Northern Groove November 2012

November 2012

MOVEMBERCAFÉ ART GALLERY

WRITE A NOVELIN 30 DAYS

& MORE STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE AND AWESOME EVENTS

HAPPENING IN FORT ST. JOHN

DISC-CONTINUED OVERSPEND LOCALLY

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C O N T E N T

NOVEMBER MOVEMBER Making a Difference, One

Mustache at a Time

RECYCLED CHRISTMAS DECOR Reuse, Recyle,

and Rejoyce

EXTEND-O-STAY VISITORKeanna Arnason Get's More Than

She Expects From FSJ

YOUTH CHOIRDoes your child or teen love to sing?

CAFE ART GALLERYWWH, More than

just good food!

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MAGICAL CHRISTMAS MARKET 11

INTRO TO FSJSPCACats are People Too...

TRENT SEVERNDayna Manning and Friends

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OVERSPEND LOCALLYCall for Local Artisans 16

MISS BUTLER Goes To Town

ALISTER STONEFor the love of rock

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UNLEASH THE BEASTYouth Event Making a Difference 22

A DIFFERENT PATHA true blonde never tells. 24

FSJ LOVES FAMILIESFSJ Loves Families Recap 25

BEING CANADIANCulture in FSJ 10

ONE DAY I WILL WRITE A NOVELWrite a Novel in 30 Days 26

DISC-CONTINUEDA Fashion Statement With Flash 28

PAUL HANNMusic Fills the Air at Duncan Cran

Elementary 30

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One of the things I am beginning to learn about here at Northern Groove Headquarters is that deadlines can give us a push to help get our stories in. What comes to mind, though, is the Douglas Adams quote:

“I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by”

Here I am helping groovers meet these deadlines, and wait until you see what some of us are cooking up! I thought OUR deadline was harsh, but check out the plan for a bunch of writers involved with National Novel Writers Month! They have bitten off a good sized project for November.

// intro: NORTHERN GROOVE MOVEMBER01

BEHIND THE SCENES

COMMUNITY MANAGERTyson [email protected]

SUPPORT & FUNDINGAll of the wonderful organizations and businesses found in this magazine

SALES & CREATIVE STUFFRussell Eggleston (Image Build Team)[email protected]

NORTHERNGROOVE.COMTHIS MAGAZINE EXISTS BECAUSE OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT.

WRITTEN & PHOTOGRAPHED BY YOU

The stories in this magazine are contributed by incredible people who work, live, and play here in Fort St. John.

HOW TO GET INVOLVEDYour story deserves to be heard! Post it on NorthernGroove.com and it could end up in this magazine just like all of the stories here!

SUPPORT LOCAL ARTSPlease support the businesses and organizations that support making this area a vibrant and strong community.

Enjoy these pages, groovers - and remember: You, too, can be a part of all this if you submit your stories at www.northerngroove.com.

Groover and out!

THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF NORTHERN GROOVE

TYSON MOWATNorthern Groove Community Manager

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Are You A Mo Bro Man?Sure, you’re are a man. A manly man. A Fort St. John Man. But are you a Mo Bro Man? Are you and your MANLY friends signed up to save your PROSTATE. Save your MENTAL HEALTH? Signed up your Mo Bro’s to SAVE THE WORLD like a Mo Bro Man would?

Well Sonny Jim. There’s still time. Time to proove your man-ness. Time to grow up and OUT...of YOUR FACE! Time to save yourself and fellow manly men. Time to take advantage of Mo Bro Men EXCLUSIVES EVENTS, only at Maximum Fitness:

Be A Mo Bro Man, Sign Up Today At ca.movember.com

Nov 01st - Clean Shave Registration

Nov 15th - Mid Month Moustache Party

Nov 30th - The Great “Mo-Bro” Shave Off

All Events Exclusively AtMaximum Fitness

Maximum Fitness 10023 95 Ave Fort St. John

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//Movember November

04

ovember (an amalgam of “mustache” and “November”) is a month-long cause taken on by thousands

of men in Canada and around the world annually. With their mo’s (mustaches), these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and mental health issues. Fort St John in particular has become a major supporter of Movember, raising thousands of dollars for these causes.

During Movember, the men of Fort St. John register individually at www.movember.com to take part in the challenge. Later, men can affiliate themselves with a team and engage in some friendly competition over whose mustache will grow the longest.

Technical requirements for involvement in Movember’s “mo-grow” include registration at www.movember.com and having a clean-shaven face on November 1st. Afterward, participants need to keep their mustaches groomed and styled. When curious onlookers ask why you

haven’t shaved, feel free to let them know all about Movember and how For St. John’s money-raising efforts are saving lives.

Whether you can grow a mo’ or not, everyone is invited to celebrate our achievements at an end-of-the-month gala party at Maxx’s Lounge. Also planned is a Fort St. John’s kickff, mid-month festivities, and other parties throughout the month.

Encourage your fuzzy-faced friends to get groomed for a good cause: Watch northerngroove.com for Movember announcements, or add our facebook page (Northern Grove) and follow us on twitter (@northerngrove) to keep abreast of all the festivities.

