iinta August Special Edition: Playing For Change

MAGAZINE

Dennis Maruk NHL

All-Star and 60 Goal Scorer

Play alongside Dennis and other NHL Legends in the charity NHL Legends Golf Tournament on August 3.

Cleanse

Your Way to Radiant Skin

Nigelle Fredette, owner of Nigelle Medi-Esthetic's gives us her skin secrets.

Special Event Issue: Playing For Change 2023

August 2-3, 2023 | Sudbury, ON

Celebrating 25 years of helping underprivileged kids to PLAY. Funds raised from this annual event will be donated in support of the Human League Association and Sudbury Manitoulin Children's Foundation.

Rod LaRocque explores the new home of the Black Music Walk of Fame.

From the Flight Deck

Captain Michael Treskin dives into what it takes to be a top-pilot.

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NHL LEGEND: Craig Duncanson

Craig Duncanson is a Canadian former professional hockey left winger, born in Sudbury, Ontario.

He was drafted in the first round, ninth overall, by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. He played 38 games in the National Hockey League (NHL): 28 over five seasons with the Kings, seven with the Winnipeg Jets in the 1990–91 season, and three with the New York Rangers in the 1992–93 season.

NHL LEGEND: Rod Schutt

Rodney Gordon Schutt is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, born in Bancroft, Ontario, who played 286 games in the National Hockey League. He played with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Pittsburgh Penguins.

NHL LEGEND: Troy Crowder

Troy Crowder is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger, born in Sudbury, Ontario. He played parts of seven seasons in the National Hockey League with the New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Vancouver Canucks from 1987–88 to 1996–97. He compiled 433 career penalty minutes in 150 NHL games played.

NHL LEGEND: Dennis Maruk

Dennis John Maruk is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, born in Toronto, Ontario, who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1975 to 1989, scoring a career-high 60 goals for the Washington Capitals in 1981–82.

Over his hockey career, Maruk played for the California Golden Seals, the Cleveland Barons, the Minnesota North Stars, the Washington Capitals, and on Team Canada (1978-1983).

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The French River Band

The French River Band is a 4-piece Rock ‘n Roll band hailing from French River, Ontario.

The band has its brand of classic influenced rock ‘n roll that captivates you with vocal harmonies, thundering drums, gritty guitar, and grooving bass lines. Their debut album, Last Look, will have you cranking up the volume to some new classics. Their live shows pay tribute to how their favourite artists would play their music and bring you the show!

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NHL Legend Dennis Maruk

What does it take to play sports professionally? Skill, ability, persistence, and motivation are several factors when it comes to many areas of life, but especially so in professional sports. Sometimes a player’s size is also a factor.

For NHL Legend Dennis Maruk, his size and height were obstacles in the eyes of others when it came to being drafted and signed into the NHL. He needed to be persistent in proving himself as an outstanding athlete if he ever had hopes to play in the “big man’s game.”

Maruk started playing hockey when he was eight years old and the sport quickly became a passion for him. He began playing competitively as a young teenager in his hometown of Toronto, Ontario with the Ontario Hockey Association Junior Division.

At 15 years old, Maruk was traded to the London Knights hockey team in London, Ontario. This was a difficult move for him, as he had his mind set on playing junior hockey in his hometown of Toronto. For some time, he resisted the move to London, but Maruk’s older sister Karen convinced him to take the opportunity.

Moving at such a young age away from family and friends proved difficult for the

young Maruk, but he persisted and from 1972-1975 had a very successful junior career with the London Knights. During his time with the Knights, Maruk won the Rookie of the Year award, the Red Tilson award for most outstanding player in the OHL and scored an impressive 159 goals.

In 1975, Maruk was drafted by the NHL’s California Golden Seals, however being drafted was no guarantee that Maruk would ultimately play in the NHL. “There’s no guarantee,” Maruk says. “Even when drafted you didn’t know.”

When Maruk and his agent at the time Boom Boom Geoffrion (Joseph Bernard Andre Geoffrion) spoke with the Golden Seal’s general manager, Maruk was told he

would not be playing in the NHL, but rather that he would start his career playing in the minors.

Despite Maruk’s agent urging the Seals to sign him, the general manager stood firm with his decision. Although this was not good news, Boom Boom encouraged the young Maruk to keep playing his best hockey and prove, once more, that he was an exceptional player, worthy of playing in the NHL.

