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#1 in the Sun! Thunder Bay Embraces Solar
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100 Things p 11
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The Foundry p 17
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Randy Thomas p 28
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A Lttle Bit Zombie p 33
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walleye the
Second Annual Green Issue It’s Always Sunny in TBay…
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, Amy Vervoort, Uriel Lubuk, Tyler Sklazeski Copy Editors Amy Jones, Nancy Saunders Art Director Dave Koski, R.G.D.: production@thewalleye.ca Business Manager Doug McChristie Sales Manager: sales@thewalleye.ca Advertising Sales Tracy Sadgrove: tracy.thewalleye@gmail.com 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 © 2012 by Superior Outdoors Inc. All Rights Reserved.
photo by Bill Gross Locals Valerie and Rupert read The Walleye in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
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
Start the day with Lisa Laco for breaking news, weather, daily events and compelling stories.
Weekdays starting at 6am
On the Cover Photographer: Shannon Lepere
When I moved to rainy North Vancouver, it didn’t take long before I began missing Thunder Bay’s clear blue skies and long sun-drenched days— not surprising because we are the sunniest place in Ontario, and possibly in all of eastern Canada. So with our claim to sun-filled fame in mind, we thought it fitting for our second annual green issue to look at how we’re taking advantage of solar power in the city. To kick things off, local weather guru Graham Saunders provides us with some interesting data on Thunder Bay as part of the sunshine belt: on average we have about 2,138 hours of bright sunshine every year, with about 10 hours of sunlight a day in July. No wonder why some are choosing to switch to this renewable energy source. Amy Vervoort visits a local church that has installed solar panels and is taking advantage of Ontario’s microFIT program. We look at the fairly young Ontario microFIT program in some detail and speak to homeowners, businesses, and organizations that are choosing to opt for solar power while living on-grid—and those who have no choice, like writer Larry Hogard, who lives off-grid. In “100 Things,” Marlene Wandel catches up with a local family who is attempting to simplify and downsize—far beyond removing clutter just because it’s spring. We also take a closer look at some local green schools, and educators who help inspire us all to be eco-conscious as part of everyday life. This past month, the music scene in the city was hopping (The Trews performed a high-energy sold-out show at Crocks), and promises to be busy again in April. Jazz enthusiast Daniel Klein profiles local musician Robin Ranger, who is releasing a new CD soon. Columnist Gord Ellis, inspired by iconic Canadian musician Bryan Adams sold out show in May, writes about how Adams’ music continues to resonate with so many Thunder Bayers, including him. In film, Imaginarium Studios latest passion project —the short film Love & Hate— begins making the festival rounds, along with another locally connected film of a very different genre: A Little Bit Zombie. With spring officially here and things shining bright, I plan on sipping some homemade sun tea (see contributing editor Rebekah Skochinski’s drink of the month recipe), throwing on my mustneeded shades, and heading outside to enjoy all that’s offered outside in our very sunny city.
Talent: Teri-Lynn Drebit & Darrell Wright Solar Panels provided by I & M Electric
-TJ cbc.ca/superiormorning
The Walleye CBC Radio Canada, English Communications 250 Front Street West P.O. Box 500, Station ì Aî Toronto, ON M5W 1E6 Print Production 416-205-3781
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Shannon Lepere
Contents
FEATURES
■
6 CoverStory: Sunny Thunder Bay
■ 7 Living Off the Grid ■ 8 On the Grid: Why go solar? ■ 9 Jane Oldale ■ 10 Frank the Solar Guy ■ 11 100 Things ■ 12 Green Schools ARCHITECTURE
■ 14 DSSAB Building
CITYSCENE
■ 18 Local Thrifting ■ 18 Green Awards ■ 19 Let Nature Be Thy Fitness
■ 26 Great Bloomers, Yukon Blonde
■ 19 Jane’s Walk
■ 26 Evan Pang ■ 27 Point North ■ 27 The Trews ■ 27 Papa Mambo
Q&A
THE ARTS
Playground
■ 20 Dr. Tom Puk MUSIC
■ 21 Burnin’ to the Sky
Solar Hot Water
FILM&THEATRE
■ 33 A Little Bit Zombie ■ 34 Grease ■ 35 Love & Hate ■ 35 Con College Film Program
■ 28 Randy Thomas ■ 29 Eugene Vandal ■ 29 LU Student Major Studio Exhibition
Bryan Adams
FOOD
■ 16 Kabab Village ■ 17 Not Chilly in Chile ■ 17 The Foundry
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■ 22 Robin Ranger ■ 23 Our Lady Peace ■ 23 Royal Wood
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■ 31 Lars on Homes
and Library Voices
LIVING GREEN
■ 30 EcoSuperior question of the month - Prevent Litter
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■ 16 Drink of the Month ■ 24 Off the Wall Reviews ■ 34 ZYGOTE bop ■ 36 April EVENTS ■ 37 The Wall ■ 38 The Eye
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The Walleye
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Melody of Water & Strings
Presented by the Raag-Rung Music Circle, this concert will feature three of India’s most accomplished musicians. Milind Tulkankar plays the jaltarang, one of the world’s oldest and rarest instruments, which consists of china bowls filled with water and struck by two cane sticks. Dr. Harvinder Sharma is a critically-acclaimed sitar player, and Pandit Ramdas Palsule is an accomplished musician who plays the tabla, a pair of hand drums with contrasting size and tone. Raag-Rung is a charitable organization that was formed in 1983, with the objective of bringing awareness and understanding to the Canadian public about the highly developed classical music and dance art forms from India. Tickets are $25. www.raag-rungmusiccircle.com
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Sweetwater Shakedown
April 5–7 Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen Mountains
The environmental conditions that push the the north shore’s maples into producing sweet maple syrup are coincidently the best conditions for spring corn snow skiing. Lutsen’s three-day festival celebrates the sweetwater run (with sweet skiing & sweet music). Featuring bluegrass musicians like Drew Emmitt, Bill Nershi, the Travelin’ McCoury’s, Absynth Quintet and Cornmeal, this will be three nights of après-ski music that will have you on your feet. We recommend taking your ski boots off before the show. www.lutsen.com/swshakedown
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Superior Living Health and Wellness Expo April 14–15 Valhalla Inn
Tara George
The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Superior Living Expo. With a focus on health and wellness, the show includes demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and presentations. The show runs from 10 am–4 pm on both days; admission is $3. www.tb-chamber.on.ca
Darren McChristie
April 3 TBCA
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Yukon Blonde, Library Voices & The Great Bloomers April 18 Crocks
This is a show you won’t want to miss—three great Canadian bands with special guests, Thunder Bay’s own Greenback Trio. Yukon Blonde will be performing music from their new album, Tiger Talk, while Library Voices is still riding the success of their summer 2011 release Summer of Lust. All four bands deliver solid live performances and, with tickets priced at $10, you won’t be disappointed. Advance tickets are available at locations such as Valente’s Music and Extreme Pita or online at www.loffredo.ca.
© NASA
Supplied
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TOPfive
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Earth Day at the Country Market April 21 CLE Dove Building
Celebrate Earth Day in the Country Market’s traditional optimistic fashion, with hands-on displays dedicated to teaching people of all ages how to enrich their lives and do more for our environment. Since the event takes place during the market’s hours, you can also shop for a wide variety of local foods and other products, such as clothing, soap, and even birdseed. The event will take place from 8 am–1 pm and is free to attend. www.thunderbaycountrymarket.com The Walleye
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CoverStory
Sunny Thunder Bay By Graham Saunders Thunder Bay has a sunny reputation. The city, with an average of 2,138 hours of bright sunshine in an average year, is at the eastern extent of a sunshine belt across the southern prairies. Medicine Hat, Alberta (2,513 hours), Estevan, Saskatchewan (2,435 hours) and Winnipeg, Manitoba (2,372 hours) illustrate a west-to-east decline. It continues further to the east, with Toronto (2,038 hours), and perhaps those sunny hours are not quite as bright as on the prairies or in
TYLER SKLAZESKI
Thunder Bay.
A Campbell–Stokes sunshine recorder uses a spherical lens to focus the rays from the sun onto a specially-designed card—it records the hours of bright sunshine that burn a hole through the card. The recorder hasn’t changed much since its invention in 1853 and remains the tool of choice for Environment Canada.
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The Walleye
One might suppose that Environment Canada would keep meticulous records of sunshine. Trends are important and obviously connected to agriculture, tourism, siting of buildings and, more recently, to locations for solar panels. Alas, the federal government of Canada has almost eliminated official measurements of sunshine. In February 2012, only seven locations in Canada had reports. It began with the Liberals in the 1990s, and the Harper government has accelerated the decline of measurement of sunshine (and records of snow and toxins in water and air) in their six years in power. Oddly enough, other countries have not picked up on this. New Zealand has many times the present Canadian total and Germany, which is smaller in area than Northwestern Ontario, has sunshine measurement from more than 200 sites. Thunder Bay is likely the sunniest location in eastern Canada and this lends some credence to decisions for individuals and companies installing solar arrays in the area. Sunshine varies greatly during the year and ranges from three hours per day in November to 10 hours in July.
All photos: Darren McChristie
CoverStory
Off the Grid By Larry Hogard
If you live in a home that’s connected to the electrical grid, you rarely have to think about your need for electricity. However, when living off-grid, it is a daily occurrence. I’ve lived off-grid for nearly 10 years in a home that is powered by solar panels and a battery bank. I also have a gas generator for backup power and propane appliances. My system is made up of a combination of power sources and this has advantages. If one source fails, then there is another to fall back on. Sunny days mean a lot to me—it means my panels are producing a charge, my batteries are storing power and that I have excess power to use. On cloudy days or after sundown, I have to be aware of my power consumption and either conserve energy or operate the generator, particularly if the battery charge is low. A big advantage of living off-grid is the independence it offers. If a storm blows down a hydro line, it doesn’t affect me because I’m in control of how my system operates. But, if something goes wrong with my system, I have to rely on my own wits to troubleshoot. However, there is a similarity between living on and off the grid— using energy always costs money. Whether paying for a monthly hydro or gas bill or investing in an alternative energy system or some combination of these options, there are unavoidable costs to powering a home. I am intrigued by the potential for alternative energy and, as homeowners, we do have choices, but there are limitations to what is practical and affordable. In my situation, I did have a choice to tie into the hydro-grid, but since the nearest hydro pole was 1.5 kms away, it was less affordable than practical. The total price tag for my system was about half of the estimated cost for connecting to the grid. The system works great and I take comfort in knowing that sunshine is consistent in the Thunder Bay area and it is not going away anytime soon. The Walleye
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CoverStory
On the Grid: Why go solar? Going green, incentives through the Ontario microFIT program, and the desire for energy dependence are a few reasons why people choose to go solar.
