CAMP PHOENIX CONFIDENCE!
Story on pages 6-7
PASSION WITH A PURPOSE
Story on pages 8-10
FAREWELL BASEBALL!
Paris Youth Softball teams on page 15
NEW LIBRARY BRANCH UPDATE
In a monumental step towards revitalizing Paris' cultural heart, the site excavation at the new Main Library and Bawcutt Centre, formerly known as the Paris Old Town Hall, commenced on Thursday, August 8, 2024 The excavation, led by Collaborative Structures Limited (CSL), involved the digging of multiple test pits to verify ground conditions in alignment with existing geotechnical data. See page 5.
County of Brant Photo
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
Emergency: 9-1-1
Police Department: 888-310-1122
Fire Department: 519-442-4500
Willet Hospital: 519-442-2251
County of Brant Office: 519-442-6324
Paris Public Library: 519-442-2433
Paris Councillors & Mayor :
Mayor - David Bailey 226-387-2490
Ward 2 - Steve Howes 519-442-4955
Ward 2 - Lukas Oakley 226-216-3037
Ward 3 - John Bell 519-209-2277
Ward 3 - John Peirce 519-442-7134
Administration & Bylaw: 519-442-7268
Paris Customer Service Office 66 Grand River St. N. 519-442-7268
Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Main Services include:
-Accounts Receivable invoice payments
- Blue Boxes and Composters (pre-arrange pick up of composter)
- Brant Transit punch cards purchase and pick up
- Building Permits may be submitted and Building staff consulted
- Calendar pick up (free)
- Commissioner of Oath is by appointment only
- Dog license and tag
- Dog Park membership and key
- Parking ticket payment
- Property Tax payments and inquiries
- Public Works permits may be submitted
- Use the computer to meet with a virtual Planner to ask questions.
- Water testing sample bottles may be picked up. Drop off water testing samples on the last Wednesday of the month before 2 pm at the Burford Customer Service Office
Brant Sports Complex & Other Facility Booking 519-442-1944- Open Monday - Sunday, 8:30 am - 8:00 pm.
Main services include:
- Dog Park membership and key
- Dog license and tag
- Tennis Court membership and key
- Camp registration and recreation program registration
Articles, Events & Story ideas, please submit by email to: stories@theparisindependent.com
STATEMENT
Healthy Lifestyle Columnist
Food & Beverage Columnist
Healthy Lifestyle Columnist
Chris Whelan
Casandra Turnbull
Michelle Malvaso
George Le Gresley
Rubyyy Jones
Stephen L.
Jacob Gaudet
Taren White
Heidi Pfleger
Tiffany Martin
Shelley Gaudet
We are an independently owned organization made up of likeminded volunteers from within our community with the main purpose of providing Paris and area with a trustworthy and reliable source of local news. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of everything we publish, we regret any errors that may occur. We limit our liability to that of printing a retraction upon notification of such errors in the next available publication. Our mail and Email addresses are listed below: Publisher / Sales
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
TODAY! COMMUNITY BBQ & CAR WASH
FUNDRAISER – Hosted by Queensview Retirement Community on Saturday, August 10th from 10 am to 1 pm, at 70 King Edward Street in Paris. $10 for drive-thru car wash and $10 BBQ meal.
PARIS COIN SHOW – Sunday, August 11 at the Paris Fairgrounds Canada’s best one-day coin and collectables show features more than 50 tables of coins, paper money, tokens, militaria and more with dealers buying, selling and appraising. The show will be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and admission is $5, which includes a draw ticket for a gold coin.
COUNTRY
NIGHT AT
ADDI’S – OUTDOOR
LINE DANCING – Monday, August 12th from 6 pm to 8 pm at Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead. More information available online.
BRANT COUNTY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB
MEETING -Tuesday August 13, 2024, at 10 am at the Sherwood Restaurant at 799 Colborne Street in Brantford. Our guest speaker will be Angela Berta, marine biologist, who will be discussing whales. New members are always welcome.
PARIS DRINKS FEST:
is a celebration of drinks, food, live music, and community in downtown Paris, Ontario beside the Syl Apps Community Centre. The highly anticipated summer event hosts a two-day festival during the weekend of August 16-17, 2024 featuring headliners Wintersleep on August 16 and Dwayne Gretzky on August 17. With 25+ food & drink vendors and a full weekend of live music from top Canadian talent Tickets are limited so buy while supplies last: https://www.tixr.com/groups/noisemakerpresents/events/ paris-drinks-fest-82801
HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR
– Friday, August 16th at 2pm, hosted by the Paris Museum and Historical Society Curious to learn more about the history of Paris? #BrantLibrary is collaborating with the Paris Museum and Historical Society for a captivating walking tour of Paris, Ontario More information available online.
BRANT
PRIDE CREATIVITY
EVENT
- Sunday, August 18th from 2pm to 5 pm at the Burford Library.
A gentle afternoon of 2SLGBTQIA+ creativity; playing with the many quieter ways to be creative! There will be stations with accessible activities inside and outside the Library, offering the opportunity to explore: poetry, zines, life drawing, reading and more! Please RSVP so we know to expect you! http://www.eventbrite.ca/.../brant-pride-creativityevent...
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
THE 166TH PARIS FALL FAIR
- Discover the excitement of the Paris Fair in rural Ontario! This Labour Day weekend, August 29th to September 2nd, immerse yourself in our region's rich culture and agricultural heritage. Enjoy thrilling rides, live entertainment, delicious food, and captivating exhibits – create unforgettable memories with family and friends. Find more information online, including a full schedule of events and entertainers.
MOVIE IN PARIS PARK
– Hosted by the County of Brant on Friday, September 6th at 8:45 pm at Forest Drive Park, Paris. As the sun sets, join us in one of our beautiful local parks for an unforgettable evening, where the community comes together under the stars. These FREE family-friendly screenings are open to all The movie starts at dusk so start time may vary. Don't forget your lawn chairs and blankets!