Shortly thereafter, Maruk was brought up from the minors to play with the Golden Seals during an exhibition game. He impressed the Seals’ manager in his first game and scored his first NHL goal playing against star player Marcel Dionne. After the game, Maruk received the call from Boom Boom that he was being offered a contract to play in the NHL.

This was the beginning of Maruk’s incredible 15-year journey and career with the NHL.

the first several years of his career, but his

major highlights stand with the Washington Capitals with whom he played for from 1978-83.

With the Washington Capitals Maruk scored 50 goals in the 1980-81 season, and then surpassed the record in the 1981-82 season when he scored 60 goals. Thus the team record with the Capitals was only recently broken by Alex Ovenchkin who scored 65 goals in the 2007-08 season.

Maruk continues to hold the record with the Washington Capitals for the most points scored in one season accumulating 136 points in 1981-82. During this season he was fourth in the league for total points, just behind Wayne Gretzky, Mike Bossy, and Peter Stastny.

The superb skills Maruk displayed on the ice led him to play in two NHL All-Star Games: the first in 1978 when he played with the Cleveland Barons, and again in 1982 as a Washington Capital. Playing in the All-Star Games were memorable experiences for him, although he does acknowledge that today’s All-Star games are more interactive with the players and the audience with speed races, hardest slapshot competitions, etc.

Maruk also played hockey internationally during his NHL career. He played for Team Canada winning bronze medals in 1978 and 1982, and the World Championships in 1978, 1979, 1981 and 1983.

Maruk ended his career with the Minnesota North Stars in 1989 whom he played with from 1983-1989. His career ended in 1989 when his kneecap shattered during a game.

Although he healed significantly, he didn’t feel 100% to return to hockey.

“I probably could have played a few more years, but I felt it was time to move on,” Maruk says.

As was common for retired NHL hockey players from that era, the ending of his career led to many years of struggling as he had not prepared for post-career life. During his time in the NHL, Maruk was told that there would be opportunities available for retirees, but these opportunities rarely presented themselves.

He briefly worked on the business side of the NHL but didn’t feel it was a good fit for him. From there, Maruk held different positions which included teaching hockey to children and adults of all ages in the United States, Canada, and Europe. He has also become involved in charity games and is an active member with the NHL Alumni.

After spending 35 years post-career in the United States, Maruk returned to his hometown in Toronto, Canada in 2008. Many in the hockey world were happy to see him back in Canada and welcomed him home. He was often told upon his arrival to Canada that they wondered where he was hiding all those years. He has since been asked to participate in a multitude of charity games, and now typically plays anywhere between 50-60 games per year with charity organizations such as Easter Seals, Canadian Cancer Society and Special Olympics. Since 2014, Maruk has also been running a summer hockey school in Huntsville, ON.

“It’s lots of fun to give back,” Maruk says.

In 2017, he released an autobiography which he co-wrote with Sportsnet’s sportscaster Ken Reid. The book, Dennis Maruk: The Unforgettable Story of Hockey’s Forgotten 60-Goal Man, talks about the highs and lows of the sport, as well as his life after his hockey career.

Maruk explains that parts of the book were difficult to write as they were “personal situations,” but he felt it was important to provide a full picture of his story. He notes that his life hasn’t been all “peaches ‘n cream.”

There is a great deal in his book that pertains to overcoming adversity, such as moving from home at such a young age, how his size affected his NHL prospects, and dealing with anxiety, depression, and addiction.

As it turns out, Maruk’s book hit the shelves in his 60th year, encompassing 60 chapters, and celebrating his 60 goals in the title of his book.

The book’s chapters are unlike traditional hockey autobiographies that can be 3040 pages long. Rather, he chose to make the chapters short, quick reads which helps make the book more interesting and unique. Maruk’s book has been wellreceived, and he often brings copies for fans at the charity events he participates in.

Making a Difference with a Human Approach

Since 1996, The Human League Associations (THLA) mission has been to promote the health, safety, and welfare of youth by removing social and economic barriers faced by children of lower-income families within the Sudbury and Manitoulin Island District.

The Human League Association (HLA) members believe each child should be given an equal opportunity to participate in and enjoy physical activity and receive nutritious meals.

