to power, and their descent into insanity. Tickets available at Helium Highs and Fort William Historical Park. Adults: $15; Students & Seniors: $10. Cash only. www.fwhp.ca October 2, 1-4pm
Rose Valley Day
Rose Valley Lodge & Restaurant Experience the beauty of Rose Valley with a hike on the trails and some complimentary Swiss Barley soup and homemade bread (while quantities last). www.rosevalleylodge.com October 2, 9am
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure
Legion Track - Fort William Stadium This event is both inspiring and fun. Choose from a 1km or 5km run/walk. It’s the 15th year of this local run that sees participants helping to create a better and healthier future. www.cbcf.org
EVENTS GUIDE KEY
38
The Walleye
A One-on-One with Dr. Charles H. Tator
Italian Cultural Centre Brain Injury Services of Northern Ontario is hosting a free presentation with Dr. Tator, a world renowned Neurosurgeon and leading expert in sports related brain injuries. 621-6225 October 6, 13, 20, 7-10pm
The Art of Sustainable Living Series
Willow Springs Creative Centre Receive an introduction to using natural dyes, learn soap making or how to spin yarn on a spindle. Each session is $25 and refreshment and dessert will be provided. 768-1336 willowsprings@tbaytel.net October 7, 8pm
An Evening with Kevin O’Leary
With candor and unmatched business smarts, Kevin O’Leary draws on his knowledge of finance, investing, economics and business to discuss a variety of topics. Razor sharp and quick on his feet, he pulls no punches in his enlightening and timely talks. www.tbca.com Until October 8
The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee
Magnus Theatre Set in the gymnasium of a high school, six quirky adolescents compete in a spelling bee run by three equally quirky grown-ups in this Tony award winning musical comedy. www.magnus.on.ca
Northwood Mall - Communities Together for Children (Board Room A/B) Members of the community are invited to learn more about how to be involved in the second annual walk taking place in May of next year. The walk is an awareness and education event and not a fundraiser. Margaret1@tbaytel.net October 13-16
Animkii Festival
Coliseum Building (CLE Grounds) This four day event will include a festival of community services, a festival of multi-arts and entertainment and a festival of cultural arts and heritage. Some events include workshops for crafters and artisans, a crafters market, fashion show, a concert and a Powwow competition. 625-2146 October 13-28, Dusk until 10pm
Haunted Cornfield
Gammondale Farm Rumour has it that the path through the cornfield is haunted and so is the BOO Barn and the animal stables. Dare to be scared! Admission is $17 and children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (one adult per 5 youth). It is not recommended for those under five years of age. In addition to the haunting there will be plenty of goolish grub in the Road Kill Café. For advanced tickets and group bookings call Sue at 807-475-9609. www.gammondalefarm.com/ haunted_cornfield.htm
Moose Hall This event includes a simple meal of soup and bread, donated by local restaurants and caterers. Local musicians will entertain and there will be a silent auction. The funds raised from this annual event are donated to Shelter House and Thunder Bay Food Bank. Tickets are $30 and include a handcrafted pottery bowl or quilted place mat. Just the meal: $15. Children 12 and younger: $5. Tickets available at: Fireweed, Good News, George’s Market and DJ’s Dollar Store. www.emptybowlstb.com October 16, 7pm
International Festival of Authors (IFAO) Ontario Tour
Founders Museum, Pioneer Village A fundraiser in support of Founders Museum, this haunted theme walk will include 13 areas to explore. The cost is $15 and the walk begins at dark and goes until 10pm. www.founders.ca 620-8946 October 21-23
Harvest Moon Psychic Health & Wellness Fair
Landmark Inn Hotel (Fireside Room) Featuring psychic consultants and a variety of vendors and health facilitators on site in support of the Thunder Bay District Humane Society. Admission is $5 and readings are $30 per session. 683-6472/767-3761
Prince Arthur Hotel The International Festival of Authors Ontario touring program will be making a stop in Thunder Bay. Hear readings by James Bartleman, Johanna Skibsrud and Jane Urquhart, followed by a question and answer session and book signings. Tickets are $10 each available at Waverley Library, the Northern Woman’s Bookstore or online at litontour.com 683-6814, www.tbpl.ca
October 21-23
October 19, 7pm
October 21-23 & 28-30
Moose Madness Family Festival
Grand Marais To celebrate the last long fall weekend before the snow flies (and rutting season) it’s a good time to focus on all things moose. Participate in a moose tracks race, get a photo with Murray the Moose and enjoy plenty of other moose related activities. www.grandmarais.com/moosemadness
Eye Lake Book Launch
Haunted Fort Night
Thunder Bay Art Gallery Tristan Hughes of Atikokan, Ontario will launch his fourth book, Eye Lake - an enthralling tale of a Northern Ontario town beset by industrial decline, interpersonal hostilities and the mysterious disappearances over several generations. Free admission.