At the Burford Community Centre
Paris' Old Town Hall to be Transformed into New Main Branch Library and Bawcutt Centre
By Chris Whelan
In a monumental step towards revitalizing Paris' cultural heart, the site excavation at the new Main Library and Bawcutt Centre, formerly known as the Paris Old Town Hall, commenced on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The excavation, led by Collaborative Structures Limited (CSL), involved the digging of multiple test pits to verify ground conditions in alignment with existing geotechnical data This meticulous process sets the stage for the forthcoming tender release and eventual construction phase The journey to repurpose the historic Old Town Hall into a vibrant community hub dates back to the 1980s, when local efforts were initiated to save and breathe
< A crowd of participants gather outside the Bawcutt Centre at 13 Burwell Street, Paris
wwwbrantlibraryca/NewMainBra nch
For inquiries or concerns, please contact Kelly Bernstein, CEO of the County of Brant Public Library, via email at kellybernstein@brant ca or by phone at 519-442-2433.
new life into the iconic structure. In 2015, the County Council acquired the building with crucial support from a generous $1,000,000 donation by Skystone Media CEO Linda Schuyler. Renamed the Bawcutt Centre in honor of Schuyler's father, Jack Bawcutt, a revered former mayor of Paris, the building stands as a testament to Paris' rich heritage. Distinguished as a National Historic Site, the Old Town Hall represents a quintessential example of Gothic Revival-style civic architecture in Canada. Its restoration and expansion signify a collaborative effort to preserve the town's historical legacy while embracing modern functionality. The envisioned Main Library and Bawcutt Centre will serve as a nexus for literacy, arts, culture, and heritage within the community The project, approved for construction by the County of Brant Council in June 2023 pending tender award, is set to redefine Paris' cultural landscape. Anticipated tender results in late fall 2024 will mark a crucial milestone in the project's progression, subject to final approval by the Council. For the latest updates and announcements regarding the New Main Branch, visit
Throwback to May 2022
A memorable Jane's Walk at the future site of the Main Branch Library, the historic Bawcutt Centre!
Take a stroll down memory lane with us as we revisit this engaging event, exploring the rich history of the iconic building and envisioning its exciting transformation. Stay informed with updates on the Library’s new chapter at the Bawcutt Centre at: www.brantlibrary.ca/NewMainBr anch
Camp Phoenix girls rise to the challenge!
By Casandra Turnbull
Camp Phoenix wrapped up last month as 19 honorary firefighters graduated from the immersive camp, designed to educate and empower the next generation of female firefighters.
Friends and family gathered at the Cainsville Fire Station on July 28th to watch the Phoenix Fit Challenge as the aspiring firefighters demonstrated some of the skills they learned throughout the five-day camp. They were introduced to ladders, ropes, knots & hoisting, auto extrication, search & rescue, LIVE Fire demonstration & investigation with the OFM, forcible entry, aerial, hydrants & hoses and firefighter survival. The girls walked away from the experience with broader industry knowledge, but they also gained more confidence and made new friends
Camp Phoenix graduate Scarlett Cornwell shared, “I gained some of the best bonds with girls of all different ages It really helped me gain my ability to learn and adapt, applying myself to new skills, motivation, increased selfunderstanding, maturity, independence and selfconfidence ”
Cornwell was impressed with all the instructors who really
2024 Camp Phoenix graduates pictured above. Campers walked away with new-found appreciation for teamwork, endurance and some lifelong friendships. County of Brant Photos
demonstrated how to work together as a family, as a team. “Each one of them motivated and helped us through difficult challenges and kept pushing and telling us we can do it. I am so proud to be part of the Camp Phoenix family and look forward to helping in the future ”
It took 14 volunteer firefighter instructors to run the camp, along with special guests from the Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office, who attended to teach fire dynamics and investigation
“This experience has made me so excited to work as hard as I can so I can become a firefighter in the near future,” said Kennedy Sundvall, another graduate
Continued on page 7
COMMUNITY
“As a camper I have gained more self-confidence, more valuable knowledge on firefighting techniques, equipment and teamwork. I have made new friends and mentors,” she added One instructor who has led Camp Phoenix since its inception, Lisa Herbert, echoed Sundvall’s comments around selfconfidence.
“The most exciting experience for us and most campers were the moments that began with ‘I can’t,’ that turned into ‘I can!’” said Herbert
Some specific examples came to her mind, like breaching a 16” x 16” space in full bunker gear and wearing a training SCBA, navigating a maze in the dark, smoked out environment and
moving a hose line through a maze.
All those confidence building moments accumulated into one big display of physical and mental strength on the final day during the Phoenix Fit Challenge. The girls were split into platoons to see who could complete a fire obstacle course the fastest.
Teamwork was critical as the girls deployed two hose lines, making adequate connections and hitting a target with the hose stream, breaching a door and completing an outdoor maze where they had to breach two walls and crawl through a tube while wearing a training SCBA pack on their back, filling a garbage can with water using a bucket brigade strategy and
pulling a fire truck over the finish line.
During closing ceremonies, volunteer firefighters recognized each aspiring firefighter for their efforts throughout the intense camp. Camp Phoenix alumni, Bethany Randall and Alicia Giedronowicz, returned two years after they participated in the camp, to act as emcees of the graduation ceremony. The chosen Class Valedictorian, Melina Zsargo, delivered summary remarks during the closing the ceremony
This year over $9,000 was fundraised to ensure the success of the camp and volunteers and organizers are incredibly thankful.
Thank-you Camp Phoenix Sponsors!
Camp Phoenix is made possible by the generous donations and sponsorships from businesses, service clubs, volunteer groups and individuals
Without their invested support, volunteer ran camps like this one would not be possible A special thank-you goes out to this year’s sponsors.