Uptake of the microFIT program in Thunder Bay has been huge. Here is how Thunder Bay stacks up against other communities with more than 50 contracted miThunder Bay croFIT projects. 35%
by Bonnie Schiedel
“As my partner Lindsey says, young people would like to have solar power but think they don’t have the money to do it; older people have the money to do it but think they won’t be around long enough to recoup their investment,” says Emil David, co-owner of Afortek and a retired forestry professor who first became interested in alternative energy during the 1970s energy crisis. Through Ontario’s microfit program, producers are paid a fixed price per unit of energy produced (measured in kilowatt hours, or kWh) over a 20-year term (40-year term for waterpower projects). The price paid per kWh depends on the type of renewable energy. Last month, the Ontario Power Authority reviewed the FIT price schedule and announced a significant drop in the payout to producers: energy from rooftop solar installations will be purchased for 54.9 cents/ kwh, down from 80.2 cents/kWh; energy from ground-mounted solar installations will be purchased for 44.5 cents/kwh, down from 64.2 cents/kWh.
Ottawa
6% There are a number of reaToronto sons people who are on the grid 3% Mississauga choose to go solar: concern for 2% Hamilton the environment, wanting to de4% crease their utility bills, moral or ethical concerns about conWindsor 12% ventional power generation, and a desire for energy independence. Still, David says that in his experience, making money has been the main motivator for consumers: “Everyone wants a chance to get money from the hydro company.”
Kingston 30% London 9%
Lindsey Beaulne
Candace McLean
Writers Amy Vervoort and Bonnie Schiedel check in with a local family, a business, and a church that have opted into the microFIT program to find out first hand about some of the challenges and rewards.
THE HOMEOWNERS
THE BUSINESS
The south-facing roof of Rob and Candace McLean’s house on Oliver Lake has been generating solar energy for just over a year. Their home was one of the first in Thunder Bay to become a part of Ontario’s microFIT program, which allows homeowners and businesses to earn a determined rate per kilowatt hour of solar energy they feed into the province’s power grid.
In 2007, Emil David and Lindsey Beaulne travelled to Beijing for a huge global conference about solar power—where, much to their surprise, they were the only Canadians. They returned home to Thunder Bay to start Afortek, a company with the mandate “eco-friendly affordable technology.” They sell solar energy systems, electric bikes, biodiesel tractors, and biomass energy systems (pellet stoves) from their home business in the Slate River Valley. While they are still on the grid, they have a solar thermal system set up to show customers, and currently sell about $500 worth of power back to HydroOne per month.
The McLean Family Oliver Lake
With aesthetics in mind, there is choice in the colour of the panels, as well as location—whether they are installed on the roof or on the ground. The McLeans chose black panels on the roof, which seem to blend right into their environment, while producing power and income.
Afortek 100 McCluskey Drive
-Bonnie Schiedel
Note: The McLean family was fortunate and locked into a contract when the price being offered for the electricity they produced was 80.2 cents/kWh. After the province’s recent review, this fixed price was determined to be too high and now for new contracts the price that will be paid is 54.9 cents/kWh. -Amy Vervoort
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The Walleye
Lindsey Beaulne
The predictions from their feasibility study have been accurate, according to Candace. Even the sometimes-harsh northern weather hasn’t damaged the panels, and although snow was a concern at first, it hasn’t yet proven to be a problem. Their $74,000 business loan for the panels will be paid in nine years, after which their contract with the Ontario government continues for another eleven.
CoverStory # of microFIT Contracts per capita for Ontario Cities
# microFIT contracts/10,000 people
11.25
7.50
3.75
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Jane Oldale Passion for Renewable Energy by Krista Harper
THE CHURCH
St. Stephen The Martyr Anglican Church 494 Leslie Avenue St. Stephen The Martyr Anglican Church, on the corner of Leslie Avenue and Arundel Street, was the first church building in Current River. Now, St. Stephen’s is also the first in its community to generate solar energy. Powerful and also distinguished-looking, the south facing Arundel Street rooftop demonstrates wonderfully what is now possible. It’s a truly modern day when a church is approached by email to consider installing solar panels on its roof. It took the church community a few months to make an informed decision after Solar Logix first contacted them—taking into consideration the structural information, environmental concerns, the income that can be generated, and of course, the concerns of the skeptics. They finally decided, with a little advice from the Coast Guard and climate research, to become a part of the solar project, and in August of 2011 the panels were installed. For those interested in stats and real time graphs, check out ststephenanglican.com for a link to their solar panel project. The link will take you to an Enphase Energy page detailing the power produced (kWh) by the church’s panels by day and by month, including information on the environmental benefits from the church’s wise choice. -A.V.
Up until her retirement at the end of February, Jane Oldale was a fixture at EcoSuperior. After earning a diploma in environmental engineering technology, she was hired by the not-for-profit in 1995, only months after it opened. Due to funding gaps, her work for EcoSuperior was on and off, but Oldale has always been a strong advocate for the environment. Oldale has given hundreds of presentations to students and community groups on everything from organic gardening to renewable energy systems. She’s completed even more home visits, where she has helped homeowners test well water quality and reduce negative impacts of storm water runoff. Renewable energy is one of her strongest passions, she says, and beyond her work at EcoSuperior, she’s spent a lot of time helping her partner, Frank Ilczyszyn, with his business, Frank’s Alternate Energy. Oldale managed all kinds of projects at EcoSuperior over the years—“nobody does the same thing for long there,” she notes, adding that visits were the most rewarding part of her work. “I felt really good about working one-on-one with people and knowing that I helped them make a positive change,” Oldale says. Post-retirement, Oldale says she’s excited to spend more time gardening and preserving food at her solar and wind-powered home in Neebing. The Walleye
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CoverStory
Frank the Solar Guy 25 years of renewable energy by Michelle McChristie
Frank Ilczyszyn is known to many as “Frank the Solar Guy.” As the owner of Frank’s Alternate Energy, a business he started in 1996, he has earned a reputation as Northwestern Ontario’s authority on renewable energy systems. Frank was born and raised in Slate River and now lives in an off-grid home—by choice, not necessity—in Neebing Township. He has always been mechanically-inclined and, after working a variety of jobs, started his own gravel business. He bought his first solar components in the late 1980s with what was, at the time, a hefty investment of $8,600, to power his home and shop. Frank initially invested in solar with the long-term goal of running a renewable energy company. He felt strongly that he needed to know how the equipment worked before installing systems for others. As for his motivation to run such a company: “I detest bureaucracy,” he says, and then explains that Ontario’s move towards overpriced and unreliable nuclear plants was the catalyst for his decision. To this day, Frank is constantly modifying and upgrading his own system to test new solar components, which means he has first-hand experience and knowledge of the products. He also attends a huge, three-day energy fair in Wisconsin every year—an opportunity to network with manufacturers, installers, and owners of renewable systems. Recalling the early days of his business, he says that he designed and installed his first system for a home at Silver Islet in 1995 and “pulled the plug on his gravel business in 1996.”
In the 25 years that Frank has been involved in renewable energy, he says the technology has grown in leaps and bounds. “It’s grown into a global market, and has become more competitive, and this had lead to major, major advances and efficiencies,” he explains. In terms of the changes to come, Frank says that battery technology hasn’t changed much and that solar systems use “lead-acid batteries that can only be run down to about 50% of their charge.” The application of lithium-ion batteries would mean that the batteries could be run down to zero, thereby increasing the storage capacity of a system. Currently lithium-ion batteries are not affordable, but Frank speculates that the move toward electric cars might help change this. Frank has experienced a steady increase in business over the years and his customers range from young, environmentally-conscious couples looking to live off-grid, to cottagers and people who want to avoid high energy bills. He advises that people ensure they understand their energy needs prior to considering renewable energy. “There is a shift required and people need to have a different way of approaching energy—there is a different set of rules off grid and you will pick up and use every single watt of power,” he explains. Frank is well aware that Thunder Bay has good sun and is not surprised by the huge uptake of the microFIT program. He says the program has given a huge boost to the province’s renewable energy industry, something Frank has wholeheartedly supported for decades.
KIDS ART CLUB Ages 8 and up
Thursdays 4:30-6:30pm
This is an ideal class for the budding young artist. Each week different techniques and materials will be highlighted and guest artists will share their knowledge. Participants will have the chance to experience a wide range of media from sketching & drawing to painting & sculpting.
CHARCOAL DRAWING
Darren McChristie
with artist Kathy Toivonen April 10th, 6pm – 8pm
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The Walleye
CoverStory
All photos: Marlene Wandel
100 Things A Life Less Shackled to Objects by Marlene Wandel
Yard sale is season is here. For some, that means scoring a great deal; for others, it’s a chance to de-clutter the basement. For Gary Timmons, Jenni GladTimmons and their two children, it’s just another step in their journey to freeing themselves of stuff. To their family, “a great deal” means ending up with less. Already frustrated by a full basement, an article in the New York Times in 2010 caught the couple’s attention. “But Will it Make You Happy?” relates the story of one woman’s paring down of her things to 100 items; this served as a catalyst for Gary and Jenni. In their case, they are on the road to paring down to 100 personal items each. Gary notes they are not alone: “There’s been a paradigm shift. We have many like-minded friends who feel the same way.” It’s a shift toward a simpler life, using available technology. One mobile device replaces camera, ipod and phone. An E-book reader replaces a shelf full of books.
What is left inside their house is an abundance of space and light. Choosing to divest themselves of things means more time to invest in their family; less time is spent cleaning and tidying. There is more room. Ultimately, they plan to sell the house and appreciate the flexibility and freedom of renting a dwelling. They are anticipating more financial freedom to choose to do, rather than buy. Choosing experiences over things makes perfect sense; experiences don’t accumulate in the basement, require costly maintenance, or have to be boxed. Experiences require no stewardship. It makes sense-the less you have, the less you have to maintain, the less you have to work, the more time you have to live.
just want to open the door and tell people to take it all away.” Having seen their space, and their enthusiasm for a life less shackled to objects, it’s a tantalizing concept. This season might just see more yard sales, and fewer shoppers.
Gary and Jenni touch on the concept of the hedonic treadmill, or “hedonic adaptation”. Instead of running on this treadmill, and maintaining their level of happiness by buying ever more things, they are doing the opposite. Jenni confides she loves getting rid of things. “I
Proud to welcome Thunder Country Travel to the Marlin Travel Family. Thunder Country Travel 301 Bay Street 345 5432
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Earn and Redeem Airmiles at any of our locations The Walleye
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SWEETWATER SHAKEDOWN APRIL 5-7 @ LUTSEN MOUNTAINS THURSDAY APRIL 5
Emmitt - Nershi Band Charlie Parr FRIDAY APRIL 6
Travelin’ McCoury’s Bluegrass Ball
CoverStory
Green Schools Initially, we thought we would focus on the educators who are inspiring young students to be green. But when we started poking around, the educators insisted that it’s not about them. Instead, they said, it’s all about working together and the committed dedication of the students (as young as JK) that create green successes.
