Tommy's #1 SHANIA TWAIN SuperSite Message Board

Posted By CHELSEY ROMAIN, THE DAILY PRESS

Richard Sessions admits it's not just Shania Twain's music that makes him a fan, but the kind of person the country superstar really is.

Since he first attended the annual Shania Twain Fan Convention in Timmins five years ago, Sessions has been among those who dig into their own pocket each year to donate to the community's local food banks.

This year, the collection has gone outside the circle of visitors to the community. Sessions said it all stems from the singer's own giving nature.

"Shania is very conscious of people who are hungry and I think that comes from her roots and not having had a lot to eat at times," he said. "At each of her concerts, she sells raffle tickets with all the money going towards that city's food bank."

Sessions said during the first convention in Timmins, it was decided to continue the tradition in her honour to thank the community for its hospitality.

"In five years we've raised more than $4,600," said Sessions. He added that no one is ever forced to give or donate a certain amount.

"It's something dear to Shania's heart, that's why we do it, in honour of her," he said. "It's our way of thanking Timmins for hosting us, and thanking Shania for setting an example."

It's not just her actions during concerts that inspire the fans to trek, in some cases, halfway around the world to catch a glimpse of Twain's life. It's her music and the way she has lived her life, in and out of the media spotlight.

"When I first came to Timmins, I learned a lot about Shania, but I learned even more about her fans, and the kind of people she attracts," Sessions said. "She brings out the best in people and her music really does make the world a better place."

Shania Twain Centre manager Tracy Hautanen said they never expected the fans to start a collection that first year. But as it was Twain's tradition when she was on tour, so too has it become one at the convention.

"We're overwhelmed by the support they show our community," Hautanen said. "We're proud to have them here year after year."

Sessions, who travels every year to the convention from Indiana, said there's no better time than now to help food banks. With costs rising on everything from rent to gasoline, Sessions said he wouldn't be surprised if more people than ever rely on food banks.

He's asking the people of Timmins to take a quick ride out to the Shania Twain Centre over the weekend and give whatever they are able to.

"Let's see what we can do to help the people in Timmins, who might be having just as much trouble as anywhere else," Sessions said. "Maybe we can make it possible for people to go home with a little dignity and have a warm meal."

http://www.timminspress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1148661

Proud of Twain's success

Singer's former manager shares stories at convention

Posted By CHELSEY ROMAIN, THE DAILY PRESS

To the world they are known as Mary Bailey and Shania Twain. To each other though, they are simply Eilleen and Eveline.

Years ago, Eveline Kasner became the woman who would help Twain on her road to stardom, after inviting a Nashville entertainment firm to listen to her.

On Friday, Kasner stood in front of dozens of Twain fans at the sixth-annual Shania Twain World Wide Fan Convention, as a living link to their favourite songstress.

"Any real Shania fan is aware of the key role Mary Bailey played in her life," said longtime fan and convention attendee Tom Waler.

"Without Mary Bailey I don't know if Shania would have made it.

"She's a great person and to actually see her and speak with her in real life is amazing."

Shania Twain Centre manager Tracy Hautanen said for years the fans have been requesting the convention take them to Kirkland Lake, where Kasner now owns her own vegetarian food company, Meatless Gourmet Inc. But Hautanen said it hasn't been possible.

This year she decided to spring a real surprise on the fans and invited Kasner up to Timmins, where she made a special vegetarian lunch. Both she and Twain are vegetarians. And Kasner spoke of her life with Twain.

"They love the personal stories," said Hautanen. "It's the most important thing to them, because it makes them feel close to her."

While Kasner has more than her fair share of personal stories from her time spent as Twain's manager, most she likes to keep close.

"They are my memories and that's how they'll stay," responded Kasner when asked why she never wrote a book on Twain.

"I've had a business life and a private life with Shania, and it means so much to me."

Gossip and private details of Twain's life will never make it to the printed word as far as Kasner is concerned. She is quick to speak of Twain's best qualities, both as a person and an entertainer.

"Sometimes people don't realize really how hard it was for us to build up and create a brand as big as Shania," Kasner said. "But I know that whatever she does in her life, she will be extremely successful.

"I always said she was like an athlete going for the gold."

Since she and Twain parted ways several years ago, Kasner said she decided to go in a different direction.

She explained, at that point in time, it was almost as if she had overdosed on music.

Kasner has since dabbled in a few music ventures, but said she never had the same passion and commitment she had with Twain.

"I've been fortunate and privileged to have been involved with the music industry and have the success I've had," Kasner said. "I'm honoured to have been a part of it."

Kasner said she knows how extremely bright, creative and focused Twain is.

Seeing the fans at the convention showed her how the music really effects people.

Kasner remembered from a couple of months back, when she and Twain were making their way through an airport, and they were approached by somebody from security.

The person told Twain that her music had changed his life and helped him get out of a negative situation.

"I thought wow," said Kasner. "That's what her message and music does.

"Her fans are loyal, and now I'm hearing stories about how her music changed their lives."

http://www.timminspress.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1150509