By removing the social and economic barriers faced by low-income families, volunteers provide a healthy, safe environment to children and youth so they can grow up with happier, healthier, and more productive lives.

While the charity focused on its breakfast program and PLAY program for many years, the organization has recently evolved to focus on helping children through its Value Vault program and fundraising efforts for the PLAY program.

As of September 2021, the Association made the decision to give Sudbury Manitoulin Children’s Foundation (SMCF) the responsibility to facilitate the PLAY program. Nonetheless, the Human League Association will continue to assist the PLAY program and SMCF to fundraise and develop relationships with local suppliers and businesses to ensure that the PLAY program continues to grow and be successful. SMCF will proudly carry on the Human League Associations’ legacy by continuing to ensure children in need receive the funds required to have an equal opportunity to be active and participate in recreational activities. Together, we can get more kids off the sidelines and into the game!

The Value Vault initiative is aimed at bringing youth from low income families basic essentials. This program operates in a number of high schools within Greater Sudbury and provides access to clothing, hygiene products and food. It is estimated that 30 to 40 students use this service daily.

Volunteers continue to fundraise and develop relations with local suppliers to ensure the programs continue to grow. With your help, we can continue to provide these basic necessities to youth in need!

Including All Children in PLAY

Author: Kelly Louiseize

From the foundation who ensures a place for children at camp comes a new campaign that aims to include every child in sports.

The Sudbury Manitoulin Children’s Foundation (SMCF) graciously welcomes the Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY) campaign. The former initiative introduced by The Human League Association ensures financial assistance to children wishing to become involved in sports. Applicants can submit for up to $250 three times during the year and that funding will be directly paid for sports equipment.

It is just to get children active and all the soft skills they are learning that they don’t even know (about),” says Anne Salter, executive director of SMCF. The program assists low-income families with children up to the age of 18 purchase items for sports. Funds are replenished with grants, fundraisers and social events.

“Kids go to school and listen to all the other kids talk about how much fun they had at soccer practice and some children can’t do that. It’s not fair. We should all have the right to play. This PLAY program is the only way some kids could participate in extracurricular activities, so that they can form those adult forming memories of positive role models.”

The foundation’s area covers 50,000 square kilometres: Manitoulin Island out to Massey, Greater Sudbury as far East as Sturgeon Falls and up to Chapleau, Ontario.

It started in 1974 as a mom-and-pop initiative that evolved into a charitable organization in 1976. SMCF owned group homes that the Sudbury Manitoulin Children’s Aid rented for a nominal fee. In 1982, the society no longer required these homes, so the foundation sold them and used the proceeds, plus donations, to launch the Send-A-Kid-To-Camp program. This program covers the full complement of camp life experience from fees to transportation assistance to purchasing necessities like sleeping bags if children are in need. The idea is to help disadvantaged children experience childhood to the best of their abilities, which is still their mission today.

At its launch in 1984, Send-A-Kid-To-Camp program ushered in 270 children ages five to 14-years old to camps around Ontario. That number peaked to 722 in 2001 and settled to around 600-650 each summer since. “Even in 2020 with COVID-19 and everything we had to fight against, we still sent 300 kids to camp. In 2021, we also placed 300 kids in camps with fewer camps than in the previous year.” Cost per child was $550, but that has risen to $750 due

to increased staff because of the pandemic after effects. Salter has witnessed three generations of families go through the program. Young mothers who have raised children that have become young mothers are dropping their child off for a week at camp.

One lady who had gone to camp every year as a child remembers her mother worked three jobs to keep a roof over their heads while she babysat. She said she still remembers the songs, and keeps in touch with friends she met. She became a social worker.

In the first few years of Salter’s career, she recalls picking up quiet children in her station wagon on route to camp, but on the way home “they were yelling, screaming and handing out addresses. They looked like they rolled in mud but they were so happy.”

An estimated 20,000 children have been helped by Send-A-Kid-to-Camp with each being referred by approximately 50 organizations, some of which are Ontario Works, Ontario Disability, Children’s Mental Health, Sudbury Housing, Child and Family Centres and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek.

“Coming from a region that houses over 200,000 people, children being 50,000 of that population, those numbers are significant.The common thread is that kids are in need. They wouldn’t be able to go if they didn’t have help.”

