If it weren’t for the help and contributions made from events such as the Empty Bowls Caring Hearts dinner, Cal Rankin thinks that Shelter House Thunder Bay wouldn’t be able to provide the services it normally makes available to the community.

In 2009, Empty Bowls raised approximately $15,000 from their fundraising dinner, with one half of the proceeds going to Shelter House and the other donated to the Thunder Bay Food Bank. Rankin, executive director of Shelter House, points out that the need for food and shelter is growing in the community, making their work crucial for the survival of less fortunate individuals

He adds that the percentage of people in need of basic necessities has risen up by 30% over last year. Because of this, Shelter House now makes around 515 meals every day, which are divided into hot meals, bagged lunches and groceries which are distributed to those in need each day.

And yet while the organization moves huge amounts of food on a daily basis, it seems it still isn’t enough for everyone—more and more people still end up on the streets hungry.

To answer this call for help, Empty Bowls will be hosting the 11^th annual Empty Bowls Caring Hearts dinner on the 17^th of October, also known as World Food Day, at the Moose Hall here in Thunder Bay at 6 in the evening.

For more information on Empty Bowls Thunder Bay, logon to http://www.emptybowlstb.com/.

Sand’n Sea in Thunder Bay has an all new, exciting swimwear inventory so be sure to stop by their location at 273 Algoma St S.

As the cold weather approaches, you may be looking at escaping it all and visiting some place warm. Or maybe you are planning a fall wedding and are travelling South for your honeymoon. Whatever the case may be, remember to keep Sand ‘n Sea in mind for all your new trendy and sexy swimwear, clothing and accessories. Sand’n Sea has something for everyone, so check them out today!

Randy Fox is on a Thanksgiving mission.

He’s encouraging everyone in Thunder Bay to let the spirit of giving push them to take part in Bikes for Humanity’s 4^th annual bicycle donation days here in the city.

Those interested in helping out can drop off their bicycles, used or new, at 507 E. Victoria Ave beginning on Thursday and Friday, from 7 to 9 in the evening, until Saturday, from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. Bikes for Humanity’s local chapter will be on hand to receive and arrange the bikes, which will then be sent to Sierra Leone next month.

According to Randy Fox, a bicycle can mean the difference between life and death for someone in a third world country in Africa such as Namibia. He points out that a simple thing such as a bicycle can help extend the reach of a health care worker, who normally only walks around the community.

With a bicycle, not only do you go farther, you get there twice as fast, he said. A simple bike can mean a lot to those in Africa, so pay it forward and check out the event!

October 26th-28th 2010
Fort William Historical Park, Thunder Bay

Hands-on environmental workshops & presentations relating to:
– Environmental Assessments
– Land & Water Management
– Fuel Handling & Contaminated Sites
– Source Water Protectiong
– Mining & Exploration

To register or for further information please visit: www.matawa.on.ca

Much like what you can see in the real world, anyone who visits Thunder Bay Art Gallery can expect to come face to face with brightness, lightness, and darkness—sometimes all at the same time. The gallery’s current exhibits mirror what we perceive in our human, spiritual and natural worlds, at least that’s what many visitors to the gallery feel.

The gallery currently showcases three exhibits created by three talented local artists that are guaranteed to get visitors and viewers thinking about how the light and dark work in their lives.

First up is artist Kasia Piech’s gallery. The ceramics teacher boasts of the largest exhibit in the gallery, and her background in fine art, linguistics and religion clearly reach out to any casual observer. Upon seeing her section of the gallery, visitors are immersed in soft music, the kind that’s heard in the churches of old.

Next is Chris Stones’ Material Memory. His collection of sculptures is a hodgepodge of fierce and soft. His gallery also includes a painting, and some interesting photographs.

Last but not least is Patrick Doyle’s Living in Landscape, a gallery that’s best viewed a few steps back. His is an explosion of vibrant color and panels that remind the viewer of fantasy dream worlds.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery currently has these exhibits up for display until the 24^th of October.

It took him some 4 years to do it, but after plenty of hard work, Ben Johnson finally shattered his own personal record for the heaviest pumpkin.