*Adidas (providing backpacks & hats for the girls)
*Cornerstone Apparel & Printing (branding all the Adidas donations & creating our Merch)
*Tim Hortons (provide coffee, tea & snacks for our Open House and last day at camp)
*Pure Impact Fitness (run our fitness fundraiser
every year)
*Alice’s Restaurant (gives us a discount on all our lunches)
*BCW Lumber (providing all drinks for camp)
*Laurier University Public Safety Program (sponsored lunch, provided Merch for the girls and made a donation)
*Cainsville Fire Station, Burford Fire Station, Onondaga Fire Station
*Women Inspiring Women
*The Optimist Club Paris
*Brant Community Grant
Turning a passion into a purpose – local woman’s upcoming 800+ km journey to raise funds for Campfire Circle
Sandra Piccoli, 56, of Paris, is one of 51 riders who will participate in the R2//NYC, an 800+ km cycle from Toronto to New York City to raise money for Campfire Circle. Submitted photos
By Casandra Turnbull
There comes a time in your life when you want to make a difference. Sometimes that ambition aligns well with your own personal passion. That’s the case for 56-year-old Paris resident Sandra Piccoli who is putting her passion to a purpose next month to participate in the R2//NYC, an epic 800 km cycle from Toronto to New York City in support of Campfire Circle.
R2//NYC was founded in 2018 by a group of nine riders who took to the roads to raise money for children battling cancer. Since then, the event has continued to grow and gain momentum year over year. Piccoli learned of the fundraising ride from her friend, Derek Cardy, whom she cycles with often. Cardy competed in R2//NYC two years ago and it got the wheels turning for Piccoli
“He indicated he would be doing it again this year and put the invitation forward,” said Piccoli, who decided
to participate because the impact Campfire Circle has on children is immediate and profound The Camp gives children a chance put their worries aside and escape to a place where they can simply enjoy the beauty of summer in the great outdoors, making friends, singing campfire songs and well, just doing the things kids should do. The influence of this camp is so great, it is often referred to as the social cure for cancer Campfire Circle has two campgrounds - Camp Ooch in Muskoka (founded in 1983) and Camp Trillium in Waterford (founded in 1984). Campfire Circle Muskoka is the only overnight oncology camp in Canada able to provide onsite IV chemotherapy and blood transfusions.
Piccoli has visited the camp in Muskoka, trekking 174 km by bicycle from Orillia to attend an open house for riders who support the camp through R2//NYC. She’s also visited Rainbow Lake Camp in Waterford, solo, cycling 131 km from Paris to Waterford
Continued on page 9
Piccoli is excited to participate in this year’s R2//NYC She will be one of 51 riders making the 800+ km ride from Toronto to New York City. With over 9,300m of elevation, the ride is spread over five days from September 11 – 15th . Each rider must raise $5,000 to participate. That money is pure donation to Campfire Circle. Each rider funds their own fees to cover hotels and meals. This year, event organizers hope to raise a whopping $600,000, which is not a far-fetched goal considering 41 riders were able to raise over $750,000 during last year’s epic event. That money provided over 300 weeks of camp programs to kids affected by childhood cancer or serious illnesses. Since the start of the ride in 2018, Campfire Circle has received more than $2.1 million to ensure their vital services will continue to put a smile on kids’ faces across Ontario for years to come. While Piccoli’s goal is to raise the money and finish
the gruelling race, she’s also developed some friendships along the way, meeting other riders who will be part of R2//NYC team. They all share one common goal – helping kids be kids and keep their spark alive while they battle childhood cancer.
Piccoli is a mother of two adult children - Spencer (26 years old) Emmett (25 years old). She’s a lifelong cycling enthusiast, picking up the hobby from her father who was an avid cyclist and raced from his early years until he was 75 years old That passion for hitting the open road was instilled upon Piccoli, who fondly remembers racing for a few years in her early teens. Unfortunately, back surgery put a near stop to all her favourite physical activities for a long time. Then came friends, marriage and a family.
Continued on page
COMMUNITY NEWS
Long story short I picked it up again about 6 years ago when I was going through a difficult time in my life. My bike became my therapist. It started out with short rides a few times a week and grew from there,” she shared. “I have since competed in numerous races and usually ride 4-6 times/week mostly for pleasure. My longest solo ride to date has been 350kms; yes, it was all in one day!”
Piccoli says she is always up for a challenge and this ride will challenge her like nothing she’s ever done before. “I have been, and still am, putting in countless hours of training, to be able to complete this epic ride. Anytime I struggle, I merely have to think of what these kids are going through and that puts everything into perspective for me and I quickly realize, I have nothing to complain about.”
If you’d like to support Piccoli’s ride visit her online campaignhttps://support.campfirecircle.org/r2nyc/support. kids campfirecircle sandra nyc After, every dollar makes a difference and is greatly appreciated, said Piccoli
So far, she’s raised just over $1,800 of her $5,000 goal. Let’s infuse some good old fashioned Paris generosity into her cause and help Piccoli reach – if not exceed - that goal.
Did you know?
A $50 donation helps fund hospital programming supplies; a $150 donation pays for community programming; $300 covers one day of in hospital programs; $500 pays for one full day at camp; $1,500 is enough to cover one weekend at camp and $2,500 pays for a full week at camp. In the end, your donation helps deliver healing through happiness to kids with cancer or serious illness and their families.
The Paris Beer Company Donates to Wilkin Family Community Centre
County of Brant, ON - The County of Brant is pleased to announce that a donation of $10,000 has been received for the Wilkin Family Community Centre from The Paris Beer Company
“Thank you to The Paris Beer Company for their support of this project,” said Mayor David Bailey. “With its strong presence in the County, we are grateful for the assistance and support from this vibrant organization that brings people together in the spirit of community and friendship ”
Located in Wincey Mills and offering an elevated beer experience alongside mouthwatering food pairings, The Paris Beer Company is a family-
run brewery, with the hops and grain grown locally in Paris A champion of friendly and truly welcoming service, The Paris Beer Company was recently nominated for the Accessible Brant Award for preventing and removing physical barriers.