Fort William Historical Park Embark on a haunted tour of Fort William by candlelight as a mysterious story and eerie happenings unfold. Reservations are required and recommended for ages 10 and up. All tickets $15. www.fwhp.ca
Three new Exhibitions
October 19-22, 8pm
October 23, 8am
October 14-16
Lower Level Eaton’s Frankly Scarlet Productions presents Dave Wasserman’s adaption of this classic tale. It is a powerful exploration of the beauty and danger of being original. Directed by Jesica Bouvier and featuring local talent. Tickets are $15 and available at Steepers, The Great Northwest Coffee Company and at the door.
October 14 - November Definitely Superior Art Gallery Featuring John Kissick(abstract painter) - Faking It: Recent Paintings, Gallery 1; Ray Atwood(multi-media assemblage paintings) - Living with Ourselves, Gallery 2; Philip Barker(avant-garde filmmaker) - 4 Short Films, Gallery 3. Gala opening reception October 14, 7-10pm. www.definitelysuperior.com
Mountain Mash Craft Beer & Cuisine
Lutsen Mountains Enjoy beer, food and music on the mountain in this first annual fun-filled weekend.
www.lutsen.com/mountainMash
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
October 20, 7:30pm
Talents of Ukraine
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Featuring Donbas academic song and dance ensemble of Ukraine. www.tbca.com
October 15, 12-2pm
October 20, 7-9pm
Goalball
Master Gardener Information Session
Ogden Community Centre Goalball is a sport for people of all ages and abilities. Two teams are blindfolded and must move the ball across the court past the other teams’ end line to score. Equipment is provided and it’s free. 625-3320
GENERAL FOOD ART SPORTS MUSIC
Mary J.L. Black Library Gardening enthusiasts are invited to participate in an information session with the Master Gardeners; become a Master Gardener and share your knowledge with others. Admission is free, refreshments will be served. R.S.V.P. Donna at 344-2506.
Kamview/Fresh Air Half Marathon
Kamview Nordic Centre It’s a challenging half-marathon on the trails. You can compete individually or as a team of three. 623-9393 October 23
Oktoberfest Beer Tasting
Lot 66 In the spirit of Oktoberfest, you will have the opportunity to sample European beers paired with a delicious complementary menu. Tickets are $65 and available at Lot 66. www.lotsixtysix.com October 23
The Freedom Run
Boulevard Lake Join the race for freedom in support of diabetes research. Choose from either 3km or 5km walk or run. Registration begins at 9am. www.thefreedomrun.ca
Comprehensive Vision Care • Complete Eye Examination $70 • Weekend / Evening Appts Available • Fashionable Eyewear
285-4790 Centrally Located at 1144 Oliver Road (Across from Tim Horton’s) October 24, 6pm
Until October 30
Styles and Smiles: A Tribute to the Society of Excellent Men
The Living Landscape: The Art of George McLean
Valhalla Inn - Scandia Room This event features an art sale, gourmet dinner, a fashion show (showcasing collections from The Little Mermaid) and entertainment by comedian Erica Sigurdson. There will also be a luxury raffle. All funds raised will support Children’s Center Foundation Thunder Bay, Canadian Mental Health Association Thunder Bay Branch, and the United Way of Thunder Bay. Tickets are $75 ($750 for a table of 10) and available by pre-order. 343-5019 sbatemen@childrenscentre.ca
October 26, 8pm
Masters Illusion Live
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Featuring illusionists, comedy magicians, exotic animals, colourful birds, beautiful dancers and a cast of twenty-five. www.tbca.com October 27-November 12
Mesa