The Movember kickoff event starts at 7:00 pm on November 1st at Maxx’s Lounge. Stop by and meet some friends and fellow mo’ growers.

M

Contributed by Janice Stanley

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hat happens when your Christmas decorations -- some personal and meaningful, others bought on a whim

-- stack up and start to crowd your house? What happens when you just have too many decorations to deal with, or if you’re perpetually on the move and aren’t able to cart around your Christmas ornaments?

The Fort St. John Arts Council has a solution for you: Refresh your Christmas

scene and lighten the load on your Christmas storage

by donating your unused or gently-used Christmas

treasures to the Reuse, Recycle, Rejoice Christmas Decorations

fundraising sale at the Artspost. These Christmas ornaments and

decorations are available the entire month of November.

The Arts Council welcomes donations of Christmas decorations of all kinds at the Artspost (10320 94 Ave) throughout November. November 1 from 4- 8pm is the opening reception and first day of the sale. The Artspost will be open from 9-12 noon weekdays and 10-2pm on Saturdays. The final day of the sale on December 1, will feature the Annual Christmas sale of the North Peace Potter’s Guild and the Spinners and Weavers. The Artspost is your one-stop shopping on December 3, for decorations and unique Christmas gift at the same time.

Donate to a good cause, free up your storage space, and present a family in need of decorations with some holiday cheer. For further information: Artspost 250-787-2781 or [email protected]

WBy Sue Popesku

REFRESH THE HOLIDAY

WITH REUSE, RECYCLE

AND REJOICE

// Recycled Christmas Decor

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hen I arrived in Fort St. John in May 2012, I thought, “What have I gotten myself into now?!” Questions

went through my head like, what if they don’t have a music scene? What if they don’t like my music? At first I wasn’t sure about FSJ and its community -- but that all changed this past summer!

I lived in many cities before I moved to FSJ, and my expectations moving here were not great... Previously I had been living in Vancouver and had worked as a busker in the Metro stations. I love playing music all day and meeting amazing people.

So, like many who have moved here, I came to Fort St. John, ready to work and make a little extra money so that eventually I can pursue my dreams in music! I worked at Casey’s Liquor Store and Casey’s Pub with a "two month plan".

My initial idea of Fort St. John was a slow going town, not much happening, and a little boring. I soon discovered that FSJ had so much more to offer than I ever expected!

The music scene here blew my mind I had no idea! The people that I had met were some of the most amazing, talented, and kind people I could never forget. As soon as I opened one door tons more seemed to open

right before me. I got to play at the farmer’s market on Saturday. I had the honor to play at the Lido for the Strawberry Jam with some amazing talent! I got to play a very relaxed gig at JD Fitzgerald’s and of course the open mic at Egan’s Pub every Wednesday, which stole my heart.

I had never felt so welcome in a city so unfamiliar. Fort St. John really did

teach me that no matter where I am if I put my heart into my music people would enjoy what I have to bring.

I didn’t end up leaving after two months like I had planned... and I’m sure glad I didn’t. I stayed the entire summer, and you bet I will be back one day!

My experience in this town has been a once in a lifetime journey!

WBy Keanna Arnason

Extend-O-Stay visitor

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ave you ever been in a café that didn’t have an array of local artwork on the walls? Me neither. When I’m on a road trip, the easiest way to

get a sense of the region or community is to grab a latte from the nearest coffee joint and take a look at what they’ve got on their walls. Art is a reflection of the places we live and the experiences we have, and there is no better place for artists to share these commentaries than at a local, independent coffeehouse (well, a gallery might be a better place, but that takes a bit more consideration.)

This past spring I quit my full-time job to work and live as an artist myself. To keep from going stir crazy at home, painting by myself all the time, I also work one day a week at the WWH café. I’ve been working there on and off since it opened in 2008, so if it seems as though I never left, that’s basically true -- I’ve never been that far away.

Whole Wheat and Honey (WWH) is happy to promote the work of artists living and creating in our community, and we feel it is a great opportunity to

not only share local imagery with the friends, family and visitors that pass through our doors, but also to share each artist’s unique story. We love to learn more about the artist as a person – where they’ve come from, where they’ve been, and also what inspires him or her to create.

Since my return, I also took the liberty of calling myself the new “Creative Director” of the café. I wanted to develop a fair submission process for representing the work of different artists in a more professional and polished manner. I created a brief questionnaire for artists to fill out when they make their submission, and the answers they provide are posted next to their artwork, so that visitors can learn more about the artist during the two months the artist’s work is featured.

I felt it was important to keep the written statements light and fresh. I instruct the artists not to take the process too seriously – to have some fun – and write their answers as though they are having a casual conversation with a friend. Through our images and

our words we are able to share with others what life is really like as an artist. Sometimes I find the motivations of an artist and their own unique creative process to be just as interesting as the work they ultimately create.

And that is why we all come to the café, really – we are social creatures. We grab a coffee, pull up a chair and share our ideas with one another. I know for me, it’s the interaction with my community that brings me through the door, (and keeps me behind the counter.) The creative atmosphere is the just the icing on the cake.