“We are pleased to support the Paris Lawn Bowling Club. This historical club has been, and continues to be, a quiet sanctuary to enjoy sport and camaraderie. We’re glad to be a part of that tradition” said John Edgar on behalf of The Paris Beer Company.
The Paris Beer Company all started on the Edgar family farm, acquired by the Edgars in early
1900. Grains weren’t the only thing being sown on the humble farm in Paris, Ontario. Grit and passion for sustainable agriculture have been central values across the Edgar family’s generations
About the Wilkin Family Community Centre
The new Wilkin Family Community Centre, located at 169 Grand River Street North in Paris, will feature approximately 2,055 square feet of indoor space. The centre will offer facilities for indoor and outdoor recreation, social activities, family gatherings, cultural and arts events, and various other opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy
Continued on page 12
As construction on the Paris Community Centre nears completion, donations like this most recent $10,000 one from the Paris Beer Company help significantly towards fundraising efforts. This centre is also the home of the Paris Lawn Bowling Club and Paris Seniors Club.
Photo credit County of Brant
COMMUNITY NEWS
It will be Brant's first net-zero building and will also house the Paris Lawn Bowling Club and the Paris Seniors Club 99. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The Wilkin Family Community Centre has a construction cost of $1 6 million, with a fundraising goal of $400,000 to help alleviate the project's financial impact on the municipality Since March 2024, the campaign working group has been actively seeking significant donations
Naming opportunities are available for features such as the Great Room, the covered patio overlooking the lawn bowling greens, and several cabanas. Donors who wish to be recognized will be acknowledged on the Donor Wall in the Great Room of the Wilkin Family Community Centre.
Friendly reminder that Urban Area Yard Waste Collection is next week, August 12-16. Yard waste curbside collection is offered to residential properties within urban areas Materials are to be set out by 7:00 am on your regular collection day. Due to the fluctuating volume of yard waste set out for each collection week, collection of material may not occur on your regular collection day but will be completed by the Saturday of that week. Visit brant ca/YardWaste for more information
Tier 1 Basic Subscriber $4.00/ month: Laura, Nancy Chipman, Barbara Plumstead, Heidi Wright, VMM, Elaine Tully, Don, Dan,ABK, Harry Nixon, Ian Robertson, Donna Smith, John Gillies, Madeline, Sarah Louch, Ann Hannah, Jack MacPherson, Sue, Linda M Jones, Marlene, Christa Potter, Jill Palmer, Dianne 1, Dianne 2, Gloria, Tina, Tom Beacock, and Betty Hall.
Tier 2 Basic Subscriber Plus $7.50/month: Brave Waves Swim School, Carolann Urquhart, Tim Risebrough, and Shawna Sharp,
Tier 3 Bronze Sponsor $14.50/month: Patrick Bernard Brooker
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
All letters must be signed by the writer and are subject to editing for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in the letter are those of the writer, and not necessarily those of the Paris Independent. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, or completeness of this information. If you have an opinion to share, email your letters to stories@theparisindependent.com
Telephone passes long-distance test 148 years ago today! “Crackling Noises” Overcome
Notably, it was on July 26, 1874, at his father's abode where Bell initially conceived and delineated his "talking telegraph" invention precisely 150 years ago on July 26, 1874.
Exactly 148 years ago today, on August 10, 1876, the course of communication history was forever altered when Alexander Graham Bell ushered in the era of long-distance telephone conversations This monumental milestone marked the world's inaugural successful telephone transmission over a genuine longdistance telegraph line.
In a momentous gathering at the Dominion Telegraph Company office in Brantford, a group of companions engaged in conversation and song through a rudimentary device. The transmission spanned from Brantford to Paris, covering a distance of just under eight miles. Remarkably, the power source lay in Toronto, rendering the completed circuit a staggering 136 miles in total.
Dominion Telegraph office located in Robert White’s Shoe Store Paris, Ont. where Alexander Graham Bell received the world’s first long distance call at 97 Grand River St. N. on August 10, 1876. Photo credit: Bell Canada Montreal
long-distance call, the Bells had conducted successful telephone trials over shorter distances. One notable connection linked the Bell Home on Tutela Heights to the city of Brantford, while another established the first vocal bridge between the Bell residence and the village of Mount Pleasant Noteworthy is Bell's achievement on March 10, 1876, in Boston, where he accomplished the transmission of a full sentence from one room to another within a single edifice.
Innovative Equipment - Integral to the historic Brantford-to-Paris experiment and the preliminary trials were the deployment of a
triple mouthpiece conceptualized by Bell and crafted by James H Cowherd in his Brantford tinsmith workshop. This apparatus significantly enhanced the transmission and reception of musical performances
The summer of 1876 witnessed Bell's decision to subject his now patented telephone to an electrical and long-distance trial Penning a letter to Thomas Swinyard, the managing director of the Dominion Telegraph Company in Toronto, Bell sought permission to utilize the telegraph line between Brantford and Paris.
Continued on page 14
LOCAL HISTORY
Initially Swinyard dismissed Bell's request as a prank. However, swayed by his young assistant L. B. McFarlane who would later ascend to the presidency of the Bell Telephone Company of Canada Swinyard relented Although an hour's rent was stipulated for the evening of August 10, it was not collected post the successful transmission. Subsequently, the telegraph company swiftly petitioned for the incorporation of the telephone as part of telegraphy The transmitting device was stationed in the Brantford office while the receiver found its place in the telegraph company's Paris outpost at Robert Whyte's boot and shoe emporium.
