May 2023 by The Walleye Magazine

FILM FREE ARTS Vol. 14 No. 5 MUSIC MAY FOOD 2023 CULTURE thewalleye.ca

Getting Hitched Shags and Weddings

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The Walleye

Contents Editor-in-chief Darren McChristie Editor Adrian Lysenko Senior Editor Tiffany Jarva Copy Editors Amy Jones, Bonnie Schiedel Marketing & Sales Manager Meagan Griffin sales@thewalleye.ca Photographers Jack Barten Anna Buske Kevin Dempsey Damien Gilbert Ryan Hill Chad Kirvan Dave Koski Shannon Lepere Marty Mascarin Darren McChristie Sarah McPherson Lois Nuttall Laura Paxton Art Directors Steve Coghill, R.G.D. Dave Koski, R.G.D. production@thewalleye.ca Ad Designers Dave Koski Miranda van den Berg The Walleye is a free monthly publication distributed on racks throughout Thunder Bay and region. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written permission is strictly forbidden. Views expressed herein are those of the author exclusively. Copyright © 2023 by Superior Outdoors Inc. All Rights Reserved. Editorial and Advertising: Submissions must be accompanied by a selfaddressed, stamped envelope. Superior Outdoors cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. Superior Outdoors Inc. 242 - 1100 Memorial Avenue Thunder Bay, ON P7B 4A3 Telephone (807) 344-3366 Fax (807) 623-5122 E-mail: info@thewalleye.ca

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Where can I find The Walleye? thewalleye.ca/wherecan-i-find-the-walleye/ Ad Deadline for our June Issue May 18th

Poppy’s Picnics

The Start of a Movement

32 61 68

FEATURES 9 Getting Hitched Shags and Weddings 10 The Art of Shags 12 The Black-Tie Wedding 14 The Outdoor Wedding 16 The Stylish Wedding 18 The Country Wedding 20 The Hotel Ballroom Wedding 22 Laughter and Tears FOOD 24 THE GRINNING BELLY 25 DRINK OF THE MONTH 26 OFF THE MENU 28 Poppy’s Picnics 31 Laid-Back Mexican Food 32 SUPERIOR SIP FILM&THEATRE 34 Gerry Dee 36 Into the Woods 38 Ingaged Creative Productions 40 THE SECOND MOST PLEASURABLE THING WE DO IN THE DARK. A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES 43 Taking a Final Bow

103

NOWW LitFest 2023 TheWalleye.ca

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Taking a Final Bow

THE ARTS 44 Sharing Stories 47 FROM THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY’S COLLECTION 48 A Tribute to an Artist and Friend 50 Collaborate, Cultivate, Create 52 A Bold Take on Northern Beauty 54 A THOUSAND WORDS

62 63 64 66 68 70 71 72

STUFF WE LIKE CANNABIS CORNER One Step at a Time GO LOCAL THUNDER BAY COUNTRY MARKET EYE TO EYE: With Frank Loffredo THIS IS THUNDER BAY The Friends of the TBPL Are Into Vinyl SECOND CHANCES

MUSIC 74 TBShows.com presents On The Scene 76 Spring Concert from Hollywood 78 BURNING TO THE SKY 80 Follow These Tracks 81 TBSO PROFILE 82 Blues Blast 84 Bywater Call 87 A Lifetime of Insolence 89 Jesse Roper 90 Siedd at Home 92

OFF THE WALL REVIEWS

ARCHITECTURE 94 The Bright House 96

Tbaytel April EVENTS GUIDE

LU RADIO'S MONTHLY TOP 30

TATTOOED YOU 100 Comfort Among Crows GREEN 103 The Start of a Movement 104 A Top Pick 105 LET'S GET GROWING

OUTDOOR 56 Birds of a Feather

HEALTH 108 A Game-Changer in Patient Care

CITYSCENE 58 WALL SPACE: Borderlands Farm 61 NOWW LitFest 2023

THE WALL 110 Keep Your Stick on the Ice 112 THE BEAT 114 THE EYE

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Harriet Carlson

From Our Instagram Feed

Love is in the Air

or Northwest Ontarians, May signifies the true arrival of spring. The month brings the dawn chorus of birds, the budding of trees, and the wedding season. From the food, dancing, and socializing to just being able to soak up all the love in the air, I’m a big fan of weddings. In 2015, my wife and I tied the knot in an outdoor celebration in Sunshine outside of Thunder Bay. We’d been engaged for five years, but because of our nomadic lifestyle before settling here, we wanted to wait for the right time to have an excuse to have a big party with our loved ones. With most of our family divided between British Columbia and southern Ontario, Thunder Bay was a perfect location to bring everyone together—my only regret is that we didn’t hold a shag beforehand (or buck and doe, as I knew them as growing up down south). For our May issue we’re all about weddings in Thunder Bay. As part of our cover story, we break down five wedding themes showcasing different venues and caterers.

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Plus, Matt Prokopchuk talks with photographer Alan Dickson about his more than 42 years of capturing weddings. And of course, Kelsey Raynard delves into the history of the quintessential Northwestern Ontario wedding fundraiser, the shag. Keeping with our theme, Gord Ellis shares his picks for best wedding songs, pommelier and sommelier Jeannie Dubois provides the basic bar essentials for any celebration, and film columnist Michael Sobota talks marriage and movies. Also, this month we go Eye To Eye with Frank Loffredo, Roxann Shapwaykeesic gets a sneak peek at the owners of Norteños Taqueria’s new location on Red River Road, and Tonya Muchano looks back at the history of Mile Hill Melodrama as the South Gillies-based theatre company takes a final bow. So whether you're single, divorced, or celebrating a golden anniversary, here’s hoping you enjoy our May issue. -Adrian Lysenko

In Error

On page 15 of our April issue (Vol. 14 No. 4) Kissinglass’s business name was misidentified as Kissing Glass and on page 18, Chef Rachel Bayes' Best Salad Dressing recipe was missing the following: 1/2 cup oil (olive, avocado, etc.), and 1/4 cup vinegar (white or red wine vinegar, lemon juice, etc.)

Featured Contributor Amy Jones

Amy has been involved with The Walleye in one capacity or another since the second ever issue—currently as a copy editor and occasional contributor. She is the author of three novels, We’re All in This Together; Every Little Piece of Me; and the forthcoming Pebble and Dove, and a collection of stories, What Boys Like; she also works as a creative writing teacher and mentor. She now lives in Hamilton, but her heart remains somewhere off the shore of Lake Superior.

On the Cover Getting Hitched Illustration by Merk

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“My teachers are focused

on my success”

You belong here 6

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TheTopFive

2: 1 MOMologues Off to School May 3–14

Cambrian Players

What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with a lot of laughs and local theatre? Catch the newest production by Cambrian Players, MOMologues 2: Off to School, running from May 3 to 6 and again from May 10 to 14. This show tells the story of four moms during their childrens’ early school years, and as the title suggests, these matriarchs provide a hilarious and honest look at everything from homework hell to playing hooky from mom duty. A special Mother’s Day matinee and tea will be held on May 14 in support of Our Kids Count with tea and baked goods served—the perfect Mother’s Day outing. Regular shows start at 7:30 pm and tickets for all shows are available for purchase online ($27.96 for general admission and $22.63 for students/seniors). cambrianplayers.com

May 6 & 7

Fort William Gardens & Curling Club Travel the world without the hassle of ever getting on a plane this May 6 and 7 at the 50th anniversary of the Folklore Festival. Presented by the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association, this year’s event promises to take you around the globe and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our city. It will be Zorya Ukrainian Dance Association held at the Fort William Gardens & Curling Club, and attendees can enjoy an extensive list of attractions, including international food, live music and entertainment, free children’s activities, local vendors, educational exhibits, and much more. The festival will run from noon to 11 pm on May 6 and from noon to 7 pm on May 7. Ticket prices are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, $1 for children 4–12, and free for children under 4. folklorefestival.ca

St. Patrick High School Presents: Mamma Mia!

May 8–13

Selkirk Auditorium, St. Patrick High School Here we go again! The St. Patrick High School Business Arts Department is excited to return to the stage with their rendition of the cult classic, Mamma Mia! Over 150 students have come together as cast, crew, and student band to help put together the show, which will be held in the Selkirk Auditorium from May 8 to 13. Shows start at 7 pm, and tickets can be purchased at the St. Patrick High School main office (open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm). Priced at $25 each, all ticket proceeds will be donated to the Faye Peterson House. Since 2009, St. Patrick’s school musicals and grade 12 plays have raised over $330,000 for local charities—a feat worthy of a standing ovation. facebook.com/sphbusinessarts

3 Spring Craft Revival May 7

Waterfront District & Prince Arthur’s Landing Spring cleaning? How about spring shopping? Come experience one of the busiest local shopping experiences at the Spring Craft Revival. This biannual event has been running since 2014, and will feature more than 150 artisans in over 20 locations across the Waterfront District and Prince Arthur’s Landing. From clothing and baked goods to jewelry, art, and everything in between, this family-friendly event is an excellent opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying the warmer spring weather. Shoppers can enjoy beverages and entertainment at participating restaurant locations, and the Waverley Library will have activities and crafts for children. The event will run from 10 am to 4 pm and is free to attend. craftrevival.ca

5 Fire Fighters May 22

Ten Mile Road Race

Columbus Centre Lace up your running shoes for the 87th running of the Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race, presented by Fresh Air. Originating in 1910, this Victoria Day tradition is steeped in local history and attracts runners from across the region and country. While the past two years have seen runners participating individually and sending in their times remotely, organizers are thrilled to be back in person. This year, the race will consist of the traditional individual run as well as a relay event for boys and girls in two age groups (U18 and U14). Online registration can be found at 10mileroadrace.org, with the cut-off at midnight on May 15. For spectators, the individual race begins at 9 am, while the relay teams will begin at 9:10 am. 10mileroadrace.org Karen Danelisky

2 Folklore Festival

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7 1 0 BAL MORAL S TREE T

F RE SHAIRE XPER I EN C E.C A

where ever you find yourself, be ready with our summer collection A portion of all clothing sales in may is donated to isthmus thunder bay

FRESH AIR PRESENTS

THE FIRE FIGHTERS TEN MILE ROAD RACE MAY 22, 2023 | 10MILEROADRACE.ORG

The Walleye

CoverStory

Getting Hitched

Shags and Weddings

hen The Walleye team met to plan this month’s issue over beer and burgers (what, you were expecting rosé and cucumber sandwiches?), we asked ourselves: “What is a Thunder Bay wedding?” After all, no matter where in the world you get married, weddings are a frequently weird and wonderful mashup of local customs and cultural touchstones. We’ve got our iconic and linguistically unique shag, our drop-dead-gorgeous natural settings for ceremonies and photos, and our diverse venues. In the end, of course, there is no quintessential TBay wedding, but we do have some pretty fun, beautiful, and memorable approaches showcased here in our first ever Weddings issue. - Bonnie Schiedel

The Superior Ballroom at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay Photo courtesy of the Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay

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The Art of Shags

A Northwestern Tradition for the Ages By Kelsey Raynard

 Photo of the author’s parents’ shag held at the Finlandia on August 17, 1991  The shooter bar from the author’s parents’ shag

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hunder Bay loves a good shag—and for any British folks reading this, get your mind out of the gutter. We are talking about the ever-popular, time-honoured tradition of the pre-wedding shag party. For people born and raised in Thunder Bay, it is a tradition so ingrained that we don’t often stop to question it. What exactly is a shag? When did they start? Why are they so popular? Whether you are a seasoned shagger or are new to this type of prenuptial celebration, this month we are breaking down the fundamental characteristics of a shag and the cultural significance they hold in our community. First, let’s take a look at the history. While everyone from Thunder Bay seems to know what a shag is, even the people who have been involved for decades don’t seem to know exactly how, when, or why they started. We spoke with Patrick Cross, administrator for the Moose Hall, and Judy Anderson, vice president of marketing for the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, who collectively have over 50 years of experience in the world of hall rentals and shags. When asked about the origin of shags in Thunder Bay, their answers were the same: they have been around as long as they can remember. In terms of concrete details, the history of Northwestern Ontario shags is murky at best. In an article for The Atlantic, writer Julie Bogen says that some historians theorize this type of celebration may be related to “penny weddings,” a 16thcentury Scottish tradition where wedding guests often brought a small amount of money (a penny) or food as a kind of paid admission to a wedding. Like shags, these penny weddings were widely attended by people from across the community or town. Even the name is shrouded

in mystery. While some theorize “shag” may be a combination of “shower” (like a wedding shower) and “stag” (like the southern Ontario tradition of stag and doe), the strange naming of this tradition has no clear birthplace. While the exact origins are unclear, it is clear that shags have been around in Thunder Bay for more than five decades. So what are the defining characteristics of a shag, both historically and today? Throughout the years, the premise has remained relatively unchanged: a shag is a prenuptial party held a few months before the wedding, where an engaged couple can raise funds to help start their life together. Held during “shag season” (which typically runs between September and May), these large-scale parties are organized and run by wedding parties, friends, and family, and often attended by hundreds of people who may or may not know the couple at all. Shags have typically been held in large halls or community centres that can accommodate such a large number of guests. With two spacious buildings (the Coliseum and the Heritage), the CLE has always been a popular shag spot; the Moose Hall is another classic venue for shags as they are equipped with staff who can bartend, act as security, and provide guidance to couples planning their shag. The most popular times for shags are on holidays or long weekends. When asked about how many shags have been held at the Moose Hall over the years, Cross was at a loss for words. “With shags held two and even three nights in a row almost every weekend for at least 15 to 20 years, you can do the math. It’s a lot,” he says. If you find yourself at a shag, what can you expect?

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Jayme Johnson

have become increasingly interesting. They have seen everything, including canoes, flights, concert tickets, saunas, and ATVs; Cross even says that he attended a shag where a car was the grand prize. Another shag featured an uncut diamond from De Beers Jewellers. These prizes are announced at the end of the night, usually around 12:30 pm, as guests head home with whatever they have won. So how have shags stood the test of time? Why have they remained an institution within our community? “A lot of time at your wedding, you can’t invite everyone,” says Anderson. “This is an opportunity to have many people share in your wedding plans, and to celebrate the couple getting married.” She goes on to say that the CLE has been around since 1890, and has always been a place for people from all over the region to come together; shags, then, seem to be an extension of this concept. Cross, on the other hand, argues that the sheer potential for profit (which can climb upwards of $20,000 for wellattended events), has kept the tradition alive. Maybe they started as a way for working-class folks to raise money for their wedding, maybe they started as a way to connect with the larger community, or maybe they are just about having a good time. Whatever the reason, shags are a tried-and-true Northwestern Ontario tradition that don’t seem to be going anywhere soon.

 Various prizes on display from Jayme Johnson and James Elsey’s St. Patrick’s Day Shag at the Current River Community Centre on March 18, 2023

 The CLE Coliseum Building, a popular location for shags  Halloween shag for Britni Pizzi and Philip Parnell (centre) at the Moose Hall on October 28, 2022

Britni Pizzi

Shags are first and foremost a giant party, whether you know the couple or not. Drinks or drink tickets are sold, and bars are usually stocked with domestic beer and classic bar rail drinks (rye and coke, anyone?). On the dance floor, you can sometimes catch a shot cart, where someone from the wedding party is usually selling sugary shots, like Sour Puss or Tequila Rose, for those who don’t care to stand in the drink line. Food has also always been a part of the shag scene. At my own parents’ shag (held at the Finlandia circa 1990), my grandmothers and aunts all cooked up turkeys and hams to make deli spreads and sandwiches. Nowadays, you are more likely to find dozens of pizzas being delivered as a late-night snack for shag-goers. The food is free and must be enough to sufficiently feed all guests; Cross explains that this is now a requirement as per liquor licence agreements. Food and drinks aside, Cross says that the measure of a good shag is simple: “Prizes. The real key to a successful shag is the prizes. Prizes are what attracts the majority of people and it’s the prizes that bring in the major part of their income,” he explains. Prizes are usually donated by local businesses or purchased by family, friends, and the wedding party; some prizes are bundled, with grand prizes usually falling in their own ticket category. Both Cross and Anderson said that throughout the years, the prizes raffled off at shags

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CoverStory

Characteristics:

T The Black-Tie

he black-tie wedding is an elegant choice, punctuated by classic tuxedos and floor length gowns. There is an element of chic opulence with its elevated décor, sophisticated floral arrangements, a classy minimal colour palette, upscale entertainment, and a personalized menu. And depending on how creative you are, a black-tie event doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank, and can still reflect a couple’s personality in a very classy and timeless manner.

Wedding

Courthouse Hotel

By Tiffany Jarva

• Authentic black-tie means tuxedos and floorlength dresses—if the couple opts for a more flexible classic dress code, it could mean dinner jackets and nice shoes for men and cocktail dresses that are not too bright for women, paired with upscale accessories • Typically, it’s a formal evening occasion with a sit-down dinner and tasteful live entertainment, creating a timeless appeal • Minimal colour palette with clean lines and chic floral arrangements • Elegant nods to the couple’s story • Customization of the menu to fit the personal tastes of the couple, often integrating a champagne tower

owntown Port Arthur’s charming Courthouse Hotel is a luxurious boutique hotel offering a nod to the past paired with hilltop views of the Big Lake—a perfect fit for a black-tie or classic themed wedding. “With the Beaux Arts architecture, high ceilings, oak accents and chandeliers, the Courthouse Ballroom brings you back to the 20th century with a very classic look,” says Mike Davis, regional director of sales. “Originally the Superior

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Court of Justice for Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) from 1924– 2014, we have maintained the historical features of this classic heritage site,” explains Davis, who also notes that the 22-foot ceilings, detailed architecture, and the Grand Staircase are a photographer's dream backdrop for capturing timeless wedding photos. With 40 boutique rooms for guests, Davis also mentions that the beauty and elegance doesn’t stop in the ballroom. “Each of our lavish guestrooms offer

a unique blend of historic character with moder n charm. Some rooms boast a full panoramic view of Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant.” In terms of creating a personal, elevated menu, it is up to the couple to hire a licensed caterer with whom the hotel will work closely with, ensuring that the couple’s menu and day is exactly what they envision.

Courthouse Hotel

277 Camelot Street (807) 788-1666 courthousehotel.ca

Courthouse Hotel

Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay

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2240 Sleeping Giant Parkway (807) 344-0777 marriott.com

timeless photos. Follow this with an extremely personalized, elevated reception at Delta’s Superior Ballroom, which comfortably accommodates 250 guests, a dance floor, and head table. Couples can choose from standardized plated

dinners created by Delta’s executive chef, but Hoskins notes that depending on taste preferences, the chef will work with the couple to create their own personalized menu—a true hallmark of the classic blacktie wedding.

Possible menu items: • Seared chicken supreme • Stuffed chicken • Braised short rib • Seared beef tenderloin • Mushroom ravioli • Quinoa-stuffed tomato

Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay

the city,” explains Lauri Hoskins, director of sales and marketing at Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay. Hoskins explains that couples often choose the Spirit Garden for their ceremony—a stunning lake setting for exchanging vows and a chance to capture

Delta Hotels by Marriott Thunder Bay

t ’s h a rd t o b e a t t h e Delta’s striking views of Lake Superior, the Sleeping Giant, and Port Arthur’s Marina—a perfect backdrop for a romantic classic wedding during any season. “The location gives a completely different feel from anywhere else in

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The Outdoor I Wedding

n Thunder Bay we’re fortunate to be surrounded by nature, so there are some beautiful wedding venues located outside where people can tie the knot. Whether by water or a forest, or in a meadow or garden, outdoor weddings can offer great backdrops for photos, eliminate space limitations, and create an overall relaxing atmosphere for the big day.

By Adrian Lysenko

Characteristics:

• Outdoor venue with stunning scenery • Landscaped grounds • Gardens or near water • Outdoor tent

Stepstone Centre

35 Onion Lake Dam Road, Thunder Bay (807) 683-6384 stepstonecentre.com

“S

tepstone is the ideal location for an outdoor wedding because you truly are immersed in the nature that makes Northern Ontario so beautiful,” says Michelle Trevisan, operations coordinator of Stepstone Centre and daughter of Grant Carlson, the owner. “From eagles perching up and watching a ceremony to having the groom fish and catch dinner from our dock, we have seen it all.”

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Stepstone Centre is located just outside the city off the banks of the Current River, with three acres of meadow, pine trees, and waterfront. After more than 35 years, this will be the last summer they’ll be hosting weddings, but Carlson looks back fondly over the various celebrations they’ve had on location. “Every couple brings exciting new ideas and traditions, so it’s hard to pinpoint just one moment,”

Carlson says. “My daughter recently got married, so of course that tops the cake.” As for food options, Stepstone has worked exclusively with Salt & Pepper Catering. “They have a variety of different menu options that can suit any budget and their food is simply amazing,” Carlson says. “After working together for so many years, we run like a fine-tuned clock.”

Possible menu items:

• Sliced roast sirloin of beef • Atlantic salmon fillet with lemon-maple butter sauce • Creamy chicken marsala braised in Italian marsala wine and mushroom cream sauce

Fort William Historical Park

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1350 King Road, Thunder Bay (807) 473-2344 fwhp.ca

ithin a valley on the shores of the Kaministiquia River, Fort William Historical Park offers a natural outdoor setting within city limits. For their outdoor wedding, couples can choose either the courtyard in the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory complex, which has a 24-foot glass-encased fireplace and a 40 x 80 foot tent, or McGillivray’s Landing banquet hall, which includes an outdoor patio and multilevel deck overlooking the Kaministiquia River. The outdoor ceremony location for the landing is pondside with fountains and a tree-lined backdrop, all by the river. A bonus to having your special day at the park is that couples can book their photo shoot on the Fort William historic site

(available year round). Other specialty items add-ons include the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory Star Walk Experience, costumed historical interpreters, private group walking tours of the site, a grand canoe arrival, musket and cannon salutes, and camping (tent/RV). Fort William Historical Park works with Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre as the caterer. Options include traditional entrees with table service, buffet style, hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie, and late-night snacks.