This leads to the third initiative run by SMCF, the Bursary Program. It provides financial assistance to current and former wards of the crown toward a post-secondary education. SMCF dispersed $150,000 to an estimated 100 applicants, most of whom have experienced a long line of

generational dependency and abuse.

“The key, it seems, is that they are coming from a lack of education. We are hoping to break that cycle.”

Applications are for ages 18-years old and up with the only criteria being “they have to be foster children either past or present.” Bursaries range from $1,500 to $5,000 per applicant. Should this organization, that has seen almost 50 years in operation, cease to exist there would be hundreds of children each year prevented from experiencing childhood as it should be.“That would be a crying shame.”

An estimated 50 volunteers work diligently behind the scenes fundraising at bingos, social events, driving children back and forth to camp, helping children fill out forms. Some even go to the child’s home to ensure they have camp necessities and add what is needed.

What the board likes to do is ensure one project is secure before welcoming another. “We are always looking for new board members. Everyone around the table is in it for the kids,” she says. “There are no hidden agendas or self-glorification.”

The Taste of Siracusa, Sicily

This month we are travelling to one of the most fascinating and storied wine regions in the world: Siracusa, the capital of Sicily.

This ancient port city has some of the most interesting and varied Greek and Roman architecture, as it served as a centrally important city for thousands of years of history, from its founding by Corinthian Greeks till its time as the Capital of the Byzantine empire. Wine has been a part of

Author: Charlie, CB Wine Program

this long and august history, and the DOC region is marked by a focus on indigenous grapes and a drive to retain or rebuild the rich historical inheritance of the land and its people. This month we are sending you wines from the family-run winery Pupillo.

The Pupillo Family farm was founded in 1909, and is based on the ancient fief of Targia. A fertile site that had been farmland under Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman

possession, and is marked with remnants and artifacts from each of these cultures.

The current winemaker, Nino, graduated in agricultural sciences in the 70s, being one of the first of his family to understand the utmost importance of good practices in agriculture, notably regarding biodiversity, organic farming and regular monitoring of soil and groundwater.

He was also the first winegrower in his province to undertake a serious project for the recovery of the Siracusa DOC label, about to be deleted due to lack of producers. He is now focused on producing excellent wine from indigenous grapes and building up the reputation of this incredible area. We are sending you their finest wines from the grapes of the region that they believe best represent Siracusa and Sicily itself.

The CB Wine Program is a monthly wine delivery where members receive a mixed case of wines imported exclusively by us from a different wine producer from around the world. Hand delivered wines every month, from vineyard to table.

To celebrate our 10 year anniversary use promo code “CB Prosecco” and receive a complementary 6 pack of Prosecco with your first monthly delivery. Sign-up to the CB Wine Program and receive a complimentary $150 case of Prosecco as a gift with your first delivery.

Sign up now: cbwineprogram.com/wineprogram

Cleanse Your Way to Radiant Skin: The Power of Facial Cleansers

Author: Nigelle Fredette

Utilizing a good facial cleanser has significant advantages for healthy radiant skin.

In every skincare regimen, facial cleansers are a necessity. They are made to clean the skin’s surface of debris, oil, and makeup while clearing clogged pores and preventing breakouts.

Pollution may be the ultimate party crasher for your skin. It shows up uninvited, makes a mess, and leaves you with a dull complexion. Don’t let it ruin your skin’s happiness and glow! Instead, give it the protection it deserves, a great facial cleanser. In everyday life, there are many environmental toxins that your skin is exposed to, such as; dust, smoke,and UV radiation, which can all build up on the skin’s surface. Pollutants and grime that rest on the skin’s surface can be effectively removed using a facial cleanser. This skincare regimen leaves the skin clean and fresh. When one doesn’t take the time to cleanse their skin, this can cause breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads, among other skin issues.

Your skin will feel refreshed and regenerated after using a cleanser with

exfoliating qualities because they gently remove the old skin cells and welcome the new. A facial cleanser with exfoliating properties can help maintain clear pores and stop the development of numerous skin disorders.

To give your face the best opportunity of staying youthful and healthy, you should always consider your skin type when searching for the ideal facial cleanser. When using the wrong skin cleanser, the skin risks losing its natural oils making the skin on your face look dry, irritated, and dull.