Single Direction - Utilizing only one receiver in Paris and a solitary transmitter in Brantford, the rudimentary setup facilitated unidirectional communication.
Bell's directives for transmitter adjustments had to be telegraphed from Paris to Brantford. Embarking on a horse-drawn carriage to Paris, Bell safeguarded the precious Ironbox receiver. At the time, George P. Dunlop, the telegraph agent in Paris, barely 16 years old, extended his assistance. Intrigued by Bell's experiments, Dunlop rallied guests for the demonstration and orchestrated the event. The clamor of spectators necessitated the store's doors to be bolted shut, with Bell noting the great amount of noisy conversation both within and outside the premises
Despite encountering “crackling noises” along the line, Bell's report indicated satisfaction with the experiments' demonstration of the undulating current's long-distance potency Adjustments were swiftly made, resulting in clearer vocal sound transmission.
Left: In Paris, Ontario. Alexander Graham Bell received the world’s first successful long-distance telephone call from Brantford in Robert White’s Boot and Shoe store and Telegraph office (97 Grand River St N) on August 10, 1876. The eightmile line was extended 136 miles to make use of a battery supply in Toronto. Painting by: J.C.H. Forster
Below: The site as it looks today.
After adjustments to the magneto in Brantford, Bell adeptly identified singers by their voices, even recognizing his father's voice among the melodic renditions.
On the historic date of August 10, 1946, a commemorative plaque was first unveiled in Paris by the Charles Fleetford Sise Chapter Telephone Pioneers of America, marking the historic place where the world's premier successful long-distance telephone call was received, immortalizing this momentous leap in the history of communication technology.
U9/U11 PYSA teams say goodbye to baseball
To the right, Team 3 coached by Sean Morrow. PYSA executive would like to thank all coaches and volunteers for a successful season.
Above, PYSA U9/U11 House League Team 4 coached by Charlie Dalal and to the left, Team 5 coached by Joe Tothe. This year the U9 and U11 age groups combined to form their own local league division. The year end tournament was held on July 26-28 at Paris’ Lions Park.
Above, PYSA U9/U11 House League Team 1 coached by Brandon Hall
Canada Gets Hammered and McIntosh Is the Apple of Canada’s Eye
OLYMPIC REPORT
with George Le Gresley
Lots has gone down in Paris at this year’s Olympics including another minor scandal….no this is not a Canadian one. But rather two Brazilian swimmers being sent home for leaving the Olympic village, (totally against the rules for a night, unless you’re an NBA player staying in a 5-star hotel) on the town in Paris! Mon Dieu qu’el big mistake! Honestly, who could blame them?
Canadians had big moments on or in the water. The women’s Eight rowing team earned Silver and, in the pool, Summer Mcintosh won three Gold (400 M and 200 M Individual Medley), 200 M Butterfly and a Silver in 400 M Freestyle. Ms. McIntosh wasn’t the only multiple medal winner as 19year-old Illya Kharoun won Bronze medals in the 100 and 200 m Men’s Butterfly. Josh Liendo won Silver in the Men’s 100 Butterfly and Kylie Masse a Bronze in the 200 m Backstroke
My favourite team this year was
Canada’s Women’s Rugby 7’s team who were brilliant in the semifinal, upsetting Australia, but dropped to perennial winner New Zealand to earn Silver in a game they had led at halftime. Also successful in the field events was 30-year-old Alysha Newman who won Bronze in Women’s Pole Vault with a vault of 4.85m or just under 16 feet. She was so happy with her result that she celebrated by doing a little twerk dance for the crowd.
Continued on page 17
Team Canada’s Summer McIntosh (far left) won three gold and one silver in swimming events, while Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzberg won the Women’s and Men’s Hammer Throw.
Photos from Olympic Team Canada website
SPORTS
In other events, medal winners were Maude Charron won Silver in 59 kg weightlifting, Eleanor Harvey in Women’s Individual Foil, Stephanie Methot a Bronze for Women’s Trampoline, Wyatt Sanford Bronze in Boxing in the 65.5 kg category, Skylar Park Bronze in Taekwondo 57 kg and finally a Bronze in Mixed Tennis Doubles with Gabriela Dabrowski and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
In Athletics or Track and Field, there were some disappointments with many of our track athletes, but on the Field events, in particular the Hammer Throw, with Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzberg winning the Women’s and Men’s Hammer Throw There was a call by Australian fans to have Katzberg’s DNA checked as they believed that with his long hair and handlebar mustache, that he resembled an Aussie from the outback. These calls for DNA testing were declined as Ethan proved that he was just a young man from BC, who liked drinking Kokanee.
Traditionally the Men’s marathon race is the last athletic event to be held, except this year being the year where the number of female competitors is equal to the men, the Women’s Marathon will close out the games Finally, the closing ceremony will be on dry land, but honestly, I can’t wait to see what the cheeky, naughty French will do, to make us smile or even offend some.
One last note on the Olympics……. congratulations to the all the athletes who participated and especially the women who mined many top three events!
SERVICE CLUB SPOTLIGHT: Optimistic changes to building on Elm Street
Tucked away behind the Syl Apps Community Centre and the Little Free Pantry on Elm Street in Paris, this building is home to the Paris Optimist Club.
As a service club, the funds members raise goes back into the community and not building maintenance or renovations to the building that has served them well for decades. Thanks to funding from the County of Brant, last summer the club received all new low maintenance vinyl siding, exterior doors, including a second main entrance door that is fully accessible now and a new accessibility ramp. This summer the clubhouse will receive a full interior renovation update including an accessible washroom, making it a great location to rent for smaller events and gatherings etc In a social media post recently, the Paris Optimist Club thanked the County of Brant for their support and stated, ‘We can’t wait to share it (renovation results) next fall!’