Possible menu items:

• Roasted prime rib • Chicken Tuscany • Vegan lasagna

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The Stylish Wedding

Characteristics:

• Embraces the formalities of a traditional wedding, but with modern style elements • The meal is often a sit-down dinner with an emphasis on high-quality food and impeccable plating, with signature cocktails and canapes for guests to nosh on between ceremony and reception • The venue offers a perfect backdrop for elegantbut-unfussy décor • Style is everything; every detail is perfectly in sync • Everyone—the couple, the wedding party, and the guests—is dressed to impress

Maria Maria Photography

Flashback Photo

By Kat Lyzun

he stylish or elegant wedding is perfect for couples who love the formality of traditional weddings but want a modern twist. Maybe it’s a traditional plated dinner in a contemporary space, or a classic venue that’s been transformed by on-trend styling and clean, crisp design. This is for folks who want their wedding party to look überchic walking down the aisle (possibly with a well-groomed dog in a tuxedo) and set against the perfect backdrop of luxe décor and unique floral arrangements. There will be speeches, champagne toasts, and the traditional dances, but guests are more likely to take home an engraved artisanal cocktail kit than a bonbonniere.

206 Park Avenue (807) 286-5095 thechanterelle.ca

he Chanterelle is a top wedding venue for couples looking for a unique aesthetic that blends past and present. Kathleen Johansen, senior manager of wedding sales and marketing, says their industrial-chic space offers the perfect backdrop for couples and stylists to build out their dream décor, be it modern and minimal or lush and romantic. “For those hosting an elegant black-tie affair, the chandeliers and sleek finishes lend themselves nicely to this style of wedding,” she says. “For couples who prefer softer,

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muted earth-tones, with more of a bespoke garden feel, this perfectly complements the original finishes, and brings out the warm tones of the brick. The most beautiful thing is that no two weddings have ever looked the same, and we absolutely love to see the infusion of each couple's personal style into the space!” The Chanterelle partners exclusively with Tomlin Catering, offering flexible menu options with timeless yet seasonal restaurant-quality meals, creative cocktails and impeccable service.

Possible menu items:

• Herb-marinated lamb chops served with roasted garlic yogurt and paired with crushed fried new potatoes, Calabrian chili butter, grilled cucumber, tomato, and fried halloumi

Maria Maria Photography

The Chanterelle

Fort William Golf and Country Club

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1350 Mountain Road (807) 475-8925 fwcc.ca

“Whether you are going for elegant, romantic, modern, or dreamy, our banquet hall looks beautiful in all styles,” she says. “The mountains and the beautifully landscaped grounds give a feeling of serenity and make you take a minute to enjoy all the natural beauty. No matter the season the mountains always look stunning!” Fort William Golf and Country Club currently works with a variety of caterers, all of whom have years of experience and are well known in the community.

Allison Parker Photography

t Fort William Golf and Country Club, the setting is everything. The classic banquet hall has a wraparound balcony (a gorgeous spot for a ceremony) and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase spectacular views of the Nor’Wester Mountains. Couples are encouraged to bring in their own stylists and décor to truly make the space as unique as they are. The club has all the basics covered, along with a great team that is happy to work with couples and vendors to ensure their vision comes to life, says general manager Stacey Hutton.

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The Country Wedding

Characteristics:

• On a farm or located out in the country • Décor is often rustic, vintage, or handmade • Attire leans more toward casual • Wedding-crashing farm animals

Kay Lee Photography

By Adrian Lysenko

arm animals, hay bales, and even cowboy boots are some things you might find at a country wedding. But most importantly, you’re likely to experience a laid-back atmosphere that allows the future couple to leave their worries behind at the city limits and enjoy their special day with loved ones well into the night (and maybe even into the early morning).

CharKuu 102 159 Kuusisto Road (807) 252-0414 charkuu102.com

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floor and a 1973 Airstream trailer that’s been converted into a bar. As for food options, CharKuu 102 works exclusively with Pinetree Catering. “We serve everything family-style at the venue, because a wedding is about two families coming together and what better way to celebrate than sharing a meal,” Jones says. “The food is cooked over our charcoal grills to give it that summertime taste. Pinetree does its best to source all local ingredients when in season from our local farmers.”

Possible menu items:

• Grilled summer squash with shallot and parmesan streusel • Mushroom and scallion barley risotto • Sticky maple rosemary and orange charcoal grilled pork tenderloin Scott MacKay

“C

harKuu is the ideal location for a country wedding because it sits within the boreal forest,” says Larissa Jones, wedding coordinator. “Mature pines and poplars surround the homestead, allowing the guests to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Guests don’t have to travel too far, as it is only 17 minutes out Highway 102.” The homestead features a rustic timber frame barn that can seat up to 200 guests, with a 400- square-foot dance

Rose Valley Lodge

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56 Rose Valley Road, South Gillies (807) 473-5448 rosevalleylodge.com

“S

ome say it feels like grandma and grandpa's farm, but that makes us feel really old,” says Markus Hofmann, co-owner of Rose Valley Lodge. Located half an hour from the city, the wedding venue is nestled on the property’s 400 acres of meadows and with the vista backdrop of the Nor’Wester Mountains. “For the couple, it's their space,” Hofmann says. “We provide all the services needed for the venue—no hidden or extra costs. We provide the food, bar service, staff, set up and clean up.” The wedding location also has a small hobby farm (or as Deborah Poole-Hofmann,

the co-owner, calls it, her “petting zoo”) which they say is a big hit. “Sometimes there are escapees from their pen, which guests love. [...] McFlurry the dwarf cow [got] loose last year, visiting and showing off for everyone,” Hofmann says. “Some party with Peggy the Pig, as she is a big storyteller.” As for food, Hofmann— w h o i s o r i g i n a l l y f ro m Switzerland—serves up delicious fare consisting of three-, four-, or five-course meals often inspired by his roots (they also have a tradition to cut the wedding cake with a ceremonial sword from Switzerland that was his great-great- grandfather’s).

Possible menu items:

• Salmon campfire-style • Mediterranean chicken breast • Medallions of pork tenderloin colbert • Chicken breast with tarragon • Beef tenderloin colbert

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CoverStory

The Hotel F Ballroom Wedding

Characteristics:

• Hotels offer flexible spaces, from full-sized ballrooms to smaller conference rooms for preparation • On-site staff are available to help with set-ups, serving, and take-downs • On-site catering • Easily accessible for all guests • Integrated audio/visual systems • The dance floor is right there! • Suites available for the couple and guests

Best Western Plus Nor’Wester Hotel & Conference Centre

By Justin Allec

or larger weddings, the hotel ballroom is an attractive option that offers both comfort and convenience. These massive rooms are flexible in their presentation and offer a myriad of options to customize the space to your special day. Hotels have dedicated event planners that can work with you to smooth out the inevitable bumps and complications that occur with any large gathering. Once the ceremony is complete, the ballroom’s main advantage is as a central location for the remainder of the evening—dinner and dancing can happen in the same space, along with the entertainment of speeches and any audio/visual presentations.

2080 Highway #61 (807) 473-9123 bwplusnorwester.com

ocated at the foot of the Nor’Wester Mountains, the Nor’Wester Hotel offers full-service event planning from the very beginning of the wedding day. Robert Dutka, event planner, says “we provide the canvas, but it’s up to the guests to paint it in themselves.” The picturesque location offers a park-like atmosphere that’s perfect for outdoor ceremonies and photographs, which solves many of the logistical problems for couples. The largest room can offer buffet or sit-down

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meals and bar options for up to 230 people, and brandnew amenities such as built-in smart TVs and audio systems make presentations a breeze. On-site staff can handle all the functions such as decorating, serving, and clean-up, which means more time for guests to enjoy themselves before they retire to their rooms. If you’re just starting to plan your wedding and don’t know where to start, the Nor’Wester can also recommend florists, decorators, DJs, and officiants to help take the stress out of the special day.

Possible menu items:

• Table service: options include grilled beef tenderloin steaks, Atlantic salmon, zucchini-wrapped mushroom risotto (vegan) • Buffet service: options include chicken parmesan, meat or vegetable lasagna, roast pork loin

Best Western Plus Nor’Wester Hotel & Conference Centre

The Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre

CoverStory

1 Valhalla Inn Road (807) 577-1121 valhallahotel.ca

ith a striking view of Mount McKay just outside the ballroom windows, the Valhalla Hotel is one of Thunder Bay’s oldest and most established independent hotels, and offers a variety of options for couples looking to plan all aspects of their wedding. Aside from the convenience of the location and the unique, rustic architecture, the Valhalla offers flexible spaces to plan the perfect day, from small, intimate ceremonies to huge gatherings able to meet the needs of up to a thousand guests. Ceremonies can occur inside at one of the many customizable rooms, or outdoors in the sculpted garden courtyard. On-site staff make setting up, serving, and cleaning up afterwards a breeze, which allows you and your guests the chance to enjoy the special day. And once all the dancing is finished for the night, couples and guests can retire to the luxurious rooms without worrying about transportation. Newly renovated in 2022, the Valhalla can easily and happily provide the space and amenities to host an unforgettable wedding.

Possible menu items:

• Appetizers such as antipastos, penne marinara, soups • Table service: options include chicken Florentine, roasted sage turkey dinner, pecan-crusted pickerel, vegetarian tart • Buffet service: options include pork tenderloin, tarragon salmon, smoked ham, vegan tart

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CoverStory

school where they met, for example—newlyweds often rely on the photographer to help choose shooting locations, which means getting to know the couple and what sites speak to them. “There should never be a set schedule by the photographer, saying ‘No, we’re going here, here, and that’s it,’” he says. “Because now you’re not embracing the couple’s ideas, you’re just giving them whatever you want to give them, because maybe it’s easy.” Locations like Marina Park, as well as rural properties with an old weathered barn, or properties with an abandoned old house in disrepair have also become popular backdrops for photos, Dickson adds. The most important thing, he says, is budgeting enough time on what is always a busy day to get the photos done right. “If you rush creativity, you won’t get creativity,” Dickson says. “It takes time to be creative. You can’t just slap out a whack of great photos in no time.”

 Photographer Alan Dickson at his last wedding shoot in Winnipeg in September, 2022

Laughter and Tears

Alan Dickson and Over Four Decades of Wedding Photography By Matt Prokopchuk

lan Dickson’s first and last wedding photo shoots were remarkably similar, despite being 42 years apart, in that he had a personal connection to both. “My last wedding was in Winnipeg for a friend of ours, and my daughter was in the wedding party,” he says. “So that was a good way to end it; it was a pretty perfect day in September.” His first shoot back in 1980, similarly, was for a friend of his. Dickson says he got that gig when his brother declined the offer. While Dickson and his wife Heather still run Alan Dickson Photography, a professional photography studio in Thunder Bay, Dickson retired from shooting weddings with that September 2022 shoot, saying

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that he felt it was the right time to “peace out.” In between, Dickson says he’s photographed roughly 1,200 weddings, and was drawn to that type of photography because of the social aspect. “I’m a people person,” he says. “Over the years as you do more, you get a lot more out of it because it’s a social event— there’s hundreds of people at weddings. And […] when you get to do more weddings, you see the same people at the same weddings over time, so you build relationships.” “It’s like your giant social media, only pre-dating the internet,” he continues. “Every weekend you’re out there meeting hundreds of people you know, which was pretty

well right up my alley.” Over time, Dickson says the wedding photography field has gotten a lot more competitive, with the advent of digital photography and cameras in general being a lot more user-friendly. “In the days when it was film, there [were] very few part-time photographers, very few,” he says. “Nowadays, there’s dozens on Facebook advertising for it.” In his 40-plus years in the business, Dickson says he’s noticed a few general changing trends in how people celebrate their special day. Location weddings and shoots—whether in the couple’s backyard, or an exotic destination—are much more common nowadays, he says, as compared to in the 1980s and 1990s where they were primarily at churches and photos were done at a nearby park, like Waverley or Vickers. “People are getting married all over the place, so there’s no restrictions anymore as to where you can get married.” Dickson says that, unless the couple has a specific place in mind for photos—the high

 Alan Dickson and Heather Leighton Dickson

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Food

Marinated Feta Bruschetta Makes 10 pieces ¼ c butter, melted ¼ c extra virgin olive oil 10 slices French bread, sliced diagonally

1 large tomato, seeded and chopped* 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 Tbsp minced fresh basil 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley Salt and pepper, to taste

THE NING IN R G BELLY

Eat, Drink, and Be Married

Combine butter and oil, and brush liberally on both sides of the bread. Grill on hot-ish grill, or toast in 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes (use the grill if you have one, as the flavour is second to none!). You can also make these earlier in the day—just don’t top them until you’re ready to serve, or they’ll be soggy Combine feta, garlic, herbs, tomato, salt and pepper. Let marinate for at least two hours. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Try adding some chili flakes or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar if you’d like. *To seed a tomato, cut in half crosswise, and gently squeeze out seeds and liquid. Save for another dish. Seeding the tomatoes will cut down on the liquid in the recipe, which will help combat sogginess.

To serve, you can either spoon feta-tomato mixture on top of grilled bread, or, place bread on a platter, bruschetta mixture in a bowl, and let guests help themselves.

By Chef Rachel Bayes

aving planned a small, no-frills wedding party recently, I can tell you it was a tremendously fun event, but I don’t ever want to do it again—and I know a guy who would agree with me on the one-and-done thing (right, honey?). Weddings can get incredibly expensive in hurry; it seems there are charges and up-sells at every turn. We rented a gorgeous, inexpensive outdoor space, along with a few tents, twinkle lights, tables, and chairs, and had friends and

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family to help with set up. We asked our guests for their favourite songs, and made a playlist from them to play on a rented speaker. We had a cooler full of drinks (for all ages and preferences), and guests helped themselves. Going this route was less expensive up front than renting an all-inclusive venue, but we paid for it in labour! The one thing we did splurge on was the food. My hubby and I are both foodies, and having done our fair share of catering, decided we would let someone else

handle the eats. Pinterest will tell you that you can easily cater your own wedding, but given all the other things you’ll have to take care of for your event, consider hiring out, or at least hosting a potluck…. We asked our friend Rhonda, owner/operator of A Fine Fit Catering, to do the food for our party, and she graciously worked with us over the months preceding the event to make sure we had the perfect menu. Because our wedding was casual and outdoors where

we had a few stand-up tables, along with some seating areas, we decided to serve appetizers. Rhonda and her staff served up elegant hors d’oeuvres all evening long: mini potatoes topped with tender slices of prime rib and horseradish, skewered perogies with grilled onion and sausage, tiny spanakopita and tzatziki, wood-fired pizzas, and juicy grilled chicken with garlicky toum. Rhonda even sliced up some of my stepdad’s legendary suolakala (salt fish) to top fresh rye bread.

Everyone raved about the food, and we were so happy with how the day turned out! I’m not going to give out any of Rhonda’s trade secrets, but here’s an appetizer that’s sure to please at your next gathering, whether an outdoor wedding or backyard barbecue. The beauty of this simple recipe is in the flavour of the ingredients, so clip this on the fridge to make when local gardens are exploding with juicy tomatoes and pungent garlic.

Food

The Hot Pompelo

OF DRINK H T MON

Nook

Story by Jeannie Dubois, Photo by Jack Barten

here is always a halcyon atmosphere at Nook when one walks in—the clean lines of the surrounding bar and open-air kitchen, the bright, sun-drenched sense of the space itself, the soft drift of the next delicious woodfired pizza wafting toward you on its way out of the oven. Level up and you get to the tastefully curated cocktail menu, which is currently highlighting a spicy spin on the classic Paloma. Combine gin, grapefruit, and lime juice with in-house chili- infused Aperol and a hint of simple syrup to provide the perfect foil for the spice, and you have a sultry spring hit in your hand. All the refreshing notes of juicy, tropical fruit with a zesty finish to round it out—I say bring on the sweet heat!

Nook 271 Bay Street (807) 285-7775

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Food

The Tilted Turret Pinball Pub

E OFF TH U N E M

Story and photo by Jack Barten

t’s been just over a year since The Tilted Turret opened its doors to the pinball-loving public of Thunder Bay. Quickly becoming a local favourite, the bar is one of Thunder Bay's more unique venues. Offering a traditional bar setup on the first floor and an ensemble of pinball machines on the upper floor, The Turret has something for everyone—and that now includes pizza. Due to popular demand and after much anticipation, The Tilted Turret is now offering in-house pizza as a weekly feature. It's hard for one to think of a combination as iconic as

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a game of pinball at the local arcade and a classic pizza pie with friends. This made the absence of pizza especially noticeable to the patrons, says owner Steve Dean. “We have had panzerottis on the menu for a long time, But people kept asking us to do a pizza,” he says. With the angry mob closing in, Dean purchased a stone oven for pizzas and used the existing panzerotti ingredients to make the perfect pie. “We make the sauce and the dough fresh inhouse and use fresh toppings for the pizza,” Dean adds. The Tilted Turret’s pizza

seems purpose-built. With a generous amount of cheese and sauce over a golden crust, this is the perfect, nostalgic, arcade-style pizza. With a variety of toppings including pepperoni, bacon, black olives, onions, ham, and green peppers, there is a combination for everyone. For this reviewer's pizza experience, we went with pepperoni, onions, and green peppers. At 14 inches, the pie is the right size for one person’s dinner or a group snack. Speaking of groups, we should circle back to the crust. Everyone has arguments with

friends about thick crust versus thin; no matter what camp you may find yourself in, this pizza is the perfect crust. It’s thin but still has a great volume to it, offering a satisfying and not overwhelming bite. It’s always nice when public demand creates a great product, and the Tilted Turret pizza proves this. Many friendships will experience strain over who has the highest score on their chosen pinball machine, and many friendships will be repaired over a slice of pizza if the group decides to go off the menu.

“We make the sauce and the dough fresh in-house and use fresh toppings for the pizza.” The Tilted Turret Pinball Pub 135 Archibald Street North (807) 285-1116

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Food

Poppy’s Picnics A Pop-Up Picnic Experience Story and photos by Paul Krasauskas

 Poppy’s Picnics owner Vicki Lee

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icnics are a fundamental dining experience of any nature-loving community, and Thunder Bay is one of the most outdoor-loving cities out there. Poppy’s Picnics, a new pop-up picnic service opening this month, will bring the picnic to you, where you want it, when you want it—outdoors or indoors, at a park or in your living room, anytime of year. Poppy’s Picnics owner Vicki Lee and her husband Stephen are originally from northwestern Ontario, and lived in British Columbia for a couple of years before moving back. The couple enjoyed date nights with a popular pop-up picnic business while out west, but when Lee looked to repeat that experience in Thunder Bay, she could not find a similar one. “I thought it would be a great date night for me and my husband, and I thought the people of Thunder Bay would really love this. I thought it would be a great opportunity for people to meet and greet outside,” she says, of starting her own picnic business in Thunder Bay. A pop-up picnic has everything a traditional picnic has, but everything is set up for the customer. The setting, tableware, seating, and cleaning are all taken care of, so there is nothing to worry about except the company

you’re keeping. The current choices for arrangement are a low table with cushions, rugs, and poufs for seating, with all cutlery and tableware provided. The dishwashing is also taken care of. Poppy’s has partnered with Carte Blanche cafe on Oliver Road to provide a food option with charcuterie, or the customer can furnish their own meal. “Right now, we offer four different options: picnic with food or without food, and double picnic with food or without food,” Lee says. A regular picnic is for a couple and the double picnic is for two couples. Pop-up picnics are perfect for any two- to fourperson occasion: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, retirements, or just a way to say thank you to someone, and they can even provide an inflatable bubble to protect your picnic from less-thanideal weather. Large events like retirement parties and special holiday get-togethers might be in the future, but for right now they are catering to more of a date night or intimate lunch— something that is more special than a quick restaurant meal. For more information please visit poppyspicnics.com and follow on Instagram @poppys.picnics

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Food

Norteños Taqueria Expands into Iconic Location on Red River Road By Roxann Shapwaykeesic

amie Baratta and brother Dillon Baratta have partnered with Keith Buna to open a second, larger location for their Mexican restaurant Norteños Taqueria, which translates roughly into “northern taco shop.” At the former iconic Apollo Bar location on Red River Road, Jamie hopes to create a laidback atmosphere for patrons to enjoy Mexican food in a cantina setting. “We have room for 150plus seats, a bigger bar, and to have TVs set up for sporting events,” says Jamie. The stage was expanded to host live entertainment and Latin dance groups. They hope to have salsa nights, DJs, and possibly karaoke. Jamie took the culinary program at Confederation College and was inspired during his years living in Mexico and Lima, Peru. “In Mexico, I was going to the market every day and buying fresh ingredients and learning about different peppers, different spices, and different cooking methods. But when the pandemic started I came home.” Jamie and Dillon “made tacos one night,” and that’s when they decided to open the first Norteños Taqueria location in Westfort in October 2020. They operated mainly on a take-out model, then later added a patio in the summers. They can also be found on Skip the Dishes. “We make [our tacos] all in-

house. We make all the shells, the dough,” he says. “We try to serve them exactly like you would find on the street. We tried to keep everything as Mexican as possible.” At the new location, Norteños Cantina, the tacos will be the same as they are in Westfort, and the basic menu will be the same. “Our most popular dish is probably the birria tacos. We have three tortillas, and we dip them in beef broth and then fry them on the flat top. Then we add cheese and our braised beef. We started making a burrito ramen as well. We use bone broth and put that in a cup with the tacos and some limes. You get three crispy beef and cheese tacos and a little broth beside it.” The new location will offer typical bottled beer, craft beer on tap, and cocktails, with a goal to have something for everyone. They will also have a variety of tequilas and mezcals to make margaritas and specialized drinks. “The goal is to have a relaxed environment where people can be themselves because that’s what a cantina is.” Once the final kitchen renovations are completed, the location will likely open in late spring. Norteños Cantina is also available to book private parties until then.

 Jamie Baratta, co-owner and head chef of Norteños Taqueria, at the new cantina  The new cantina will host live entertainment and Latin dance groups

For more information, visit nortenostaqueria. com.