The role of exfoliating cleansers is to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, reducing pore blockages and subsequent outbreaks. Exfoliating your skin can also help promote healthy skin cell renewal. This process can improve the texture and tone of the skin.

Using a cleanser to wash your face is like

pressing the reset button for your skin. It removes the day’s tension, dirt, and grime, leaving you with a clear, radiant complexion. Every day is like getting a minispa treatment. Through the removal of dead skin cells and stimulation of the skin’s natural regeneration process, using a face cleanser aids in the promotion of healthy skin. This skincare produces brighter, softer, and more even skin tones.

A facial cleanser also aids in preserving the pH balance of the skin, which is necessary for healthy skin. Finding the ideal balance in a friendship is similar to maintaining the pH balance of your skin. Too much alkalinity might make you feel basic, while too much acidity can result in a sour relationship. Finding that sweet spot is everything!

Many people are unaware of how crucial it is to consider the skin’s pH balance. It’s important to understand that your skin’s pH levels affect not only your skin’s moisture levels but also its ability to protect itself from germs and other potentially harmful toxins. When your skin is experiencing dryness, irritability, or acne, this can result from the skin’s pH level being too high or too low. An effective facial cleanser helps balance your skin’s pH levels by removing excess oil and dirt without stripping your skin of its natural oils.

A facial cleanser enhances your skincare routine by preparing your skin before applying other products. When the skin is clean and free of impurities, it is better able to absorb the active ingredients in other skincare products, such as serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen.

A facial cleanser also helps remove any makeup or other skincare product residue, allowing your skin to benefit from the active ingredients used during your skincare routine. Washing your face daily and using a good cleanser is comparable to giving your skin a daily dose of anti-ageing love. Caring for your skin is the ultimate investment in your future face! We are so busy running errands and living a life that we don’t tend to realize how our environment is leaving microscopic impurities on our skin. As a result, dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants accumulate on the skin’s surface, leading to premature ageing. Using a facial cleanser helps to remove impurities and their damaging effects on the skin.

When looking for an excellent facial cleanser, it is recommended to select one that contains anti-ageing ingredients, such as retinol and vitamin C. This can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Adding retinol to your facial cleanser is like having a secret weapon in your skincare arsenal. It’s the superhero that fights off acne, wrinkles, and dullness, leaving you with a bright and glowing complexion! Facial cleansers containing retinol, a vitamin A derivative, have numerous benefits for the skin. Its potent anti-ageing component aids in promoting collagen synthesis in the skin. Fine lines and wrinkles continue to lessen as collagen is created. Retinol-based face facial cleansers help to encourage skin firmness, texture, and tone, as well as the reduction of pore size.

Did you know that by opening up clogged pores and lowering inflammation,

utilizing retinol as part of a skincare program can assist with acne? But, because retinol can irritate the skin, it’s crucial to use a mild cleanser and incorporate it gradually into your skincare regimen.

To conclude, using a face cleanser must become a daily practice as part of your skincare regimen. By cleansing your skin with the right product, the practice will assist in cleaning clogged pores, eliminating impurities and dirt from the skin, and preventing skin damage or outbreaks. Removing dead skin cells and stimulating the skin’s natural renewal process results in a brighter, smoother, and more even complexion. Essentially, the type of skin everyone strives to achieve. These are additional benefits of regularly using a facial cleanser for healthy skin. Premature ageing may be avoided if the proper pH balance of the skin can be preserved. As a result, a host of additional advantages for healthy, beautiful skin can be obtained by using a face cleanser. Effectively, for beautiful, vibrant young skin, don’t skip using a facial cleanser in your regular skincare regimen; take advantage of the benefits!

FLAIR AIRLINES: LET’S GO FLYING!

Once upon a time, air travel was a luxury to be experienced by few.

The very first passenger on a powered aircraft was in 1906. By the end of the First World War and more towards the mid 1930’s, the world started to move around in the air. The age of Air Travel had begun. Commercial aviation was born. A surplus of post World War 2 aircrafts were sold cheap and were converted to passenger flights.

At first, only the elite could travel. You had to be rich to be able to experience the luxury and the prestige of visiting other continents. The inconvenience was the time it took to go long distances. To cross an ocean by plane could take 15-18 hrs to go from Paris to New York. The first transatlantic flights were flown on giant flying boats (seaplanes).