SERVICE CLUB SPOTLIGHT: Lions Club recognizes International Assistance Dog Week August 4-11
In a Paris Lions Club Social Media Post This Week: The first week of August marks International Assistance Dog Week (IADW)! A time where Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides (LFCDG) is proud to come together with other Assistance Dog schools all over the world to celebrate our achievements, and to also raise awareness for the incredible work these dogs do and everybody that is involved in their upbringing and training Foster families and volunteers do a tremendous job preparing our Dog Guides for their future careers And of course, we could not do any of the work that we do today without LFCDG’s staff and our generous donors.
Assistance Dogs play a vital role in the lives of individuals with disabilities by helping them with daily tasks that might otherwise be challenging, such as opening doors, alerting them to blood sugar changes or responding to a medical emergency such as a seizure In addition, they have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of their handlers,
with many reporting that their Dog Guide has helped them graduate from school or secure employment. Earlier this year, clients were sent an email encouraging them to share how their Dog Guide helps them every day. Last week, Michelle emailed back with an update: "I hope you are doing well I know you had asked me about how Bonbon has affected my confidence. Well, before I started working with her, I was too nervous to get the mail, which is just 100 meters up the road from my house. But thanks to having Bonbon by my side, we travelled just her and I to Winnipeg and back this past week. It felt amazing, and I can never thank everyone at Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides enough for giving me my life back " Thanks to everyone who has been involved in matching Michelle with Bonbon, Michelle has been able to benefit from increased safety and independence. This week, we celebrate LFCDG, our dogs and the people who support our mission and vision.
The Transformative Power of Early Literacy: Strong Start® Charitable Organization
The Power of 100
Presented by 100 People Who Care Brant
This month’s focus: Strong Start® Charitable Organization
AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY GIVING CYCLE, MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL GIVING CIRCLE 100 PEOPLE WHO CARE BRANT ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE A CHARITY OR NON-PROFIT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE COLLECTIVE DONATIONS FROM OUR GROUP. IN THIS NEW MONTHLY COLUMN, WE WILL SHINE SOME LIGHT ON THE WORK AND COMMUNITY EVENTS OFFERED BY NOMINEES WHO HAVE NOT YET BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF OUR DONATIONS. MAY’S FOCUS IS ON STRONG START® CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
Learning to read is more than just an academic milestone; it is a fundamental life skill that influences a child's self-esteem, ability to learn, and sense of belonging. When a child struggles with reading, the impact is far-reaching, affecting every aspect of their life, including their confidence and their ability to keep up with peers. The importance of early literacy cannot be overstated; it sets children on a path to success in school and in life. Recognizing this, Strong Start® Charitable Organization has dedicated itself to helping young children learn to read, fostering lifelong readers and
Alex and Anthony work together at the Strong Start® program.
strengthening communities.
Strong Start®, a registered Canadian charity, offers a suite of programs designed to support literacy development from infancy through early elementary school. These programs are crucial interventions, particularly for children at risk of falling behind. The organization's flagship program, Letters, Sounds and Words , serves children aged 5-9, providing critical early literacy intervention in schools. The program has been instrumental in helping children in Brantford and the County of Brant for over 15 years.
Letters, Sounds and Words is a 10-week program targeting children in Year Two Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2 who need a literacy boost The program begins with pre-assessments to identify each child's specific needs and ends with post-assessments to measure their progress. Children are paired with trained community volunteers who work with them one-on-one, engaging in carefully designed games and activities that make learning fun. The program covers four essential strands: learning the names of letters, understanding the sounds they make, blending sounds to form words, and decoding words to read.
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
This structured yet engaging approach helps children build a solid foundation in reading The success of the Letters, Sounds and Words program is evident not only in Brantford but also in multiple communities across Ontario where it is offered The program is free for families and is delivered during the instructional day, ensuring no financial barriers or special arrangements are needed. This accessibility is crucial in reaching children who might otherwise be left behind.
In addition to Letters, Sounds and Words , Strong Start® offers two other programs that provide a continuum of literacy support from 6 months to 9 years of age. The Get Ready for School program focuses on disadvantaged preschoolers, helping them develop phonological awareness, vocabulary, and school readiness skills in preparation for kindergarten. The Baby Connections® program empowers families with babies aged 6-12 months, providing resources and strategies to create a literacy-rich home environment Since 2001, these programs have collectively helped nearly 57,000 children learn to read, with the support of over 37,000 community volunteers who have contributed nearly 635,000 volunteer hours.
Volunteers are the heart of Strong Start®. As a Volunteer Coach, individuals play a pivotal role in assisting young children to learn essential early reading skills and develop confidence as learners Volunteers undergo two, 2-hour training sessions and then work in local schools during the school day. The commitment is minimal just 30 minutes, once a week, for a 10-week period but the impact is profound. By helping children learn to read, volunteers give a gift that lasts a lifetime
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Danielle with Reagan. A structured yet engaging approach helps children build a solid foundation in reading.
Taryn with Ben, Volunteers are the heart of Strong Start®.
Vanessa and Aziza. By helping children learn to read, volunteers give a gift that lasts a lifetime
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Marina Fleming, a Volunteer Coach, shares her experience: "I love interacting with the young ones. The children are full of joy and enthusiasm. They are so eager to learn and so proud of themselves as I encourage them forward and praise them for their accomplishments To be honest, I think I get as much enjoyment from the experience as they do. It truly is a rewarding program, and I don't hesitate to tell anyone just that! I do look forward to working with the little children."
For those interested in making a meaningful and lasting difference in the life of a child, becoming a Volunteer Coach with Strong Start® is an opportunity not to be missed. For more information on how to get involved,1-833-419READ (7323) info@strongstart ca or visit https://wwwst rongstart.ca/get-involved/volunteer/.