If you are interested in showing your work at the café, please e-mail [email protected]

You can also follow my personal journey as an artist at www.catherineruddell.com. Don’t forget our annual Christmas Art Market, on Friday Nov 16th 5 – 9pm (Same night as the Santa Clause Parade!)

HCAFÉ Art Gallery

Catherine Ruddelle

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I was sitting down at Egan’s last Wednesday night and marvelling at the array of talent in the room, amazed that there were already 14 performers signed up to play at only 7:45 pm. The room was buzzing ... a living, breathing testament to the power of live music to draw and unite people.

The open mic at Egan’s has gradually evolved into one of the major cultural touchstones of Fort St. John, a place where music emerges spontaneously, without the fanfare and planning that typically characterizes performances. At an open mic night, there is an air of intimacy and acceptance in the room, which gives rise to freedom of expression: If you have never jumped up on a stage before in your life, and you are moved to do so, there is always a guitar handy for you to grab on stage. And as you gaze about the room, you cannot help but realize that there may never be a better time or place.

At open mic night, the crowd is friendly

and the stage inviting. Many of the performers have taken the plunge right there on that stage, overcoming their fear of exposure, of being judged and found wanting -- recognizing finally, that they are accepted, which is an integral part of what makes this scene work. For many people, this is a place for sharing and growing – a place for developing friendships, for developing musicianship, and for developing awareness of the vast diversity of people that make up this amazing community.

Music is alive and well here in Fort St. John and, as winter begins to descend upon us, I find great solace in that fact. Indeed, I actually find myself looking forward to winter. I can already envision it – the light from the streetlights is shooting straight up into the sky all over the city, and it’s -45 C. The air is crisp. The snow squeaks beneath my feet as I scurry out to the truck to fire it up. The engine sounds pissed off, the oil inside it is thick and sluggish. Although

the truck has been warming up now for 20 minutes, the heater has barely had any effect on the frost covering my windshield -- and it won’t until I am doing at least 80 km/hr.

And now as I open the front door of Egan’s bar, a magnificent warmth engulfs me. Voices and laughter wash over me and there is a fire blazing. I am among friends and I feel a grin cracking the remnants of coldness, as it spreads across my face. All of us in this room are united by our victory over the elements. This commonality of experience, our victory over the siege of winter, is what unites us. It is probably one of the defining characteristics of being Canadian. Tonight there will be fellowship and cheer and music. Hooray for the frigid dog days of winter! Without them, we could never experience this sense of intimacy and victory. I gaze about the room and spot friends and acquaintance aplenty. Let the music begin.

being

CANADIANGlenn Girard

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS MARKET

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North Peace Cultural Centre’s Peace Gallery North celebrates THE MAGI-CAL CHRISTMAS MARKET, opening this year on November 18, 1-4 pm, and Monday to Saturday 10-5. During the Christmas season, the Peace gallery is teeming with an extra abundance of unique, one-of-a-kind gift items. Staff and volunteers who set up the market, contributing artists and avid customers can attest that the annual Christmas Market is “magical” in more ways than one. The holiday magic begins with gallery staff and several volunteers getting together to organize the Christmas inventory. These friends of the gallery unpack and discover

gorgeous handmade treasures from local artisans, and then go on to dis-play their work in a magical, holiday ambience.

The Magical Christmas Market truly comes to life when the many talented local and regional artists who combine their skills and passion to create unique, one-of-a-kind and lovingly handcrafted works for sale during the six weeks of this event.The array of Christmas delights for sale ranges from delicious home-made jams, jellies and syrups made from wild berries, hand-stitched baby quilts and clothing, gorgeous lathe-turned wooden bowls made from burls & beetle wood, scrump-tiously hand-woven woolen scarves

and other wearable items, hand-built pottery, a wide variety of Christmas ornaments, bird-houses, cards, origi-nal paintings and even antiques are but a few of the tantalizingly tempt-ing items on display for gift-giving or even for one’s personal pleasure. You won’t want to miss experienc-ing the magic of this year’s market. Inventory continues to build as the weeks unfold and this entices many people to pay frequent visits throughout the market season to see the new works. It is easy to say that there is something for everyone at Peace Gallery North for Christmas shoppers. Looking for and finding that perfect gift makes the giving a truly magical experience.

MAGICAL CHRISTMAS MARKETOne of a Kind Gifts!

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Greetings from the North Peace Branch of the BC branch of the Society for the Prevention and Cruelty of Animals (SPCA). As this is our first Northern Groove story, I want to tell you a little about the SPCA in general and

about our branch in Fort St. John. The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

Our branch, which serves the North Peace, received a charter to operate in the 60’s and our adoption centre opened in December 1995. We were thrilled because ours was the only SPCA animal shelter in northeastern BC and we were so happy to finally have a place where abandoned

or abused animals could go to be protected and re-homed. Prior to our opening, a small group of volunteers took care of dogs, cats and other assorted critters (including a capuchin monkey and a boa constrictor) in their own homes.

While we are considered one of the smaller SPCA adoption centers in BC, we care for a high volume of animals. Last year we looked after almost 1,100 animals and we are always filled to the brim.