Most of them were equipped with beds and a kitchen. Pure luxury but with a price. As time went by, airplanes got more

refined and more powerful carrying more passengers to newer and further destinations. The world had no limit.

The biggest game changer was the invention of the jet engine. Airplane manufacturers were quickly designing new models with multiple jet engines designed to carry hundreds of passenger’s for long distances travelling at close to the speed of sound.

Passenger flying became a very lucrative business especially when the cost per ticket became more affordable. The age of jet transportation had begun. However, as the aircraft became more and more complex, the human factor became the weakest link. It took many years and many catastrophic crashes before we started to get safety nets in the day-to-day operations.

Nowadays, air travel has become as normal as taking the train or the bus. You can go from point A to point B and choose different

Author: Micheal Treskin

airlines. There are different cabin classes for those who want to fly with more luxurious services. Unfortunately, flying was still inaccessible to all.

In Europe, the giants like Ryanair and EasyJet and WizzAir became synonymous with low-cost air travel. The low-cost model is quite simple, pack as many seats as you can in a 2 engine aircraft and basically turn it into a bus. Use seats with the least padding and eliminate all unnecessary services. Just fly them to their destinations.

In North America, the low-cost airlines such as Southwest Airlines were also proving that the low-cost model worked. Nowadays, air travel is still expensive even though you have choices of services.

A small privately owned Canadian airline was started in 2005 by providing cargo service to Cuba. It evolved eventually to a bigger and better company providing very low (ultra) low-cost airfare to North America. In 2017, it was rebranded to Flair Airlines and in 2019, it went through a complete makeover with different colors and logo.

Flair has become the Ultra Low Cost Carrier of Canada. Stephen Jones, who is at the helm, runs a tight but efficient ship. His background speaks for itself, ex EVP and Deputy CEO at WizzAir executive for many years. WizzAir is the 3rd largest Low-Cost airline in Europe. His business model and

vision has been monumental in the success of the airline. He is envisioning a fleet of over 50 Boeing 737 Max in the next few years. His vision is Flair to be accessible to everyone in Canada without compromising on service, comfort and safety. Air travel for everyone!

The model is easy to understand. Provide comfortable seats at a very low price and charge for everything extra such as check in luggage, cabin service and other ancillaries. With all new fuel efficient Boeing 737Max and add extremely friendly and helpful cabin crews, with super low prices, it’s the recipe for success.

One of Flair’s unique factors that is above anyone else in Canada, is the Pilot Training and the Pilot Recruitment Department. Flair has the highest training standards than anyone else in North America. The Training is second to none. The devices used are 21st century and include VR (Virtual Reality) vision training. As for the pilots, each one of them are selected rigorously through a series of tests which take a day. Flair is the only airline in Canada that’s screened their pilots so extensively.

Finally, air travel is becoming as affordable as taking your car and going to visit a distant relative.

So, what are we waiting for? Lets go Flying!

2023-2024 SEASON MEMBERSHIPS ON SALE NOW

I’m sure most of you know the iconic theme song sang by Ohio’s own Steve Carlisle for one of the greatest sitcoms of our generation.

iinta was invited this past weekend to Cincinnati for the Grand Opening of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame.

iinta Cincinnati

BY: Rod LaRocque

Nestled between the Paycor Stadium (Bengals) and Great American Ball Park (Reds) on the banks of the Ohio River is the new home of the Black Music Walk of Fame. A vision of Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece and through a concerted effort with City Stakeholders she was able to materialize the 20 million dollar vision in record time from a gravel lot covered with rocks into becoming one of the greatest world-renowned outdoor Black Music tourism attractions the world has to offer. It will be enjoyed for generations to come!

Photo by Fred Copley on Unsplash

“If you ever wondered - wondered whatever became of me - I’m living on the air in Cincinnati - Cincinnati WKRP…”

Proud and rich in music history, the Queen City has produced some of the greatest musicians of all time, included but not limited to; JAMES BROWN, the ISLEY BROTHERS, BOOTSY COLLINS, OTIS WILLIAMS, L.A. REID, PENNY FORD, MIDNIGHT STAR and the OHIO PLAYERS to name a few.

Paycor Stadium was also host to the Cincinnati Music Festival headlined by AL GREEN, SNOOP DOG and BABYFACE with the REDS hosting Arizona at Great American Ball Park. The Riverfront was bustling to say the least!