In a world where literacy is a critical determinant of success, Strong Start® Charitable Organization stands as a beacon of hope and support for young children. Through its dedicated programs and the unwavering support of its volunteers, Strong Start® is not just teaching children to read; it is changing lives and building a brighter future for all
We are 100 People Who Care Brant, a giving circle dedicated to serving Brant County, Brantford, and Six Nations of the Grand River communities. We unite local individuals to enact social change by pooling our donations, and collectively selecting charities to support. Members contribute three times annually, for as little as $25 per cycle, for a total of $75 a year. Join us to witness the powerful outcome when 100 or more people join forces in a collective act of generosity, effecting change locally. Discover how you can amplify your individual contribution through #powerof100. Connect with us to learn more!
Brant Community Foundation reveals list of 2024 Community Grant winners
County of Brant staff pleased with program’s transfer to the Brant Community Foundation
The County has released the names of organizations that received Community Grant funding in 2024
The County of Brant Community Grants Program is an important funding tool to assist various nonprofit and charitable organizations in the County deliver vital services and amenities to the community. Grants were available under the categories of operational grants (to a maximum of $5,000), event grants (to a maximum of $5,000) and capital project grants (to a maximum of $10,000)
In 2023, County of Brant Council approved entering into a partnership with the Brant Community Foundation (BCF) for the delivery of the Community Grants Program, starting this year. BCF undertook the application intake, review, evaluation and award processes, with electronic fund transfers being completed through the County’s Finance Department
County of Brant and Brant Community Foundation staff worked closely to ensure a smooth transition, reaching out and working with applicants who had questions or required assistance in
making their submissions.
A total of 107 grant applications were received in 2024, totaling $558,341.77 in funding requests.
Of these, 20 applications were deemed late, incomplete or otherwise ineligible for funding through the County of Brant Grants process.
The remaining applications underwent the Foundation’s adjudication process, resulting in the award of 74 grants, totaling $300,000. There were several applications that made it to adjudication, which for reasons relating to the information in their applications and/or the viability of their projects with partial funding, did not receive a grant award.
This year’s grant requests represented approximately a 19% increase in number of requests compared to 2023.
County of Brant staff had an opportunity to observe and serve as a resource for the Foundation’s Adjudication Committee meeting to review the grants
Because it was a transition year, the 2024 Community Grants application window did not open until early March and closed late March. Now that the necessary
approvals and agreements are in place, it is anticipated that the 2025 application window will open earlier in the calendar year. To enhance the program in 2025, staff is investigating the adoption of an online intake application and transferring the refund process from County staff to the Brant Community Foundation.
*Information derived from Staff Report RPT-0333-24 “2024 Community Grants Program Results” as part of the July Administration and Operations Committee meeting
Here’s the list of recipients, separated by category
Capital and Seed Stream$121,334
*Ayr Paris Band $4,000 *Bethel Stone United Church $6,500
*Brant Historical Society $4,000
*Brantford Native Housing $6,500
*Brantford Pride $1,902 *Burford School Parent Council $10,000
*Circle Square Ranch $8,500
*Crossing All Bridges Centre
$8,000 *Five Oaks Centre $7,000 * FWIC Homestead $7,167
*Oakland Scot. Parent Council
$10,000
*Organized Kaos
COMMUNITY NEWS
$6,000 *Paris
$3,333 *Brantford Pride $1,000
*St George Minor Ball $5,000
Agricultural Society $5,167 *Paris Chamber of Commerce
*Paris Community Church
$2,333
$6,667
* Paris Curling Club $8,333 *Paris
Museum & Hist. Society
*Royal Canadian Legion
$3,682
$2,733
*South Dumfries Historical Society $7,000 *St. George Lawn Bowling Club $2,850 *St. George United Church $3,000
Operational Stream - $118,390
*Arnold Anderson Sports Fund
$4,500 *Big Brothers Big Sisters
Grand Erie $4,500 *Brant
Alzheimer Society $5,000 *Brant Crime Stoppers $5,000 *Brant Food for Thought $5,000 *Brant
Genealogical Society
*Brant Historical Society
$2,167
$3,500
*Brant Land Trust $1,500 *Brant Men of Song $3,250 *Brant Music Festival $4,250 *Brant SPCA
*Burford Agricultural Society
$4,000 *Children's Safety Village
$5,000 *County Fire Dept.
Volunteers $1,000 *FWIC
Homestead $4,724 *Grand River Council on Aging $5,000 *Habitat
for Humanity
$4,750 *Kids Can Fly $5,000 *Paris Agricultural Society $3,000 *Paris Chamber of Commerce $1,333 *Paris
Horticultural Society
$2,000
*Paris Museum & Hist. Society
$4,500 *Paris Plains Ch Cemetery
Association $3,167 *Paris Port
Dover Pipe Band $4,833 *Paris
Youth Softball Association $3,833
*Royal Canadian Legion $833 *
Salt Springs Church Historical Society $2,750 *Salt Springs Church Cemetery $2,250 *SEEDS
$2,500 *Shelter Movers $5,000
*St. George Apple Fest
*St. George Garden Club
$2,667
$2,250
Event Stream - $60,276
*Arnold Anderson Sports Fund
$4,500 *Autism Dog Services
$2,500 *Brant Agricultural Awareness $1,750 *Brant Com.
