The Paris Independent for Saturday August 12th, 2023

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 Public Schools:

Paris High: 519-442-4477

North Ward: 519-442-2311

Paris Central: 519-442-4163

Cobblestone: 519-442-2500

Paris Catholic Schools:

Holy Family: 519-442-5333

Sacred Heart: 519-442-4443

Paris Councillors & Mayor:

Mayor - David Bailey

Ward 2 - Steve Howes

Ward 2 - Lukas Oakley

Ward 3 - John Bell

Ward 3 - John Peirce

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

226-387-2490

519-442-4955

226-216-3037

519-209-2277

519-442-7134

Administration & Bylaw: 519-442-7268

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

Publisher

Managing Editor

Advertising Sales

Photographer

News Reporter

News Reporter

News Reporter

Chris Whelan

Casandra Turnbull

Chris Whelan

Michelle Malvaso

Carolina Saenz

Bailey Zimmer

Rubyyy Jones

Paid email subscriptions available by writing to: subscribe@theparisindependent.com

STATEMENT

We are an independently owned organization made up of like minded 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:

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

LIVE MUSIC AT THE PARIS PUB! – Saturday, August 19 from 8 PM TO 11 PM come out and listen to some tunes from Aubrey Boothman

PARIS COIN SHOW –Sunday, August 13th at the Paris Fairgrounds from 9 am to 2 pm. Featuring 55 dealer tables from internationally renowned coin & banknote dealers, representing Canada, United States, and World collectible currencies.

MOVIE IN THE PARK –PRESENTED BY COUNTY OF BRANT – August 10th at Mt. Pleasant Park – The Super Mario Bros; August 24th at King William Park, St. George, Monsters Inc; September 8th at Burford

Community Centre, Strange World; September 15th at Scotland Community Centre, Elemental (Pixar) Movies start at dush So bring a blanket and chair and catch the last movies of the summer!

ZAC DALPE BANNER

RAISING – Monday, August 21 at 5 pm at the Brant Sports Complex, 944 Powerline Road, Paris. Come celebrate Zac’s NHL career and recent playoff run (!) with the Florida Panthers The first 500 people in attendance will receive a free giveaway!

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FOOD TRUCK ALERT! –

Tuesday, August 22nd at Sojourn Church in Paris (112 Scott Ave) from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. Donations will be accepted for the Little Free Pantry in Paris First 100 donations will receive a coupon for free pizza from Dominos. A big thank you to Dominos for their generosity

HIPFEST RETURNS- The City of Brantford is pleased to announce the return of HipFest, an outdoor rock concert in Harmony Square to celebrate the legacy of The Tragically Hip This free event takes place on Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is presented by Hudson Public, Kitchen and Bar. Attendees can enjoy an evening of live music

performed by 50 Mission and Man Machine Poem. A full listing of Harmony Square summer programming can be found online by visiting calendar.brantford.ca/Ha rmonySquare.

Grand River Street North roadwork begins

By Casandra Turnbull

It’s official, a section of Paris’busiest street is shut down for important infrastructure work and traffic woes in town are already mounting.

Construction on Grand River Street North from Silver Street to Scott Avenue, which was originally scheduled to start June 19th , is now underway to complete a Trunk Sewer and Watermain Replacement. This first phase of the multi-year project to repair and reconstruction Grand River Street North is estimated to take six months to complete.

During this time, one lane will remain open for southbound traffic only between Scott Ave to 100 metres south of Trillium Way. That means only vehicles heading towards downtown Paris can travel on that stretch of road. Construction crews closed off the road on August 8th to begin working. The traffic chaos that ensued alarmed many residents. Vehicles were heading down the road the wrong way, people were making u turns in the middle of the road and other motorists were confused because there were no detours signs giving motorists and alternate route. Many residents reportedly called the non-emergency police line to report the traffic dangers. Others reported it to the county. Everyone reported it on social media.

Grand River Street North is now closed to one way, southbound, traffic only between Scott Avenue and 100 metres south of Trillium Way (by Subway). All northbound traffic, including vehicles accessing businesses in the construction zone, must follow posted detour signs. The Paris Veterinarian Clinic created this easy-to-follow detour map to share on social media.

In a press release issued by the County of Brant the following morning, it was acknowledged that during a site visit Tuesday evening, county employees

‘noticed a significant number of vehicles disobeying signage As a result, additional signage will be put in place today and over this week as it becomes available from the contractor.’

Following that release, the county has installed more advance signage as you approach the detour, additional detour route signage and directional signage advising people how to access businesses within the construction zone, said Joe Murphy, Capital Project Manager for the Infrastructure Services Division of the County of Brant.

One of the more confusing signs that was placed advising ‘local traffic only,’ was removed “Our original intent was to allow access to Home Hardware, Telfer Place and the south leg of Bradbury Cresent as local traffic,” said Murphy

“We have now changed our plans to restrict all north bound traffic at Silver St., removing “Local Traffic Only” signage, and installing “Do Not Enter” signs to eliminate any further ambiguity at this intersection.”

As for police presence, Murphy confirmed the county did request passive OPP presence before the project started, noting the OPP have been onsite multiple times this week The county does have the option of contracting dedicated OPP, if necessary Currently, the county has opted to wait as it typically takes people about two weeks to acclimatize to the new conditions, Murphy explained.

“If offences such as speeding or disobeying signs continue after two weeks, we will contract for a dedicated OPP presence onsite and along the detour.”