This means that we can’t take in all the animals we know need help. The good news is, you can do a number of things to help us reduce the number of unwanted animals. First on the list is to please, please spay or neuter your pet, and help us spread the word about the importance of spaying and neutering. Also, consider adopting one of our residents. They are all vet checked, already spayed or neutered and are up to date with their vaccinations. Check with our staff at to learn about fostering one of our animals. Finally, we also look after animals that are brought to us by by-law enforcement officers. Often these animals have no identification. You can help by having your pet tattooed, micro-chipped or by collaring your pet with some form of identification.

So, as of today, we have 21 great dogs at our centre – they are seeking forever homes so please drop by and see if one of them is a fit for your family. We have about 40 cats and kittens and they are also looking for loving families. Sometimes dogs get top billing in ads for adoption, but please don’t overlook our feline friends. My favorite saying is that cats are “people” too – just smaller and dressed up

Rosolynn Kalb/ Branch

intro to FSJSPCA(cats are people too)

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P.S. I almost forgot – are looking for something fun to do? Join us Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm or Sundays from 3:30 to 5:00 pm for dog walking or cat cuddling. As a volunteer with us, you will need a criminal record check, but it will be so worth it for the fun you will have.

Please contact me at [email protected] or call 262-7595 if you have questions about our branch.

in fur coats. Pictured here is “ Shakespeare, Shogun, Rogue and Marlon” (L-R) and each would make a perfect addition to any family.

Finally, I want to thank everyone in the North Peace for supporting our branch in so many ways this year. Thank you for buying burgers at our various barbeque fund raisers, supporting our Doggie Day Spa (we really need one for cats too), shopping at our garage sale, participating in our Paws for a Cause walk and dressing up in fabulous costumes for our Halloween fundraiser. Thanks so much to the business community for helping us through the year as well and contributing in such a big way to our first ever Community Challenge. Dawson Creek challenged us to see who could

raise the most money in support of the animals and, thanks in large part to all of you, we won the day!

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As I age, time flies by faster. Even though I seemingly have more time on my hands, it just doesn’t feel like it.

My thirties have brought me great things. Now, I know what I like to do, how I like to spend my time and I am figuring out how to live a rich life with a little bit of everything I value in it: Love, friends, food, exercise, and making music.

Honestly, writing songs has probably been the main thing on my brain since I wrote my very first one at age 15. As I take in the day-to-day, I’m always on guard for a unique perspective, heartwarming story, or rhythmic

series of words in conversation to incorporate in my music.

Performing in my hometown of Stratford, Ontario last summer, I shared a stage with fellow songwriter Emm Gryner, which I have done probably once a year for the last 10 years or so. Promoters seemed to put us together a lot. We even played Egans together on one of my first trips to Fort St. John. I think she’s amazing. Great writer. Toured

with Bowie for two years, Bono even named one of her songs as one of six he wished he had written in a Q magazine interview. She’s a great musician and person.

Emm had an idea about a forming an all-female band, but first really wanted to map out how to do it right. She asked me if I was interested and I said yes, thinking, this is just what I’m looking for to balance out music in my life.

When talking about a third member, the versatile fiddle player Laura C. Bates came to mind, who is another Stratford native. In fact, Laura was the

// Tre

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“I AM FIGURING OUT HOW TO LIVE A RICH LIFE WITH A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING I VALUE IN IT: LOVE, FRIENDS, FOOD, EXERCISE, AND MAKING MUSIC.” DAYNA MANNING

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young girl I was babysitting when I wrote my first song years before. Laura sings like a bird and plays something fierce.

This all seemed meant to be. So over the next few months we started writing and shaping our band, and

we came up with the following band values:

• Be kind • Write songs that touch the hearts and tell the stories of our Canadian friends, neighbours and legends • Make an album that sounds just like our concert • Play instruments we can carry • Show our audience a really great time • Enjoy a beer at the end of a long day • Family will always come first

We’ve ended up with a record I’m really proud of. I love the songs. The sound is distinct. It ranges from a CSNY stacked harmony sound to a Celtic Canadian feel. There is no lead singer in Trent Severn. There are no doubled tracks. There is a guitar or banjo (Me), a bass and stomp box (Gryner) and a fiddle (Bates). Our songs like “Snowy Soul”, “Muskoka Bound” and “Bluenose On A Dime” paint Canadian portraits. We tried to make the lyrics offer inside jokes our citizens will laugh at, yet nothing a welcome visitor couldn’t relate to and enjoy. I still giggle when we sing “Mulroney Times.”

The album has local ties besides

myself. Fort St. John talent includes drummer Dave Tolley who played all the percussion on the album and Via Ink owner and graphic designer Megan Brooks who did the artwork for the album cover, which local potter Shannon Butler has a photo in.

The only other guest on the record is a one track appearance by Nova Scotia’s acclaimed Joel Plasket.

After 1 year, 1 month, 17 days and 808 emails between us three Trent Severn ladies, I can’t wait to share our self-titled debut when it’s released November 6th. It’s a simple record and I simply can’t wait for you to hear it!