Magnus Theatre In this warm-hearted comedy, after pressure from his wife and her mother, Paul, aged 34, has agreed to drive his Grandfather-in-law, a 93 year old elderly snowbird, from Calgary to his winter home in Arizona. www.magnus.on.ca October 28, 8pm
Bobby Slayton and Nick Di Paolo
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium These two comedians will have you laughing in your seats. This show does contain explicit material and foul language and is not suitable for children under the age of 18. Tickets: $45. www.tbca.com
Thunder Bay Art Gallery This exhibition features paintings of wildlife in the natural world in the realist school. www.theag.ca Until October 30
CraftCurrents: Contemporary Craft in Northern Ontario
Thunder Bay Art Gallery A juried travelling exhibition of contemporary craft. www.theag.ca Until October 29
Art Classes
Thunder Bay Art Gallery A variety of classes for all ages and all interests with skilled instructors and quality materials. www.theag.ca Until October 31, 11am-5pm
PumpkinFest
Gammondale Farm The 17th Annual festival includes wagon rides to the mazes, horsedrawn hayrides, pumpkin decorating, scarecrow making to name a few. Also visit the Pumpkin Bakery for pie or a caramel apple sundae. www.gammondalefarm.com/ pumpkin_fest.htm
The Hunger Cabaret V.666
The Apollo $5, 19+, 8pm October 6
We Are The City Crocks $7, 19+, 9pm October 7
Wax Philosophic Crocks $7, 19+, 7pm
B.A. Johnston
Black Pirates Pub $8, 19+, 10pm October 8
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium $TBA, All Ages, 8pm
The Weber Brothers
October 24
The Apollo $TBA, 19+, 8pm
October 16
Thanksgiving Sunday Funday
Ocean City Defender The Sovereign Room $5, 19+, 8pm
DJ Kinflikt
October 12
Michael Bolton
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium $TBA, All Ages, 8pm
Today I Caught the Plague
Neverest & Alyssa Reid
October 4
October 13
The Apollo $TBA, 19+, 9pm
Jacks $TBA, 19+, 8pm
Until October 30
Rise Against
Masterworks Series: Fast Forward, with Guest Artist Mark Fewer, violin
Val Halla
October 22
Jacks $TBA, 19+, 9pm
October 9
Crocks $5, 19+, 9pm
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium $TBA, All Ages, 8pm
Bravo Broadway with Guest Artist: Debbie Gravitte, soprano
Crocks $8 Advance, 19+, 9pm
Dance Party with DJ Vibe and DJ Anthony
Black Pirates Pub $TBA, 19+, 9pm
Juliann Robbins
October 15
Finlandia Club $TBA, All Ages, 8pm
The Outpost $20 Advance/$20 Door, All Ages, 7pm
www.theag.ca
Jacks, Crocks & Black Pirates Pub $TBA, 19+, 10pm
Burnz N Hell
Black Pirates Pub $TBA, All Ages, 7pm
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
Jeff Beck
Fear & Loathing in Port Arthur
David Francey
Crocks $5, 19+, 9pm
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium $TBA, All Ages, 7pm
October 14
Jacks $TBA, 19+, 9pm
Downtown P.A. This huge event spans six venues with live entertainment (36 bands and 46 acts) for just $10 a ticket. There will be raffle prizes, costume contests and free candy. www.definitelysuperior.com
The Last Personas
Big John Bates
Crocks $TBA, 19+, 8pm
Crocks $5, 19+, 9pm
October 11
Philip Bosley
October 21
Hanzel und Gretyl
Daniel Martin & The Acoustic Pouch Band
October 1
Rockhouse $TBA, 19+, 9pm
October 13
DJ Deleo & Friends
Black Pirates Pub $5, 19+, 10pm
October 2
October 29
Pedestrian Lifestyle with The Dead Letters
Music Events Darlings of Chelsea
www.thunderbayoptometrist.ca
Napalm Death
Crocks $15, 19+, 8:30pm October 17
Terri Clark
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium $TBA, All Ages, 8pm October 19
No Bragging Rights Black Pirates Pub $TBA, All Ages, 6pm
The Geese
The Apollo $TBA, All Ages, 9pm
Dance Laury Dance Black Pirates Pub $TBA, 19+, 9pm
Jesse Cook
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium $TBA, All Ages, 8pm October 20 Cuff the Duke with Hooded Fang Crocks $10, 19+, 9pm
