Good news for soccer fans in the Thunder Bay area – United States Soccer Federation coach Bobby Howe has been asked to come over to Thunder Bay to share his knowledge and experiences by holding sports workshops for young Lakehead Express Soccer Club players. The workshops are schedule to run from the 4^th to the 6^th of December.

Howe arrived from Seattle on Thursday, proceeding to hold the first workshop the next day. The session was open for beginners and experienced players aged 11 to 18 years old.

Asked on why he decided on holding workshops, the former soccer pro explained that he understands how young girls and boys want to belong to a group or clique, often resorting to gangs or whatnot when not under proper guidance. Teaching the sport is his way of giving back to society, not only imparting his knowledge as a coach, but also honing the life skills these kids need to succeed.

Howe was quite impressed with the kids he saw playing on the field when he observed them, complimenting their firm grasp of fundamentals which matched his club’s expectations.

John Rider, Lakehead Express’ coach, hopes that the workshops become an annual thing, with the goal of helping other teens and kids nourish an interest in the sport.

Some disappointing news for Greyhound bus takers in Ontario – the company has announced its plan of reducing bus services for the next year.

The passenger bus company attributed this adjustment to its significant financial losses over the past year, something that’s heavily connected to the current economic crisis the whole country is facing. This along with some other factors has forced them to scale back on some of their services plying the area.

The announcement was made after a deadline set by the company to strike a funding deal with the province’s government expired, with the latter refusing to provide a subsidy to the company, due to their own financial constraints.

According to Nicole Lippa-Gasparro—a representative for the province’s Transportation Department—the local government is more than willing to lend a hand, but with the Ontario government’s $24.7-billion deficit brought about by the recession, subsidizing a private bus company is not as vital as other more pressing interests.

Greyhound Bus Lines is the only public transportation service in most of the province’s many remote areas. One of the factors that caused their decision was the growing trend of rural depopulation, leading to fewer passengers.

The company though, states that as soon as the economy improves, they will certainly review and do something about this development.

The city of Thunder Bay was formed in 1970 by the merger of the cities of Fort William, Port Arthur and the geographic townships of Neebing and McIntyre. The city takes its name from the immense bay at the head of Lake Superior, known on 18th century French maps as “Baie du Tonnerre”.  Thunder Bay has become the regional services centre for Northwestern Ontario with most provincial departments represented. Lakehead University, established through the lobbying of local businessmen and professionals, has proved to be a major asset, reinforced by Confederation College. The same businessmen and professionals were the driving force behind the amalgamation of Fort William and Port Arthur in 1970.

The city of Thunder Bay was declared a “Cultural Capital of Canada” in 2003. Throughout the city are cultural centres representing the diverse population, such as the Finnish Labour Temple, Scandinavia House, the Italian Cultural Centre, the Polish Legion, and a wide variety of others. Shags, a combination shower and stag held to celebrate the engagement of a couple, and Persians, a cinnamon bun pastry with pink icing, originated in the city. Thunder Bay is served by the Thunder Bay Public Library, which has four branches.