I’m having a little listening party on November 6th from 5:30 – 7:30 at Whole Wheat & Honey. A listening party is basically this: You drop in and out, visit and chat, while the CD plays in the background. Please come down and have a listen with me, and enjoy a glass of wine and snacks after work. The event is free and I’ll have the first copies for sale there too, of course. The girls will be joining me for a live show here in town sometime in the spring of 2013.

holiday

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For many of us Groovers, the winter season means cold toes, warm fires, and lots of shopping as we try to find special gifts for those friends and family who mean so much to us. It can be overwhelming, as many of us try to stick to a budget in order to ride out the long winter season.

I’d like to pose this suggestion to everyone: Can we, as consumers, collectively develop a higher value for locally-made products, rather than bulk-bought, factory assembled stuff? It doesn’t necessarily need to be handmade (but extra points if it is) as there are lots of craftspersons here in Fort St John who can build something for you with their

machines and tools. However, I’d like us to get creative and build

a directory of resources where shoppers can find quality, locally-made gifts, such as Trisha Clark’s Grandma’s Buttons Boutique, whose custom pillows you will see at craft fairs this season or on her Grandma’s Buttons Boutique Facebook page. Also on Facebook is Pamela Hagen’s Sticks ‘n’ Stones Studio, where a variety of interesting, artsy things are created by Hagen herself.

If you know of someone in FSJ who deserves a spotlight, please consider logging in to our website, www.northerngroove.com, where you can post a description of them with a photo of their products. Be sure to include their contact information and if the price range for their wares. It would be a good idea to also let them know you are planning

a story about them, to make sure they are comfortable with the idea.

There are several markets available in Fort St. John, and they will be actively seeking our attention this season. Please make the effort to get out and enjoy these events; it is more than likely you will find just the thing for that special someone, and that someone will certainly appreciate that you went further than your keyboard to find a meaningful gift for them.

Tune in to the Northern Groove calendar online (www.northerngroove.com/events.html) where you will find updated information as soon as it becomes available. Event organizers -- be sure you’ve listed your event with us!

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// Miss Butler Goes To Town

If you’ve ever been to Fort St John’s, chances are you’ve seen Shannon Butler’s artwork: Her pottery and paintings, for sale at Kilnhouse Studio on 101 Avenue; her windows at Whole Wheat & Honey; her creation Rainbow Owl. Easy to recognize, her pieces range from the simplest mug to larger, more complex vases and sculptures. Vivid and distinct, you can see Butler’s personality in the choice of colours of her glazes, her designs, which range from decorative and feminine to dark and humorous, and her choice of subjects inspired by her lifetime spent in the North Peace. And who else could give us an ornery owl who wants to be a welder?

Over the summer, Butler took a month to concentrate on more challenging pieces, pieces that push her work forward in brilliant new ways: Among these pieces are sculptures of goddesses and large northern animals, to name a few. Shannon’s vision is larger than the mugs and other household items that have served as her staple items in the four years of Kilnhouse’s existence. These large pieces are demanding, difficult, and full of pitfalls, conceptually and in their production, according to Butler, but growth comes from confronting challenges and pushing the work forward.

Shannon greeted autumn by displaying her work at the One of a Kind show (OoaK) in Vancouver at the end of

Contributed by Henry See

September. Held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, the OoaK is one of the largest craft fairs in Canada, with an attendance of over 30,000 people. The shows are juried, so it is an achievement to be accepted into the show.

In preparation for OoaK, Butler closed her store for six weeks and worked long hours to complete enough work. Working until 2 am most nights, testified Butler, left her a bit of a zombie. In her darkest hour, she surfaced momentarily on Facebook to declare, “If I never glaze another mug I will not be sad …”.

With her mother Deb she drove down to Vancouver, the car loaded down with wares. They found the site, in spite of

getting two different sets of directions from two different mapping services and were lucky enough to unpack the night before the show. Lugging in tupperware containers of her work, covered with clay and dust, along with her large assortment of old sheets and drapes which she uses to give her pieces a retro wrapping, Shannon says, “We felt like hillbillies.”

However, things improved once the show began. Her work was very well received.

“I’ve never liked pottery in my whole life until now,” said one woman. Another told Shannon, “I’ve never seen anything like this!” The highlight for Shannon, however, were several excited young women who came running over

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exclaiming, “Oh my god! Look at this shit!” People were also impressed that Shannon and Deb had driven 16 hours to present her work, and Shannon began using that fact as an opening line when new people approached the booth.

Among the pieces sold at OoaK were a large bison that Shannon describes as “my most prized sculpture to date,” as well as a large bowl made of 22 pounds of clay. Making the large bowl, says Butler, is an experience she’ll never repeat.

Also an exciting development for Butler: This year, for the first time, OoaK was coupled with the Interior Design Show West which brought her work to the attention of interior designers, an entirely new market. It was also an opportunity to meet with her peers, the other potters whose work was displayed at OoaK. It isn’t easy to make a living as a potter, so it was a great opportunity to learn from each other,

swapping tips and stories. One thing Shannon noticed was how she stood out from other potters: Namely, that many of her pieces were much larger that what her colleagues’, and Butler was also the only artist who owned her own store.