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Food

Once you’ve got the white and brown down (no need for fancy, they’re likely going to get mixed), pick some easy-drinking bar standards to flesh out your offerings. Think:

Red Wine

Craft Cider

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Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

White Wine

Spade & Sparrows Pinot Grigio

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Lonetree Authentic Dry Cider

Craft Seltzer

Sandbagger Hard Seltzer (lemon with a hint of lime)

$2.95 for 355 ml

Craft Ale

Left Field Brewery Ice Cold Beer

$2.95 for 355 ml

Basic Bar Essentials 101

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By Jeannie Dubois, Pommelier and Sommelier

he approach of summer happily presages a celebratory season; besides opening up camp and setting up the patio, it’s high time for both indoor and outdoor parties, be it wedding or anniversary, shags or showers, birthdays or reunions (let’s be honest, we all do it better when we have more than six hours of sunlight and temperature is above zero degrees!). If you land on hosting duty for one of these happy events and bar duties ensue, don’t sweat the small stuff—the essentials are easy to procure. Industry standards are to have on hand a few tools of the trade to be able to make up the most asked-for drinks. If you can stock a shaker and solid glass, strainer and shot glass, muddler and long stirring

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spoon, you’re pretty much set. As per liquid needs, it essentially lands on white and brown, so the short list is to stock a rye, scotch and dark rum for your browns and vodka, white rum, gin and tequila for your whites. The outliers to flesh out basic cocktail recipes include an orange-flavoured liqueur such as Cointreau, and a bittering vermouth such as Martini & Rossi. Throw in some lemons and limes to juice and garnish, simple syrup to amp it up, and a load of soda and tonic for the mix, and you’re set up to serve! Glassware can look as simple as what’s on hand, but if you want to stock for certain styles, have a few old fashioned (short glasses), high ball (tall glasses), martini, and wine glasses for service set out.

Be sure to grab up at least a couple of bags of ice (always necessary) and don’t hesitate to throw your iPad up on the bar so that you can easily shake up the Negroni that your uncle asks for (you’ve got this!). O t h e r o p t i o n s a re o f t e n preferable as well, so have a red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon), a white wine (perhaps a Pinot Grigio), an easy-drinking beer (I can’t help but recommend a craft beer), and a dry-style cider or seltzer for the non-cocktail crowd. Summation: don’t overthink it. Tom Cruise had Cocktail, but you can make a cocktail too—just stock, stir and truly enjoy being the host with the most that you are!

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FilmTheatre

Gerry Dee

Comedian Returns to Thunder Bay This Month By Kris Ketonen

t’s been a busy spring for Gerry Dee. The comedian has not only embarked on a new, cross-Canada stand-up tour—which includes a stop in Thunder Bay—but he’s also returning to the sitcom world. In recent months, Dee has been flying back and forth to Vancouver to film a part in the new show Animal Control, which premiered on Fox on February 16. Dee called the show a “big opportunity.” “You hope to break into the U.S. market,” Dee says. “Step one is to get on a show, and that’s what we’re doing. [...] Step two is the show’s gotta do well. [...] If the show does well, things generally fall into place and can lead to other things. But I really have learned in my time in this business to not count on anything, and just take it for what it is, enjoy it, and if it leads to something, great.” In May, Dee will be taking the stage at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, part of his Best Medicine tour. “I think people are missing comedy,” Dee says, adding tickets are “selling really

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well.” “I think people are ready to get out and laugh and socialize, as we’re seeing, and hopefully that doesn’t change.” And Dee is excited to get back to Thunder Bay. “I haven’t been there in a while,” he says of the city. “I always enjoyed going there, so it’s nice to get it back in the routing.” “It’s going to be a very different show, if anyone saw me last time,” he adds. “I don’t think I’ve been there in four or five years.” The tour and Animal Control aren’t the only projects in the works for Dee: the comedian is also working on a new book, which he says should hit shelves sometime around Christmas 2023. “It’s a busy time, and I’m excited about everything,” he says. Gerry Dee performs at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on May 5. For more information, visit gerrydee.com.

“I think people are ready to get out and laugh and socialize, as we’re seeing, and hopefully that doesn’t change.”

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FilmTheatre

Into the Woods

All The Daze’s Happily Ever After for the Theatre Season Story by Taylor Onski, Photos by Dan Lloyd

hen the teens of All the Daze Productions were asked what musical they wanted to do for their graduating year, they chose to venture into the woods… literally. Now, a multigenerational cast of 35 local actors will be bringing Into the Woods to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. The story follows a baker and his wife, who are trying to find four fairy-tale laced items that will reverse the witch’s curse of them not being able to have a child. Along the way, the two encounter many characters from Brothers Grimm fairy tales, such as Jack, Little Red, and Cinderella, who have also gone into the woods to find their happily ever after. Partnering with Rob MacLeod’s Capitol Players and local theatre performers, this cast has been working and learning from one another in more ways than one. “The adults learn a lot from the youth because of their flexibility, spontaneity, and willingness to work hard,” says director Marcia Arpin. “While the youth watch these people

who have been performing for decades and see their discipline, professionalism, and work ethic.” One of those youth actors is 15-year-old Jayce Jerrard. He plays an unnamed prince, who is not the smartest or most charming prince in these woods, and says taking on the part was a challenging but exciting process. “Learning the songs for the first time, they’re pretty complicated,” he says. “But when you get everyone together and get it right, it's super fun.” While those songs may be complex, Arpin says all her actors come together as a beautiful orchestra that carries the musical’s story. The success of this is largely due to this production’s ensemble focus. Maidens, princes, trees, frogs, and birds all work together to bring the woods to life. “Because we have so many actors, it’s not just about the stereotypical leads at the forefront of the story. We have other little nuances and vignettes that are happening throughout the production as well, so it's a fuller stage and fuller story.”

 Hudson Morash

Into the Woods runs May 31 and June 1 at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. To purchase tickets, visit tbca.com. For more information about All the Daze Productions, visit allthedaze.ca.

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FilmTheatre

Ingaged Creative Productions Company a ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for Project, Event Management By Kris Ketonen

orey Anderson and the team at Indigenousowned marketing and events company Ingaged Creative Productions welcome any challenges that come their way. Anderson, managing director, describes Ingaged as a “one-stop-shop”: the company offers a number of services, including event planning, printing, graphic design, photography, and strategic services. “We really care about what we do,” says Anderson, who has roots in Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay) First Nation. “If I take pride in anything, it’s the relationships

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that we’ve built, and it’s the team that we have.” “We’ll figure it out,” he continues. “Tell us what you’re having a super-hard time with. [...] Why aren’t you, say, getting the youth in your communities engaged? What’s missing? And we’ll sort that out. And some of these tasks are Herculean, but we’ve been able to do it.” Communication and culture remain at the centre of the work Ingaged does, says Anderson, who was recently named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the 31st Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) Awards. “There’s little things that are lost in nuance

that are incredibly important,” he says. “If you’re thinking in, let’s say, this black-and-white kind of approach, as a lot of Canadian business is, or as a lot of government is—like this is right, there is wrong—that’s why things don’t work, or they don’t work well. It's a square peg, round hole.” “So that’s one of our biggest focuses, really trying to bridge those gaps,” he adds. “It’s always engagement. It comes down to communication. Just being aware of those nuances saves incredible amounts of time, energy, effort, so forth—to make sure that whatever the

objective or the outcome is actually comes to fruition.” But one thing Anderson says Ingaged never does is provide a cookie-cutter solution. “It’s very relationshipfocused,” Anderson says. “Whatever your objective is, we’re going to tailor or customize everything to that.” “In Ontario alone, I think there’s 174 First Nation communities, there’s an infinite amount of dialects,” he says. “There’s so many little things like that that we’re super, super aware of, and because of that awareness, it works super well.”

(L–R) Andrew Silen, Corey Anderson, and Shaynah Twance of Ingaged Creative Productions

“If I take pride in anything, it’s the relationships that we’ve built, and it’s the team that we have”

For more information, visit ingaged.ca.

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FilmTheatre

Movies About Trash and Renewal By Michael Sobota

THE ST ND MOLE O C E S B A R PLEASUG WE THIN HE DO IN TK DAR

A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES

I believe the world is a better place if people aren’t lying. -George (Alfred Molina) in Love Is Strange

eddings are often the subject for movies because of their rituals and frequent visual extravagance. Even the ones held in front of a Justice of the Peace or in a family backyard can provide drama and sometimes comedy. I have attended dozens of weddings, some held in large hotels and two held just in hotel rooms. I have also been a member of official wedding parties. But films bump up those experiences to a wide-screen platform that heightens the excitement (and thankfully shortens the usual duration). Here are four incredible wedding movies worthy of revisiting.

Wedding in White (1972)

The Wedding Banquet (1993)

This was Canadian director William Fruet’s first feature film, based on his original stage play of the same name. It is a Canadian tragedy. The story is set in the early 1940s in a small town in the Maritimes. Jeannie (Carol Kane) is a naive 16-year-old girl, whose brother Jimmie comes home in the summer on furlough from the army, bringing with him his buddy Billy. During a night of heavy drinking, Billy rapes Jeannie, and both boys walk away from the incident. When Jeannie discovers she is pregnant, she tells her mom (Doris Petrie) and dad (Donald Pleasance). Her father beats her—remember this is the 1940s, and a small town—and during his own night of heavy drinking hatches a scheme to marry her off to one of his buddies, who happens to be 60 years old. What holds this dark drama together is the calibre of the ensemble, as the performances are stellar. The movie won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Feature Film in 1972.

This is the movie that launched Ang Lee's feature film career. Working from a script he cowrote with Neil Peng and James Schamus, he creates the most lavish wedding banquet I have ever seen on the screen. And while that set piece is important, most of the comedy and drama takes place before we get to that banquet, and in the consequences that follow it. Wai-Tung (Winston Chao) and Simon (Mitchell Lichtenstein) are a couple happily living together in New York. Wai-Tung is not out to his parents, who live in Taiwan and constantly pressure him to marry. Simon suggests that Wai-Tung get married to WeiWei (May Chin), a tenant in their apartment building who needs a green card to stay in the U.S. Wai-Tung reluctantly agrees, but when his parents find out, they fly over to attend the wedding. When the ceremony is held in a civil service at city hall, his parents are embarrassed. The lavish wedding banquet then occurs as a “proper” way to celebrate this momentous occasion. Lee keeps the pace moving with constant plot twists and complications. The cast is a cross-cultural marvel.

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

Directed by Mike Newell from a screenplay by Richard Curtis, Four Weddings and a Funeral became the British film box office success of that decade. The title reveals the structure. During the first wedding, we meet a group of characters we will follow through all the others to its conclusion. Taking place over one summer in both England and Scotland, the central characters are Charles (Hugh Grant) and Carrie (Andie MacDowell), who, despite being smitten from their first meeting (and bedding) at the first wedding, don’t manage to officially “tie the knot” until after the fourth wedding. Grant introduces the trademark somewhat shy, fumbling, stuttering, and blinking bachelor he will play in a dozen subsequent films. MacDowell is charming—at times radiant, at times bright but bland. They are surrounded by a terrific bunch of diverse characters played by some of Britain's finest actors, including Kristin Scott Thomas, Simon Callow, Corin Redgrave, and Rowan Atkinson, who stays just shy of his later Mr. Bean performances. The most serious moment is, of course, the funeral where John Hannah delivers a stunning eulogy built off of W.H. Auden’s poem “Funeral Blues.”

Love is Strange (2014) This might be the most ordinary, recognizable wedding film in this intense, short list. The movie begins with a wedding. We see George (Alfred Molina) and Ben (John Lithgow) getting up, dressing, and dashing out onto a New York Street attempting to get a cab en route to this wedding. The wedding is theirs. Ira Sachs directs a terrific ensemble cast from a script he co-wrote with Mauricio Zacharias. The film is a celebration of naturalism and recognizable, ordinary circumstances. Molina and Lithgow are allowed to look old, dowdy, and a bit paunchy. It is an examination of love across generations and the complications of parenting and other family relationships. It features a solid performance from a new teenage actor, Charlie Tahan, who plays a minor but pivotal role and who is given the emotionally heartopening conclusion to the film. This may be Sachs and Zacharias’s finest screenplay collaboration.

And here are six more weddings for your virtual attendance: The Sound of Music (1965), Muriel’s Wedding (1994), Margot at The Wedding (2007), The Perfect Wedding (2012), Do You Take This Man (2016), and A Very Sordid Wedding (2017).

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Taking a Final Bow

FilmTheatre

End of an Era for Mile Hill Melodrama By Tonya Muchano

fter producing more than 30 years of topnotch rural community theatre, Mile Hill Melodrama is taking its final bow. The South Gillies-based theatre company was originally formed as a way for people to get together with friends and have something to do during the winter. “My sister was visiting from her home, […] where she [had] been involved in community theatre. […] It look[ed] like a whole lot of fun and a good way to help pass the winter months,” writes founding member Thelma Molkoski in a memoir commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Gillies Township. Molkoski put the idea to her friends and they jumped on board. They settled on a comedy called Terror Walks Tonight. With no budget and no materials, the group used their own money to build and paint the set, and borrowed furniture and costumes from their own homes and closets. Glenn Graham was in that first play. “We figured we’d do one show to a small audience of our families and friends,” he says. “I don’t think any of us could have predicted we’d still be performing 30 years later.” That first production played to a packed house at the Gillies Community Centre, with standing room only. It seemed the community was hungry for local evening entertainment. Mile Hill Melodrama was born. Although that first audience was mainly people connected to Gillies, it didn’t take long for the group to start drawing audiences from further afield. By the early 2000s, Mile Hill was producing two plays a

season and selling out every run. They became known for their outrageous comedies and farces, although they didn’t shy away from more complex, subtly humorous pieces as well. Over the years Mile Hill Melodrama has become more than just a community theatre company. When their home, the Gillies Community Centre, was threatened with permanent closure due to safety and financial issues in 2000, Mile Hill members stepped up to save it. They’ve used theatre funds to support community members during times of crisis, created a bursary for high school theatre students, and provided regular donations to the rural food bank. It’s fair to say that Mile Hill Melodrama, though started on a whim, became a touchstone in Gillies, and a model for what true community-building looks like. “It has been a huge part of our lives,” Graham says. “Most of our closest friends are connected to Mile Hill. Our kids grew up with it, too. They were little when we all started and we’d just bring them along to rehearsals. Many of the group’s kids took to the stage themselves at different times. It’s so much more than theatre.” Though the group is retiring, this isn’t necessarily the end for rural community theatre in Gillies. Some of the existing members have their sights on forming a new company under a new name. They hope to draw in a new generation of creators and entertainers, and continue the legacy that Mille Hill has left behind.

 Mile Hill Melodrama’s last play, A Nice Family Christmas

 Crossing Delancey  Actor and director Nigel Jackson sits in the Gillies Community Centre

“I don’t think any of us could have predicted we’d still be performing 30 years later” The Walleye

TheArts

Sharing Stories A Collaborative Experience of Memories

Story by Leah Morningstar, Photos courtesy of Rachael Rosenvard and Crystal Sohlman

S  (L-R) Rachael Rosenvard and Crystal Sohlman

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ince its opening over a year ago, the Co.Lab Gallery and Arts Centre at Goods & Co. Market is quickly becoming a local hotspot for established and emerging artists. This month is no different, as Co.Lab will be showcasing a collaboration between two Thunder Bay artists, Rachael Rosenvard and Crystal Sohlman, in the exhibition Sharing Stories. Rosenvard is a painter who adores bright colours and specializes in whimsical renderings of storybook characters and adorable fauna and flora. She’s been painting for years but occasionally branches out into other mediums like crochet, ink, and a myriad of crafts. Sohlman is a talented potter who was instrumental in getting the Clay Collective in Goods & Co. up and running. She’s well known for her bright blue Lake Superior plates and loves experimenting with new glazes on the mugs, bowls, and plates she creates in her home studio. In the fall of 2022,

Rosenvard and Sohlman were new acquaintances, just getting to know each other. They realized they had a lot in common as artists, but also as mothers who had watched their children grow from babies into fine young adults. Rosenvard mentioned to Sohlman that she used to wish for her very own secret garden as a child. This led to conversations about the fanciful bits of magic and whimsy scattered throughout their lives. “As we continued talking and getting to know each other and sharing stories, it was interesting to realize how much of our experiences and memories overlapped,” Sohlman says. Both artists knew that their shared experiences would likely resonate with others as well, and they wanted to express them in the best way they knew how: through their art. The hope is that others will see these unique pottery and painted pieces and recognize their own magical childhoods or parenting experiences.

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Rosenvard says that “things like flying kites and swinging at the playground and hunting for bugs and picnics in the park are all quintessential childhood experiences. We wanted to capture the magical memories of childhood for us, but also for other people too.” And they’ve done just that. Through pottery and paint, Sohlman and Rosenvard have created something truly magical. Perhaps if you visit

the exhibition at CoLab, you’ll be inspired and delighted by these recognizable stories. You might even be inspired to start sharing stories of your own. Sharing Stories runs from May 6–21, with an opening event on May 6 from 11 am to 1 pm. For more information, visit colabgallery.ca. Managing cash ﬂow efﬁciently

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Wedding Dress with Veil

HE FROM T BAY R E THUND ERY’S LL A G T R A CTION E L L CO

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By Penelope Smart, Curator, Thunder Bay Art Gallery Artist: Deborah Pitawanakwat, Anishawbae M’Chigeeng Title: Wedding Dress with Veil Date: 1980s Medium: Deer hide, textile, glass beads, feathers, tin cones Size: 144 x 77 cm Collection of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, From Our Hands Collection, Gift of the Ontario Government, 1985 or the Wedding issue, why not feature one of the most beautiful vintage dresses in town? This wedding dress and veil is a showstopping garment in our collection. Designer Deborah Pitawanakwat’s dress from the mid-80s infuses Indigenous aesthetics with contemporary materials and high fashion. The front is a hand-sewn deer skin bodice with a square neckline of white and silver beads. White feathers cascade in layers down the front of the skirt to create an effect of softness and lightness. Added details of fringe, braiding, beading and feather trim on the sleeves add to delicateness of the design. Imagine it worn with the veil, which features glass beads and feathers—it would be like floating on air. It’s

truly majestic for the modern bride who wants to make a statement. Deborah Pitawanakwat, pictured in a stylish white suit in a photo, is an Anishinaabe fashion designer from West Bay, Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Her designs combine her interpretations of the Indigenous traditions and the contemporary fashion world. Pitawanakwat graduated from George Brown College's fashion program. She displayed her designs in 1984 as part of the In the Spirit of Sharing, A Festival of Thanksgiving event in West Bay. This dress is one of 16 pieces we have by the designer, which include innovative casual and formal wear such as a women’s ribbon shawl and skirt (in addition to a more traditional ribbon skirt), armbands, belt, and collar with tie. While all her pieces share her vision and designer’s eye, the wedding dress represents a stunning moment in bridal fashion and holds a special place in our collection.

 Deborah Pitawanakwat

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TheArts

A Tribute to an Artist and Friend

55 Plus Centre to Host Exhibit and Sale By Pat Forrest

he work of a renowned Thunder Bay artist, the late Greg Zelinski, along with paintings by many of his students will be the focus of the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre’s upcoming art exhibit and sale taking place at the centre on River Street. Zelinski, who died in 2020, was widely recognized for his talent as a watercolour artist, including receiving awards from the Canada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council awards, among others. Lisa Galon, the City of Thunder Bay’s program and marketing coordinator for older adult programs and services, says that Zelinski, who had taught at the centre since its opening 1991, was much loved by his hundreds of students. “Greg was one of the nicest and most talented people I’ve ever known,” Galon says. “He made his classes so much fun that many of his students would just continue to take his classes over and over for years. He was kind, encouraging and patient with everyone.” The centre’s last exhibit and sale was held in 2019 and, with Zelinski’s passing, the staff, volunteers and program participants have been anxiously waiting for the opportunity to celebrate the man, his art, and the works of those he mentored. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of styles and media

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in the centre’s auditorium, including watercolours, acrylics and even photography, with often more than 100 works of art on display. Galon says that people are often amazed at the level of professionalism they’re seeing at the show. “I’m often blown away by the calibre of the work our participants are able to produce after just eight or ten weeks of instruction,” she says. The event gets underway with an opening reception on May 26 from 7 to 9 pm, and the exhibit will continue to be open during the centre’s operating hours until May 31. Admission is by silver collection, with funds going to a variety of good causes, including covering the tuition for those who can’t afford to pay for a class, buying art supplies, and supporting the centre’s art programming. In Zelinski’s obituary, it was noted he once said, “what it all comes down to in life is love” and that his art and life reflected that belief in every way. The Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre’s upcoming art exhibit and sale is an opportunity for people to show their love for this beloved and passionate artist. For more information, visit facebook.com/ tbay55pluscentre.