Health. System
$5,000 *Event Stream Brant Crime Stoppers
$3,833 *Brantford Pride $2,913
*CMHA $5,000 * Community Living Brant
$3,667 *Darmont Gives $2,500 *FWIC Homestead
$3,167 *Paris Agricultural Society
$3,667 *Paris Christmas Parade
$1,475 *Paris Community Church
$2,467 *Paris Figure Skating Club
$4,110 *Paris Museum & Historical Society $3,977 *St. George Apple Fest $3,000 *St. George Garden Club $750 *The Raw Carrot - Paris Presbyterian Church $3,000 *Women's Institute
$3,000
OPP's Province-Wide Traffic Safety Campaign Yields Over 8,000 Charges
Over the weekend, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a comprehensive province-wide traffic safety campaign targeting aggressive, distracted, impaired, and unbuckled drivers as well as educating the public on Ontario's Move Over Law. These efforts were aimed at curbing behaviors that contribute significantly to preventable deaths each year Between Friday afternoon and Monday night (August 2-5, 2024), OPP officers were vigilant, resulting in a total of 8,050 charges being laid across various traffic, marine, and off-road vehicle laws.
The breakdown of charges includes 4,040 for speeding, 125 for racing or stunt driving, 235 for impaired driving, 69 for distracted driving, 554 for not wearing seatbelts, and 99 related to violations of the Move Over Law.
In light of these numbers, the OPP emphasizes the crucial role
every driver and passenger plays in reducing fatalities on roads, waterways, and trails. By driving responsibly and adhering to safety regulations, individuals contribute to the collective goal of ensuring everyone reaches their destinations safely.
This campaign underscores the ongoing effort to promote road safety and highlights the importance of compliance with traffic laws to prevent unnecessary loss of life.
Calling all junior engineers! Do you have what it takes to build a boat?
Here’s a fun activity for the family to enjoy next weekend.
If you’ve got a young engineer in training, test their skills out and participate in this event hosted by the County of Brant. Everyone is invited to build their best cardboard boat, designed to withstand the length of the Paris Community Pool!
On Saturday, August 17th from 5 pm to 6 pm bring that cardboard boat design to the Paris Community Pool to test out its durability. Entrants can also make a cardboard paddle along too. The only rule is you must use cardboard and duct tape only when building your ship!
This cardboard boat race is open to all ages Only two people per boat and you must follow admission criteria for adult to child ratio All participants are required to wear lifejackets The boats will be placed in the deep end to start. Both participants will enter the boat and then float for 30 seconds before attempting to paddle across the pool to the shallow end.
Register your team now at brant.ca/Aquatics under the Special Events section
ASTROLOGY
Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –This is the right time for decisive actions, making important decisions, taking the lead, and increasing your wealth. You can count on courage and good judgment to take advantage of any opportunities for personal, material or spiritual growth
Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth)You can effectively share messages and ideas, negotiate, speak in public, chair meetings, convince others, sell products, ask for favors and seek advice You will be more curious, adaptable, eager to improve your prospects and realistic yet intuitive about your goals This is the perfect time to improve your public image or social media profile
Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air)Your physical strength is heightened, as is your instinct for how and when to start something. You have the self-confidence to achieve major success This can be in any area of life, from career to relationships, but especially anything of a physical nature
Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) - While others procrastinate and make excuses, you can use your initiative to tackle any task with energy, enthusiasm, and optimism You can be competitive and assertive while maintaining harmony Good timing and instincts make this a good time for taking risks.
Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –Victory is possible in any competitive venture, such as sports, business, or politics You should be bold and confident enough to try something new or challenging Increased sex drive and sex appeal make this an excellent time for dating or reinvigorating an existing relationship
Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – You will tend to react to people and events automatically, based more on your feelings than your rational thoughts But this is a good thing because you can trust your instincts This is an excellent time to recharge your batteries in the comfort of your home or your parent’s home. While you may not feel ambitious, increased personal popularity and respect can further your career and social status
Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air) - Almost anything you apply yourself to will seem to flow and happen with seemingly little effort Extra initiative and a wonderful sense of timing make this a good time to begin a new project. Your love life benefits from increased sex drive and physical attractiveness.
Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – This is a great time to discuss relationship issues because you will be in touch with your feelings Inner calm and balance give you the confidence to break the ice and make new friends. But you may need more emotional reassurance from familiar objects, people, and places.
Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – Your achievements will be on show, so be ready for more attention than normal You will have more power and influence over the direction of your life and may have more interaction with authority figures and influential people.
Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – ou will be extra sensitive to the emotional needs of other people and will form a deep bond with them Others feel more comfortable around you and are likelier to share their feelings Someone may come to you for a shoulder to cry on. You can better understand your feelings and should trust your instincts.
Aquarius: January 20 –February 18 (Air) – The good luck you experience this week comes from increased optimism, strong instincts, initiative, and a willingness to take risks. Increased sex appeal, charisma and popularity make this an excellent week for dating, business, sports, and impressing someone in your professional or personal life.
Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – Your family will give you all the emotional support and nourishment you need to reach your full potential at work and make it look easy This is a good time to celebrate at home with family, Work presentations in front of a group or public will go well because you can make them feel like you are one of them Others will likely feel more comfortable around you
Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford For Saturday, August 10, 2024
Deadpool & Wolverine
Standard 12:30p.m. 3:40p.m. 6:20p.m.
9:30p.m. 3D 6:50p.m. 10:00p.m.
Borderlands
Standard 1:50p.m. 4:30p.m. 7:10p.m. 9:50p.m.
Despicable Me 4
Standard 12:10p.m. 2:30p.m. 5:00p.m.
7:30p.m.
It Ends with Us
Standard 12:15p.m. 3:20p.m. 6:30p.m.
9:40p.m.
Twisters
Standard 12:20p.m. 3:30p.m. 6:40p.m. 9:45p.m.
Trap Standard 1:30p.m. 4:20p.m. 7:00p.m. 9:55p.m.
Harold and the Purple Crayon Standard 2:25p.m. 4:50p.m. 7:15p.m. 9:45p.m.
Inside Out 2
Standard 12:00p.m. 1:10p.m. 3:50p.m.
Daaru Na Peenda Hove Standard 10:00p.m.
The NeverEnding Story Standard 11:00a.m.
THE OXFORD DRIVE-IN - GATES OPEN AT 8pm MOVIES START AT DUSK