After One of a Kind ended, Butler spent the following week checking off bucket list items in Vancouver: visiting shops, galleries, and her old stomping grounds at the Emily Carr School of Art & Design; she also found other outlets to sell her work in Vancouver. The BC Gallery of Ceramics now has some of her pieces for sale, as does the store Barefoot Contessa on Main. As well, she was encouraged to apply for a show next year at the BC Gallery of Ceramics by one of the jurors. The gallery is currently having a show of mugs, and Shannon’s work is part of it.

“It was nice to go away, but it’s nice to come back, too,” says Shannon. “Nice to have Kilnhouse. I don’t have to explain

my entire life story to everyone who comes in.

“When I am here I can concentrate on making the work, not selling myself. I love running Kilnhouse, but I want to reach my full potential as an artist, so with my work I have to do both.”

Summing up her experience, she said, “I am so glad that I did [the OoaK show], but I was happy to come home. It was an experience in networking, and the people here are so supportive. It is great to be back.

“Now I can concentrate on making beautiful things for people to give as Christmas presents.”

Aside from her weekly openings on Saturdays at Kilnhouse, Shannon will also be participating at the 14th Annual Ladies Day Out at the Pomeroy Hotel on Saturday, November 10 from 10 am to 4 pm.


ALISTER STONE

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UP AND COMING LOCAL ROCK IN THE MAKING

Compiled from web submissions by Byron Stewart, Tristen German and Connor Brooks

NORTHERNGROOVE.COM

Alister Stone is one of the newest local rock bands to hit the Fort St. John music scene, with a mix of the cool reggae and the face melting rock n’ roll to make your necks sore for weeks... High-energy performance delivered by musicians who love to have a good time!

Surprising Fort St John by their leap into summer events, Alister Stone have wasted no time in making a name for themselves in the community. Sharing the stage with Peace Country household names like Unresolved and Dodge City Rockets, and putting themselves out there at the Lido’s Strawberry Jam, these guys are proving that they are Up-And-Comers, a force to be reckoned with!

Graciously showcasing their talent in Tumbler Ridge alongside Grizfest performers Dodge City Rockets, By The Beard of Zeus, and Atrium, Alister Stone continues to develop their fan base through the entire region. They have their amps cranked and are ready to rock and roll. With months of heart and soul poured into into their music, they are ready to play to the world.

These Northern-bred rockers make sure they keep busy onstage as a four-piece band. Connor Brooks, Lead vocals and Rhythm guitar, has the energy to get the crowd going when he wants them jumping along with him centre

stage. Tristen German on Lead Guitar, backing Tristan with sweet harmony vocals, and showcasing the summer’s largest collection of guitars through a knowledgeable display of sweep arpeggios. Graig Page also adding to the vocal harmony mix, all while keeping a rock-solid beat that gets people out of their chairs! Sam Aitken laid down the groove on bass until college started in September, when he passed the torch on to Garret Sood, who takes over the bottom end of the group for the next season!

Though you won’t yet be able to see these guys performing at establishments with a 19+ age requirement, they are definitely already worth the price of admission. Come out and experience Alister Stone whenever they’ll be rockin your way!

Check out their new, original tune, “Red Headed Woman” live at the Lido! This Alister Stone song is to be included on their demo, to be released next month!

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Teenagers in our town are not only getting involved with events for a good cause... but we’re hosting them on ourselves.Fort St. John’s Youth Advisory Council’s (YAC) mission is to create a link between City Council and the youth in our town. YAC is made up of five teens from NPSS: Shayla Faminow, Madison Faminow, Bailey Westegarrd, Erica Wright, and Melissa Paynter. Each member gives her time to create safe, youth-centered environments and events for kids, and most of all HAVE FUN!

On Friday night, October 26th, the Youth Advisory Council put on a Halloween-themed “party entitled “Unleash The Beast” for ages 13-18 at the Lido in Fort St. John. The event was put on to raise money for our local Child Development Center, and everyone was very gracious! The event had two local DJs, brother and sister duo Joy and Adam Larstone, who spun their own electronic dance music all the way to midnight. The kids danced for five hours and won prizes for best costume, creepiest costume, and most creative. Prizes were also given out to those who danced their hardest and had the sickest moves!

“Unleash the Beast” had all the makings of an epic night ... and it turned out to be JUST that! With the lasers flashing coloured lights, the DJs blasting and free-styling the beats on stage, and the floor covered with creative youth dancing in their amazing costumes, this is the type of fun and safe event the YAC wants to encourage in Fort St John.

I UNLEASH THE BEASTBy Shayla Faminow

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winter. embrace it or defy it.

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NEW STOCK ARRIVING DAILY

Not only did were all the teens dancing on the floor, we also had Shayla Faminow, Madison Faminow, Adam Larstone, and Joy Larstone dancing on the giant sub speakers at the edge of the stage to get everyone pumped! After prizes were handed out for the costumes, we invited some teens up to dance on stage with the YAC members! Everyone got to show off their killer dance moves while

getting to dance on stage right next to the two amazingly talented guest DJs. The night culminated in a dance-off on the sub speakers between Kierstin Anderson, Shayla Faminow, Madison Faminow, and Tim Bell.

All who attended agreed that the dance was a hit, and FSJ teens unanimously agreed they were looking forward to the next event.