Bill Nershi & Keith Moseley
(STRING CHEESE INCIDENT)
featuring
Drew Emmitt
(LEFTOVER SALMON) Tim Carbone & Andy Goessling (RAILROAD EARTH) SATURDAY APRIL 7
CORNMEAL • Absynth Quintet www.sweetwater.lutsen.com
BASE CAMP FOR ADVENTURE.
École catholique Franco-Supérieur Students at École catholique Franco-Supérieur are proving that it is, in fact, easy being green. Every class, from Junior and Senior Kindergarten to Grade 6, sort all of their garbage according to what’s actually garbage, what’s recyclable, and what’s compostable. The Grade 5 students collect the compost from the containers in each classroom. The compost then goes into the large bins on the school property, which is then used on the schoolyard. In recognition of the school’s daily commitment to recycling and composting, École catholique Franco-Supérieur was one of four organizations this year to receive The Municipal Green Award from the City of Thunder Bay and the Zero Waste Action Team (ZWAT).
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Several students were present at City Hall on Monday, March 5 to receive the prize. The following day, students celebrated at the school by creating a mural on the school’s exterior to depict the six R’s: rethink, refuse, repair, reduce, reuse and recycle. -Donna Faye
CoverStory Crestview School Crestview School is the only school in the Thunder Bay area that is designated as an Earth School according to the GREEN Schools™ Canada criteria—a program set up by the SEEDS Foundation to help encourage students to be environmentally responsible. Classes keep track of their green achievements, gradually working towards different levels of recognition: Jade Status (250 completed projects) through to Earth VI (6000 completed projects). Facilitated by second grade teacher Jeanie Gaudette, Crestview joined the SEEDS Foundation about 10 years ago, and has since completed over 1000 projects. Now, Gaudette says the eco programs that the school has in place function like a well-oiled machine, “thanks to the commitment of the students.” Grade twos collect and organize the compost every day. Students from the Environmental Club meet regularly. At recess, students armed with stepladders and bags of seed are responsible for stocking the bird feeder. In the spring a garden is planted and maintained, and then harvested in fall. An Eco-Team collects and sorts recyclables. A new Eco-Survey is being conducted. It is easy to see that at Crestview, being green is part of the day-to-day stuff—and as Gaudette says, when being green is easy and practised by students and staff as part of daily routines, that’s true success. To find out more about what it takes to be a GREEN School, check out www.seedsfoundation.ca -TJ
If you can dream it, you can build it and enjoy it for a lifetime.
Yard and Patio Centre 561 Tenth Ave. 346-4436 www.lockstone.ca The Walleye
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Architecture
Green Means Sustainability Writer Ally Arnone finds out more about the design philosophy behind the new DSSAB building at 231 May Street South that opened in February. by Ally Arnone
The building’s design integrates elements that improve the efficiency of its systems and, perhaps most importantly, improve the indoor environment for the people who use the building. Everything from the windows to the heating system is as efficient as possible. By using triple glazed low-E argon-filled, high-performance windows, temperatures are more controlled. Photovoltaic panels generate electricity to the grid. The heating system uses radiant heat with hydronic in-floor heat and ceiling panels. The structure itself is wooden, a more natural choice and one that is beneficial in meeting the time constraints of the construction. Steel would need to be manufactured and shipped, while wood is locally available. The finishes in the interior are all low VOC with recycled content where possible, and the unified colour palette projects a calm, relaxing atmosphere that makes it immediately welcoming, right down to the custom-designed signage. One of the building’s most striking design features is the use and distribution of natural light. Through the strategic placement of windows and the inclusion of a skylight, day lighting has been maximized in all of the spaces intended for people’s use, while support rooms are arranged in the core of the building where there is less light. Even with all of these impressive features, the building came in under budget, which shows that making “green” choices does not mean unnecessary extravagance.
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The Walleye
Chris Merkley
I started my conversation with Michelle Gibson (OAA, MRAIC, LEED AP Partner at FORM Architecture Engineering) by asking about the terminology that I ought to be using when discussing “green” architecture. Our conversation proved helpful and interesting, as it explained FORM Architecture Engineering’s philosophy of design, of which the new District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) building is a shining example. The focus of the building’s design is sustainability, which in itself is an environmentally responsible practice as it means using safer, more efficient materials.
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333 Memorial Ave., Thunder Bay, P7B 3Y4
Tel: 807-345-1148 Toll free: 1-855-627-1148 The Walleye
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Food
Drink of the month Make your own:
Sun Tea Beirut Night
Now that the days are getting longer and we have plenty of warm rays beaming our way, it’s hard not to catch a bit of spring fever. The remedy: a mellow-tasting tea that lets you take 10 while Mr. Sunshine does all of the work.
Tea: The ratio is roughly one teabag/teaspoon of loose leaf tea of your favourite tea per cup of water. Black tea is ideal because it has loads of flavour. Optional Add-Ins: sweetener (we like agave nectar) and lemon slices
What you do: Cover the pitcher and its contents with a firm lid and place in the direct sunlight for at least 2-3 hours and no more than about 5, tasting it periodically for readiness. Once it’s to your liking, toss the tea bags/ strain the leaves, pour it over ice, add your fixings, and drink up!
What you should know:
By Tracy Sadgrove
Although people have been making sun tea for years, because the water isn’t boiled beforehand, it’s best to sanitize the pitcher, use filtered water, drink it within 24 hours, and discard the tea if it looks off (cloudy or thick). The alternative is to make Refrigerator Tea, which doesn’t sound nearly as hip but produces similar results— just promise that after you wait the requisite eight hours, you’ll find a sunny spot to sit in while you sip it.
Kabab Village recently hosted another entertaining night of dance and a special feast for the senses: Beirut Night, a meal of Middle Eastern fare prepared from all-natural and authentic ingredients in the traditional manner. Our first course was an array of delicious dumplings (meat, cheese and spinach), fatoush salad, roasted garlic potatoes, and the most delicious hummus I have ever tasted. During the appetizer course, the house lights were dimmed and, in true Middle Eastern tradition, we were treated to a visual feast as the beautiful and talented Dahab, originally from Colombia, began her dance of the veils. As the main course made its way to our tables it was met with many “oohs” and “ahhs”—tasty grilled chicken served with a savoury ground beef rice pilaf and greens. I was treated to the vegetarian meal of falafels, saffron rice, and greens. As dessert arrived, I vowed to only have a taste, but the delicious cream filled pastry, topped with shredded wheat and honey syrup, got the better of me. All too soon the evening came to an end—well worth the $40, especially when leaving with a few take home containers. Keep an eye on www.kababvillage.com to find out when their next special event takes place.
Win cool prizes with the Top Five in 5 challenge For each Walleye Top Five event you attend from January to May, fill out an entry form along with proof you attended. Send them to us and you will be entered in a monthly draw for cool prizes courtesy of our advertisers. Proof of attendance can be through photos, video, ticket stubs or whatever you consider to be proof. Be creative! Winners will be announced at www.thewalleye.ca on the last day of every month. Full contest details are available at www.thewalleye.ca.
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The Walleye
Rima Mounayer
What you need: 1 large glass pitcher/jug/ tea pot with a lid Filtered water
Rima Mounayer
Kabab Village
Chris Merkley
Chris Merkley
By Rebekah Skochinski
Food
Not Chilly in Chile! By Jeannie Sommelier, Certified Sommelier
One of the newest up-and-coming wine regions of the world is, without a doubt, the South American wonder country Chile.
The Foundry
Running from mid-continent in the north to the most southerly tip in the south, Chile is nestled between the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Andes mountains on the east, creating a climate unique unto itself. In addition, high altitudes and terrific terroir have all contributed to making Chile an oasis for eco-friendly grape growing where there is never a shortage of sunshine.
New Local Gastropub By Greg Carveth
Proving that good things come to those who wait, The Foundry is slated to open its doors next month after a year of extensive renovations at their 232 Red River Road location (formerly North Shore Music).
A combination of the Humboldt current and the natural geographic barriers that surround Chile have allowed this fledgling wine region to progress disease-free, especially from phylloxera, allowing winemaking to advance with little chemical intervention.
After his father purchased the space, Manager Dane Newbold jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the building process, and a chance to be a part of his family’s long history of running bars in the city—Dane’s grandparents ran the Crest in the late 60s, and his grandmother ran the Ovillio hotel in Nipigon. His grandfather, Bunny Newbold, also opened Bunnys Bar on Cumberland.
As well, being a relative baby in the winemaking world has allowed Chile to integrate all of the newest grape growing and winemaking techniques into the making of its products, with a push towards organic sustainability in both vineyard and winery alike. In one of the brightest and sunniest wine regions in the world, Chilean wineries and vineyards are going green. Try a Chilean wine from a Thunder Bayowned winery at Whitewater Golf Club!
Dane describes The Foundry as a true gastropub, with a menu that features the talents of chef Derek Lankinen. In addition to some good grub, Dane says Thunder Bayers can expect fantastic music, both live and through the Virtuo Jukebox, which is “an internetdriven jukebox that looks like a poster-sized iPad with access to over four million songs.”
Or Try This “Not So Chilly” Chilean Wine CALITERRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON LCBO 257329 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 8.95
Roughly 200 people will be able to pack the split-level space and enjoy the finely crafted stage that fills the front window space and is visible from every angle. A good view of the band, something tasty to fill your stomach, AND a jukebox? Seems like The Foundry was well worth the wait.
The Foundry’s Operator Dane Newbold, photo by Greg Carveth
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CityScene
Local Thrifting Enviro-Trendy Style By Justyna Kondakow
Our vitamin D-packed community shines upon boundless landscapes and its citizens who indulge in its greenery. For those fond of both the earth, and earthly fashion, it’s fun and easy to cultivate what could be called an “enviro-trendy” style at local thrift stores. Buying recycled outfits not only benefits your wallet and the environment, it also supports our economy—the more local, the more love to our community. It doesn’t take more than that to twist my arm into making meaningful purchases and embracing this noble concept!