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Collaborate, Cultivate, Create Making Art Together with Nature By Amy Sellors

 (L–R) Julia Tribe, Tuija Hansen, Judi Vinni, and Julie Rosenthal

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illow Springs Creative Centre in Kaministiquia is a special place. Established as a not-for-profit in 2006, Willow Springs specializes in inclusive art, therapeutic gardening, and food programs. They partner with professional artists, horticultural therapists and gardeners, skilled cooks and bakers, and other talented facilitators to reach their goals. “At Willow Springs we create art with nature and natural materials. Plus, we layer therapeutic gardening into our programming,” says Judi Vinni, coordinator and co-founder. “Throughout the pandemic it was evident how people returned to gardening and being in nature, and how healing nature was to them. That’s what we’ve always been doing. We are excited that more people are recognizing that.” Coming out of the pandemic, the artists at Willow Springs realized how much they had missed community and collaboration. But this inability to connect with each other due to COVID also allowed them to focus more on the art of making. Before the pandemic, when an arts organization wanted to do a show, the project leaders would become consumed with the business around the art. COVID was a reminder of the value and necessity of taking the time to engage in the practice of making. With this new understanding, Willow Springs presents Donning Nature, a two-year project that will culminate in an interactive art exhibit and wearable eco fashion show in August 2024. “That’s our big finale,” says Vinni. “We always do short projects, and we never have time. We’re planning and presenting. Our art is pushed aside. We need

to reconnect, not just facilitate for others. We want to develop our craft more.” Donning Nature explores the symbiotic relationship we have with nature and our imaginative selves, and follows the four seasons. It began in September 2022, and through the past winter, the project team planned and shared ideas. Now, with the arrival of spring, they are sowing seeds—connecting with other artists, and gathering together to see what art will grow. To that end, they will host a Spring Makers Retreat on May 6 at the newly renovated Lappe Ski Centre, and they want to connect with you. “We’re calling on people in the area who work with natural materials, especially local natural materials. We’ll share different techniques, and have hands-on collaborative workshops,” says Vinni. They are hoping to connect with local artisans who create with wool, metal, twigs, reeds, roots, bark, clay, leaves, hides, water, stones, cotton, linen and more. The focus is growth, so makers of all ages and levels of ability are welcome. The project team is led by Julia Tribe, an artist with over 30 years experience in costume and set design for theatre, along with extensive work in community arts. The three project artists are fibre artist Tuija Hansen, felting and textile artist Julie Rosenthal, and Vinni herself, who is a willow artisan. At the Spring Makers Retreat, the artists will share strategies for ethical and sustainable foraging of natural materials, and help makers to engage in an exploratory process, revealing new ways to work with nature. “While spruce root, birchbark, and stone may be all around you, it may not be good for the

environment to take what you see,” says Vinni. Participants can choose two of the six morning workshops. The afternoon will be filled with collaborative art making and sharing of techniques. The fall will bring more workshops, and nature will supply new materials. Participants can choose to be part of the final interactive event in whatever way works for them. They can bring work to exhibit, collaborate with others, and/or enjoy the show as an audience member. Willow Springs also

plans to profile as many local makers as possible on their social media pages throughout the project “People want people to feel connected again,” says Vinni. “We are coming together, collaborating, and being in sync with nature. We’re facilitating the passing down of old skills, and we’re seeing what different people do with natural materials.” “So many artists talk about how the landscape of the north is their inspiration. We want to facilitate that.”.

TheArts

For more information, find Willow Springs Creative Centre on Facebook and Instagram, or visit willowspringscreativecentre.ca.

“At Willow Springs we create art with nature and natural materials.”  Hanna Wheatley

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TheArts

A Bold Take on Northern Beauty

Artist Robbie Craig Holds Pop-Up Shop By Kim Latimer, photos submitted by artist Robbie Craig

 Better Together

ibbons of brilliant monochromatic shades of green are the northern lights weaving and wrapping their way above a tiny, isolated cabin. Their reflection peeks through cracks of ice and open water below. A single cubist plume of smoke rises into an enigmatic night sky. The work of Robbie Craig will stop you in your tracks. These northern scenes feel familiar, but Craig’s unique interpretation offers a bright, even luminescent new spin; his interpretations of the skies and layers around the moon, stars, clouds and northern lights are stunning and the longer you look, the more you see. Craig’s approach is abstract, with dynamic geometry and a touch of cubism. It comes as no surprise he admires many of the Canadian greats, like The Group of Seven, Ted Harrison, and Emily Carr. He

 The Quest

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attributes his bold colour choices and graphic style to “getting lost in comic books” when he was young. The work comes from a deeply northern perspective. “When I first started painting, I was living in a small, isolated, northern community. I think the feeling of isolation and not yet knowing a lot of people in my new home led me to look inward and explore something that was familiar from my past,” he says. “Channeling energy into the creative process of sketching, mixing paint, and exploring my own style also positively influenced my mental health. It was a way to express myself and let go. I would often get lost in the process, the hours seemingly melting away as I created something from nothing.” Like many artists, sharing his work leaves him feeling

vulnerable, but he says it has also been a journey that has taken him across the country and has opened doors to greater artistic opportunity. “One of the most special [artistic] moments for me was when I was asked to create the 2023 ‘The Quest’ poster. This is an international dogsled race that happens each year, starting in Alaska and finishing in Whitehorse,” he says. “It was such an honour to be part of and when I asked to see an example previous poster, I was sent a previous poster created by one of my inspirations, Ted Harrison.” Coincidence? Hardly. Keep an eye out for this rising northern artist. Don’t miss the chance to see Craig’s artwork up close in Thunder Bay on May 6 and 7 at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Arthur Street. The pop-up shop is free to attend and open to the public.

 The Yukon  Fox Portrait

TheArts

 The Thaw

For more information, visit rcraig.org.

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TheArts

SAND A THOURDS WO

Heart and Soul

Photographer Carly Dowhos Captures Small Moments on Big Days Story by Bonnie Schiedel, Photos by Carly Dowhos

“I

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really never thought of myself as an artist, or even any kind of creative, for the majority of my life,” says Thunder Bay photographer Carly Dowhos. In her early 20s, however, she began getting into photography. “It started as just a goal to have decent photos of my travels and moments in life. And from there, it just really quickly turned into a passion and really awakened not just my love for photography, but this new creative side of myself that I had for a long time neglected.” Now, she believes that everyone can be an artist. “To me, it’s not something that you’re just born with or without, but something you can choose to really nurture and teach.” Dowhos has a degree in biology, but it was immediately after graduation that she fell in love with photography and started teaching herself via online videos and workshops. She launched her photography business, Life as She Knows It, in early 2020. When the pandemic lockdowns quickly halted her specialities— lifestyle photography for couples and families, and particularly destination weddings and elopements— Dowhos turned the time-out into an opportunity. “I took

 Summertime Family

a lot of time to just learn and learn. […] And coming out the other side, people were really excited to start doing things with photos again, so it kind of worked out great,” she says, adding that she built her portfolio with non-paid and commercial shoots during that time as well. What’s her favourite thing to shoot? “Definitely weddings. I love weddings. I just love the busyness to them. I love all the different little pockets of emotion. I love the excitement of them; you never really know going into a wedding exactly what is going to happen.” Forging a connection with her subjects is essential. “You can have the best gear or the best technique, [but] you have to be able to create emotion. And I think I do this by looking at each couple, each family, each person as a puzzle, and I just really love getting to put the pieces together and tell their story.” One of Dowhos’s most memorable photo series is one that tells a longtime love story, when she happened to meet her brother-in-law’s grandparents on their 79th wedding anniversary. “What I thought was going to be a couple of portraits really turned into following them

around for a few hours and learning their stories. I got to take pictures of him in his old art studio and her flipping through all these photo albums and just telling all these

stories of how they moved from Denmark to Canada together and raised this beautiful family and you know, kisses on the cheeks and holding hands. It was really special.”

TheArts Tech Specs

Camera: Nikon Z 7II Lenses: NIKKOR S range

To see more work by Carly Dowhos, visit @lifeas.sheknowsit on Instagram or lifeasheknowsitphotography.ca.

 Costa Rica

 Photographer Carly Dowhos

 Scala dei Turchi, Sicily

 Motherhood

 Paris Elopement  Cabo

 Newborn Moments

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Outdoor

“The thrill is seeing these birds in those small pockets of time, and sometimes catching sight of incredibly rare birds as well”

 Blue jay

 Whiskey jack

Birds of a Feather Story and photos by Jesse Milani

ay brings many simple, natural joys: snow banks melting, flowers blossoming, and the sound of birds during their annual spring migration, when birds that migrated south to avoid the harsh winter weather make their way back north for the summer. Birding is one of those hobbies that sneaks up on you. One day you may ask yourself, “That’s a pretty little bird, I wonder what it is?” A few years later, you’re identifying every bird call you hear as you travel along a trail, while simultaneously trying to photograph every bird that flies within your view. Birding doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby by any means. The Merlin Bird ID app is a free bird identification guide that can be used by new birders directly from your

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smartphone. And for those who prefer a handheld paper guide, The Sibley Guide to Birds by David Allen Sibley is the gold standard of birding guides. Locally, you can visit the McKellar Island Bird Observatory, run by John and Maureen Woodcock, who band hundreds of birds every spring and fall during the annual migration. Bird banding is a research tool that provides vital data about birds and the environments in which they live. Migratory birds are captured (briefly) in nets and banded with a numbered metal band placed on the leg, with the bander recording information about the bird and when it was banded. The observatory accepts visitors of all ages who are interested in learning from a bird biologist.

As well, the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority hosts the annual Dorion Birding Festival on May 27 and 28. The two-day event takes place at the Hurkett Cove Conservation Area, where local experts offer their knowledge to new and experienced participants. Whether you are visiting the observatory, joining the LRCA at Hurkett Cove at the end of May, or simply enjoying identifying birds from your front window, birding can be done just about anywhere at a very low cost. Bird watching is an excuse to go somewhere, sit quietly immersed in some natural surroundings, and observe everything. The thrill is

Outdoor

seeing these birds in those small pockets of time, and sometimes catching sight of incredibly rare birds as well. There are many species that are threatened and endangered, so getting a glimpse of them should not be taken lightly. Whether you’re looking at a mature bald eagle perched in a tree or a small black-capped chickadee in your front yard, that moment is just a glimpse into their world. There is a quote by Sigurd F. Olson that always sticks with me regarding the spring birding season: “Only when one comes to listen, only when one is aware and still, can things be seen and heard.” Happy birding.

 Bohemian waxwing

 Black-capped chickadee

 Bald eagle

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CityScene

 (L–R) Brody and Gwen Marsonet and Beverly and Bryan Barlow of Borderlands Farm stand in the wool mill building.  Dyed wool - “What [Beverly] has really become known for— especially at the market—is the creativity that goes into dyeing and the range of colours, and the depth of colour she gets,” Marsonet says. “So she washes, dyes, and then from there it’s called ‘carding,’ it’s basically aligning the fibres in the right direction.”

Borderlands Farm

WALL SPACE

Story and photos by Adrian Lysenko

ig things are happening at Borderlands Farm. The sheep farm, located off Highway 61 in Neebing, is transitioning into a fibre mill operation. “We’re very excited to have equipment arriving in June that will take what my mom does now by hand and actually turn it into a process in which we can process our own wool much more efficiently but also process [the wool of] other fibre farms [...] in the area,” says Gwen Marsonet of Borderlands Farm. Marsonet, her husband Brody, and her parents, Beverly and Bryan Barlow, started the roughly 150-acre farm in 2020 by purchasing their first sheep flock and planting garlic. Last year,

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they became a vendor at the Thunder Bay Country Market and began selling wool products. “Northwestern Ontario has never had a fibre mill before,” Marsonet says. “The farms in the area haven’t had an opportunity to have their wool processed locally. [...] Now we can create something that has local value for the farms [and] local value for the customer in terms of a really, truly local product done completely by hand.” For more information, visit borderlandsfarm. ca and follow Beverly Barlow on Instagram @borderhousefibre.

CityScene

 A drum carder used to prepare fibre for spinning.

 Beverly’s spinning wheel for wool.

 Finished product - “[Beverly] has been very prolific with her skills in the fibre arts because she takes the wool and then she’s an artist afterwards as well,” Marsonet says. “So she’s not just processing the wool—she’s turning it into a finished product.”  The sheep of Borderlands Farm.

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NOWW LitFest 2023

CityScene

A Celebration of All Things Lit By Emily Turner

dds are any avid reader of Canadian literature has at least one book by Eric Walters on their bookshelf. From Camp X to The Rule of Three series, if you don’t own one of his books, you probably read him in school at some point—with over a hundred books under his belt, it’s almost inevitable. The Northwestern Ontario’s Writers Workshop (NOWW) is happy to announce this prolific Canadian author will be one of the two keynote speakers sharing their knowledge and experiences in the publishing industry at this year’s LitFest, happening May 12–13 at Definitely Superior Art Gallery and the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel. Joining Walters as the second keynote speaker is Anna Porter: author, scholar, and co-founder of Key Porter publishing house, once one of Canada’s most prominent publishers. Key Porter Books published the works of Margaret Atwood, Jean Chrétien, and Basil Johnston, among many other important Canadians. If you don’t have a book by Walters lying around, you’ll most likely have something published by Porter. With these two headlining the event, this year’s LitFest is guaranteed to not just be a weekend for writers, but for readers as well. If you have any interest

in literature, this weekend is sure to be an informative one. As 2023 marks NOWW’s 25th year as an association, this year’s LitFest is all about celebration. Specifically, it’s about celebrating the resiliency and talent of the writing community in Thunder Bay. The weekend will also see the announcement of this year’s winners of NOWW’s Annual International Writing Contest, a competition NOWW has proudly facilitated since their earliest days in the old Good News Café. The event kicks off on Friday at 4 pm with a joint reading by Porter and Walters, followed by the awards dinner and ceremony, with a keynote speech by Walters and readings from winners in all competing categories. Saturday will feature workshops by Porter and Walters, as well as a luncheon with a keynote speech by Porter. Entershine Bookshop will have books for sale on site, and music will be provided by the Women in Black symphony group. Tickets to the workshops and dinner may be purchased online. Registration is required for all attendees. Visit nowwwriters.ca for more details.

 Canadian author Eric Walters

Paddle Superior Waters Tbay to the Soo

Naturally Superior Adventures On Superior near Wawa naturallysuperior.com The Walleye

Stuff We Like

CityScene

For the May Long Weekend By Kelsey Raynard

2 8

1 Quittin’ Time 24 Pack Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. 712 Macdonell Street As the intro suggests, May Two-Four is incomplete without a “two-four” of beer (for you and your friends to enjoy responsibly, of course). Kick your feet up and truly enjoy the long weekend with a case of Quittin’ Time by Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. This blonde ale is an easydrinking beer best enjoyed ice cold. With a name like Quittin’ Time, it embodies everything we love about the long weekend: rest and relaxation, and the kick-off to the summer camping season.

$51.28

The good ol’ May Two-Four: a double entendre referencing the date around which Victoria Day usually falls, and the slang term for a case of 24 beers. The May long weekend, as most of us know it, is a turning point in Thunder Bay. The walleye fishing season officially opens, the snow is (usually) gone for good, and summer is upon us, at least in our collective minds. While this year’s holiday actually falls on May 22, we will take any excuse to celebrate the end of winter, spend some time outdoors, and have a few brewskis along the way. Here is Stuff We Like for the May Long Weekend.

2 Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

Fresh Air 710 Balmoral Street May in Thunder Bay is unpredictable, to say the least. Will there be sun? Snow? Thunder? Lightning? All of the above? Prepare yourself for whatever weather this long weekend holds with a Nano Puff Jacket by Patagonia. Warm, windproof, and water-resistant, this jacket is lightweight and ready for the elements. Bonus: both the lining and shell are made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes and in a variety of colours.

$285

3 Heartbeat Hot Sticks The Nomad Bakeshop & Sandwich Bar 307 Bay Street Whether you’re fishing, camping, hiking, or simply enjoying the extra day off work, hunger is sure to strike over the long weekend. Handcrafted by CharKuu 102 Charcuterie, these pork and habanero sticks are the perfect lightweight snack to pack for your May Two-Four adventure. Beware: these hot sticks pack a punch in the best way possible (they are made with Heartbeat Hot Sauce, after all). Pair them with some Thunder Oak gouda cheese curds and a Quittin’ Time beer for the quintessential camping snack.

$13.50

Winter Thermal All-Terrain Blundstones 4

J.B. Evans 122 Frederica Street West Please see earlier notes on the unpredictability of May weather. Snow, rain, sun, and sub-zero nighttime temperatures can leave our trails and camping spots tricky to navigate. Walk with confidence in a pair of Blundstone boots—100% waterproof (even the elastics!) and fitted with pure wool footbeds, these boots are guaranteed to retain body heat and keep your toes warm all weekend long. While they do sport a higher price tag, a pair of Blundstones is a worthy investment and will last you for many May Two-Fours to come.

$289.95

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5 Molkky Toy Sense 309 Bay Steet/447 May Street North Move over Cornhole—there’s a new lawn game in town. Molkky is a Finnish outdoor game based on a combination of chance and throwing accuracy. The object of the game is to knock down exactly 50 points worth of wooden pins, and can be played in any outdoor space. Perfect for all ages and levels of ability, Molkky is an excellent way to pass the time outside this May long weekend.

$54.99

6 SealLine Waterproof Dry Sack

Gear Up for Outdoors 894 Alloy Place While we will all be praying for sunshine, we also won’t let a little rain stop us from enjoying the May Two-Four. Keep all of your long weekend gear dry with a waterproof dry sack from SealLine. Available in a variety of colours and in sizes ranging from 5 to 20 litres, these bags offer full waterproof protection with a simple roll-top closure. Whether you’re carrying a backpack full of camping gear or simply a picnic blanket to bring on your hike, these dry sacks are a must.

$Various

7 Grapole Fire Stick Chaltrek 404 Balmoral Street Even though fire season technically starts on April 1st, many of us have our inaugural campfire on May long weekend. Tend to your fire with comfort and ease using the Grapole fire stick, available at Chaltrek. Outfitted with an articulated claw, the Grapole can pick up brush, logs, twigs, and even bottle caps (no littering allowed!). Available in lengths of 39 or 56 inches, this handy camping tool keeps your hands away from the fire while keeping the flames going all night long.

$72-79.95

8 Fishing Rods D&R Sporting Goods 485 Memorial Avenue Here at The Walleye, we like… walleye. Since walleye (or pickerel) season opens on the third Saturday of May each year, May Two-Four is synonymous with fishing in northern Ontario. Gear up for a weekend of slaying fish with a fishing rod from D&R Sporting Goods. Whether you’re an experienced angler or are new to the world of walleye, D&R has all the fishing gear and accessories you need for a successful fishing weekend. $Various

CityScene

The Sky’s the Limit

BIS CANNA N M U COL

High-Percentage THC Cannabis By Justin Allec

ast month, while visiting the budtenders at J. Supply Co., I asked the broad question of what customers would buy if they didn’t come in looking for a particular strain. The answer was that in many cases, customers would buy whatever strain had the highest percentage of THC, regardless of terpene profile. For many people, the euphoria derived from highpercentage THC cannabis is the only factor in consuming. Well, the cannabis industry hears you, and they’re tinkering away as we speak. Since being identified as the primary psychoactive element in cannabis, growers have been locked into an escalating THC arms race

that has only become more ridiculous since legalization. Though data is always somewhat skewed due to cannabis’s legal status, most watchdog organizations estimate that from about the mid-70s to the mid-90s, cannabis strains were about 4% THC. From the mid-90s to legalization, improved growing techniques and specialization increased THC potency, so is wasn’t uncommon for strains to show as much as 12%. However, since legalization, public demand has led to new strains showing incredibly high concentrations of THC, well into the low 30% range. If you’re crunching numbers, that means that today’s strains, such as the Green

Organic Dutchman’s Organic Gold Butter or Jonny Chronic’s Cherry Bomb, have 300% more THC potency compared to what was available 20 years ago. The adage that “this isn’t your grandma’s weed” is scientifically true— these strains would have her hiding under the kitchen table instead of getting a bit too into a movie. The problem with that much THC is, once again, we don’t really know what it can do to a person long-term. The industry is moving too fast for research. The Ontario Cannabis Store has a cap on how much THC edibles and extracts can contain—10 mg per package, and 1,000 mg per cartridge—but there are no real limits in place for

dried flowers. OCS attaches the usual warnings to all their cannabis, but “start slow, go low” isn’t really going to mean much for someone demanding over 20% THC. Tellingly, the problems with exposure to high-THC cannabis are coming out of emergency rooms, especially in the U.S. There are reports of highpercentage THC cannabis users experiencing paranoia, psychosis, vasoconstriction (decreased blood flow to major organs), vomiting, and intense abdominal pain, with the number of patients increasing threefold over the last five years in the U.S. The numbers get even scarier when the consumer is a teenager or a young adult. Aside from those potential

risks I’ve listed above, another problem with high-percentage THC cannabis is that you become accustomed to it over time. Your cannabinoid receptors become saturated, and those potent strains become less effective over time—you get used to the effects and your body adapts. The focus on THC also diminishes the entourage effect of CBD and terpenes, which might make the strain less effective for anything aside from the euphoric effects. Consumers looking for strains that offer straight pain relief, anti-inflammation, or relaxation should choose a lower-percentage THC strain that won’t send their brains into the stratosphere.

The Walleye

One Step at a Time

CityScene

Fresh Air’s Ten Mile Training Group Story and photos by Michelle McChristie

t’s a Saturday morning and the weather forecast is gloomy, with a high likelihood of rain for the entire day. Although some may have been tempted to spend a few more hours snoozing under the covers, at around 9:15 am, runners start filing into Fresh Air. By 9:25, the store is alive with chatter. Cheryl Ready and Marilee Chase are the organizers of the Fresh Air Ten Mile Training Group—both have been involved in the group for about 15 years, and have recently taken the organizing

reins from Sandra Guthrie, who started the group 18 years ago. In the first year, there were 30 runners; this year, there are 187. The group continued—mostly virtually—through COVID, and this is the first year since the pandemic that the training and the Victoria Day race are in-person. The group attracts people with a range of experience, from first-time runners and racers to seasoned veterans. After a warm welcome, route overview, and other announcements from Ready

 Runners gathering before a Saturday morning training run  50/50 draws are held before training runs—all proceeds are donated to Isthmus Thunder Bay and Fresh Air will match all funds raised up to $2,000

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 Training group organizers Marliee Chase and Cheryl Ready

and Chase (appropriate surnames for organizers of a running group!), runners head out to the parking lot to find their group leaders. Throughout the 18-week program, runners are welcome to move between groups, which gives them the flexibility to push a little harder or take it easy. Motivation for joining the group varies with runners. For some, like Marlas Ponto, they may have considered running the ten-miler in the past, but needed an extra push. “I just felt like I really needed a focus this year and one of my friends suggested that we try training together, so I jumped on,” she says. Lindsey Roulston started running last year and trained with the group for the virtual race. “This year, I was excited to see what it would be like now that things are back to normal. And, I've decided to take on my first marathon, so it’s part of the training—a stepping stone.”