UNLEASH THE BEASTYOUTH RAISING MONEY FOR LOCAL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

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Science tells us that neural pathways in our brain are constantly under construction. In our youth, our brain constructs new roads all the time, building connections where none existed before. Gradually, as we age, these neural connections are

pruned; our paths become more rigid and we tend to take the same road, so to speak, over and over again. The good news is that you can create new pathways at any stage of life. It just might take a little more work.

The same thing happens with the routines and patterns of our lives. We become set in our ways and we find ourselves taking the same old route, not questioning whether we could be choosing a better path. Take a moment to consider this:

The Road Not TakenBy Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,And sorry I could not travel bothAnd be one traveler, long I stoodAnd looked down one as far as I couldTo where it bent in the undergrowth;

A DIFFERENT PATH

Then took the other, as just as fair,And having perhaps the better claim,Because it was grassy and wanted wear;Though as for that the passing thereHad worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally layIn leaves no step had trodden black.Oh, I kept the first for another day!Yet knowing how way leads on to way,I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.

Does this poem speak to you? In order to live an intentional life, we must periodically examine the path we’re on, and where it leads. If there’s somewhere you are determined to go, whether it’s in the realm of health, work, relationships, spirituality, finances or anything else, just take a good, hard look at the paths open to you. Then take the one with the better claim.

Amy Furman is a Holistic Health Coach, with a passion for helping people redesign their nutritional habits and overall lifestyle to achieve the life of their dreams. Visit her website, www.amyfurman.ca, to schedule your free consultation and sign up for her free monthly newsletter.

Amy Furman

NORTHERNGROOVE.COM

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y story begins at my Mac as I search Fort St. John on Google maps. At first glance, I see a patchwork of agricultural land that surrounds an urban centre, the Peace River, Charlie Lake, a network of roadways, green

spaces, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, neighborhoods, parks, schools and houses.

Now let’s zoom in closer, I’ll use my mailing address for the purpose of this search. I can now see my neighborhood and there is my house. What the map doesn’t illustrate are the people who live inside my house: my family. Like the other houses on my block filled with children, a map doesn’t give us a sense of the community makeup in which families coincide.

Imagine for a day jumping into the life of one family in Fort St. John. You’d quickly come to the realization of the impact they had on our community. Families have different access points in which they engage services based on the age and needs of their children. Their community network is a large web of connections, that extends outward and impact education, child care, community services, health, sports & recreation, business & retail services, religion and arts & culture. Family involvement has significant positive impact on the community in which they reside. Although no two families are alike, they are big supporters of the community in which they live, play and work.

Fort St. John Loves Families Week is a way to say ‘Thank You’ and give back to families by offering FREE or low cost events. Not-Profits, and local businesses advocate for families by offering weekly events and special promotions to celebrate families. With over 30 events spanning the week, there is FUN for the whole family!

The week was brought to you by Success by 6, Children First and Family Friendly Initiatives and the North Peace Savings & Credit Union.

MFSJ LOVES FAMILY

Cheryl B


// “ONE DAY. ONE DAY,

Even if you haven’t said those words out loud, chances are pretty good that the idea has passed through your mind at least once in your life. We are all storytellers, and whether your story chronicles an epic adventure, a tragic romance or recounts exploits inspired by family legend, yours is a story that deserves to be told!

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is an international event whose design and mission are simple: write an original 50,000-word novel, from start to finish, in 30 days. Throughout November, more than 300,000 writers worldwide will be taking on the challenge. Starting on November 1st, participants (called “NaNos” to those in the know) sign on to nanowrimo.org to track their progress and connect with other writers as they stretch their creativity and stamina to the limit, trying to keep pace

I’LL WRITE A NOVEL.”

NORTHERNGROOVE.COM

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I’LL WRITE A NOVEL.”

with a grueling average daily input of 1,667 words!

What is the point of all of this? What do Nanos get out of this experience, and what do they “win” when they successfully complete their goal?

The answer is one of those great paradoxes of life: everything and nothing, all at the same time! Finishing a NaNoWriMo novel does not guarantee that you will end up being published. In fact, Nanos are encouraged to put thoughts of the finished product out of their minds during November: This is not the

time to be worried about producing a polished piece of work -- just keep writing! The true reward of completing this challenge (aside from a really nifty web badge and certificate) is the satisfaction that comes from staring at more than 125 pages of completed writing and thinking, “I did that! I thought it up, I wrote it down, and there it is!” Where you take your creation beyond November 30th is up to you, but you can walk away from NaNoWriMo having permanently changed your status from “Hopeful Future Novelist” to, purely and simply, “Novelist.”

This year, a number of local NaNoWriMo hopefuls are banding together to provide one another with support and motivation. Based out of the Fort St John Public Library, NaNoWriMo FSJ will be gathering at numerous “Write-Ins” throughout November, casual events at which NaNos can write, brainstorm and discuss their weekly trials and triumphs. Don’t be surprised to see a cluster of over-caffeinated scribes camped out in the corner of your favourite coffee shop. If you’re curious, come over and chat! If you’re inspired … come and join!

Writers interested in joining NaNoWriMo FSJ should contact Morgan Peltier at [email protected] to be kept in the loop!

www.nanowrimo.orgwww.fortstjohn.bclibrary.ca

get writing!