As Canadian’s, Cindy and I felt privileged to attend a number of events and sample some of the fine dining at Jeff Ruby’s with Penny Ford and thoroughly enjoy some of the “best” street eats Saturday afternoon. The Street Market between Paycor and Great American was amazing with thousands of folks enjoying the offerings.

& the All-Star Band was high energy, upbeat, funky and kept the capacity crowd engaged from start to finish!

Alicia shared the rich history of music in the Queen City and its connection to Motown with the Inaugural Ceremony followed by a little “Fire” and “Love” with the Ohio Players.

The mid-day launch party at the Andrew Brady Centre with “everyone” dressed in white was spectacular! P. Ann Everson-Price

The City Officials did an amazing job and I was impressed at how clean the City of Cincinnati is and its positive vibe. With tens of thousands of folks converging on one point, much can happen.

To Alicia Reece, her team and all the folks that made this a reality; cities throughout the world can take a page from your hand book and make the world a better place!

Your efforts exemplify excellence and make the Queen City a place that “welcomes” all and a great place to visit.

Bravo Ohio!

Hardwired for Music: Beach Boy Tim Bonhomme

Author: Kelly Louiseize

His father never wanted him to be a musician. He would have preferred him to graduate university as a real estate lawyer, an accountant, anything but a musician. But something inside Tim Bonhomme was hardwired for music.

Tim grew up in Val Caron, Ontario just outside of Sudbury. He along with his six siblings moved to New Sudbury on Gary Street when he was a small boy. He remembers Rosemary Park and skating so long his toes ached when he finally submitted to the cold and returned home to have his mom’s hot chocolate. His father, Conrad Bonomme, was the owner and broker of the ReMax offices in the Sudbury area.

When his father sold a house down the street and the owners decided not to take their neglected piano, Conrad brought it home.

“I remember the keys were half off, some of the back strings were broken. It was a mess trying to get it into our house,” Tim’s eyes rolling with a grin on his face. “It was never tuned.”

After four years of tutoring, Tim felt ready

to audition for student placement at the University of Toronto (U of T) and Western University. Tim was accepted to both programs, however he chose to accept a full year with Western University Professor Cornelius Rodert, who taught him the art of technique and speed.

Tim moved to Los Angeles with a Fender Rhodes keyboard as his only instrument, Tim began to integrate himself into local bars, clubs, playing weddings, bar mitzvahsanything to survive.

Through some of the 60s bands, Tim met Jeffrey Foskett, who introduced him to Mike Love, the lead for the Beach Boys. In 1990,

he was asked to join Mike Love’s California Beach Band on a tour to Japan. It was first class all the way and Tim had a fabulous time.

It wasn’t until 1996 that Tim became a full fledged Beach Boy. There wasn’t an audition or panel of judges to mark his placement as a Beach Boy. “Once a musician attains that level of excellence, he or she doesn’t have to audition anymore,” he says. The craft speaks for itself.

“Sometimes you wonder what the hell you’re doing out here. I mean, I am away from my family, my kids,” he says, as his chin begins to dimple and tears well up in his eyes. “It just comes down to making people happy. It was my pleasure to take the stress away from these boys, if only for an evening.”

Home is important to Tim, cooking his own meals, going to the gym, hiking, spending time with his children, his brother Al and a handful of friends. Travelling can wear the best man out. “At times you wake up and don’t know the city you’re in,” he says.

In recent years, Tim has been gone 220 days out of the year with performances in different time zones. “I just sleep when I’m tired. If I can sleep four hours and nap somewhere throughout the day, I’m good.”

“The biggest part of keyboarding is the sound. You have to make it work. It isn’t just hitting a note. It’s how long you hold it. The pressure in which you hold it, and you have to marry that with other instruments in the band. It is the technical pressure you have to deal with as a keyboardist.”

The season vets teach Tim a thing or two on how to slam it. No other language bonds people together like music. He is thankful he can play alongside the calibre of musicians, grateful for the set-up crew and for the life he is able to live.

“Our crew, the band and the management are one very well-oiled machine, everyone is very professional. We tour so much together; we are a family. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to tour with The Beach Boys and entourage all these years.”

And to think, it started with a throw away piano on Gary Street in Sudbury, Ontario!

Teamwork makes the dream work!

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