Louisa Gosgnach also trained with the group during the pandemic and ran the virtual race. “This year I was excited because I wanted the ‘rah rah’ with friends and family,” she says with a laugh. The group started training in January and has run every Saturday, regardless of the weather. “I enjoyed starting in January because it got easier because the weather was nicer and the surface is not as treacherous,” says Gosgnach. “I found that I embraced the cold,” adds Rousten. Every runner gets something different out of training with the group. Roulston enjoys the conversations with other runners and group leaders, “Everyone's so welcoming, friendly, and eager to give tips and advice and I enjoy being around like-minded people,” she says. Ponto says, “The support and encouragement has just been amazing. The weekly emails [from Ready and

CityScene

Chase] with tips and the encouragement that you get from everyone along the way has been fantastic.” “And the leaders have been fantastic and you get support from other runners that are at the same place that you are right, like mentally and ability[-wise],” adds Gosgnach. Ready and Chase enjoy seeing runners accomplish something that they never thought was possible, and others becoming stronger every year. “Every runner has a story. It’s always interesting and often inspiring to hear about their journey to becoming a member of our group,” says Ready. On race day, they hope that all of the runners have fun and are able to celebrate their individual accomplishments. “I always encourage the people running with me on race day to cheer on their fellow runners as a way to lift their own spirits and enhance the race-day experience,” says Chase.

 (L-R) Runners Lindsey Roulston, Marlas Ponto, and Louisa Gosgnach

Join us for the 16th Annual Radio Waves Music Festival !

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CityScene

AL GO LOC R E D N THU TRY N U O C BAY T E K MAR

Petite Marie French Baking Story and photos by Paul Krasauskas

M  Marie-Laure Schubetzer

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arie-Laure Schubetzer hails from Colmar, France. After arriving in Canada five years ago to join her family, she began baking the cakes and pastries she had learned to make from her grandmother back home. Her family and friends recognized her talent right away and she was fervently encouraged to share her traditional French pastries with as many people as she could. W ith the help of her brothers and in-laws, she started her business, Petite Marie French Baking at the Thunder Bay Country Market. She has several types of pastries on display ready to be enjoyed by those with a sweet tooth, including eclairs, pies, and brownies, and there are also subs made with pretzel buns for those looking for something more savoury. Schubetzer’s signature is her commitment to flavour, not sugar. “It is mostly traditional French baking—I just put my touch with the finishes,” she says. “We do add special flavours, like the chocolate is very specific. I am looking

for balance, not too sweet and not too acidic.” Schubetzer opened her stall at the Thunder Bay Country Market in January. “I like the atmosphere of the market,” she says. “Since I was a child, I did the markets [in France] with my father. So for opening a small business, it’s the place to be.” While she is just beginning her business, Schubetzer has decided to keep her pastries at the market for now. She says, “I like the spirit of the small business. It is more friendly and there’s a freshness to the products here.” It is easy to see why Petite Marie has a constant flow of customers on Saturdays. The quality of her desserts is apparent, but her friendly interactions with each person who buys a prosciutto pretzel sub or a mille-feuille (puff pastry) helps recreate the atmosphere that Schubetzer admired so much as a child. Find Petite Marie French Baking on Facebook or follow her on Instagram @petitemarie_tb.

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CityScene

With Frank Loffredo

EYE EYE TO

Frank Loffredo in his vehicle at his current full time job driving for Uride

As told to Matt Prokopchuk, Photo by Lois Nuttall

rank Loffredo has been at the heart of the Thunder Bay music scene for decades. The longtime p ro m o t e r h a s b ro u g h t thousands of bands and artists playing in nearly every musical genre to stages all over the city. And while he’s now working a day job in the wake of the COVID-19 shutdowns, he still continues to promote, bringing modern bluesman Jesse Roper and indie rockers The Bankes Brothers to the Branch 5 Legion in early May. We spoke with Loffredo about how he now views his role in bringing bands to town, what being a grandfather has taught him, and what book he’s currently reading. The Walleye: How has your approach to booking acts changed over time? Frank Loffredo: It’s never

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really been about a business. Now, after doing it a long time, and with what I call the “black swan event” (I won’t even use that word) from 2020 to 2023—because it’s greatly still impacting the music industry and artists and it’s not over; everybody thinks it’s over, but it’s not over—the reason I’ve been so slow to move back into music is that I was financially devastated. A lot of people were. For the first time in my life, I had to find another career. It’s still impacting the music; it’s completely shattered the infrastructure for touring artists. The way my mindset has changed is that I started because I loved music. I was a fan first, and then it developed into this uncontrollable monster, almost, where I was booking everything and trying

to book everything and then it forced me to make a living at it. Nowadays, in order to be, I guess, fair to myself—a little bit older, a little bit wiser—I only want to work with people who dig it and get it. That’s basically it. TW: Does that mindset maybe prevent you from taking on gigs that are more trouble than they’re worth? FL: Absolutely. There’s a lot of shows that I could take on that could make me a lot of money fast, but for the first time in my life, I’ve got a regular job that I enjoy [laughs]. I’m working 60 hours a week outside of music, and I discovered that I love it. I’m driving [for Uride] for a living, and now I don’t need the music to survive anymore. So I can go back to my roots and just book those SNFUs

or Killswitch Engage on their first tours or Architects when nobody cares, or Skydiggers— whatever the genre. TW: What has being a grandfather taught you? FL: I look at everything quite differently. I don’t look at things as linear or [thinking about] a legacy or any of that kind of stuff. My youngest grandson said ‘Oh, there’s papa’s poster’ and he wants to go read it, right? My little granddaughter, three years old, standing in front of the posters at the Branch 5—I just want to show them that you can keep doing what you’re doing as long as you want, as long as you’re happy. And no limitations. I like independent thinkers. I used to think ‘Oh jeez, I better hurry up before I’m 40, before I’m 50’—no, now I just want to be healthy

and happy and that’s it. And if you’ve got that, I’ll change my career when I turn 80, and that’s still quite a ways away. My thing is staying healthy enough that I want to do this, and I have the energy. And I have more energy now with those four grandbabies than I did when I had my own kids, because I didn’t know how to balance life properly. TW: What’s on your music playlist these days? FL: I still listen to James, which is a band that’s been around for 40 years, not popular in Canada at all. It depends on the genre. I’ve always loved Architects, always, always, always. A super good metal band, Bass Drum of Death. If you don’t like Ween, well… Ween’s been around for a long time too, Ween is an incredible band. I don’t really have any specific style of music. I mean, I like people like Neko Case. A local [act] I like a lot—well two—is Jake & The Town and Phineas Gauge. Jake is—if you’ve heard of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, he’s a young Nick Cave. My tastes do sort of go a little bit eclectic. I go towards Tom Waits, Nathaniel Rateliff, Courtney Barnett, there’s all sorts of stuff. The War On Drugs, Cold War Kids, both those bands are incredible. TW: What’s the last book you read or are currently reading? FL: Seven Fallen Feathers I’m reading right now. I’m having a hard time reading it, and not because of the documentary. I’ve been reading a lot of books, but that’s the latest one that I’ve picked up and it’s pretty difficult to read, being from Thunder Bay. I haven’t made it yet past the second chapter, but it makes you re-think, especially from an outside person’s view of the city. But yeah, that’s the latest book I’m on right now. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Hear the full Eye To Eye podcast on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, and more.

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CityScene

This is Thunder Bay Interviews and photos by Leah Morningstar This month we asked The Walleye readers: What is the most memorable wedding you’ve attended?

Faith: My cousin had this gorgeous wedding a couple years back; she and her partner were big film buffs so each table was labeled with a film, like The Breakfast Club, Pulp Fiction, et cetera. The music during the reception was a mix of classic soundtracks and they came out to the Phantom of the Opera, which was epic! They had a huge candy and popcorn bar and there was also a big film reel ice sculpture! As a film buff myself, I was a huge fan of… everything!

Owen: Well, I have always liked my own wedding actually. When you go to a big fancy wedding it often feels too ostentatious. My wife and I eloped and it was just about us.

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Julie: I went to my friend’s daughter’s wedding on my 40th birthday, which is almost 30 years ago now. Someone let it slip to the DJ that it was my birthday and then he called me to the dance floor and started playing “Move This” by Technotronic—you know, that song where it says “shake that body” over and over. I’m not much for dancing, but other guests formed a circle and started cheering me on. Someone yelled, “Let’s see if you can still shake it, Julie!”

Pat: Last fall I was at my youngest son’s wedding in Alberta. Everyone was dressed to the nines in the fanciest clothes even though the wedding was on a farm with dozens of animals roaming around. The reception was actually in a barn! It was kind of cold out, but everybody kept warm by dancing for hours and then later sat around a bonfire wrapped in blankets. It was just so beautiful and happy; so fancy but so homey.

CityScene

Friends of the Thunder Bay Public Library volunteers Fran Duke and Adrian DiGiuseppe help sort the vinyl collection in preparation for the upcoming sale

The Friends of the TBPL Are Into Vinyl Volunteers to Raise Funds for Library Selling Record Collection Story by Pam Cain, Friends of the Thunder Bay Public Library, Photo by Raili Zgrych

hat do you say when you’re offered over 20,000 vinyl records in over 200 boxes? Well, “yes,” of course. The Friends of the Thunder Bay Public Library did wonder what the library’s CEO, Richard Togman, was thinking when he came to them with the invitation to raise funds using the collection. But Tina Maronese, the library liaison to the Friends, cheered the group on. “We knew the Friends were capable of handling the collection and using it in their fundraising efforts,” she says. After all, the Friends handle up to 100 boxes of books

several times a year during their popular “Buck-A-Bag” book sales, and run the popular used bookstore as well. Since forming in 1987, the group has raised around a million dollars for the library. New Friends member Adrian DiGiuseppe has been able to provide guidance as they undertake this latest venture. A collector himself, DiGiuseppe notes the rising interest in vinyl in the community. Confessing it may be an age thing, he remarks on his own demographic, and his past passion for music and dance. “In my past, any trip out of town called for a visit to

a record or book store, and I eventually amassed a collection of up to 500 records,” he says. Encouraging the next generation of collectors, he passed on his passion, turntable, and a few albums to his son. Admitting he missed his turntable, and noting that the technology is once again readily available at a reasonable price, he recently purchased new audio equipment to rediscover his albums. Surmising that the music industry has been reinventing the wheel and making old things new again, he notes the result has been a rising interest in vinyl from a

diverse group that ranges from retirees to a younger audience. Perhaps fed by a bit of nostalgia, or seen as a new trend, the growing interest in vinyl is providing a unique opportunity for the Friends. Sorting through the hundreds of albums, generously donated by Ron Mernick, volunteers call out past greats like Led Zeppelin, Anne Murray, and Prince, as well as more obscure finds. The collection had been appraised by an independent source prior to being received by the Thunder Bay Public Library. All profits from the sale are donated to the library to be used for

such purposes as collections, furnishings, programming, or facility renewal. You can check out the hundreds of albums in a range of genres from rock and roll to spoken word, classical to jazz, movie hits to Christmas classics, and more at the Friends of the Library Vinyl Sale at the Arthur Street Medical Health Centre, 1265 Arthur Street on May 6, 7, and 13 from 10 am to 4 pm and May 14 from 1 to 4 pm. For more information, visit facebook.com/ FriendsBookstoreTBay.

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CityScene

Thrifting Northern Treasures with Butternut Home

D SECONES C N CHA

By Kelsey Raynard

hrifted items, both clothing and housewares, usually share a few common characteristics: donated, used or lightly loved, and resold at a fairly low price point. However, dedicated thrifters know that venturing into a secondhand shop can often yield high-quality items loaded with history, culture, and intrinsic value. This month, we are proud to feature Butternut Home and their spring collection of vintage northern treasures. Butternut Home is run by partners Daniel-Joseph Gareau and Megan Knox, whose shared love of thrifting and mid-century modern/ Mad Men aesthetic led them to starting an Instagram account. However, one of

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the difficulties Gareau and Knox encountered lies in the valuation of the unique items they find. “In general, pricing vintage items is difficult and almost completely subjective,” explains Gareau. “It really comes down to demand. We've come across loads of beautiful, well-made items that just don't command as high a price as their more trendy counterparts. All that being said, we are always open to reasonable offers on any of our items!” In the world of thrifting, value is not necessarily correlated with “newness.” Sometimes, quite the opposite is true: because an item is vintage, has a rich history, or is no longer available, the value actually increases. An excellent example of

this phenomenon is with Strawberry Hill Werkshop, a highly sought-after line of pottery that was made right here in Northwestern Ontario. “Strawberry Hill Werkshop was a pottery business located in Kaministiquia, right beside Strawberry Creek,” Gareau says. “They made these incredible stylized pottery designs of Canadian fauna, which have just exploded in demand in the last decade. I think this demand is driven by a desire for Canadian/local products, increased interest in ceramics, their design elements being in line with mid-century modern trends, and the supply being so low as the production was purposely kept small until the workshop closed in 1994.” This month, Butternut

Home is featuring their own collection of northern treasures that will warm up your home, including some coveted pieces from Strawberry Hill. First up, we have an adorable owl family crewel ($55) that is classic #cottagecore. Next, get ready for summer entertaining with a tiled wood cheese board with knife ($15) and a set of six Baycrest Aurora side plates ($20). With warmer weather here to stay (fingers crossed), you can enjoy your next round of patio drinks in a set of four Libbey blue and white floral lowball glasses ($20). As promised, Butternut Home also has a number of unique vintage treasures that are perfect statement pieces and collector items. First up, they have an orange Lucite

grape centrepiece ($60) and three Strawberry Hill Werkshop originals. From left to right, they have a medium bird ($140), an owl ($120), and a small bird ($120). Lastly, they have a teak and brass twostemmed lamp ($90) and a retro floral print tablecloth ($10). All of this is displayed on a teak coffee table—a midcentury modern staple that is incredibly durable ($135). While Butternut Home is showcasing a truly unique and valuable set of items here, the majority of items in their collection usually average around $20, allowing collectors and vintage-lovers of all budgets to enjoy. Follow @butternut.home on Instagram for more secondhand treasures.

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Music

BUMS Out and Here to Party! Story by Jimmy Wiggins, Photo by Billy Shaw

few summers ago I spent the weekend at Amberlite Wilderness Resort, thinking it would be a pretty standard campground vibe. Little did I know that I would get to experience one hell of a rock show with some of my favourite local bands playing on a stage right on the beach with a sound and lighting system that would rival most in-town venues. Needless to say, the vibe was incredible—especially because the whole show was organized and produced by the campground and its seasonal campers, who had come together to share their love of music. These folks call themselves the Boreal Ultimate Music Society, or BUMS. Born from the hardworking musicians, volunteers, and their families who helped put together the very first

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AmberJam concert in August of 2017 at Amberlite, BUMS has been a growing force in the music community in Thunder Bay, and from what I can tell, they’ve only just begun. Made up of a group of key members—including Chrissy Klaas, Tony Biscardi, Jim Bailey, Ellen Dorfman, Bob Chabluk, Rob Nickerson, Jim Hampton, Steve Lazar, Dan Zadkovich, Billy Shaw, and Scott Macsemchuk—along with countless supportive volunteers, the BUMS’s goal is to bring awareness to the amazing home-grown talent we have in the Northwest. “We are a collective of predominantly local live music enthusiasts who love to support our home-grown musical talent,” explains board chairman Scott Macsemchuk. “We provide a proper ‘Fair Pay for Live Play’ pay level for

upcoming and established talented musicians, who at times are expected to play for no income to get band/ artist exposure or gain stage experience.” In a short period of time, BUMS have worked with over 150 local bands and musicians in a variety of genres, including Nancy Freeborn, The Honest Heart Collective, Mother of Wolves, Forever Dead!, The Selfies, Chris Krienke & Strawdawg, Femur, Sunday wilde, Back Forty, The Scott vanTeeffelen Band, Danny Johnson, Blood Red Moon, The JB Band, Jean-Paul De Roover, Arley Cox, Toxic Neighbour, and many more. Together, the BUMS have been busy hosting annual events like Rock the Dock, BassHunt, Thunder Country at the Lake, and the campground’s flagship event, AmberJam, as well as

s. TBShow com s On s e r p ent ene c S e Th

an annual 11-night concert series, Summer in the Parking Lot, held outside the Da Vinci Centre, and several one-off tribute nights, with more in the works. On top of all of that, the BUMS, through the Boreal Oasis Studios, recorded, produced and self-released a compilation album that featured 33 local musicians, titled Eleven, with accompanying music videos for all 11 tracks. They’ve also been working on their own magazine, BUMS Exposed, and have their own hot sauce through Marie Sharp. So what’s next for the BUMS? “Personally, I feel what we have created here with our BUMS community in bringing awareness of local live musical talents and showcasing them on a concert stage setting with professional production [is special]. In the

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next five years, I would be so grateful if we could replicate and bring the whole concept to other city/town communities across Canada to support, celebrate, appreciate, and develop their own city’s hidden musical talents on local concert stage settings for the local communities to be proud of,” says Scott Macsemchuk. “I feel very blessed to be surrounded by the BUMS volunteer and fan community, and I am filled with gratitude and so very thankful for all the friends, family, and musical community who have supported me.” Catch the next BUMS event, the Red Hot Chili P e p p e r s Tr i b u t e S h o w featuring The Selfies, on May 12 at the Da Vinci Centre. Visit TheBums.ca or email info@thebums.ca for more info.

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Pictured left to right: Athena Kreiner, CEO of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, Robert Nearing, Albert Aiello, CEO at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder Bay, Mike Larizza, Board Member of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Thunder Bay

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The Walleye

Music

Spring Concert from Hollywood

The Thunder Bay Community Band Presents Movie and Broadway Hits By Paul Krasauskas

he Thunder Bay Community Band is an all-volunteer, nonprofit concert band that has been around since 1891. They play several events between September and June, and their next performance will be their spring concert on May 17 at 7:30 pm at Hilldale Lutheran Church. Led by conductor Jane Saunders, each performance has a full complement of up to 43 musicians, creating a true concert atmosphere in every venue they play. Concert bands are an ensemble of woodwind, b r a s s , a n d p e rc u s s i o n

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instruments—similar to a marching band but a little more stationary, usually performing in concert halls— and were first used to capture the public’s attention with popular music during large celebrations and festivals. The Thunder Bay Community Band was formed in 1891 as the Fort William Brass Band and was renamed Fort William Citizens Band in 1907, and Fort William City Band in 1920. With the amalgamation of the city in 1970, it became the Thunder Bay City Band, and then in 1979 became Thunder Bay Legion and City Band. Finally, the current name was created

in 1990 when financing from the city and legion was halted. The band is now completely self-sufficient, raising funds from ticket sales not only for the band itself, but for local charities like the food bank. “We will play every kind of music, from what I would call traditional band music, like marches and hymns for Remembrance Day [to] Broadway, movie, jazz, and world, and have done original commissioned work for the band from a Canadian composer,” Saunders says. “The group is open to anybody, but you can’t really be a beginner.” There is no

audition process, but the works they play are challenging, and some members have been playing all their lives. “The neat thing is there are all kinds of people. There are some retired people, all different careers and ages—an eclectic group of people.” For the spring concert, seven flutes, six clarinets, eight saxophones, two french horns, ten trumpets, t h re e t ro m b o n e s , t w o baritone horns, two tubas, two drummers, and an oboe will be coming together to recreate music from Hollywood and Broadway. Songs from The Lion King, The

Sound of Music, the James Bond films, and Schindler’s List will be featured during the performance. There are few events that can showcase such an abundance of hard work, talent, and dedication as a concert band performance. Tickets for the spring concert are $5 for students and seniors and $10 for general admission, and can be purchased in advance or bought at the door. For more information, find the Thunder Bay Community Band on Facebook.

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Music

Wedding Songs

TO BURNINGKY S THE

By Gord Ellis

eddings and music go hand in hand. It is hard to imagine a wedding celebration of any kind without music playing a role. Yet weddings have also been

a consistent theme in popular music, and some very interesting songs have been sung about weddings and a couple pledging their love. Let’s explore a few of those songs.

Train

Bruce Springsteen

Billy Idol

Shania Twain

This song, taken from the 1980 double album The River, is one of Springsteen’s most unabashedly romantic tunes. In concert, he has spoken about how the song is based on the idea that you could see someone on a street and imagine a whole lifetime with that person. Like so many of Springsteen’s songs, there is a dark undercurrent of reality here, and it’s clear the odds of the wish ever coming true are low. Yet, somehow, despite that, the romantic possibility hangs on to the end: There’s something happy and there’s something sad ‘Bout wanting somebody, oh so bad. I wear my love darlin’, without shame I’d be proud if you would wear my name.

Perhaps the one song on this list that is both about a wedding and played at an incredible number of them, “White Wedding” is Billy Idol’s tour de force. The song, with its arpeggiated and slightly sinister opening guitar riff, tells you right away this is not going to be a typical pop song. You can hear the sneer in the music even before Idol starts singing: Hey little sister, who is it you’re with? Hey little sister, what’s your vice and wish? Hey little sister, shotgun… You get the sense Billy may not actually be talking about his sister, and that the wedding in question might have been a recent idea. Yet he also sings repeatedly that it’s a nice day “to start again,” so there is a little hope shining through. Bonus points to guitarist Steve Stevens here, who plays best man to Billy’s brother of the bride. Stevens is an underappreciated riff master.

Shania Twain has the ability to portray both wild abandon and unflinching fidelity with equal conviction. During her marriage to producer Mutt Lange, she wrote and sang this song of undying love and commitment. As you will see, “From This Moment On” does not steer away from using turns of phrase often found in marriage vows: From this moment As long as I live I will love you I promise you this There is nothing I wouldn’t give From this moment on. Although the marriage to Lange would end in scandal and heartbreak for Twain, the song has remained important to her. Since it was released in 1997, Twain has performed the song on every tour she has undertaken.

“I Wanna Marry You”

“White Wedding”

“From This Moment On”

“Marry Me” Okay, this tune also gets played at a few weddings (mostly at the ceremony) and is perhaps the most basic love song you’ll get on this list. I also have a special connection with this song, as I played guitar on it for a wedding backing the great Thunder Bay songstress Megan Nadin. Simple and earnest, ”Marry Me” is an unflinching pledge of traditional love. Together can never be close enough for me. To feel like I am close enough to you. You wear white, and I'll wear out the words I love you. Oddly enough, near the end of the song, Train lead singer and songwriter Patrick Monahan drops a hint that, like Springsteen, he too may be just imagining the whole thing: Marry me, if I ever get the nerve to say hello in this café…

Weddings will always carry a little mystery, and provide endless inspiration for songs.