NORTHERNGROOVE.COM

W h o w o u l d

have thought that recycling CDs

and DVDs could make clothing look like this? The flash on this outfit was designed by FSJ local Karen Rutledge, who admits to having no fashion nor design training. Earlier this year, Stage North launched a competitive fashion show featuring dresses made of recycled movie film, to honour the pending demise of movie celluloid strips. Rutledge attended the Fashion and Form competition and was inspired to make some unique fashion of her own.

As a follow-up to a successful fashion competition with movie film, Stage North is issuing a new challenge to those who wish to be creative with fashion entitled “Disc Continued.” Everyone is welcome to enter the competition, regardless of experience,

and design clothing and other artwork out of CDs and DVDs. The 2013 Fashion and Form competition, “Disc Continued,” will take place Feb. 24, 2013, and will be judged by locals who are knowledgeable in fashion and art. The fashions will be judged separately from the art forms this year, and each judges will be awarding cash prizes in each category.

Since so few people have tried working with CDs in this way, local artists may feel unsure of where to begin, much like Karen Rutledge was before she entered in early 2012. Luckily, Rutledge has offered a few tips and tricks to pass along to future contestants:

• Use super glue -- it is the least-expensive type of glue and readily available at the Dollar Store.

• CD-RWs work the best as the backing does not crack off when cut.

• Scissors work best for cutting.

• Remember that outfits totally covered in CD’s are not flexible. Keep this in mind for your model’s movements on the runway.

• Fishing line works well but requires small holes to be drilled.

Rutledge has also produced a short informational video about the Disc Continued competition, featuring “The Move” dancers and directed by Nicole Shoepp. It will be available for viewing on YouTube later this month.

Registration is open now to enter the competition. Registration for the event is $25, and tickets to attend are $15. Tickets are available now at the North Peace Cultural Center. To register to enter the competition, e-mail [email protected] or call 250-785-6214.

A Fashion Statement With FlashDISC-CONTINUED

Contributed by Sue Popesku

lenses | camera bodies | tripods | dslr video equipment | free delivery & pickup

rent photography gear locally

NORTHERNGROOVE.COM

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PVisit NorthernGroove.comfor a full events listing and calendar of every article in this magazine and more.

northerngroove.com

watch the promo video

Contributed by Sue Popesku

lenses | camera bodies | tripods | dslr video equipment | free delivery & pickup

rent photography gear locally


Music Fills the AirAT DUNCAN CRAN SCHOOL

Students at Duncan Cran Elementary this past October were thrilled to welcome a very special visitor at their school. From October 9th to 18th, singer/songwriter Paul Hann came to Duncan Cran to offer a music residency to students from Kindergarten through grade six.

Paul Hann is an award-winning singer/songwriter and well-known children’s performer. For over 40 years, Paul has delighted as a performer, entertainer, musician, and star of his own television series that ran for seven years and was twice nominated for a Juno award. A talented folk singer, he has released six albums and recorded seventeen children’s albums.

Hann has been introducing children to the joy of music in schools for over 20 years. Hann believes that music holds “intrinsic joy that is easily brought to life in all people.“ Hoping to spread this joy, Hann travels to various schools offering an Artist In Residency program.Typically, Hann will spend one week at a school, although the length of his stay varies depending on the size and need of that particular institution. During this time, Hann meets with each class to co-write a song. Together, Paul and students write, practice, and ultimately perform this song at a special concert. Songs that the Duncan Cran students have written this year with Paul include: “Keepers

of the Earth,” “Global Village,” “Explorers,” and “First Nation’s People,” just to name a few.

One thing every child agrees on is that everyone loves when Hann pays their school a visit. Unanimously, every student mentioned admiring Hann’s guitar-playing and vocal talents. They all mentioned

that he is “a really funny guy with lots of good jokes!“ Each student I talked to told me that he is a great guitar player and really good at singing. Students are so overjoyed by Hann’s arrival, in fact, that at Duncan Cran Elementary Hann was swarmed by crowds of students like a legendary rock star. The students really enjoy writing their own special song and being able to perform on stage for the parents. Everyone mentions that it is such a wonderful feeling when you walk into the building to hear music and children’s voices singing.

2012 marks the 15th year that Hann has come to the schools in Fort St. John to share his love of music and songwriting with local children. This year’s residencies include: Charlie Lake (Oct), Robert Ogilvie (Dec) CM Finch (Feb), Baldonnel (Feb), Central (April), Bert Ambrose (May) and Upper Pine (May). Paul puts his visits to Fort St John as “a long distance romance,” and goes on to say that his experiences in Fort St John are “incredible.”

Hann has decided that the 2012/2013-year will be his last pilgrimage up to the Energetic City. Although not yet ready to retire fully,

Contributed by Christine Todd


Hann has decided to retire from traveling. Hann will continue to work in schools in his hometown of Victoria and then venture back into his Folk singing. We thank Mr. Hann for the number of years that he brought the love of music to life in the community of Fort St John. Although Hann will no longer be a staple in the Fort St John community, his songs will no doubt be played for many years to come with many fond memories.

Northern Groove November 2012

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