Roger Hodgson and his band
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium $TBA, All Ages, 8pm October 25
Oh Susanna and the Abrams Brothers Finlandia Club $TBA, All Ages, 8pm
Nomeansno Crocks $15, 19+, 7pm
Classical Plus Series: Tragedy and Comedy with Guest Artist: Harold Wevers, bassoon Hilldale Lutheran Church $TBA, All Ages, 8pm October 26
The Beatnuts Crocks $15, 19+, 8pm October 28
Elliot Brood
Crocks $15, 19+, 8pm
October 29
Laugh At The Fakes Kilroys $TBA, 19+, 9pm October 30
Halloween Spooktacular Grassroots Church $TBA, All Ages, 3:30pm
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium $TBA, All Ages, 8pm
The Walleye
39
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The Walleye
2011
theWall
Hunkering Down Doesn’t mean what it used to… By Marlene Wandel
The yard sales are winding down. There are at least six yellow leaves on the lawn, and we’ve shaken most of the apples out of the tree. The market produce has shifted from tender and crisp to hearty and hardy. Toques and mittens are being brought back into rotation, and even here in town, I can smell woodsmoke on a chilly morning. We are hunkering down, getting ready to batten down the hatches and spend more time indoors, now that the scales have tipped from light to night, from summer to autumn. Hunkering down doesn’t mean what it used to. For the most part, all we have to do is turn the thermostat on, and start buying fall foods. Eating seasonally is a matter of choice, with grocery stores open 24/7, and with food sourced from as far away from here as it is physically possible to be without leaving the planet. For those of us fortunate enough not to live in poverty, hunger is not an issue so long as the lines of supply don’t break down. At the same time, the parking lot at the Saturday market is always full; you need to come early to get eggs, and the carrots are pretty hot, too. Canning jars and freezers are being filled with summer’s bounty. There’s a desire to take care of ourselves, to depend not on a trucking schedule but on the soil and water and sun, and on the nearly-forgotten skills of preserving, and making, and making do. We are afloat in sea of convenience items, and yet we are excited by fresh apple cider and hand-knit sweaters. There are magazines, school, books, and countless blogs dedicated to the art of learning old, nearly forgotten skills; learning things we all used to know as a matter of course has become an industry of its own. The old adage of teaching a man to fish holds true in so many ways; we strive to learn to provide our own food and shelter in part as an insurance policy, and in part as an exercise in empowerment. We are fortunate to live in a time when the communication technology so readily available to us is helping to preserve old skills by making them widely available, any time of day. We can google how to do anything, and someone somewhere will have written about it, and published it. We are starting to clamber down the mountain of convenience food (and the packaging it came in), and get back down to earth.
and thunder Bay criMe prevention council Present
Mayor’s coMMunity safety & criMe prevention awards call for noMinations
Do you know someone who has made a positive impact on safety in our community? The City of Thunder Bay has made community safety and crime prevention top priorities to enhance the quality of life for all residents. Awards will be presented in Council Chambers during Ontario’s Crime Prevention Awareness Week in November. Award recipients will be featured in a short video documenting their achievements and they will receive other recognition.