Johnson, a grower from Thunder Bay, Ontario, won top prize for the heaviest pumpkin at the 4^th annual Pumpkinfest, which was held on Saturday at the Murillo fair grounds. A total of 36 pumpkin entries were weighed by judges, with Johnson’s 1217-pound pumpkin winning first place, along with a check of $1,000 for the grower. Not only was the winning entry a new personal best for Johnson, it also broke the existing record in all of northwestern Ontario.

Johnson commented that he’s always strived to beat his previous record, and now that he has, he’s just basking in the glow of satisfaction for growing something that huge, and of course, winning a bit of money on the side.

The Thunder Bay grower is now on a two-year winning streak after winning last year’s Pumpkinfest with a 786-pound pumpkin. According to Johnson, the exceptional size of his pumpkin this year was due to the fact that the season was considerably warmer compared to the last. Warmer weather is a crucial factor in growing bigger and heavier pumpkins, he said.

At Bloomers and the Brownhouse, we’re all about decadence and spreading joy, and who couldn’t use a little more joy and decadence in their life? We carry a large variety of products, including gifts, hand-made chocolates, floral arrangements, dish gardens, gift baskets and so much more!

As a local company we believe in helping out our neighbours, which is why we support local artists. We carry plenty of local artwork, photography, stained glass, and even chocolates and other treats! Come out today to check out our wide variety of handmade chocolates including vegan, nut-free, sugar-free, and just plain delicious. Our gift baskets are made to order with you in mind. Ask for variations of the traditional gift basket such as chocolate baskets or coffee baskets. We offer flower bouquets and arrangements for all occasions including birthdays, graduations, weddings, sympathy, or just because.

We are located at 330 S. Archibald St. Thunder Bay. Call us at 807-624-9005 or email bhousechoc@hotmail.com for more information.

Cooking has never been more fun when you participate in one of The Kitchen Nook‘s cooking classes! Coming up October 6th, learn sausage making with Dave Maltese from Maltese Grocery. While Dave teaches the art of sausage making, Marlene from The Kitchen Nook will show some quick and easy appetizers for you to sample.

The freshly made sausages will be sampled with a variety of mustard’s. And then to top off the evening you’ll go home with 5 lbs of home made sausages.

For more information on upcoming classes from The Kitchen Nook, be sure to visit their website at www.thekitchennook.com.

If you want to know how tough being a foster parent is, Jason and Suzanne Hart just might be the perfect couple to answer your questions.

A decade ago, the childless Harts were busy looking into adoption options here in Thunder Bay, particularly through the city’s Children’s Aid Society chapter.

After much consideration, the couple finally decided to take in a 7-year-old boy together with his 12 and 5-year-old sisters.

Fast forward to today, the big family is still living happily together. They’ve also been joined by two more members, namely the couple’s two birth children.

The road to being a happy family however, was never easy. At one point, their adopted son and youngest daughter were ordered by the court back to their original home, where they stayed for over a year. Despite the hardships, the Harts feel that all the trials just strengthened their bond with their kids.

The obstacles they’ve faced as foster parents have spurred them to be the face of Children’s Aid Society’s recruitment campaign for foster parents, labeled “We care, do you?” With more and more children in need of loving parents and families, the Society hopes that the Harts experience encourages other potential foster parents to open their hearts to less fortunate kids.

On Sept 11 at 9am, Fort William Street Festival, ElkFest and RiverFest all offering pedestrian and family friendly fun; ball hockey tournament, Elk’s Clown Band, actors, clown buskers, street vendors, pony rides, Shriners train, antique car displays, retail specials & in-store draws, live stage entertainment, … food vendors, farmers and artisan market. Thunder Bay Museum and Northwest Sports Hall of Fame offer free admission and many activities during Doors Open in Thunder Bay. Shelter House volunteers will be holding a huge outdoor yard sale and are always open to donations, in-kind and yard sale items.

This year we are introducing the 1st Annual Artist Alley; a juried art event showcasing local and regional artists with awards and presentations to the winners of 10 different categories sponsored by the Victoria BIA, Lake Superior Art Gallery Bigbush.com and Barbie’s Bargains & Variety.

Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy Downtown Fort William at its very best!

Applications for performers, vendors and other participants can be found by visiting their website at www.victoriabia.ca or the new upcoming designed festival website at www.fwstreetfestival.com.