Tyler Sklazeski
When I came across the locally owned and operated Changes Consignment Boutique on South May Street, I was tickled by the plethora of vintage threads. This three-year-old shop, owned by Blair Welch-Clark, offers fashion inspiration from decades beyond. This became apparent to me during my visit, when I heard a faint Elton John tune summoning me towards a disco dress. In fact, the black, slinky, floor-length gown was so sparkly that it practically lassoed me. I immediately began to imagine the situations I might find myself in wearing this Milky Way reflector. Above all, I thought the dress fit nicely with the core message of envirotrendy style: sunny like our city, and also local. After I finished squealing and spinning in circles, my excitement steered me towards a cape. This Trudeauinspired cloak was equipped with superior lines and craftsmanship, sleeves lined with fur, fashionably cozy for warming cold joints. I peered into the mirror to finally see what was draped onto my shoulders: this fabric epiphany was in fact, my cape soul mate. To make matters more awesome, I was able to complete my fashion journey locally with alterations courtesy of Tammy’s Clothing and Alterations, located in Victoriaville Centre. I knew I was in good hands with this eight-year-old business, and received my reinforced and hemmed dress in perfect condition. Changes Consignment and Tammy’s Alterations were the perfect local spots for a fashion fix. Now, my above-the-knee sparkle-bomb is an ultimate favourite when paired with my flying squirrel cape and, as vintage purchases, they have a minimal impact on the environment. Justyna is passionate about fashion. Follow her blog at www.lamodeoperandi.blogspot.com
Green Awards In March, four community organizations received Municipal Green Awards—a joint venture between the City of Thunder Bay and Zero Waste Action Team (ZWAT). Kudos to the following: Superior Collegiate & Vocational Institute who recycled 41,000 kilograms of material in 2011; OLG Casino for reducing their paper consumption by another 4.4 percent this year and 27 percent since 2008; Ecole Catholique Franco-Superieur for their litterless lunches, use of reusable dishes at school functions and composting; and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for their expanded plastic recycling program resulting in a 25 percent increase in diversion of plastics in 2011.
ZWAT is open to members of the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors, community organizations, and citizens of Northwestern Ontario who are committed to working towards a goal of zero waste. To learn more about ZWAT or apply for a Municipal Green Award, visit www.zwat.ca. -TJ
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CityScene
Let Nature Be Thy Fitness Playground By Paul Hemsworth
Paul Hemsworth
Long before we had commercial gyms, fad diets, and fitness gadgets, we had our bodies, food, and nature. Consequently, we were also much healthier. As hunters and gatherers, we were strong, lean, and could run forever. As our brains grew, however, so did our desire for efficiency, and our reliance on technological advancements increased with each passing year. We move less than we ever have in history—not only in our extra-curricular activity, but also our jobs. Our diet has changed so drastically in the last hundred years that we don’t even recognize what real food looks like anymore. Diet and physical inactivity have created an epidemic of related diseases, and we have seen a huge spike in gym memberships and personal training services. So, what can we learn from our ancestors in terms of physical fitness? Well, for starters, we can look at how they used nature to stay so strong and fit. We can look at how they would jump, run, lift, crawl, climb, bend—in essence, they moved their bodies to their limits. Primal movements such as these combined with a natural diet of plants and wild animals kept us looking like what most of us dream of when we sign up for that gym membership. Instead of having nature become a part of our everyday lives, we are now forced to run around like hamsters on a treadmill while we numb our feelings by staring at the big screen that the gym has so graciously put in front of us. Nature has so much to offer us both physically and psychologically. The next time you want to do something for your health, consider just going for a hike and seeing what comes your way. Pick up a boulder, climb up on something, jump over a stump, pick up a log, or run on the beach. Your body is your vessel—treat it with natural food, air, and movement! Paul Hemsworth is a strength and conditioning coach. He owns Hemsworth Strength & Wellness. For more info, contact Paul at paul.hemsworth83@gmail. com ; 777-1717 or www.hemsworthstrength.com
Jane’s Walk 2012 by Amy Siciliano
What makes a great neighbourhood? Thunder Bayers will have the opportunity to find out when we join hundreds of other cities across the globe participating in Jane’s Walk 2012. Jane’s Walk is an annual celebration of the life and work of grassroots urban activist Jane Jacobs, a tireless advocate for community-based city building. On May 5 and 6, Thunder Bay will host six different neighbourhood walking tours across the city: Current River, Waverley Park, Bay and Algoma, Academy Heights, Simpson/ Ogden, and Westfort. Each tour is developed and run by local residents who are passionate about their neighbourhoods, making them more about personal stories, social histories, and neighbourhood struggles than official heritage tours. For instance, on the Simpson/Ogden tour you’ll stop by Kleewyck Stained Glass Studio and learn about a family business three generations in the making. The walking tours are given and taken for free. For more information on the dates, times, and meeting places, visit janeswalk.net.
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Q&A
Q+A
Dr. Tom Puk
Supporting and Encouraging Ecological Integrity by Meghan Jewell
Dr. Tom Puk started working at Lakehead University in 1992. Prior to that, he worked for the Ministry of Education. In 1997, he created a program called Outdoor Ecological and Experiential Education in the Faculty of Education, which has an emphasis on ecological literacy. His courses are composed of four foci: acquiring ecological consciousness and ecologically literacy, nature-embedded embodied experience, developing a sense of altruism through community, and an inner journey to better appreciate the wilderness inside all of us. Through the Forum for Ecological Education and Action (feea.ca), he also started offering courses to the general public in 2007. Q: Please tell us about how this all started; what sparked your interest and concern for the environment? A: My interest has been there most of my life. As a child, I lived in a rural area, so I was outside exploring natural places constantly. Q: What are your major environmental interests? How does this impact on your teaching and pedagogy? A: Ecological integrity impacts most of our daily lives, so I attempt to assist the learner in seeing how everything is interconnected and how systems work, through active exploration—of particular interest is ecological health.
Q: How do you see these ideas being implemented into the education system? A: If we are serious about ecological integrity, schooling needs to be centred on ecological literacy and ecological consciousness. The Ontario Ministry of Education needs to create a distinct curriculum, that is taught in all grades, rather than the current “sprinkling in” approach. Research studies have also demonstrated that students need to acquire ecological literacy, through embodied experience, i.e. by being actively involved in understanding how natural systems work and our reciprocal relationship with these systems. Teachers need to learn how to do this in the outdoors, through pre-service and in-service training. However, we also need an educational system that supports lifelong ecological literacy. Q: Can you comment on Thunder Bay as a ‘green’ community?
Q: Many people in Thunder Bay are well aware that something needs to be done about the environmental problems, but many people either do not have the resources to make these changes or are overwhelmed with the idea that financial or political interests greater than themselves control it. What is your advice to those who want to help and do something constructive for the environment? Do you believe we can do things as individuals or do we need to be part of the system to change it? A: We need a 60-40 split—i.e. 60% of the solution must come from government, business, and industry, and 40% from the general public. Individuals and families need to become more knowledgeable about how natural systems work and what we can do to support ecological integrity (i.e. to preserve the resilience of natural systems to assimilate and rejuvenate themselves). Healthy natural systems will then take care of us. However, ecological consciousness is not a parttime interest. We are part of government, business and industry. If we don’t buy it, they won’t make it. Consumerism is what drives business and industry.
A: All jurisdictions need to make ecological integrity their #1 focus. In the Thunder Bay area, we are almost totally dependent on outside resources. All governments need to invest in locally-developed and locally-resourced systems such as a textile industry and food production. We will need to get familiar with less. We will need to promote quality of life rather than economic growth. We will need to emphasize the three Primary R’s: rethink, refuse and re-conceptualize. Q: Can you give a tip to the readers about what they can do in their everyday life to help improve the state of our environment? A: We need to stop and examine our daily lifestyles. We need to make fundamental, systemic changes to our human systems, i.e. social, economic and health. We need to stop competing with each other and instead work more collaboratively to improve quality of life for everyone.
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Music
DLY PROU
PRESENTS THE 11TH ANNUA L
18 Till We Die: On Bryan Adams Burnin’ to the Sky By Gord Ellis
The last time Bryan Adams played Thunder Bay, he opened for Loverboy. At least that’s what I’m told. My source—who was in attendance for the concert—said Adams “blew Loverboy away.� I’m guessing it was the last tour that Adams opened for anyone, anywhere. Although the really big hits stopped coming a few years ago, Bryan Adams has a songbook and career any artist could dine out on for a long time. If you were within earshot of a radio during the 1980s, you are well familiar with the Bryan Adams canon. He was the soundtrack many of us grew up to.
I TRUCKS BAND TEDESCH
JULY 6-8 2012
Adams solo career started in 1980, but it wasn’t until 1983 that his big shiny tunes really started to hit the airwaves. During the 1980s, Adams and his long time co-writer Jim Vallance seemed to be able to work up monster hits at will. His first really huge hit, “Cuts Like a Knife,� introduced the sound that would garner Bryan Adams hit after hit for years to come: heavy drums, snarling guitars, subtle but judicious keyboards, all topped off with Adams flame-thrower voice.
THANK YOU MARINA PARK THANK YOU THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO, CANADA THUNDER BAY! FOR TICKETS CALL 684-4444 or 1-800-463-8817 THUNDER BAY! Visit www.tbayblues.ca or www.tbca.com      JONNY LANG
FRIDAY JULY 6 Gates Open at 4PM
SATURDAY JULY 7 Gates Open at 11 AM
JONNY LANG
TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND
Joe Louis Walker Sass Jordan Trevor Potts
& Ten Miles of Bad Road
Scrapomatic Royal Southern Brotherhood Popa Chubby Monkey Junk Honey Island Swamp Band Matt “Mojo� Tedder Big Walter Smith The Chain
.38 SPECIAL
The songs that followed stayed mostly true to that formula: “This Time,� “Run to You,� “Somebody, � and “It’s Only Love�—performed with the Queen of Nutbush herself, Tina Turner. Yes, the production and performance was occasionally overblown, but the tunes were undeniably infectious. And Adams could sell a song better than just about any singer of his day. He almost defied you not to like a song by delivering hook after “ear wormy� hook.
For  Making  SUNDAY JULY 8 Making      38     SPECIAL T  For  he10th  Annual     BThe10th  Annual lues  Festival     AB  lues  Festival Success...   Ayou  Stouccess...    T  hank the individuals and business Gates Open at 11 AM
Sonny Landreth Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown
Of course, the all-time classic of the Adams “just try not to sing me“ songbook is “Summer of ‘69.� In 1984, you did not go far without hearing this song pouring out of a car window or open door. The core message of the song was classic rock heaven: we used to rock, but then we grew up. Or, they grew up, ‘cause I’m still rocking. But we will always have THAT summer. When Adams sang the song live, you couldn’t help but feel he was singing about himself. He threw himself totally into the bombast and, well, sold it. Of course, during the real Summer of ‘69, Adams was 11 years old.
Kelley Hunt Sugar Blue Shannon Curfman JP Soars Bryan Adams has done all sorts of other great things in his nearly 30 year who gave Rodney Browntheir time, expertise and support to career, an incredible amount of work for a variety of charities. He   Tmake you Festival to the individuals andincluding business &hank The Derailers this a Reality. Your help is very is an accomplished and has used this skill to raise money for who gave their time, expertise and support photographer, to much appreciated!  breast cancer research and other worthy causes. He’s also won heaps of awards make this Festival a Reality. Your help is very and has a star on Hollywood Boulevard. Despite all this, it’s still the music much appreciated!  people want from him. And after a long hiatus from Canadian stages, Bryan Adams is about to give the people what they want right across the country.