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Music

Follow These Tracks Brian Campbell Releases Solo Album By Kat Lyzun

inger-songwriter Brian Campbell has been playing guitar and performing with local bands since the 1980s, but in 2022 he decided to take a chance and break trail with his first solo album, Follow These Tracks. “Follow These Tracks is an eclectic mix of genres including folk, rock, jazz, blues and country. It is a bit hard to pin down, but I hope there may be a bit of something for every listener on this album,” Campbell says. “The songwriting is influenced by local and family history, with some introspection on the tracks we follow in life and where they might lead us. The album title is inspired by a line in my song ‘January Glide’: ‘I resolve to stop wishing and to

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make the most of this ride/to follow these tracks and be satisfied.’” True to the homegrown theme of the album, Campbell co-produced it with local recording engineer Rob Nickerson, recording it at his studio with the help and creativity of other musicians Campbell has played with over the years. Follow These Tracks will be launched on May 18 at Dawson Trail Craft Brewery’s new location on Golf Links Road. The party is being held in partnership with the Live from the Rock Folk Festival, which Campbell has been involved in since its inception. “While living in Red Rock, I was a part of the small group that envisioned and produced the first Live from the Rock

Folk Festival in 2003,” he says. ”My connections to this amazing festival are strong, and I am so gratified to see it emerge successfully from the pandemic in 2022. It is amazing to have the opportunity to launch this album in conjunction with playing at the festival that has meant so much to me over the years.” He adds that he is looking forward to performing his songs at the festival this August as well. The launch party begins at Dawson Trail Brewery at 7:30 pm on May 18. Tickets and CDs for advance purchase are available at briancampbellmusic.ca.

James Moat TBSO violinist, librarian

TBSO t p S otligh

Music

By Kris Ketonen Birthplace: Calgary Instrument: Violin Age you started to study music: Violin at age seven How long have you been with TBSO: In his fourth season What’s on your personal playlist: Armin van Buuren, 80s rock ballads ames Moat is in a somewhat unique position with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, playing a role not only on stage, but behind the scenes as well. Moat, who’s been with the TBSO for four years, is a violinist, but his main role with the symphony is as a librarian. “It’s production, basically— how these shows work,” he says. “I get sheet music for all the musicians. There’s a lot more to it than that, but you need to be super, super organized because there’s so many deadlines. [...] It takes days, and weeks, and months, actually, in preparation to get ready. So it keeps me busy.” As a violinist, Moat plays a number of concerts with the TBSO each season, although he’s not a regular on stage. It was The Elephant Show— starring Canadian musicians

Sharon, Lois, and Bram—that first introduced Moat to the instrument. “They had a guest fiddler come on one episode,” Moat says. “I thought it was pretty cool, and my parents had an old violin in the closet, so I just picked it up and started playing it. [...] They recognized that there was something there, and sent me to lessons.” Moat went on to study at Wilfrid Laurier University, and then earned his master’s d e g re e i n I re l a n d a n d doctorate in the United States. “It’s a beautiful sound,” he says of the violin. “A string instrument’s like a singing voice, and I’ve always just felt drawn to that.” Moat says he performs about a dozen times a season with the TBSO. “We’ve got a few bigger concerts each season where they need more musicians, so they hire extras,” Moat says. “I’m in town, which is convenient, and I can step up and play the violin.” “A lot of the repertoire we do, I’m familiar with it from my past, so it generally takes me not too long to get prepared and ready to go.”

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Music

Blues Blast

 Mississippi Heat  Dave Weld

Thunder Bay Blues Society Celebrates 25 Years By Ken Wright

“W

e wanted to do our own thing, something a little bit bigger,” says Thunder Bay Blues Society (TBBS) president Rob Croves. “We decided to hold a one-day indoor Blues Blast featuring both local and prominent international acts. The name described it quite well.” This was the spring of 2020. When the Thunder Bay Blues Festival announced that they wouldn’t be staging a show that year, the timing for the Blues Blast seemed propitious. But two weeks away from blast off, with ticket sales very strong, COVID-19 restrictions scrubbed the launch. If there’s one axiom that the TBBS has taken to heart from its chosen musical genre, it’s that calamity isn’t something that should overwhelm, but is rather something that should be overcome. The Blues Blast concept was deferred but never abandoned. Now as

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the TBBS celebrates its 25th anniversary, they’re is pleased to announce that Blues Blast 2023 will be held at the Da Vinci Centre on May 27. Remarkably, the original line-up and ticket prices remain intact. “All of the bands kept in touch with us,” says Croves. “They were definitely interested if we wanted to try it again.” Local acts Brother John (Ted Hamill, solo) and perennial crowd favourites The Chain will get the festivities rolling. Recognized as one of today’s premier young harmonica players and the centre of a soulblues revival, Memphis-based Tony Holiday will kick start his Canadian tour at Blues Blast 2023. Working out of Chicago, Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames are renowned for their high energy show of houserocking blues, funk, boogie, powerful female vocals, and

earthy slide guitar. Among the finalists at the International Blues Challenge in 2020, their latest album, Nightwalk, was listed at number 36 on Living Blues Magazine’s Top 50 CDs of 2022. Blues Blast 2023 headliners Mississippi Heat are a longstanding musical institution in Chicago. Led by Pierre Lacocque, a world-class master of the harmonica, the band lives by its motto, “Traditional blues with a unique sound.” Madeleine, the latest pearl in a long string of critically acclaimed albums, was listed at number 22 on Living Blues Magazine’s Top 50 CDs of 2022. Three years of hard work and persistence has certainly paid off for the TBBS and the Blues Blast. “Now, we’re looking at it as an annual event,” says Croves.

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Bywater Call

Music

Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society Presents SevenPiece Soul, Roots Band Story by Kris Ketonen, Photo by Warren Bodnaruk

“We like to take the listener on a journey”

t’ll be a night of raw musical emotion when Toronto-based, seven-piece, soulrock band Bywater Call takes the stage in Thunder Bay this month. “I think it’s a pretty exciting live show,” lead singer Meghan Parnell says. “There’s a lot of raw energy on stage.” “We like to take the listener on a journey, so you’ll kind of see that through the way that we’ve placed the tunes—from kind of ripping high-energy to something that brings it down a little bit, then really opening up a lot of the tunes,” she adds. “You’ll only experience them that way live [...] Everybody in the band is a really great musician, so we can throw it to the saxophone or the trumpet player, the bass player. Everybody has moments where they get to expand and show what they do.” Bywater Call got its start about six years ago, Parnell says; prior to that, she and band co-leader/guitarist Dave Barnes had been in a cover band for about 14 years. “We just wanted to find a way to kind of reignite our love for playing music and playing live, and writing our own stuff was something we really, at that point, needed to do,” Parnell says. “We had come across a few bands that really inspired us musically.” “I was at the point where I was busy enough with music that I could leave the job I was at at the time and concentrate on music full time, which Dave had been doing for a long time,” she says. “So it was this perfect storm.” Since then, Bywater Call has found a lot of success. The band has released two albums so far—the most recent being Remain, which was released in the fall— and has been nominated for a Maple Blues Award. A third album is currently in the works, as well, Parnell says. “We’re still getting into the creative mode, but slowly bringing a few ideas into fruition,” she says. “Our hope is to have at least a couple of singles out before the fall.” Bywater Call plays the Port Arthur Polish Hall on May 13 as part of the Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society’s 21st season. For ticket information, visit sleepinggiant.ca. To find out more about Bywater Call, visit bywatercall.com.

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Music

A Lifetime of Insolence Dayglo Abortions at Black Pirates Pub By Justin Allec

ell me if you’ve heard this one: old punks don’t die; they just stand at the back with their arms crossed! Okay, so maybe it’s not exactly a knee-slapper out of context, but it speaks the truth of a lot of people who stick with punk beyond their impressionable teens. The current members of Dayglo Abortions—Blind Marc on drums, Matt Fiorito on bass, and the indestructible Cretin himself, Murray Acton, on guitar and vocals—have been living that punk rock lifestyle since the 1980s. And guess what? The band is still

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going strong. Originally from Victoria, the Dayglo Abortions came up through the Canadian punk scene, releasing their first album, Out of the Womb, in 1981. Churning back and forth across North America and sharing stages with beloved veterans like DOA and SNFU, the Dayglos are one of the last of their generation standing. Drawing on diverse influences and a willingness to offend all kinds of tastes, the Dayglo Abortions don’t play the radio-happy California mallpunk that the genre has been

pushed to. Nah—Cretin and company can’t play nice, and they’ll tell you that with each song. This band slings raw, blitzed-out punk that often sounds like the whole band is in a rush to finish the song so they can either join the pit, grab another beer, or give the finger to a cop (or maybe some combination of all three). Each time the Dayglo Abortions have come through Thunder Bay they’ve been fiercely impressive, easily dominating whatever stage they find themselves

staggering onto. The one time I was lucky enough to see them in 2018, the band filled a supporting slot for death-grinders Brujeria. A strange pairing, I thought at the time, but the Dayglos dominated the night. There’s an assurance to them, a fullness to their sound that their slack appearance and jokey albums don’t betray until they start playing on stage. If their show at Black Pirates Pub on May 18 is your first exposure to this merry band of punk misanthropes, I don’t think I’d suggest any kind of

primer. The band is ostensibly touring in support of their 2022 release, Hate Speech, but you can throw on any of their other ten albums and get a similar experience: sloppy, chunky, driving punk songs with a juvenile sense of humour. Instead, go in blind, and prepare yourself for some of the best and truest punk rock that you’ll ever likely witness. For more information, visit daygloabortions. com.

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Music

Jesse Roper

Bluesy Folk Artist to Hit the Stage By Michael Charlebois

quick Google search Even as his music career will show you Jesse began to take shape, it took Roper is never short a recent break-up to re-focus on enthusiasm when he’s on on his true calling. the stage. So, despite Thunder “It was kind of like, ‘When Bay stop on May 8 being in are you going to quit this fun the middle of his 24-show, 142 music thing that you’re doing day-long cross-Canada tour, and get a real job and go fans should expect a special back to school and become performance from Roper and an architect or something?’ his band. And in the back of my mind “Sometimes I’m laughing, I was like ‘Never. I’m never crying, dancing, [or] just going to quit this thing that jumping around, whooping makes me happy.’” He took for joy,” Roper says. “So that clue, rolled with it, and there is something to be says he’s hitting his stride both said about being on stage as a musician and touring act. and kicking ass.” He will be showcasing his D e s p i t e R o p e r ’ s Horizons album on tour, but undeniable charisma, it also has material such as his took a move from his home new single “Make It All Work province of B.C. to Ontario in Out.” “I guaran-fucking-tee his mid-20s to fully embrace I’m gonna play real good. […] his artistry. “It was one of the I might suck, but the more I best times of my life because tell myself that, the better I’ll I didn’t feel like my mistakes do,” Roper says. “If you want meant as much. I just learned to experience my music, live how to be myself.” is 100% the way to do it […] Roper says he’s a half- unadulterated, not thinking introvert, and didn’t go public about it me, is way more kick with his talent that he’d been ass.” honing since he was six. “As a young kid I knew who I Joined by The Bankes wanted to be and that was Brothers, Roper will scary,” he says “It’s taken me a be playing at the long time to get comfortable Royal Canadian Legion ealing and self-discovery art with the fact that it’s with okay, and Branch No. 5 at 8 pm ed art therapist uses a personalized the more freak-out I get onon May 6. For more develop stage, copingthe skills forI dealing better feel.” with information, visit t us today toRoper schedule consultation and workedavarious jobs jesseroper.ca. for many years, staying busy, . but not necessarily fulfilled.

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Music

Siedd at Home

Popular Muslim Singer Savours the Quiet Life in Thunder Bay By Cathi Winslow

ith over 100 million streams and 39,000 followers on Instagram, Usama Syed is well known outside Thunder Bay as Siedd, a MuslimCanadian singer, songwriter, and producer. Between world tours, the introverted 29-year-old looks forward to the relative calm of his home base in Thunder Bay, where he can rest and recharge. “My friends know I just go into ‘cave mode,’” he says. “I can hibernate here and spend time with my family.” He needs peace and quiet in order to shape his unique faith-driven a cappella music, created in his home studio entirely with his own voice and hands. Siedd chose to make

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vocals-only music in order to reach the widest possible audience. Within Islam, there are different opinions about whether music should include musical instruments or just the human voice. “Muslims all over, whether they listen to instruments or not, they listen to my tracks,” he says. “I wanted to make music more accessible.” Born in Pakistan, Siedd moved with his family to Mississauga, then Thunder Bay, where his parents opened Famous Tandoor restaurant. “It was a good decision to come to Thunder Bay,” he says. “I probably wouldn’t have achieved what I have otherwise.” He credits high school music teachers Michael

Watral and Tom Cashmore for encouraging him to sing in front of people. After making it to the finals in High School Idol, he became passionate about singing. “I wanted to improve my voice so I started doing vocal exercises every day,” he says. “My parents would be like, ‘What sounds are you making? What are you doing?’ They thought I was going through some phase.” He released his first music video on YouTube in 2016. “It’s You” caught on quickly with its catchy pop stylings, heartfelt lyrics, and Siedd’s bright vocals with bursts of falsetto. Since then, he’s experimented with different musical flavours like the R&Bstyled “Don’t Leave Me” and

an EDM collaboration called “Fly.” His most popular release so far is the pop ballad “Back to You,” which has over 10 million views on YouTube. Fans from all around the world reach out to thank him for the comfort or strength they find in his nasheeds (devotional songs). “I get a lot of messages. You realize everybody’s going through something,” he says. When he wonders how long he wants to continue his hectic touring schedule, those messages motivate him to keep going. “I know these people are listening to me and benefitting,” he says. “They’re pushing me to do it.”

“It was a good decision to come to Thunder Bay.”

Find Siedd’s latest tracks on YouTube and Spotify. His second album will be released later this year, a follow-up to his debut album Journey, released in 2021.

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OfftheWall

Reviews

Quest for the Mighty Riff

Did You Know Are We That There's a Good Tunnel Under Ocean Hayden Boulevard? Eight years after Hayden’s previous

VHS

By Crom, VHS have done it again. The latest slab of oozing death-thrash punky fun from Thunder Bay’s premier purveyors of horror slop finds the trio of bandleader Mike Hochins, bassist Curt Mills, and drummer Andy Middaugh turning their attention from 80s horror flicks to… 80s barbarian flicks! Yes, they’ve traded in their inspiration from past efforts dealing with Italian giallo, vampires, briny oceans, and deep space to instead focus on sword-swinging epics and dragon-fire. Their first single, “Cleave ‘Em and Leave ‘Em,” featuring guest vocals from Aaren Pantke of Molder, shows just how spry VHS is these days. Middaugh lays down a rollicking, clangy beat that charges ahead using Mills’s bassline as momentum, with Hochins and Pantke spitting gargle-throated battle cries overtop a speed-metal riff that only slows for a chugging beatdown. It’s a quick, comically violent song that bends the riddle of steel in new ways. Hochins himself quips the old adage that fans always prefer the early stuff, but it’s always a joke. VHS demonstrate that they aren’t just throwing out riffs, but on a quest for an ever-evolving increase in quality, both in terms of writing and recording. What’s best in life, indeed.

Never Enough Daniel Caesar

Lana Del Rey

album, his latest release, Are We Good, sees the Toronto indie-folk Americana singer-songwriter Lana rock musician take an evolutionary Del Rey has released her ninth studio step in his career. Usually known for album, Did You Know That There's a his somewhat solitary DIY approach Tunnel Under Ocean Boulevard? At 16 to recording, in his latest release tracks, Ocean Boulevard is a sweeping Hayden breaks this mould with collection of songs that showcases collaborations featuring Feist (on Del Rey at her best: ethereal, the lighthearted “On A Beach”), existential, and above all, emotional. Matt Berninger of The National, Throughout the album, hazy and and drummer James Krivchenia dreamlike melodies are juxtaposed of Big Thief. The album still has with lyrics about pain, love, death, his trademark grainy, haunting and sex. These often-jarring contrasts baritone (notably on “East Coast” are what make Del Rey’s sound so and “Window Washer Blues”), but recognizable; on “A&W” (an acronym these aforementioned collaborations for “American Whore”), she uses bring a lightness to what can her breathy, ultra-feminine voice sometimes be a melancholy to ruminate on the neverending musical catalogue. Known for sexualization of her body: “Do you being reclusive and private (it was really think that anybody would think erroneously rumoured that he died I didn't ask for it?” On the album’s in 2010), in the press release for titular track, Del Rey contemplates her the album Hayden opens up about own legacy, and whether this fixation the creative block he experienced on her appearance has helped or during early lockdown days and hindered her career. Relying heavily how, with his complex family life (he on melancholic piano, soft strings, and his wife are parents to a child and Del Rey’s crooning voice, Ocean with developmental disabilities), he Boulevard feels like a fever dream— “found himself trying to balance the while some transitional elements on album on an unachievable ledge of the album are clumsier than others, perfection.” Are We Good proves perhaps Del Rey’s message is that that only when we abandon our idea even the most celestial of dreams can of perfection can we truly create feel like a nightmare at times. something great.

-Justin Allec

-Kelsey Raynard

When Frank Ocean released Blonde in 2016, he set a precedent for a new era of R&B artists that was left behind at the turn of the century when D’Angelo and Erykah Badu went into the wind. Not only was Blonde artistically ambitious, it was insular, intimate, and it resonated—a timeless album that would usher in a new generation of artists. If the final song on 2017’s Freudian was affirmation that Caesar had the tools to step into this space, Never Enough shows he is among the few artists who have the talent, feel, and reach to follow in these footsteps. Caesar’s music is still objectively beautiful and emotionally intelligent. He speaks to the anxieties of today’s society, making him relatable. He can hit a falsetto while strumming a beautiful chord progression, making him god-like. He puts it all together to take people on a journey; he will make you remember, make you cry, and make you see him for who he is. And who he is is special. He’s him. While off-mic issues might have tarnished his reputation during his last release, Never Enough is undeniable. -Michael Charlebois

-Adrian Lysenko

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Nutana

Sam Corbett

Sam Corbett, the co-founding member of the Juno-award winning Canadian rock band The Sheepdogs, released his debut solo album Nutana in April 2023. The Saskatoonraised percussionist sings lead and plays keyboard on this album, named after the neighbourhood he grew up in. This blues-rock/folk record has a large Saskatchewan contingent contributing to it, from current Sheepdogs bandmate Shamus Currie and former member Leot Hanson to the Deep Dark Woods’ Chris Mason and Clayton Linthicum of Kacy and Clayton. While the hint of blues and southern rock of The Sheepdogs is present, Corbett’s lyrics and vocals have given this album its own identity. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, his life and music career took a significant detour. He missed a couple of tours with his band and underwent treatment, and is now cancer-free and in remission. His time during therapy and recovery gave him the inspiration to create Nutana. This 12-track album has great melodies, with strong guitar and vocals to attract new listeners while giving current fans what they were hoping for. With Corbett’s lyrics and the knowledge of his battle, the album comes together as a great mix of folk, rock, and empathy. -Paul Krasauskas

The No Good, Terribly Kind, Wonderful Lives and Tragic Deaths of Barry and Honey Sherman

Don’t Fear the Reaper

Stephen Graham Jones

Well, it’s been five years since they’ve been gone, with no arrests and very little information released by authorities. While I initially expected this to be a true crime-type podcast, I truly had no idea that the deaths of Barry and Honey Sherman would open up such a dark labyrinth of power and betrayal. As Goldhar investigates multiple theories about the tragic deaths, the story quickly becomes sticky with drug corruption and twisted around broken families. So, who were the Shermans? How did a once-young, vivacious couple living in a posh part of Toronto wind up strangled in their family home with their necks bound by leather belts? As the episodes unfolded for me, the burning question of “Who would do such a thing?” soon transformed into eyebrowraising cross-examinations of many that were caught in the Sherman’s web. Although it was surprising that the final episode came with a fee, Goldhar is brilliant and the content is shocking, to say the least.

A sequel to 2021’s electrifying slasher My Heart is a Chainsaw, Don’t Fear the Reaper follows Jade and her return to the town that was torn apart. But she’s not the only one arriving in Proofrock. A serial killer has escaped from his prison transfer, bringing his wrath to the small lake town. Bodies begin to drop immediately, and Jade (and the reader) are thrown into another nightmare. Although it has an interesting plot, Don’t Fear the Reaper suffers from having too much going on. The point of view changes constantly, with few hints as to whose perspective it’s supposed to be in, and there are unnecessary backstories for minor characters, resulting in the plot getting lost. The main storyline involving our final girl Jade is solid, and the gore is great and feels reminiscent of the 80s horror movies that are often referenced throughout the novel. But while other backstories feel like a distraction, there could be more on Jade. She is no longer the slasher-obsessed fangirl from My Heart is a Chainsaw, completely distancing herself from that life, and we are given no reason why. Towards the end, a lot of major elements feel glossed over and rushed, with no real focus on any particular storyline, adding major confusion. This is a mediocre bridge to the final installment of the series.