2011 Award Categories • • • • • • •
Community Hero Award – For individual effort that contributes to a safer community. Business Award – For the contribution of a business to community safety through partnering with a local group or organization. Media Award – For an individual in media relations or a media group who has raised public awareness/understanding of community safety and crime prevention issues. Education Award – For an individual in the field of education who is raising awareness of, or leading a project toward, improved community safety or crime prevention. Youth Leadership Award – For a child or youth who demonstrates and encourages active participation in community safety or crime prevention. Enforcement Professional Award – For an Enforcement Professional who has made an outstanding contribution toward community safety or crime prevention. Outstanding Community Project Award – For outstanding results in community safety or crime prevention through partnership and collaboration. Up to three groups will receive $1,000 to reinvest in community safety initiatives.
Nominations will be accepted until 4:30 pm on Thursday Oct. 13, 2011. Visit www.thunderbay.ca/crimeprevention or call 625-2554 for nomination forms and full details.
Thank you to our sponsors: Outstanding Community Project
Business Award
Community Hero Award Simpson Street Business Improvement Area
Education Award
Enforcement Media Award Youth Leadership Professional Award Award
The Walleye
41
Darren McChristie
TheEYE - Sleeping Giant Taxidermy
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The Walleye
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0 DOWN PAYMENT
/OAC
361 Memorial Avenue 807-345-0902 • 1-800-486-2144 www.goremotorshonda.com *Limited time lease offer on any new 2012 Honda Civic LX Sedan with Manual Transmission (Model FB2E4CEX) available through Honda Financial Services Inc., on approved credit. Representative lease example: 2012 Honda Civic LX Sedan with Manual Transmission (Model FB2E4CEX) on a 48 month term at 1.99% lease APR, the monthly payment is $178 [includes $1,395 freight and PDI, EHF tires ($29), EHF filters ($1), A/C tax ($100), and OMVIC fee ($5)] with $2,240 down payment or equivalent trade-in, $0 security deposit and first monthly payment due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $8,543. 96,000-kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. **Receive 1.99% purchase financing on any new 2012 Honda Civic LX Sedan (Model FB2E4CEX) for a maximum of 60 months available through Honda Financial Services Inc., on approved credit. Example: based on a 2012 Honda Civic LX Sedan (Model FB2E4CEX) on a 60 month term at 1.99% APR, complete price of $19,020 [includes $1,395 freight and PDI, EHF tires ($29), EHF filters ($1), A/C tax ($100), and OMVIC fee ($5). Excludes taxes, license, insurance, and registration], and 130 bi-weekly payments of $154. Cost of borrowing is $977 for a total finance obligation of $21,797. Down payment or equivalent trade-in on purchase financing offers may be required based on approved credit from Honda Financial Services Inc. ‡$1,000 Gas Card offer applies only to retail customer purchase, lease or finance agreements for new 2012 Civic models concluded between September 1, 2011 and September 30, 2011 at participating Ontario Honda retailers. $1,000 Gas Card offer includes GST, PST, HST, QST where applicable. For all offers: license, insurance, registration, PPSA, and other taxes (including HST and tax for fuel conservation, if applicable) are extra. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price. Offers only valid for Ontario residents at Ontario Honda Dealers. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Vehicles and accessories are for illustration purposes only. Offers subject to change without notice. See your Ontario Honda Dealer or visit HondaOntario.com for full details. †Honda Civic received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among compact cars in a tie in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Initial Quality StudySM in the U.S. Study based on responses from 73,790 new-vehicle owners, measuring 234 models and measures opinions after 90 days of ownership. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in February-May 2011. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. ◊Based on Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada (AIAMC) data reflecting sales between October 1997 and August 2010. ∆Based on Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada (AIAMC) data reflecting sales between October 1973 and August 2010. ^Motor Trend Magazine, April 20, 2011; author: Ron Kiino (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1104_2012_honda_civic_drive/viewall.html). MSN Autos; author: James Tate (http://editorial.autos.msn.com/2012-honda-civic-first-drive?page=2). National Post, Apr. 20, 2011, author: Graeme Fletcher (http://www.nationalpost.com/cars/Preview+2012+Honda+Civic/4647563/story.html).