A couple of months back, when the concert in Thunder Bay was announced, my wife made it clear she was game to go. We are both in the prime Bryan Adams demographic. But I never dreamed that there would be such a demand for tickets. Luckily, a friend got in line early the morning they went on sale. He nearly froze standing outside the Gardens, but was able to get us two. So on May 9, we’re going to let Bryan Adams take us back, and remind us one more time, why we’ll always be 18 til we die.
At least for one night.
SEE Â YOU Â NEXT Â YEAR Â FOR Â THE Â 2012 Â FESTIVAL Â
SEE Â YOU Â NEXT Â YEAR Â FOR Â THE Â 2012 Â FESTIVAL Â
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“It’s on your Facebook,” I reply. He shakes his head. “My whole life; just scroll up.” It’s odd: if anything, Robin is all about details. He asks me whether I noticed the MAPL symbol on the back of the CD jacket. I had: yellow, red, white, and black quadrants. It’s an Aboriginal production, he says.
The record is being classified as contemporary jazz, but that’s purely a temporal designation—the music speaks to the small ensemble sound of the 50s and 60s. The sound is deliberately vintage, and Robin talks about Mark Soderlind’s studio, dubbing it the Westfort Village Vanguard, as defining the recording experience. He steers the conversation to the musicians and how relationships changed as the record was made: tensions, uncertainty. This is a core trait: Robin’s ability to fluidly move through levels of abstraction. His first album, he says, focused on his playing and writing instrumental tracks. On this one, he’s not playing; this album is about his voice and his songwriting. Typically, jazz singers release albums that leaf through the American songbook. Original material is uncommon, and collections with the tenderness and immediacy that Robin brings are rare. Robin stresses that the material on the album is old—he wrote the songs while in Murmansk, Russia around six years ago. On the inside of the CD insert is a cityscape that is literally the view from the Seventh Sky cafe in the Arktika Tower. It’s remarkably self-effacing: the cover itself presents Robin only in silhouette. To me, it seems that the material isn’t old, so much as it is distilled—the verses are spare, the images clear, what’s left unsaid as important as the words that are. The blend and feel aren’t showy or rollicking between bouts of solos. It’s cool, succinct, focused—winding its story elegantly around the listener. Just like Robin.
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STEAKLOUNGE
Located in the Valhalla Inn (807) 577-1121 ext. R25
Robin tells me about being in the studio, working on getting the performances he wants for his new album, The View from Seventh Sky. For the drummer: “Stir for the whole section, and you get one hit—just one.” Later, when he’s recording with Mark Soderlind, he’ll tell him to play around the hit. Detail by detail, he’s constructing a shared studio experience; it’s a strategy that works marvelously.
1 Valhalla Inn Road
“What number do I like?” We’re at Thai Kitchen and Robin, in his characteristic black t-shirt and slacks, is scanning the menu.
TURNING THE TRADITIONAL STEAKHOUSE UPSIDE DOWN
Music
JANE’S WALK
Thunder Bay 2012 MAY 5 & 6 Meet friendly neighbours and explore your neighbourhoods during this year’s walk. • Share stories about the neighbourhood with those who live and work there. • Learn how a neighbourhood changes over time.
WALK LOCATIONS: Westfort Academy Area Ogden-Simpson College Park Downtown North Core Current River Held internationally, Jane’s Walk celebrates the work of urban activist Jane Jacobs, who promoted the simple yet revolutionary idea that accessible, mixed use neighbourhoods are key to the health, safety and survival of a city. For more information about the walks, maps and starting times visit www.janeswalk.net and go to “Thunder Bay”
Our Lady Peace Urban Grind Tour
By Tim Bobbro
Canadian post-grunge superstars Our Lady Peace return to Thunder Bay on their Urban Grind Tour, with special guests Pack A.D, on April 12 at the Community Auditorium. The show begins at 8 pm and tickets ($41-$44) are available at www.tbca.com. Formed in Toronto 20 years ago this year, they will be releasing their eighth studio album on April 3.
www.thunderbay.ca
Royal Wood
Music and Anecdotes
Marlene Wandel
Going Green Starts Here! Spring Workshops Make a Pet Waste Digester Build a Green Roof Shed Install a Rain Garden Coming Events Spring Up to Clean Up—Register your event! Workplace 20-Minute-Makeover Community Yard Sale Day (May 12) Safe Cycling courses for all ages Wildflower Plant Sale (May 26) Mother’s Day Gift Baskets Organic seeds, Composters, Rain Barrels, Recycling Bags, Solar Flashlights, and much more on sale at our office now!
Visit us on-line or at the office for details on upcoming events. Sign up for our on-line newsletter so you’ll be the first to know!
ecosuperior.org | 807 624 2140 562 Red River Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 1H3
By Marlene Wandel
On Saturday, March 10th Royal Wood strolled onto the stage at the Finlandia in a crisp white shirt and sharp black vest. Without fanfare, he placed his glass of wine on the floor, sat down at the piano and flooded the room with a rich, booming voice that reached from floor to rafters. The singer-songwriter was traveling solo with just a piano and guitar joining him on stage, and a bit of whistling and audience clapping and singing to round out the sound. His anecdotes, related in a surprisingly quiet speaking voice were at times self-deprecating, and at times hinting at his growing success. This is how we know that “A Mirror Without” was featured in a major prime-time television show. This is also how we know that his idol as a young man was Bob Dylan, but that he really wanted to perform with Kermit the Frog on The Muppet Show. What emerged most from his tunes and tales was a longing and love for home. With the nostalgic and hopeful “Birds on Sunday”, Royal Wood showed himself clearly as someone at home in a family; a son, who knows that “My Baby’s Home Tonight” is his mother’s favourite song. It was yet another satisfying concert brought to a receptive crowd in a great venue by the Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society. The Walleye
23
REVIEWS
OfftheWall
Books Music Video Vinyl
Thunder Bay Nature Guide:
A guide to natural spaces in the Thunder Bay area Edited by Michelle and Darren McChristie and published by the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists (2008)
Voyageur
Kathleen Edwards
Voyageur, the fourth album by Ottawa native Kathleen Edwards, has been touted by many as her best to date. Seemingly fueled by the pain of her divorce from Colin Cripps, Voyageur is a definite departure from her idyllic and cheery past. These mournful ballads prove to be both cathartic and purgative, catapulting the feisty redhead onward and upward. The album, co-produced by Edwards and new love Justin Vernon (front man of Bon Iver), mixes sounds and harmonies that cross all genres, adding to its undeniable likability. Noteworthy tracks are “Sidecar,” “For The Record,” and “Change the Sheets.” My personal pick is the whimsical “Empty Threat,” a tongue-in-cheek declaration of her intentions to move to America—however, with her new relationship blossoming, this may not be such “an empty threat.”
With spring already in full swing, many of you will have started your standard rotation of nature hikes, tours, and leisurely visits to a quiet spot in the woods. Or maybe you are looking for a change this year and want to discover (or rediscover) someplace new. The Thunder Bay Nature Guide provides detailed outlines of 20 sites in the Thunder Bay area. Each site description gives directions, available amenities, key features, and information on its wildlife inhabitants. Sites are spread from Pigeon River to Silver Falls, Mills Block Forest, and on to the Nipigon River Trail and Ruby Lake Provincial Park. Additionally, this guide outlines different geological and ecological aspects of the region. Easyto-follow entries and a compact size makes this guide an essential read for the nature enthusiast in all of us. -Jesse Roberts Thunder Bay Public Library
Old Ideas
Leonard Cohen
-Tracy Sadgrove
White Water, Black Gold White Water, Black Gold is a haunting documentary about the corporate lust for oil, and the danger of its repercussions. It explores the oil industry’s sheer desperation for resources and the expense at which these resources come. In the beginning, a mountaineer follows a single drop of water’s journey from the apex of Mt. Snowdome, down the Athabasca River and through the toxic tailings ponds of the Tar Sands. He discovers the virulent abuse of the fossil fuel industry’s access to natural resources, and the aggression in which they attempt to cover the societal and ecological implications of their methods. This three year trek was instigated by the profound change in the mountain’s terrain. The message of the film is clear: the glaciers are consistently being depleted by the corporate vacuum of the Tar Sands, and if this continuum persists, in five years there won’t be anything left. We constantly hear of the deadlines associated with climate change and global scarcity of resources, but now that it’s truly hitting us at home, we have to act. Ghastly metal spires spewing flames into the sky, oil rigs pumping, toxic tailings ponds brushing the shores of Northern communities—this is real. Water scarcity is imminent, and the first step in reversing this vacuum is the fascinating White Water, Black Gold. -Katie Zugic
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Now in his late seventies, Leonard Cohen is a celebrated musician and writer. He is a member of the Rock & Roll and Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has a deep and humble voice that he expresses with a language all his own. Old Ideas is the follow-up release to 2004’s Dear Heather and 2001’s 10 New Songs. The first track, called “Going Home,” opens with an unknown narrator saying “I love to speak with Leonard, he’s a sportsman and a shepherd, he’s a lazy bastard living in a suit.” The trick of Cohen’s trade is simplicity. The components to his songs are simple: the melody, the words, and the music. But all of this collides to create a higher form of art—through emotionally charged phrasing and ideas. Old ideas. The music touches on blues and country in the songs “Darkness” and “Banjo,” and his lust for undying, endless love reverberates in “Amen.” Old Ideas is released on Columbia Records through Sony Music Entertainment. -Larry Hogard
H;9O9B?D= ?I ;7IO 7I$$$ Save Myself
Juliann Robbins Local musician Juliann Robbins’ CD Save Myself is an emotional roller coaster of love and heartbreak and ambition. Her songs carry a country twang tinged with an essence of eclectic rock. From “The Joke” on to “Over You,” Juliann’s lyrics follow the journey of a difficult relationship and the heartbreak that ensues. From then on we see her grow: hitting the empowerment stage in the title track “Save Myself,” the realization of being worth more than he deserves in “What You Could Have Had,” and the metamorphosis in “The Change.” Juliann’s vocals are raw and full of emotion; the unique way in which we see her develop through the CD is, in essence, a reflection of all of our journeys through the trials and tribulations of heartbreak. Save Myself is the 13-step program to get over a tumultuous breakup. -Katie Zugic
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25
Great Bloomers, Yukon Blonde, and Library Voices By Tim Bobbro
Newly signed to Dine Alone Records, Great Bloomers, a dynamic live act from Toronto, will be playing Crocks on April 18 as part of their nationwide tour. With Kelowna’s Yukon Blonde—who are about to release their second full-length album in March— and critically acclaimed indie-rock band Library Voices as special guests, it promises to be a very entertaining and musically fulfilling night. Advance tickets are $10, available at loffredo.ca.