-Andrea Lysenko

-Avery Huotari

Kathleen Goldhar

Fancy Nancy and the Wedding of the Century Jane O’Connor

Weddings are the fanciest parties one can be invited to, and Fancy Nancy and the Wedding of the Century by Jane O’Connor is the perfect book for younger guests. Nancy is so excited to go to her very first wedding. She can't wait to dress up, get her hair done— and most of all, be the flower girl. But she is shocked to find out the wedding is in the wilderness and is nothing like the one in her dreams. I love how fun and whimsical this book is, and how it shows children that things don’t always turn out the way we dream of them, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less fun. Fancy Nancy is perfect for children getting ready for a wedding, or who just like pretending. It shows kids (and adults) that the most important part of a wedding is love. -Patience Hanlan

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The Bright House Story and photos by Jack Barten

here’s something special about building a house for your family. Each characteristic of the property is chosen to meet the needs of every family member so that your home is unlike any other. And that is certainly the case with Ellen and Jon Bright’s newly built home. With a focus on natural light and timber accents, the Bright house was purposebuilt with the comfort and future of their family in mind. “We had an old character home for nine years, and we eventually wanted something more open with more space […] so we eventually decided to build,” Ellen Bright says of the mindset that led them to build their own home. Their previous experience of living in a character home is definitely evident through the

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house, as the couple decided to go with many natural timber accents that guide the eye through doorways and up stairs. “We decided to build our house through Tru Bilt Homes, and they specialize in timber frames; which is where a lot of the timber elements come from,” Ellen mentions. When you walk through the front door, the first thing you might notice are the striking windows that overlook the living room. Imposing but also inviting, the windows make sure the entire common section of the house is bathed in natural light throughout the day. As you walk further in, you’ll see both the living room and the kitchen are done in an open concept style, with the front windows and the timber staircase connecting both spaces in a way that makes

them distinct from each other while still being cohesive. The master bedroom is on the main level, with more bedrooms in the basement and the upper floor. “It was important to us that every member of the family had their own space within the home,” Jon Bright says, about the decision to space out the bedrooms on each level. Next to the master bedroom is a walk-in closet with an ensuite that further emphasizes natural light with

Architecture

a large window above the bathtub. The timber accents even flow into the bathroom, with timber shelves decorating the ensuite walls—yet again keeping everything cohesive. It's no doubt that making design decisions based on your family will make every custom-built house something special. The Bright house is no exception to this, and will surely be an inspiration to those of us who hope to build our own homes in the future.

 The main set of windows that light the living room and kitchen

 The living room and kitchen, overlooked by the main staircase  Master bedroom

 Timber staircase from first to second floor  The ensuite bathroom with timber accents and natural light

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MayEventsGuide

EVENTS GUIDE KEY General Art Food Sports Music Theatre

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

points for what you know about your item. Trade points for things like rocks, shells, and pine cones.

May 3–6 & 10–14

tbpl.ca

Cambrian Players Theatre

May 2, 7 pm

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 11 am–3 pm

Jude Pelley in Concert Location TBA

Lil’ Wednesdays Goods & Co. Market

Come see roots musician Jude Pelley live at a house concert, hosted by Dawna Lockhart. Tickets $20, with limited seating. Call (807) 629-8162 for location and to reserve spots.

The market will be transformed into a fun, free space for you to bring your little ones. Expect play areas, crafts, special kids meals on offer, and soft crawl areas for your extra tiny ones.

judepelley.ca

facebook.com/ goodscomarket

May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31, 9 am

Pierogi Days

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2–4 pm

Babies & Brews

Polish Combatants Branch No. 1

Red Lion Smokehouse

Head over to the Polish Combatants Branch No. 1 every Tuesday and Wednesday to buy perogies, cabbage rolls, vegan beet soup, and more. Pre-order, e-transfer.

(807) 345-1861

May 3, 7:30 pm

Lakehead Choral Group presents: Song and Dance St. Agnes Church

The Lakehead Choral Group, conducted by Susan Korstanje and accompanied by Sean Kim, presents an evening of choral music inspired by dance. Guest artists Barrie and Sandy Rooks will also show off their dance steps. Tickets $20, students $10.

facebook.com/ LakeheadChoralGroup

May 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20, 24, 25, 27, 31

Northern Nature Trading Mary J.L. Black Library Commons

Show off items you’ve found in nature and be awarded

Connect with new moms and dads in the Red Lion Smokehouse Lounge. Nursing is welcome and both washrooms include changing facilities.

@redlionsmokehouse

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 7:30 pm

Trivia Night The Foundry

Weekly trivia nights are back at The Foundry. There is a new topic each week, and there are fun, local prizes to be won. Registration starts at 7:30 pm, games start at 8 pm.

facebook.com/foundrytbay

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 8 pm

Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar Wednesdays Shooter’s Tavern

One of Thunder Bay’s most prolific musicians, Danny Johnson, turns Shooter’s Tavern into a piano bar every Wednesday night. Requests are welcome, and there’s an extra mic for singers. No cover.

shooterstavern.com

MOMologues 2: Off to School

This play covers everything from devouring parenting books to the dreaded talk about birds and bees, told with a spin that any mom will relate to. Tickets $20–$35. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

cambrianplayers.com

May 4, 11, 18, 25, 7 pm

Open Decks Night Atmos

Calling all DJs! Sign up for a 60-minute set on the main stage every Thursday night at Atmos.

@atmostbay

May 4, 11, 18, 25, 7 pm

Open Mic Night

Lakehead Beer Company Sing for your pint! Sign up at the bar and sing for a free beer, or come cheer on the singers from the comfort of your seat.

lakeheadbeer.ca

May 5, 7:30 pm

Gerry Dee

Popular Toronto artist LB Spiffy is coming to Thunder Bay to rock a show at Atmos, presented by local recording studio Bay Dream Records. Tickets are $20.

@atmostbay

May 5 & 6, 9 pm

BPP 15 Year Anniversary Bash Black Pirates Pub

BPP is celebrating a decade and a half with a big party featuring 10 killer acts on stage full of Thunder Bay’s favourite musicians over two nights. Tickets are $15. 19+.

facebook.com/ BlackPiratesPub

May 5, 12, 19, 26, 8 pm

Music & Dancing Bar Polonia

The Polish Combatants’ Association Branch No 1’s Bar Polonia has live music and dancing every Friday. Cover is $7. Everyone is welcome.

(807) 345-1861

May 6, all day

The host of Family Feud Canada and star of awardwinning sitcom, Mr. D, performs live as part of his cross-Canada tour. See this month’s Film & Theatre section for more info.

Join Willow Springs Creative Centre for their all-day natureinspired art-making gathering, including workshops and more. See this month’s Arts section for more info.

tbca.com

May 5, 7:30 pm

TBSO presents: Noondaagotoon! Fort William Historical Park

Join the TBSO and Indigenous performers and musicians for their annual Noondaagotoon! concert, featuring guest artists Jeremy Dutcher and the Thunder Mountain Singers.

tbso.ca

For full details and to apply visit tbaytel.net/communityfund

The Walleye The Walleye

Atmos

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

Apply for funding by May 24th

2 96

LB Spiffy

Spring Makers Retreat

Small changes can make a big difference

Submissions close at 4:00 pm EST on May 24, 2023.

May 5, 9 pm

Lappe Nordic Ski Centre

Jesse Roper and The Bankes Brothers

facebook.com/ portarthurlegion

Consortium Aurora Borealis Presents: Viva L’Italia!

St. Paul’s United Church Celebrate the golden age of Italian string music with a concert of beautiful sonatas from the time of Stradivarius, including high Baroque solos from Venice by Vivaldi, and works from other regions by Corelli and Locatelli. Masks strongly recommended. $25, students $15.

consortiumab.org

May 6, 10 pm

OG Nixin Atmos

Los Angeles electronic music producer and DJ OG Nixin plays Thunder Bay on his Return Of The West tour.

Robbie Craig Pop-Up Shop

Travel the world at the 50th anniversary of the Folklore Festival. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors/ students, and $1 for children age 4–12. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

folklorefestival.ca

May 6, 7, 13, 14

Vinyl Records Sale Arthur Street Medical Health Centre

Check out hundreds of albums in a range of genres at the Friends of the Library Vinyl Sale. Hours are 10 am to 4 pm, except May 14, which runs from 1 to 4 pm. See this month’s CityScene section for more info.

May 6, 8 pm

May 6, 7:30 pm

Multi-platinum rockers Theory of a Deadman play the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on May 6 as they tour their latest album, Dinosaur.

Fort William Gardens & Curling Club

Join modern blues artist Jesse Roper and indie rockers The Bankes Brothers at the Branch 5 Legion. Tickets are $25 general admission, $30 limited reserved seating. See this month’s Music section for more info.

@atmostbay

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

Folklore Festival

Port Arthur Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5 Imperial Hall

willowspringscreative centre.ca

Theory of a Deadman

May 6 & 7, noon

May 6, 8 pm

facebook.com/ FriendsBookstoreTBay

May 7, 10 am

Spring Craft Revival

Waterfront District & Prince Arthur’s Landing Shop more than 150 artisans in over 20 locations across the Waterfront District and Prince Arthur’s Landing. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

craftrevival.ca

May 7, 2 pm

International Dance Academy

May 6 & 7, 10 am

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

Hampton Inn & Suites

Come out for a dance performance by Thunder Bay’s International Dance Academy.

Check out the work by renowned Thunder Bay artist Robbie Craig as he holds his latest pop-up shop. See this month’s Arts section for more info.

tbca.com

rcraig.org

tbca.com

MAY 24, 2023

Submissions Close JUNE 5, 2023

Judges Meeting JUNE 16, 2023

Winner’s Announcement

May 7, 14, 21, 28, 8–11 pm

Open Stage Jam Sessions

Port Arthur Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5 Club Room Calling all musicians and live music-lovers! The Branch 5 Legion is hosting Sunday night open jam sessions. No cover, and all are welcome.

facebook.com/ portarthurlegion

May 8–13, 7 pm

St. Patrick High School presents: Mamma Mia! Selkirk Auditorium, St. Patrick High School

Over 150 student cast, crew, and band members help put together the school’s rendition of this classic show. Tickets are $25. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

facebook.com/ sphbusinessarts

May 9, 7:30 pm

Naming the New City at the Lakehead

Thunder Bay Museum Learn more about the fascinating story behind how Thunder Bay got its name, presented by Dr. Peter Raffo. The lecture will also be broadcast live via Zoom.

thunderbaymuseum.com

May 9–11, 9 am

A Walk Through Time Fort William Golf and Country Club

Visit the Fort William Golf and Country Club as it celebrates 100 years, when the club’s heritage hallway and historical golf items will be on display for the general public.

fwcc.ca

May 10, 7 pm

Fay Gleeson Dance Centre

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Celebrating 65 years of dance, Fay Gleeson Dance Centre presents its spring show at the Auditorium.

tbca.com

May 11, 6 pm

Queer Coffee Nights Carlito’s Cafe

Thunder Pride Association is happy to invite everyone to its new Queer Coffee Nights on every second Tuesday of the month. Meet up at a different local coffee shop to connect with the community, share stories, and take part in workshops and fun events.

thunderpride.ca

May 12, 13

Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop presents: LitFest

Definitely Superior Art Gallery/Prince Arthur Hotel LitFest returns with a weekend of readings and workshops by guest authors Anna Porter and Eric Walters, as well as an awards dinner. Registration required. See this month’s CityScene section for more info.

nowwwriters.ca

May 13, 7 pm

Trails and Ales Fundraiser Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.

Join the Black Sheep Mountain Bike Club for an evening of prizes, beer, and food. All funds raised are in support of trail development and maintenance.

facebook.com/ BlackSheepMTB

May 13, 7 pm

Zorya Ukrainian Dance

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium The Zorya Ukrainian Dance Association presents its spring concert at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.

tbca.com

May 13, 7 pm

Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society presents: Bywater Call Port Arthur Polish Hall

Maple Blues Awardnominated soul-rock band Bywater Call plays Thunder Bay. Tickets are $30. See this month’s Music section for more info.

sleepinggiant.ca

May 14, 2 pm

Stitch & Bitch Crafters Meet-Up Red Lion Smokehouse

Knit, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery—whatever your needle craft, get together to compare patterns, share techniques, and trade tips with others. All experience levels welcome.

@redlionsmokehouse

May 14, 7:30 pm

Sin City Illusionists: A Las Vegas Magic Experience Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

Can’t make it to Las Vegas this year? Don’t worry—Vegas is coming to you at this incredible evening of mind blowing magic and big stage illusions in this Vegas-style spectacle.

tbca.com

May 15, 7 pm

Lakehead Festival of Music and the Arts Gala and Scholarship Presentations Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

Support talented local youth performers will entertain you through dancing, singing, piano, and strings. Tickets are $15.

tbca.com

May 16, 6 pm

Art In Motion presents: Chapter 6: A New Beginning

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium The Art In Motion Dance School presents its spring concert—a night to showcase all of the dancers’ and instructors’ hard work and dedication this season.

tbca.com

May 17, 7:30 pm

Thunder Bay Community Band Concert

Hilldale Lutheran Church Join the all-volunteer concert band for their spring concert featuring the sounds of Hollywood and Broadway. Tickets are $10, $5 for students and seniors. See this month’s Music section for more info.

facebook.com/Thunder BayCommunityBand

May 18, 7 pm

Dayglo Abortions Black Pirates Pub

The legendary punk band plays Thunder Bay, with Toronto punk greats Random Killing and Vancouver’s own Motorama. Local support from Killer. Tickets are $20. 19+. See this month’s Music section for more info.

daygloabortions.com

May 19

LU RetroGrad Exhibition and Conflix Films Gala Opening Definitely Superior Art Gallery

DefSup is hosting a gala reception for their LU RetroGrad Exhibition and Conflix Films, featuring contemporary art by eight LU grads and new works as well as screenings of 32 Conflix thesis short films by Confederation College grads. The opening will feature special guest speaker Rebecca Belmore and artists will be in attendance. Exhibition runs until June 17, Tuesdays to Saturdays noon–6 pm. By donation, all ages, accessible.

definitelysuperior.com

May 20, 9 pm

Urban Thunder

Port Arthur Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5 Imperial Hall Come out for a night of R&B, Afrobeat, reggaeton, hip hop, and more with Urban Thunder. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 19+.

facebook.com/ portarthurlegion

May 20 & 21, 7:30 pm

All the Daze Presents: The Grunch Magnus Theatre

Come see 45 of Thunder Bay’s youngest stage stars in this production of The Grunch. It follows mean and moody Rudy Grunch, who is trying to steal and destroy her school musical’s production.

magnustheatre.com

Until May 21

Fresh Perspectives: Secondary School Art Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery

Celebrate the artwork of students from Thunder Bay and the region, who showcase their creativity and personal expression through a variety of media, materials, technologies, tools, and techniques.

theag.ca

May 22, 9 am

Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race Columbus Centre

The 87th Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race will consist of the traditional individual run and a relay event for boys and girls in two age groups. See this month’s Top Five for more info.

May 23, 7:30 pm

Queen: It’s A Kinda Magic

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium This tribute show recreates Queen’s 1986 world tour concert, featuring over 20 of the band’s greatest hits, including “We Will Rock You,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” and “Under Pressure.”

tbca.com

May 26–28

Superior Quilt Show 2023

CLE Coliseum Building The Thunder Bay Quilters Guild presents its 2023 quilt show. More than 100 quilts, plus demonstrations, workshops, and a quilt challenge sponsored by Northcott Fabrics.

thunderbayquilters.org

May 26, 7–9 pm

55 Plus Centre Art Exhibit and Sale Opening Reception Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre

Works by the late Greg Zelinski will be the focus of the 55 Plus Centre’s art exhibit and sale. After the opening reception, the exhibit runs during the centre’s operating hours. See this month’s Arts section for more info.

facebook.com/ tbay55pluscentre

May 27, 3:30 pm

Blues Blast 2023 The Da Vinci Centre

Originally planned for 2020, Blues Blast 2023 retains most of the original lineup, including Mississippi Heat, Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames, and Tony Holiday. Local support by Brother John and The Chain. Tickets are $75 at the door. See this month’s Music section for more info.

thunderbaybluessociety.ca

May 27, 7 pm

PULSE 2023: DJ Dance House Part.i + VJ Visuals in CIN3 Definitely Superior Art Gallery

An exciting mix of electronic music genres, featuring DJ Luv, Temperance, David Shaw, DJ SOWnd. Dance, dance, dance in the former Cinema 3! Cover is $5 cash at the door. 19+.

May 28, 9 am

Hike for Hospice Boulevard Lake

Once again this year’s event offers both an in-person and a virtual hike. Pre-hike festivities from 9 to 10 am at St. Ignatius High School, with local vendors, food, a kids area, musical entertainment, and more.

hospicenorthwest.ca

May 28, 11 am

Cystic Fibrosis Walk

Marina Park Festival Area Rain or shine, join the walk to make cystic fibrosis history. Barbecue and a flavoured popcorn cart (weather permitting) on site, with snacks available for a donation to Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

walk.cysticfibrosis.ca

May 29, noon

Legacy Dance Studio: Latin Nights

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Enjoy an afternoon of Latininspired dance with Legacy Dance Studio’s spring performance.

tbca.com

May 31

YOUth Knitters Various Locations

Knit or crochet hats or scarves for those in need and get volunteer hours. Volunteers must be ages 13 to 18. Sign up at the library’s website.

tbpl.ca

May 31, 7:30 pm

All The Daze presents: Into the Woods Thunder Bay Community Auditorium

This musical follows a baker and his wife who are trying to reverse the witch’s curse of them not being able to have a child. See this month’s Film & Theatre section for more info.

tbca.com

Until June 18

Blake Debassige Exhibition

Thunder Bay Art Gallery The Gallery is honoured to exhibit 17 works from its permanent collection by artist Blake Debassige, who passed away last year.

theag.ca

definitelysuperior.com

10mileroadrace.org

The Walleye The Walleye

3 97

Music

LU RADIO’S MONTHLY TOP 1 U.S. Girls*

Bless This Mess

Royal Mountain

6 Unknown Mortal Orchestra V

Jagjaguwar

15 Whitehorse*

I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying

Six Shooter

Unity

8 Bridal Party*

23 Only A Visitor*

Cool Down

Decay

Self-Released

Mint

9 Little Simz

Arts & Craft

3 Black Belt Eagle Scout

The Land, The Water, The Sky

Saddle Creek

4 Begonia*

Mascarade

Rhythm Section

11 July Talk*

Remember Never Before

Six Shooter

16 The New Pornographers*

Continue as a Guest

Merge

17 Afternoon Bike Ride* Glossover

Friends of Friends

18 Yo La Tengo

Powder Blue

This Stupid World

Birthday Cake

Matador

5 Yves Tumor

19 Packs*

Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)

Warp

24 Bonnie Trash*

NO THANK YOU

10 Gayance*

Crispy Crunchy Nothing

Fire Talk

Hand Drawn Dracula

25 Gabrielle Shonk Across the Room

Arts & Crafts

26 Kelela Raven

Warp

27 Deerhoof

Miracle-Level

Joyful Noise

28 100 gecs

10,000 gecs

Atlantic

29 Matt Andersen*

The Big Bottle of Joy

12 Fever Ray

30 Fucked Up* One Day

Mute

Merge

13 boygenius The Record

* Indicates Canadian Content

Interscope

14 Shame

Food for Worms

Dead Oceans

The Walleye Walleye The

Hail, Hale!

Sonic

Radical Romantics

4 98

BEFORE THE ALBUM: A Love Letter To The Moons of Mars

Lotus Glow

Sub Pop

Norm

21 Mauvey*

22 Adi Oasis

Good Luck

Forever Living Originals

Check out our weekly charts online at luradio.ca. Keep it locked on 102.7 FM, online streaming at luradio.ca.

604

7 Debby Friday*

2 Andy Shauf*

CILU 102.7fm’s Monthly Charts for this issue reflect airplay for the month ending April 11, 2023.

20 Young Fathers Heavy Heavy

Ninja Tune

"BYWATER CALL IS ARMED AND DANGEROUS... THE WHOLE BAND LOCK IN TIGHT, WITH THE SPARKLING GEMS OF MEGHAN’S VOCALS AND DAVE’S GUITAR ON SHOW,” - SIMON REDLEY, MUSIC REPUBLIC MAGAZINE MARCH 2020

$46,000 VALUE!

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BUY ONLINE AT: museumraf fle.com 1 for $15 | 3 for $40 | 8 for $100 | 28 for $300 Draw date: August 12, 2023 - Limited to 14,833 Tickets Must be in Ontario to purchase - Raffle License: RAF1293325

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TICKETS $30: SLEEPINGGIANT.CA PORT ARTHUR POLISH HALL

2023 8:00PM

Thunder Bay Country Market We Make It, Bake It, Grow It

Make it a Mother’s Day (or any occasion’s)

gift to remember. Our artisans, producers, farmers & bakers are ready to serve you. Market gift certificates make a great gift, too!

Mother’s Day is:

SUNDAY, MAY 14th

Visit Us:

Find/Follow Us:

Open Year Round on Wednesday 3:30-6:30pm & Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm

CLE Grounds - Dove Building Northern & May Street @tbaymarket tbcm.ca

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TattooedYou

D TATTOOE U O Y

Comfort Among Crows

Story and Photos by Leah Morningstar Tattoo by Taylor of Studio Four Four Nine

Trahen Wilkins' tattoo honours his friend and his affinity for crows

ver since he was little, Trahen Wilkins has felt a special affinity with crows, ravens, and other corvids. He remembers being seven or eight years old and realizing that the crows hanging around his family’s camp were stealing the food his mother put out for squirrels. Wilkins started feeding the crows, and loved watching them jump around and play and tease animals and smaller birds. It was strictly a camp activity though, because Wilkins’ mother really didn’t like the idea of attracting crows to their home in the city. As Wilkins grew older, he continued observing and feeding crows whenever possible. He remembers when he worked up north in Pikangikum for a time, there was a funny little crow that used to hang out around the school. Someone taught the bird to speak and it would swear at the children arriving for school. Now, as an adult with his own home, Wilkins is free to feed the crows whenever he wants; his wife and kids are on board too. The whole family has been feeding a bonded pair and their babies for about a decade now. “We have two regulars throughout the year who we’ve named Chicken and Lefty,” Wilkins says. “I think they live at a nearby park but visit our yard every day.” Wilkins still enjoys watching the birds, just as he did when he was a child.

They’re so intelligent and they love to play. “The longer you watch and observe, the more obvious it is that they each have unique and recognizable personalities. And they love making funny calls to mimic and mock us.” Sometimes, when Wilkins’s wife takes the dog for a walk, Chicken and Lefty will follow them down the street, hoping for treats, and mocking all the way. Wilkins had been thinking about getting a crow tattoo for years but never quite got around to it. Last summer, he saw that Taylor from Studio Four Four Nine had posted several beautiful crow designs on her instagram account @taytertatts. That was the motivation he needed to finally book his crow tattoo. The day before the tattoo, Wilkins’s good friend passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. This friend, Ron, had earned himself the nickname Old Crow for being grumpy and continually squawking over a bad hand of cards. He was like a brother and his passing was quite tragic, albeit not surprising. Despite the short notice, Wilkins asked Taylor if she’d be able to add a little memorial ink under the crow design and she was happy to oblige. Now when Wilkins looks at his arm, he’s reminded of his connection to these fascinating and beautiful birds and, of course, of his connection to a wonderful— albeit squawky—friend.