Uriel Lubuk
Supplied
Music
Evan Pang
Singing Solo on the Moon Inspired by the tunes of Patrick Watson and Kings of Leon, local singer-songwriter Evan Pang, armed with his guitar and lilting vocals, recently performed some of his original tunes and a few covers in front of an intimate crowd at Ruby Moon. “Thunder Bay has such a great music scene,” says Pang, “and offers a lot of support to musicians.” The R & B progressive rocker is currently in the recording studio with his band, The Communication. Watch for the release of their new CD this summer. -TJ
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The Walleye
Music
Point North
Debut of New Local Band
Len Pullan
By Melanie Thompson
The Trews
Sold Out in TBay
Uriel Lubuk
by Tracy Sadgrove
Crocks was a flurry of excitement when a 500-plus crowd packed the downtown establishment nearly to its breaking point March 19th to see multi-Juno nominated band The Trews, who were in town promoting their fourth studio CD, Hope & Ruin. Local flavour was the theme as opening acts The Married Singlemen and Poor Young Things (formally MoneyHoney of Thunder Bay, now based in Toronto) got things off to a roaring start. Wailing bagpipes signaled The Trews were ready to go as they took to the stage. What followed was an amazing 20-plus song set that captivated fans from the first chord. A mixture of past hits including “So She’s Leaving,” “Not Ready To Go,” “Yearning,” as well as new tracks “Hope & Ruin” and “Dreaming Man,” with special guest guitarist Gord Sinclair from The Tragically Hip. Thunder Bay’s own Jeff Heisholt, formally of The Burt Neilson Band, accompanied on keyboards, adding to the local connection. All too soon the show was at an end. An enthusiastic plea garnered a two-song encore. Returning to the stage as a collective, The Trews, Poor Young Things and Gord Sinclair performed, as the masses sang in unity “Ishmael and Maggie,” and “Handle Me With Care,” a Traveling Wilburys cover.
On March 10, Black Pirates Pub showcased the debut performance of Point North. Eject, Hey You Millionaires, and The Auditor General warmed up the audience beforehand with their respective sounds of pop punk, folk, and indie rock music. The latter band had the room bobbing their heads and dancing along to their upbeat, catchy, and melodic folk-rock tunes. The crowd immediately packed themselves along the length of the small black stage the moment Point North finally began to perform at twenty after one in the morning. The new band, consisting of current and former members of other well-known local bands, dominated the stage with their presence. With his microphone cord wrapped around his right hand, lead singer Michael Armenti passionately belted out his lyrics. The remainder of the band swayed their bodies and whipped their heads to their electric guitar-driven heavy rock songs, as enthusiastic onlookers did the same. For more information, find Point North on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pointnorththunderbay
Papa Mambo TBSO Presents an Evening of Latin Jazz As part of this year’s Pops Series, the TBSO is featuring Rhythm of the Night with Papa Mambo— an 11-piece jazz ensemble with a unique Latin American sound. Tickets are $45 at www.tbca.com and the show is at 8 pm on Saturday, April 21. -TB
The Walleye
27
theArts
Beaver & Otter
Randy Thomas
Sharing Stories By Rebekah Skochinski
Art is both personal and public. It still comes as a surprise to Randy Thomas, son of the late and celebrated Ojibwa Woodland painter Roy Thomas, that things can go from his sketch book to a place for all to see—like his panel of installations in the Spirit Garden at Prince Arthur’s Landing. Randy watched his father paint when he was younger, but he preferred to draw cartoons. “I wasn’t really into the Woodland style of art initially,” he admits. “And then it was tough for me when my Dad was sick. When he passed away it was a really dark time and my art reflected that, so I stopped.” He says there were expectations for him to create, that people wanted to see him paint and eventually he discovered the courage to pick up a brush. “Painting saved my life. I went through a bad depression stage and I had to change something in my life. Something told me to paint. I know it’s scary to pour your heart out on a canvas to show it to people and I just did it. It’s part of my healing.”
Night & Day
Today, Randy works with acrylic paint and marker (he still draws cartoons) and is very excited to begin experimenting with pastels on canvas. He also has returned to the Woodland style of his heritage, which focuses on aboriginal spirituality, legends, and visions. “My stories come from my father,” says Randy. “He was raised in the bush by his grandparents and he knew the old stories, the old ways of life. He taught me. He also taught me to be a good person each and every day. I’m extremely proud of where I come from, my roots, and my people.” Looking at Randy’s compositions, with their vibrant colours and powerful lines, it’s easy to see the healing progression—how by sharing his personal stories, he helps us to reflect on our own struggles and hope, giving us a stronger connection to our past, and to each other. To see more of Randy Thomas’ art visit www.ahnisnabae-art.com.
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The Walleye
Thunderbird
theArts
Eugene Vandal
Trout Unlimited Artist of the Year By Melanie Thompson
A Red Rock, Ontario artist has been recognized as Trout Unlimited Canada’s 2012 Artist of the Year. Eugene Vandal’s acrylic painting, Dana Creek, portrays the golden waters of a small creek trickling through the woods of Yosemite National Park. Trout Unlimited Canada, a not-for-profit organization, aims at protecting Canada’s fresh water ecosystems and resources. Every year since 1992, they have chosen a Canadian artist who best incorporates the beauty and importance of our county’s coldwater ecosystems into their art work. This year, Vandal’s creation did just that. The award is very fitting for the self-taught artist, who admits he has always been drawn to nature. Vandal’s art has been displayed across North America, Europe, and South America, and is currently being displayed at Thunder Bay’s Local Colour Art Gallery. His art will also be up for sale at the Artisans Northwest Show at the Valhalla Inn in November 2012. For more information on Eugene Vandal, visit www.eugenevandalartist.com
LU Student Major Studio Exhibition By Katie Zugic
Katie Zugic
Thunder Bay’s up-and-coming artists shine in the spotlight at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery during the annual LU Student Major Studio Exhibition. The three galleries feature a variety of pieces produced by Lakehead’s Visual Arts Department. Galleries 1 and 2 showcase the Student Major Exhibition while Gallery 3 boasts the Juried Art Collective, in which student’s pieces are judged by their professors as well as the general public. One particularly outstanding piece in the Student Major Exhibit is Aaron Veldstra’s “In Harm’s Way,” which is an wonder to behold: hundreds of 35mm film slides lay side by side, each vying for its chance to tell the story hidden in the photo. If they say a picture is worth a thousand words, then Veldstra’s manifestation is of encyclopaedic stature. In the Juried Exhibit, Kyla Pun’s “Placebo” possesses a subtle, statuesque demeanour among the other pieces. Put on the headphones and watch as the canopy of paper cranes silently sways. Can you hear it? It’s Pun’s pun. Her piece speaks of the societal placebos we are given, cleverly conveyed through the newspaper medium. Ingenuity is a common element prevalent in every one of the exhibitioner’s contributions. The brilliance of local talent is shining bright through this exhibition. Phenomenal work, students! The Walleye
29
LIVINGGREEN Q - There seems to be so much litter all around my neighbourhood, especially in spring after the snow melts. How can we start preventing litter, instead of continually cleaning it up? A â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The really sad thing about litter is that the more garbage people see lying around, the more likely they are to add to the pile. However, not all litter is intentionally dropped. Some is carried by the wind out of open dumpsters. Household garbage bags ripped open by birds or animals are another big source, as are poorly maintained commercial garbage containers. Plenty of lightweight waste escapes from unsecured loads in the backs of pick-up trucks. Therefore, there are two types of prevention requiredâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;actions to discourage the intentional dropping of litter, and steps to prevent the accidental littering. The City of Thunder Bay Clean, Green and Beautiful Committee has provided EcoSuperior with some funding over the past two years to start working on prevention initiatives. A litter audit identified cigarette butts as a critical problem in many areas, and a new incentive program to help businesses install more butt collectors is in the works.
Bus stops tend to be litter hotspots, and Thunder Bay Transit has stepped up to the challenge by installing many more litter bins at transit stops all over town, as well as on every bus. If you notice a particular area where litter is a real problem, take a look around and try to determine the source. Suggest to area business owners that they install waste and recycling receptacles outside, and empty them regularly. If you see an overflowing garbage container, notify whoever is responsible for maintaining it. Encourage neighbours to take garbage out in the morning, not the night before. Bags not in a can or bin should be covered with a blanket or a FlingIt net to discourage pesky raiders. Litter prevention is a job that belongs to all of us. And until prevention efforts start winning, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to all of us to take part in cleaning up too. Spring Up to Clean Up month starts in May, so get a group together and register your clean up area now at www.ecosuperior.org!
-Ellen Mortfield
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The Walleye
LIVINGGREEN Lars on Homes
Solar Thermal Domestic Hot Water By Larry Hogard
Solar hot water panels are perfect for what they’re designed for: producing hot water. A properly sized system on a home could help save up to 90% on hot water heating costs.
Solar technology for heating water is quite different than solar panels that produce electricity. Solar hot water panels are made up of a collection of glass tubes that are fused together, and each tube has an outer and an inner tube. The outer tube is usually made of glass and the inner tube is either made of glass, metal, a flat plate, or a trough. The inner tube is a “heat pipe” that is used to transfer heat. As the solar collector warms up from the sun, the heat is transmitted to the heat pipe and into the circulating system containing glycol or distilled water. The fluid carries the heat into the home and transfers it into the hot water storage tank through a heat exchanger, which is usually made of a coil of copper tubing. Marv Lassi, a retired Environment Canada weather technician, has four wall- mounted panels—a total of 80 tubes—installed on the exterior of his home on Lakeshore Drive. He says his panels provide over 90% of his domestic hot water needs for the year, and require only about two dollars per month for natural gas to top up the water temperature on cloudy days, and
another two dollars to run the circulating pumps (which could be eliminated with a solar panel and battery). As a lifelong data collector, Lassi is very realistic—he states that two panels (40 tubes) could provide enough hot water to reduce your water heating bill by approximately 30-40%, whereas three or four panels could provide over 80% of your hot water. Lassi says there are, of course, system heat losses from tanks and pipes, and of course cloudy days limit any heat produced. For space heating, solar hot water panels are adequate for in-floor heating, and they also work for hot tubs or swimming pools. Lassi recommends going into a solar hot water project with open eyes and not just a view to “return of investment.” Harnessing the power of the sun to reduce the energy required to heat water is a great way to reduce the size of a household’s carbon footprint. Larry Hogard is a certified Home Inspector and Energy Advisor with Superior Inspections Inc. He can be contacted at larry@superiorinspections.ca.