“The longer you watch and observe, the more obvious it is that they each have unique and recognizable personalities” 100

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Let’s get social

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101

SUNDAY MAY 14TH *

$58 Adults (12+) $29* Kids (3-12) / Free (0-3)

TWO SEATINGS: 10:30am – 12:30pm 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Nous sommes toujours disponibles pour vous, les femmes du Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario , si vous aimeriez avoir quelqu’une pour discuter ou si vous avez seulement besoin de parler.

JOIN US FOR

Mother’s Day BRUNCH

A decadent menu including breakfast items with an omelet station, assorted seafood, pasta station, two carving stations featuring prime rib and bone-in ham, and delectable desserts.

Siège social

234, rue Van Norman. Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4B8 admin@centrelles.com

Entertainment Provided by

Mood Indigo

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*Prices include Welcome Mocktails & soft drinks;

C.P. 1030 Geraldton, ON P0T 1M0 greenstone@centrelles.com

do not include taxes and 15% service charge.

PLEASE CALL TO BOOK:

807-344-0777

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1 888 415-4156 centrelles.com

Northwest Northwest Senior Senior Games Games Registration

mercredi 24 mai à 20 h

May 15th to 19th from 9:00am to 4:00pm

YAO

For More Info:

thunderbay.ca/55plus and view under Upcoming Events or call (807) 684-3066

102

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cle

ESC de La Vérendrye

Games taking place from June 4th to 9th

concer t-spect a

Jo in Us !

Poétique, Groovy, Funk par moments et Soul dans son ensemble, Yao, de sa voix grave, réussit à charmer par l’univers chaleureux de sa douce poésie et par son audace artistique. Poetic, Groovy, Funky at times, and suffused with Soul. Yao charms his listening public with his deep voice, sweet poetry and artistic boldness.

The Start of a Movement

Green

By Denise Smith, Rethinking Waste Coordinator, EcoSuperior

wenty-seven years ago, 10-year-old Elizabeth de Bakker wrote an open letter in the Chronicle Journal to the mayor of Thunder Bay urging him to do something about litter in the city. “I think we should have a day where everybody goes outside to pick up garbage, put it in bags, recycle the recyclables. […] Then we’d have a nice clean place to look at and live in,” wrote de Bakker. Little did she know this would become the catalyst for the first city-wide litter collection campaign, Spring Up to Clean Up. We caught up with de Bakker to reflect on the beginning of this annual clean-up and her hopes for the future. EcoSuperior: Describe the events leading up to the first Spring Up to Clean Up in 1997. Elizabeth de Bakker: After writing the initial letter to the newspaper […] I received an invitation to talk to the mayor at his office. A short time later, I was amazed to receive an invitation to address city council, after which I was invited to be a child representative on a year-long planning committee for the first Spring Up to Clean Up. ES: How did it feel at such a young age to make such a big impact? ED: It was an empowering experience to make a difference in my community even though I was “just a child.” I was absolutely shocked when I was invited to address city council! I remember feeling nervous to think that adults would listen to a child talk about a community issue, but hopeful that something positive might result. That whole experience was very formative for me,

right from how it began to my participation in the planning for the first Spring Up to Clean Up. ES: What advice do you have for children and youth interested in inspiring positive change in Thunder Bay? ED: If you notice that something isn’t right or could be improved, be brave and speak up! Your voice matters, and you can make a difference. Spring Up to Clean Up was born out of a single thought of indignation, articulated to a single adult. […] That thought was then presented to a group of decision-makers, who saw value in my idea. Remember, it only takes one person to start a movement—and that person can be you! ES: Did you ever imagine that Spring Up would still be running 27 years later? What are your hopes for the future of this event? ED: I feel truly heartwarmed to know that something I initiated as a child has had a lasting positive impact on the community. Beyond the idea that we need to reduce toxins and microplastics in our soil and water systems, it’s also important to remember that one person—no matter how small—can make a lasting difference. Join Spring Up to Clean Up this May. To register, visit ecosuperior.org/ springuptbay.

“If you notice that something isn’t right or could be improved, be brave and speak up!”

Elizabeth de Bakker with her dad, John, May 1, 1997, at Gron Morgan School

Special mothers deserve special gifts.

Shop our selection for Mother’s Day:

313 Bay St. | (807) 683-0982 Souvenirs | Giftware | Home Decor

authentiquegifts.ca The Walleye

103

A Top Pick

Green

Sustainable Harvesting in Thunder Bay By Jason Feller, Boreal Museum

Start your clean beauty journey with me today! Book, shop & purchase gift cards online:

streakofgreen.com 252 Algoma St S. | 807-343-9122 streakofgreenhairsalon@gmail.com

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he forests surrounding Thunder Bay are abundant with plants, animals, and fungi. Many of these are rich resources that not only support the ecosystems in these habitats, but also the human communities that live in and around these places. Wild harvesting is seeing a recent resurgence in our community, and interest in foraging is growing as we look towards ways to diversify our diets, integrate with our environments, and offset some of those high grocery bills. Discovering wild foods that grow in our area can be easy, and there are plentiful resources to help you find common foragable foods— books, videos, phone apps, even foraging walks you can join in on. Resources like the Thunder Bay + Area Food Strategy’s Community Food System Report Card provide lists of some commonly foraged foods in our area, while hands-on identification through experts at workshops provide more tangible information. However, you don’t need to be an expert to start. Easily identifiable foods like our common dandelion and greater plantain are abundant, versatile, and a great addition to any diet. While many wild foods are easy to identify, some with common and dangerous lookalikes could be mistaken by a novice or even seasoned forager. It’s extremely important to become familiar with these dangerous look-alikes to avoid risks. Always make sure you are 100% certain on all your identifications before consuming, and reference several resources to doublecheck identifications. You wouldn’t want to confuse the

shoots of common cattail for the poisonous bearded iris, for example. Of course, when wild harvesting, it’s extremely i m p o r t a n t t o b e g re a t stewards of nature. You’ll want to be aware of where you’re going so you don’t forage on conservation areas or protected lands, ensure the areas where you pick are not sprayed with pesticides, and remember the less the foot traffic, the better. It’s also important to be mindful of how much we pick while foraging, to ensure wild foods will remain present for years to come and we will not disturb our local ecosystems through overharvesting. The easiest way to do this is to follow the 1 in 20 rule: only pick 1 in 20 of any foragable food you come across. Pick only one of the best and healthiest examples of your foragable and leave behind anything wilted, off-colour, damaged, or eaten by insects. This way, you can ensure easier identification, while leaving room for the wild foods to grow, supporting the animals that depend on them, and even allowing other foragers to enjoy them. Only ever take what you need in the next few days, as wild foods notoriously have short shelf lives. Following these rules will keep us, our communities and ecosystems healthy and happy. To learn more about foraging, discover some of Thunder Bay’s wild foods, and get hands-on identification, join the Boreal Museum for a Foragers Walk through the summer. Visit borealmuseum. com for more information.

“Always make sure you are 100% certain on all your identifications before consuming”

Green

Watch for signs of any emerging frost-tender seedlings

Keep an eye on the weather forecast

Cover if there is even a risk of frost

Hardening Off and Frost

By Hedy Koski

iving here in the cold land of Zones 3, 3b and 4, we need to learn tricks for extending our growing season and how to beat the frost. Any time now, we will be planting and seeding outside, and our weather can fluctuate dramatically—15°C one day, snow the next. The damage this causes to plants will depend on their hardiness against the frost. Hardening off is a very important process for plants you start indoors, and any vegetable or flowering plants you may buy at a garden centre. And here is why: so far, all these plants have known is a warm, stable environment,

and if you just place them outside, that sudden change in light, temperature, and wind can shock them and they may wilt, turn white or brown, and could die. You need to slowly get plants acclimated to the intense sun, temperature change, wind, rain. Start by placing them outside when daytime temperatures are warm (note: plant growth can slow down below 10°C), keep them in a shady location during the day for a couple of days (bring them in at night), then keep introducing them to more and more sun every day. In about a week of hardening off your plants, they should be ready for their permanent location. Now, if

you planted everything and we get that risk of frost in May or June, cover them up. Even a light frost can kill some plants. I cover my plants when it’s predicted to be 5°C or less. I live in a low-lying area and many times when the weather had been predicted to be 4°C at night, it turned out to be -1°C and I lost plants to the frost. (I now have trust issues!) So here are some coverup tips. When I plant my frost-tender plants out in the garden, I put tall sticks in the ground around them so when frost threatens I can lay either frost covers or old bedsheets over those sticks creating a tent, ensuring the fabric doesn’t touch much of

ET LET’S G G IN W O GR EDY WITH H the foliage but still reaches the ground so no frost creeps in under it. Those sticks are handy when you find yourself covering plants late at night in your housecoat (yeah, it can happen). You can also use a cardboard box over the plants—just put a rock on top so the wind doesn’t blow it over. Don’t use plastic, as frost can form under plastic. They say frost cannot form on rainy nights. Some people water their plant leaves and soil at night if they expect low temperatures. I have only tried this a couple of times on my hard-to-cover plants, and it worked for me, but covering your plants is a better guarantee.

The coldest time of the night is just before the sun rises

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Advertising Feature

May Behind the Business Feature

Bailey Whitefield, Hearing Instrument Specialist and Owner, Sound Hearing Inc.

Meet Bailey Whitefield, owner and hearing instrument specialist behind Sound Hearing Inc. Bailey began working in the audiology field in 2009 in her hometown of Fort Frances. In 2010, she moved to Thunder Bay to complete an undergraduate degree in psychology at Lakehead University and has lived here ever since. Soon after graduating from Lakehead University, Bailey started in the hearing aid practitioner program at Grant MacEwan University and has been working as a hearing instrument specialist since graduating in 2017. Bailey always dreamed of owning her own clinic, and in October 2022, that dream turned into reality. Sound Hearing officially opened its doors, and is currently only one of two locally owned hearing clinics in Thunder Bay. Outside of work, Bailey loves to spend time outside with her two dogs, George and Ellie. She also enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time with her family and friends. Learn more about Sound Hearing Clinic by visiting their website, soundhearingclinic.ca.

Q & A with Bailey

What drew you to entrepreneurship? My parents will tell you that I always said I would be the boss someday, haha! I’ve always had a knack for organization and planning. Owning

my own hearing clinic has been a dream of mine since I started exploring the audiology field in high school. When the opportunity arose to make it a reality, I was equally scared and excited. Now that I’m six months into having my clinic open, I am so glad I did it and know it was the best choice for myself. I have also been running my craft business with my sister for six and a half years now, so I had a taste of entrepreneurship from that and other small projects that I took on as a youth. What inspired you to launch your business? Hearing health care has always been close to my heart as someone who has had ear troubles and hearing loss my entire life. After spending plenty of time in ENT offices and completing many hearing tests, audiology became my career goal at a young age and I am very passionate about the work I do. Opening my own clinic meant I could provide the best client-centred care I want to provide, on my own terms. I worked for a big corporate company prior to opening my clinic and found I couldn’t give the individualized care that I wanted to provide for my clients. Knowing what you know now, is there anything that you would have done differently when you were just starting out? So far I haven’t found anything that I would do differently. I think my experience working in other hearing clinics prior to opening my own helped me to know exactly what I did and didn’t like and how I wanted my business to run, clinically. On the business side of things, I am glad I spent a lot of time talking to different professionals and weighing out options for how the back end of my clinic could work. So far the choices I made (i.e., being incorporated, payroll and accounting programs, scheduling system, etc.) have all been working very well for me! Very thankful for the advice and guidance I got with all of this! What advice would you give someone who is trying to be an entrepreneur? Stay organized. Write notes about every meeting and conversation you have, because there will be

so many it’s impossible to remember it all. Ask all the questions you have—there is not one stupid question! There are so many things to learn about starting up and running a successful business, you will need to reach out to people for help. I know how to do the job of a hearing instrument specialist well, so what I then had to learn was how to be a business owner. The CEDC and the Starter Company Plus program were great resources for business planning. My accountant, lawyer, and other colleagues in the audiology field were also all extremely helpful sources of knowledge. Also, look for funding and grants everywhere. The applications might seem daunting, and it’s hard to decipher which ones to choose to apply for, but it’s worth the work put in. And the worst they can say is “no” to an application! What are you working on now? May is Better Speech and Hearing Month! We are running a draw for anyone who books a hearing test in

the month of May and has a qualifying hearing loss to be entered to win 50% off a set of hearing aids. On top of events like this, I am working on building a client base and brand recognition in the city and surrounding areas. Making connections with local physicians and health professionals is also important so that we can be part of people’s health-care team. Is there anyone you would like to thank? The ear, nose, and throat specialists Drs. Hassan, Pulkki, and Golrokhian Sani, for supporting my clinic with referrals both for hearing testing and hearing aids. My awesome client care coordinator and friend, Sue Lemieux, for taking such great care of our clients and the front end of my clinic. I wouldn’t be able to do it without her! My family, friends, and clients for supporting my endeavours and helping spread the word about my new clinic. Word of mouth is huge in Thunder Bay!

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Health

Nurse Practitioners Sashalina De Agazio, Stephanie Tempelman, Corine Armstrong, and Kayley Heppler on the Surgical Remote Patient Monitoring team at TBRHSC

A Game-Changer in Patient Care Surgical Remote Patient Monitoring

By Raiili Pellizzari, Communications Specialist and Project Lead Communications and Engagement

he impact the pandemic has had on reshaping health care is undeniable. With the expansion of the use of digital platforms and health technologies, innovation has improved the health care experience for both patients and providers. One example is the Surgical Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), who are using a web-based platform to offer pre- and post-operative health care to patients from wherever they connect to the internet. As Caroline Fanti, director of regional surgical services explains, “We introduced Surgical RPM in November 2020 as a means to enhance TBRHSC’s pandemic response. Our team utilizes a digital tool [SeamlessMD] to engage and monitor surgical patients across Northwestern Ontario.” Initiating the program during the height of the pandemic was a means to protect patients and manage limited hospital

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resources, shares Dr. David Puskas, medical director of Musculoskeletal Health and Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon at TBRHSC. “Hospitals are great places when they are necessary, but also, quite frankly, patients can experience a heightened risk of infection while they are admitted,” Dr. Puskas says. “With the challenges of flu seasons, COVID-19, and admission restrictions, Caroline Fanti and I looked for a solution where we can provide the kind of surveillance that patients require, that connection with their care team, and not have patients expose themselves to the risk of hospitalization.” The digital tool has personalized information for preparing for surgery through recovery with a digital library, daily tracking, and remote monitoring. D r. P u s k a s s a y s t h e response from his patients has been overwhelmingly positive. “Our pilot study showed patient satisfaction was far higher than it was

before we started to reduce length of stay,” he says. “We are using technology in a way that gives patients confidence and control over their own health care, and also facilitates staying out of the hospital, which is good for everybody.” For Dr. Travis Marion, orthopaedic surgeon and medical lead for spinal surgery, surgical RPM has been a gamechanger. “It has empowered my patients by providing them with a significant amount of knowledge at their fingertips, daily questionnaires, exercises, and information patients may want to have perioperatively,” he says. “They come in better informed and prepared for their procedure and the course of their care.” The key to the success of Surgical RPM is that it is a shared model of care. The team has a continuum of providers including the clerical staff who aid with the institution of SeamlessMD, the nurse practitioners (NPs) who answer daily queries and the surgeon, who is available

as required. Nurse practitioners Kayley Heppler and Stephanie Tempelman explain they act as a patient advocate and liaison for thirty days postop. “As NPs, we are able to operate autonomously in our role,” says Heppler. “We perform comprehensive assessments, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostics, prescribe pharmacological and therapeutic interventions, and refer to interdisciplinary team members. We rule out complications and work closely with surgeons to meet patient needs.” “We use SeamlessMD on a daily basis to support patients with internet access in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario,” adds Tempelman. “We monitor concerns that are reported by the patient and it helps us to connect with them to support them. For example, with wound care, if patients are concerned about bruising, redness, or swelling, they can submit photos for us to review. The ability to video

chat and connect with people in their homes is a huge asset of this program.” The surgical RPM team at TBRHSC now supports certain orthopedic, bariatric, gynecological, urological, s p i n e , c o l o re c t a l , a n d breast surgeries while using technology to narrow the distance between provider and the patient. “And the faster we can get patients out of the hospital, the more rapidly they will recover the function and the ability to be in their home environment,” says Dr. Puskas. “Remote patient monitoring is a crucial part of bridging that gap. They have the best of both worlds—they are out of the hospital and they have contact with their surgical team, at all levels of that team.” He adds, “It's the future and it’s a bright one.” For more information visit, tbrhsc.net.

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Keep Your Stick on the Ice By Justin Allec

’m the father of three boys bor n in Northwester n Ontario. Being a parent comes with expectations about your kids, but in this part of the world, there’s a special one. Barely were my boys out of the womb before some well-meaning relative or friend asked if we would be “putting them in hockey.” It’s a well-intentioned question, but the wording gives me pause. As a parent, I’ve always appreciated Thunder Bay for the ease of getting outdoors and being active, values that my wife and I will hopefully pass on. The city’s plentiful greenspaces and the variety of low-cost activities certainly make it easier to keep our boys busy. Parks, lakes and rivers, splash pads, and outdoor rinks all contribute to our quality of life. The sports that we have enrolled our boys in have so far led to the usual ups and downs as they learn about teamwork, competition, and how their growing bodies work. Hockey, though, has me hesitating. When my boys

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can’t even walk yet, do people need to know if they’ll play a particular winter sport? It shows the perceived importance of this game to the city, with their participation seemingly dictating the course of their lives. The fact that this hockey question is asked with the same energy as “Are you going to baptize them?” troubles me. Like religion or church, hockey in Thunder Bay is a culture… and you can’t spell “culture” without “cult.” There’s a lot I admire and like about hockey. Skating, stickhandling, and teamwork are all very cool skills, and ones that I hope my boys will have a chance to develop. Any potential enjoyment, though, seems to come with the caveat of hockey culture, for better or worse. There’s the expense and the organization of equipment, practices, and games at all ends of the city; the time driving back and forth to meet sacred ice times; the missed meals and the crappy coffees bought en route; the potential school missed for further games, further tournaments.

None of that sounds like fun, and if I’m going to shoulder that kind of stress all winter long for every moment of free time my boys have, I’d like the payoff to be substantial. I’d like the experience of playing and learning the game to be worth it, but I don’t think it is. Unlike the other activities I’ve enrolled my boys in, hockey has an endpoint. The goal, regardless of skill level, is to aspire to the NHL. So, to the already tricky logistics and considerable expense, add another layer of pressure. After all, hockey is a competitive game; trying your best is fine for underdog sports movies, but winning and scoring, sometimes even over your team, really is the point. I t ’s t h i s N H L - b o u n d aspiration, I believe, that’s one of the main reasons why you have the stereotypical raging hockey parents. The business of hockey shapes the sport; it’s the trickle-down influence from a billion-dollar industry. That aspiration leads to a belief in your kid’s superiority, the belief that this boy, this player, will

“make it” to the big leagues and a ridiculous paycheque. That excuses the abuse of the refs, the extra hard body checks, the odd fight, and of course, the insults and slurs to other players, even those on their own team. I can’t ignore the fact that there has been a lot of work done by leagues over the years to counter this kind of behaviour, but I also can’t ignore the fact that you barely have to spend time in an arena to see it. Heck, any time I’ve been to an outdoor rink where people are playing hockey it’s just a matter of time until I must cover my boys’ ears or move them to the opposite end of the ice. There aren’t any obvious role models within the NHL countering this. Sportsmanship might win a player the Lady Byng, but no one’s excited about those guys. Instead, it’s goal-scorers, tough guys, and fighters who get the attention—Don Cherry’s kind of players, who really seem to be everyone’s kind of players. The kind of players who have been subject to 15 sexual

assault investigations in the last two decades. The kind of players who follow their rich owners’ requests and suit up in a special jersey for “military night,” but won’t put one on for human rights. The kind of players who sell themselves to endorsements for sports betting, painkillers, and junk food because we all know that their time on the ice is finite. The kind of players that don’t show up in women’s hockey or come from the reserves. The kind of players that your boys are supposed to idolize and emulate whenever they’re on the ice. So, will I be “putting my boys in hockey”? If they want to play, that’s fine—I’ll support them in their decision. Hockey can be a part of their lives, but it won’t dictate the course of it. There are so many sports and activities out there that don’t require that kind of domineering aspiration that hockey demands. Then they don’t have to just be what boys “will be”; they can be themselves and play the games how they want.

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WalleyeAprilMagazine9x11Apr20.indd 1

The Walleye 111 2023-04-20 9:20 AM

TheBeat

Don’t talk, shout By Siobhan Farrell Ordinary is a word that, well just sounds ordinary where conundrum doesn’t sound ordinary at all Things with short monosyllabic names like cat might sound ordinary, but many definitely are not in my experience. Exotic animals like snakes, tortoises, giraffes and hippopotamuses are not ordinary, unless you happen to be one. History in tired musty books taught in 3rd grade about the Boer war on a sleepy afternoon would be so ordinary you would hardly remember it, while the exploits of Amelia Earhart in her dashing outfits would be unforgettable. What about talking, or barking, squawking of crows or the howling of wolves? Howling would be the clear winner. When you feel cool and warm sitting next to your first boyfriend, will that become more ordinary with the second? What about an aria from Madame Butterfly or Swan Lake or Joni Mitchell? Do goosebumps fade once you’ve heard them enough times?

Shout, boy Roland, digital painting

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I know one thing. Extraordinary has exclamation points, emojis with wide open mouths. There are no left-overs because everything has already been spent.

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The wedding party of Mary Sitch and Jack Stirrett, circa 1909 Photo courtesy of the Thunder Bay Museum

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