473-9350 Winches, Lift Kits, Offroad Tires and MORE!
• Re useable Bags • Jute Totes • Re useable Cups for hot/cool drinks • Leather jewellery made from reclaimed materials and more!
179 S. Algoma St. (Bay & Algoma Shopping District) 622-2330 www.globalexperience.ca
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
Find us on facebook The Walleye
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Autobahn for All Sales Event
0
% + APR
for 36 months*
up to
$500
towards your first payment **
on our most popular models
That’s the value of German engineering. 2012 JETTA from $17,819* / 2012 GOLF 3-door from $22,019 * / The All-New 2012 PASSAT from $25,019 * / The new 2012 TIGUAN from $30,134 *
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick 2012 Jetta / 2012 Golf 5-door / 2012 Passat / 2012 Tiguan
2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year® 2012 Passat
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*Limited time finance purchase offer available through Volkswagen Finance, on approved credit. MSRP of $17,819/$22,019/$25,019/$30,134 for a new and unregistered 2012 Jetta 2.0L / 2012 Golf 3-door 2.5L / 2012 Passat 2.5L / 2012 Tiguan 2.0T base model with 5-speed/5-speed/5-speed/6-speed manual transmission, including $1,365/$1,365/$1,365/$1,580, $29 EHF (tires), $100 air conditioning levy, if applicable, $5 OMVIC fee, $46 PPSA fee and $299 dealer administrative fee. Financed at 0% APR for 36 months equals $494.97/$611.63/$694.97/$837.05 per month. Down payment or equivalent trade-in, due at signing, may be required. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $17,819/$22,019/$25,019/$30,134. License, insurance, registration, options, TFFC, if applicable, and other applicable taxes are extra. **Offer of $400/$400/$500/$500 applicable on purchase financing (through Volkswagen Finance, on approved credit) of select new and unregistered 2012 Jetta/Golf/Passat/Tiguan models. Certain conditions apply (TDI Clean Diesel, Golf R, Golf GTI and Jetta GLI models excluded). Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Offers end May 31, 2012 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. 2012 Jetta Highline 2.5L as shown is $26,919. 2012 Golf Sportline 2.5L as shown is $26,294. 2012 Passat Highline 2.5L as shown is $33,519. 2012 Tiguan 2.0T with Sport Package as shown is $42,534. Certain options and accessories may be extra. Vehicles may not be exactly as shown. Visit vw.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen”, the Volkswagen logo, “Jetta”, “Golf”, “Passat” and “Tiguan” are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. Motor Trend® Magazine is a registered trademark of Source Interlink Magazines, LLC. © 2012 Volkswagen Canada.
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The Walleye
FILMTheatre
A Little Bit Zombie is a Little Bit Local By Tara George
The good news is, We can always make more!
Former Thunder Bay resident Casey Walker has taken the zombie world by storm with his first feature film, A Little Bit Zombie. As both producer and director of the film, Walker has been consumed (pun intended) with the romantic zombie comedy for the past three and a half years. His hard work, as well as that of the cast and crew, came to fruition at the Victoria Film Festival in February, where the film made its world premier. The idea to make the movie came to light when Walker met one of the writers, Christopher Bond, at a party; three years and one day later filming began. Although preferring the creative aspects of producing to the financial ones, Walker innovatively combined the two in 2006 when he launched a fundraising initiative for the film called “My Million Dollar Movie.” Essentially, prospective buyers were offered frames of the film, and in return were listed as an associate producer. With funding in place, the cast and crew headed up to the Sudbury area to film. The location was fitting, as one of the main characters becomes a zombie as a result of a mosquito bite—something this northern-bred filmmaker likely knows something about! If you need your zombie fix, keep your eye out for the film, which is currently on the film festival circuit. A release to independent theatres is slated for May, the DVD will be available this summer, and by Halloween it will be aired on television. Visit www.alittlebitzombie.com for a peek at the trailer, and for more information on the film, cast, and crew—there are rewards for following!
Magnus Theatre presents
Norm Foster’s The Long Weekend
116 South Syndicate Avenue • 623-5001
goodnews@tbaytel.net • www.goodnewscuisine.com
Magnus Theatre closes out its 40th Anniversary Ruby Season with a production of Canadian playwright Norm Foster’s The Long Weekend, a hilarious look at love and marriage. The Long Weekend tells the story of two couples, Max and Wynn, and Roger and Abby. Max and Wynn venture to the new country home of their old friends, Roger and Abby, for a pleasant weekend. But with old friends comes plenty of bothersome baggage. Max and Roger barely tolerate each other, feigning amusing niceties of diplomatic exchange for the sake of their wives, who have been friends since high school. With interpersonal animosity already at hand, wounds run deep and words come to the surface as the weekend quickly descends into a comedic yet corrosive disaster. The Long Weekend runs April 5 to 21. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 345-5552, or book online at www.magnus.on.ca. -Kyle Poluyko The Walleye
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Those Summer Nights St. Patrick High School Presents Grease
St. Patrick High School’s Drama department continues its long tradition of staging hit Broadway musicals with a new production of the classic Grease. The 1971 musical by Warren Casey and Jim Jacobs tells the timeless story of high school love set in late-1950s California. Good girl Sandy and greaser Danny fall in love at the beach over the summer but, as the days grow shorter, they part and never anticipate seeing each other again. When they unexpectedly find themselves reunited at Rydell High where rebellious, happy, thrill-loving students start a new year, Sandy and Danny navigate the complexities of high school life and discover who they truly are as they try to rekindle their romance. With a thrilling score of recreated early rock-and-roll hits and a cast of wild supporting characters, Grease is sure to prove that it is still the word. Grease runs April 30 to May 5 at the Selkirk Auditorium. Tickets are available at the St. Patrick High School main office or by calling 623-5218. -Kyle Poluyko
Annual Youth Art Show
Wednesday, April 11th to Sunday, April 15th, 2012 at the Sister Margaret Smith Centre, 301 Lillie St. N
11am to 5pm each day Featuring art created by Youth at Justice Ronald Lester Youth Centre, Sister Margaret Smith Centre, Children’s Centre Thunder Bay & Artists of Willow Springs Creative Centre Free Admission – Donations Appreciated
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The Walleye
FILMTheatre
Love & Hate
New Film by Imaginarium Studios By Mel Thompson
Jason Spun
An impressive local short film is catching attention and is now ready for film festival submissions around the world. Love & Hate is written and directed by Piotr Skowronski and produced by Imaginarium Studios, who both are well known in Thunder Bay for creating world-class commercials and videos. The 20 minute film, which takes place on a desolate train platform, explores the contrast between the two opposite emotions, the platform a metaphor for the place in which many find themselves while trapped between relationships. The sepia-toned images and well-crafted costumes bring Emily Upper’s and Robbie Bates’ main characters believably into the past. Images of rolling hills, passing clouds, and open fields add beauty, and the unique folk sounds of London, Ontario’s Olenka and the Autumn Lovers make for an excellent soundtrack. For more information on the film, visit www.loveandhate.ca
Sarah Furlotte
Confederation College Film Program Short Films Premiere at SilverCity Barrett Gobert slates on Sarah Furlotte’s thesis film Lady Olivia
Thunder Bay hits the big screen on the evening of April 19, when the Confederation College Film Program premieres a new batch of short films at SilverCity Cinemas. The event features dramas and thrillers and, of course plenty of laughs. “Many great films were written and produced,” says Leon Haggarty, who directed the comedy Knuckleheads. “On set, one can feel the energy, and enthusiasm in the air and can be seen in the results.” The evening is free, with voluntary donations to the Starlight charity, and is open to everyone. For a full schedule of events go to www.conflix.com -Lee Chambers The Walleye
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AprilEventsGuide April 1-3
April 5, 12 noon
April 12, 6–8 pm
April 19, 6 pm
April 21, 6 pm
Urban Infill-Art In The Core 6
NOSM Spring Tea
Superior Court of Justice Open House
Elekta Bachelors for Hope Charity Auction
India Night
Definitely Superior Art Gallery This multi-disciplinary art exhibition features art by over 350 international/ national/regional artists at 15 downtown north locations, including commercial art galleries, artist studios and empty retail spaces transformed into new temporary gallery spaces. Pick up your Art Map at DefiSup Art Gallery, 250 Park Ave. Re-discover “The Waterfront District” through contemporary art. DefSup Exhibition hours are April 1-3; 12-6pm. All ages/ by donation. www.definitelysuperior.com Until April 28
3 National/International Contemporary Art Exhibitions
Definitely Superior Art Gallery Gallery 1: Champions of Entropy No.3 - Brandon Vickerd -Toronto/ International Experience a kinetic art installation that consists of two robotic machines, whose sole purpose is to replicate the organic movements of two male deer locked in constant combat. Gallery 2: Canadian Contemporary 12 - Borrowed Collection/Dr. Bob Chaudhuri Enjoy an impressive collection of paintings, prints and drawings by critically acclaimed Canadian artists, who are big on the international art scene and featured in major art magazines. Gallery 3: Dead Astronaut - Brandon Vickerd - Toronto/International See an amazing sculpture with pop culture references: a life-sized, poplar wood carved skeletal astronaut which gives presence to the secret failures of the space race. Part of DefSup’s “Urban Infill” series. Gallery hours: Tues-Sat, 12-6pm. All ages/by donation. www.definitelysuperior.com April 3, 7:30 pm
Melody of Water & Strings
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Raag-Rung Music circle proudly presents this evening of music. www.tbca.com April 4, 11:30 am–1:30 pm
Workshop: Making your event GREEN
Volunteer Thunder Bay There will be a presentation by Jessica Backen, Green Events Coordinator for Ecosuperior Environmental Programs. Learn what a green event is, why it is important, and associated benefits. April 4, 8 pm
Faure’s Requiem in D minor, Op. 48
St. Paul’s Anglican Church An evening of music presented by Lakehead University’s Vocal Ensemble. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and students. )343-8787
Travelodge Airlane Proceeds from this event will support the Northern Ontario School of Medicine Bursary Fund. Tickets are $40. )766-7424 April 5, 7 pm
Women Stepping up for Women
Victoria Inn Ballroom A glamourous night out in support of Faye Peterson Transition House. There will be a designer shoe auction, prizes for best dressed and best shoes, as well as food, live music, and shopping. Tickets are $25, available at A Step Above Shoe Boutique, Lux Boutique, Spa Euphoria, Lowerys/SRC, and at the Victoria Inn. April 5–21
The Long Weekend
Magnus Theatre This hilarious look at love and marriage, by Canadian playwright Norm Foster, closes out the 40th Anniversary Ruby Season for Magnus Theatre. Tickets available by calling the box office at 345-5553 or book online. www.magnus.on.ca April 5–7
Sweetwater Shakedown Music & Ski Festival
Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen This three-day festival celebrates the best in spring “corn” snow skiing and sweet music. Choose from a one, two, or three day pass. www.lutsen.com April 6, 9 pm
TBRDL’s Help Dress the Babes Fundraiser
The Apollo The Thunder Bay Roller Derby League needs your help dressing the Babes of Thunder. Come out for an evening of great live music, games, prizes, and beer. Space is limited to the first 200 people through the door. www.tbayrollergirls.com April 11, 8 pm
Pavlo
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Pavlo is a composer, guitarist, singer, and recording artist whose music combines influences of Flamenco, Latin, Classical, and Mediterranean guitar mixed together with the Greek Bouzouki. www.tbca.com
Superior Court of Justice To coincide with Law Day (a national event which celebrates the signing of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms), the public is invited to stroll through the historic building before it closes its doors for good. Local judiciary and members of the Bar, as well as court house staff will be on hand to meet and greet and answer questions. View the court rooms, jail cells, and councils chambers. For more information, call 346-1320. April 14, 1–4 pm
Castlegreen Annual Spring Tea
Castlegreen Community Centre Enjoy sandwiches, coffee and tea, and baked goods at the Castlegreen Annual Spring Tea. There will also be door prizes and a silent auction, as well as perogies, cabbage rolls, and baking for sale. Tickets can be bought in advance or at the door. www.castlegreen.on.ca April 14 & 15
Superior Living Health and Wellness Expo
Valhalla Inn This event provides education on health, wellness, nutrition, and fitness with over 70 exhibits, interactive displays, and informative seminars. www.tb-chamber.on.ca April 18, 6:30–9 pm
Spring Cycling Expo
Superior CVI High School Find out what’s new for the cycling season. There will be displays, demos, and booths by various cycling-related groups. Hosted by the Thunder Bay Cycling Club. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. www.tbaycc.ca April 18
Environmental Film Network Screening
Paramount Theatre The evening will have relevant information about the environment in our community and further North. There is no cost but donations will be accepted. For details, find them on Facebook or visit them online. efilmnetwork.wordpress.com April 19
College Film Night at Silver City
Silver City Cinemas The Confederation College Film Program premieres a new batch of short films that will feature dramas and thrillers, and plenty of laughs. The evening is free, with voluntary donations to the Starlight charity, and is open to everyone. For a full schedule: www.conflix.com
Valhalla Inn, Grand Ballroom This evening will include a gourmet dinner and entertainment followed by the auction of 10 of Thunder Bay’s finest and most eligible bachelors. Each bachelor comes with a date package (main event, dinner, and a pamper package). Women have the option of taking the bachelor on the date, or their significant other. Money raised is in support of the Northern Cancer Fund’s Fight Against Breast Cancer. Tickets are $85 and are available from the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. )345-HOPE (4673) April 19–22, 26–29
Little Women
Grand Marais Playhouse, Grand Marais Adapted by Kristin Laurence, based on the book by Louisa May Alcott. www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org/ playhouse Until April 20
Urban Infill—Art in the Core 6
The next evolution of creative possibilities. Revitalizing our downtown north core by capitalizing on assets of arts/culture and linking/ reinforcing connections through accessible empty spaces and existing arts/commercial business/social spaces. Featuring 17 multi-disciplinary art projects by 350 regional/national/ international artists at 15 downtown locations. Re-discover “The Waterfront District” through contemporary art. www.definitelysuperior.com April 21, 9 am
Run for Life
Confederation College This community walk/run is to raise awareness for organ donation. )768-0943 April 21, 1–4 pm
Modern Buddhism Teaching
Waverley Resource Library Buddhist Monk Gen Kelsang Rabgye will be teaching The Path of Compassion and Wisdom for Happiness in Everyday life. Cost: $10. )767-2468 April 21
Environment North AGM and 40th Birthday Celebration
The Centre for Change Since 1972, Environment North has functioned as a regional coalition of environmental organizations and individuals. Through research, education, and community advocation they promote sustainable communities and conservation of our resources. Join them for a meeting and a celebration. www.environmentnorth.ca
Italian Cultural Centre Celebrate India Night with Indian cuisine, music, dance and door prizes. Tickets are $45. )622-3871 April 22
Earth Day
Everywhere Earth Day is a day of global awareness. Enough said. Do your part. April 23, 7 pm
Celebrate Canada Book Day with Michael Christie Waverley Auditorium Michael will be reading from his award-winning title The Beggar’s Garden and from his soon-to-be released new novel. April 25 & 26
iLead Innovation
Italian Centennial Hall/Victoria Inn World-renowned author and change agent Margaret Wheatley headlines this two-day seminar. www.leadershiptb.com April 27, 6 pm Fort City Kinsmen’s 10th Annual Comic Idol Da Vinci Centre Come out and cheer on the amateur comedians in an evening that guarantees laughs. Ron Kanutski is headlining. Tickets are $20. www.davincicentre.com April 27 & 28
Symphony Reads Book Sale
Intercity Shopping Centre Come out and find some great books. For every $25 spent, you’ll be entered into a draw for a 2012–13 Select 6 package. The “Final Hour Frenzy” will be from 5–6 pm on the 28th, and TBSO musicians will be on hand to serenade you while you shop. www.tbso.ca April 27–29, May 4 & 5
Crossing Delancey
Gilles Community Centre Performed by Mile Hill Melodrama, this delightful romantic comedy is ripe with enchanting characters and witty dialogue. As the shows always sell out early, you will want to save the date: tickets go on sale April 2. www.gilliescommunitycentre. com
EVENTS GUIDE KEY GENERAL FOOD ART SPORTS MUSIC
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The Walleye
theWall April 28, 7 pm
April 10
Chaban Ukrainian Dance Group
The Dead Set on Living Tour with Cancer Bats & Touche Amore
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium An evening of traditional and contemporary Ukrainian dance and folklore presented by Chaban’s children and adult groups. www.tbca.com April 28, 7 pm
Decades of Fashion
Valhalla Inn Lakehead Modeling is celebrating 50 years with an anniversary fashion show in support of Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. www.lakeheadmodeling.ca April 29, 1 pm–7 pm
Dance for Memories
Port Arthur Prosvita Come out and dance, take a lesson, watch performances, and enjoy some great music, in support of the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay. There will be prizes for those who raise pledges. www.danceformemories.com April 30–May 5, 7 pm
Grease
St. Patrick High School/Selkirk Auditorium Those who love the 1971 musical are sure to love this high school production. Tickets are $15 and are available in the main office. )623-5218
Music Events April 4
Zaac Pick & Joshua Hyslop The LU Study $10, All Ages, 7:30 pm April 5
The Zep Show Crocks $5, 19+, 9 pm April 6
Wax Philosophic presents the Easter Eggstravaganza Crocks $7, 19+, 9 pm April 7
Canadian Diabetes Fundraiser featuring Dirty Magnum & Friends Black Pirates Pub $5, 19+, 9 pm
Robert Lem & The Westfort Wedding Crashers Royal Canadian Legion $TBA, 19+, 9:30 pm April 10
Rahzel
Crocks $10, 19+, 8:30 pm
Black Pirates Pub $10, All Ages, 7 pm April 12
Our Lady Peace
TBCA $TBA, All Ages, 8 pm April 13
Tracy K & Blue Thunder The Hodder No Cover, 19+, 9:30 pm April 13 & 14
TBSO Cabaret: Stars of the Orchestra Italian Cultural Centre $TBA, All Ages, 8 pm April 14
SGFMS Presents Dala Finlandia Club $20-25, All Ages, 8 pm April 18
Yukon Blonde & Library Voices Crocks $10, 19+, 9 pm April 20
Nashville Pussy with Supersuckers Crocks $15, 19+, 9 pm April 20
The Dweezils Album Release Party with The Auditor General & Rock Truck Black Pirates Pub $8, 19+, 9 pm April 21
Juliann Robbins The Apollo $TBA, 19+, 9 pm
TBSO Pops: Rhythm of the Night TBCA $TBA, All Ages, 8 pm
End of the School Year Bash Crocks $5 Advance, 19+, 7 pm April 23
Dan Walsh
The Apollo $TBA, 19+, 9 pm April 26
TBSO Masterworks: The Titan TBCA $TBA, All Ages, 8 pm April 28
Stickybuds
Rockhouse $TBA, 19+, 9 pm April 29
Johnny Reid
TBCA $TBA, All Ages, 5 pm & 9 pm
Earth Day Small Changes Add Up by Marlene Wandel Earth Day. It’s like New Year’s Day, when we roll up our sleeves and face the day with bright eyes and earnest vows. It’s not for the faint of heart, these resolutions to save the Earth. It shouldn’t even be called Earth Day; Habitat Day might be more appropriate. We care not about the Earth, per se, so much as we care about the planet we live on retaining the capacity for human life. And the earth cares as much about our efforts as we care about any one of the hundreds of species of microorganisms that live on our skin. As a planet, the earth will continue to be here for as long as it will, regardless of what we continue to do to pollute the air, soil, and water we depend on, regardless of industrial and agricultural technology. On Earth Day, we head out in droves to pick up bags and bags of garbage, the detritus of our disposable lifestyle. We virtuously stoop to pick up the wrappers and empty cups that went through a manufacturing and distribution process to have a functional life of 10 minutes, and are then destined to spend the next eternity (not) decomposing. Anybody can buy a disposable container without a permit, but until 2008, clothesline bylaws were in place in many municipalities, rendering the use of renewable energy as a way to dry your clothes illegal. At the same time, it’s perfectly legal for unsolicited paper to end up in countless mailboxes. This is not to slag the clean-up that happens on Earth Day. In Thunder Bay, Earth Day happens before the major green-up of spring, before the long grass and leaves hide the gum wrappers that the street sweepers missed, and the random detritus that gets caught in bare branches. If only we would brave the murky waters to fish out the shopping carts that hatch every spring in shallow waterways; if only we would decide to carry a garbage bag and pick up litter every day. Unlike New Year’s resolutions, no one expects sweeping lifestyle changes on Earth Day. What might work better is the concept of One Small Change; make one small change each month, and stick to it. Make one small contribution to maintaining our habitat, and make it something you can do. Personally, though I buy my cappuccino in compostable cups, and then spend the next few months fascinated by their decomposition, I might just use my small change to buy a refillable cup, and remember to use it. Small changes, like small change, add up, and there’s no time like the present to start. The Earth is, after all, our home. Let’s keep it tidy. The Walleye
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Amy Vervoort
TheEYE - Greenhouse gazing
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The Walleye
COME AND LIVE THE ADVENTURE THAT IS THE GIANT. You and three guests will be taken on an unforgettable seven-day outdoor adventure in Thunder Bay and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.