The biggest challenge ahead, once people are acclimatized, will be the Paris Fair when out of town visitors navigate the streets for the first time. The County plans to install large message boards along Grand River Street North to advise of the construction and to remind people to use extra

caution

“We are confident the improvements implemented over the course of this week along with message boards will be sufficient. We ask everyone to be patient and courteous when driving in the area now and during the Paris Fair.”

During the remainder of the project, all northbound traffic will be detoured along Silver Street, Oak Avenue and Scott Avenue. Intersections and driveways will be open but will require one-to-two day closures from time to time throughout the work. All businesses will remain open during construction

Additional safety measures have also been implemented along the detour routes including speed humps, speed display signage, and a temporary school crosswalk on Oak Avenue at Whitlaw Way. Residents are reminded to please obey all signage.

Please refer to Municipal 511 http://www.municipal511.ca for the most up-todate traffic information regarding road construction and closures If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding the project, please contact the County's Capital Project Manager, Joe Murphy at 519 44BRANT (519 442 7268)

And more construction on Grand River Street North!

Just south of the major construction on Grand River Street North will be another Water System Upgrade happening simultaneously on Grand River Street North between Banfield Street and Fishers Lane

This work is scheduled to commence on Monday August 14 until Friday September 8, 2023, according to a county-released public notification this week. Xterra Construction Inc was contracted by the County of Brant for the Municipal Water System Upgrades

There will be lane restrictions on Grand River Street North between Banfield St. and Fishers Lane. One lane of traffic will be maintained for northbound and another for southbound traffic. All lanes will be open on the weekends. Please refer to Municipal 511 http://www.municipal511.ca for the most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures

Kloss2Cross – Jason’s Swim!

Paris man swimming 51 km across Lake Ontario (as of press deadline) to fundraise for Mental Health

Meet Paris resident, entrepreneur, family man, and dare we say swimmer extraordinaire, Jason Kloss. He’s been training for the challenge of a lifetime, AGAIN, this time in support of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health brining awareness to Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. As you’re reading this, and as long as everything went according to plan, Jason has just completed a 51-kilometre swim across Lake Ontario.

In 2011, Jason Kloss successfully completed a 65km, 26-hour non-stop swim across Lake Huron raising $22,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Jason’s coach was his late grandfather, Dick Kloss, who completed the same swim exactly 20 years before him

Jason started his swim earlier than scheduled at 8 am onAugust 11th to get ahead of some bad weather that was forecasted for Toronto on Saturday His swim started at Queen’s Royal Park in Niagara on the Lake He fought cold temperatures, fatigue and night swimming (with low to no visibility) until he hit the shores of Marilyn Bell Park in Toronto in the very early hours of August 12th approximately 20hrs later, if all goes according to plan. Kloss successfully met his $50,000 fundraising goal the night before he dipped into Lake Ontario. If you’d still like to donate, you can do so through his website.

Adult Recreation Therapy day programs returning to Paris

By Casandra Turnbull

A valuable program that offers many services to adults with compromised health is returning to Paris next month.

The Adult Recreation Therapy Centre (ARTC) offers people who are trying to maintain a level of independence the opportunity to engage in meaningful social, recreational and therapeutic activities. An ARTC satellite program ran out of the Willett Hospital for close to 15 years but was closed in 2019 when the pandemic caused circumstantial changes at the Willett. ARTC programs continued operate out of its main location in Brantford throughout the pandemic but will reopen its satellite office for County residents starting September 28th at the Cowan Community Health Hub

After a longer than anticipated hiatus, ARTC’s return to the county gives residents a ‘closer to home’ experience and that is cause for celebration, say program organizers.

“When you see the difference attending an adult day program can make to an individual’s life and that of their care partners, you understand our drive to make it accessible to more people,” said ARTC Executive Director Lori Santilli. ARTC’s move to the Cowan Community Health Hub next month is a good fit with the facility’s purpose to offer integrated health services.

It’s also a good fit for a missing service desperately required in a rapidly growing and aging community. In 2006 when ARTC was first introduced in Paris, nearly 30% of the folks that utilized the services in Brantford were from the County of Brant. That number has certainly grown over the last 15 or more years. A new satellite office in Paris is a great start and if there’s a lot of demand for the services, Santilli said there’s a possibility it could expand from one day a week to several days, and maybe even more satellite offices throughout Brant County.

Continued on page 10

Above, Shelby McConnell, recreation therapist with Norma Jean Oreskovich and to the left David Lyons, all participating in day programs offered by the Adult Recreation Therapy Centre. ARTC is opening a satellite program one day a week, starting next month at the Cowan Community Health Hub.

“We know there is a need to offer adult day services to residents of the County of Brant and we are thrilled to be able to provide a service closer to home for our clients,” echoes Chris Ayres, program coordinator. “Vested in our service is the opportunity for our clients to live their lives to the fullest,” said Ayres, citing ARTC’s LIVE YOUR LIFE motto.

Caroline Casey and Shelby McConnell are the two recreation therapists who will run the County program. They both agree this program gives residents a chance to get out of their homes, socialize and participate in a variety of activities from social to intellectual to therapeutic It’s also an equally beneficial program for caregivers to give them a few hours of respite. ARTC is a unique community-based adult day program for individuals with debilitating diseases such as stroke, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, as well as frail and socially isolated individuals. Services are provided by qualified recreation therapists, kinesiologists, pathologists, and social workers ARTC’s core business is the adult day program but offers many more including (some accessible in Brantford only) the Aphasia Program that hosts supportive conversation groups for people living with aphasia because of a stroke or acquired brain injury, the Brain Warrior Advocacy Group, Stroke Recovery Group, the popular S.A.F.E Zone Seniors, a community exercise and falls prevention program and Care Support Groups amongst others (find a complete list of programs here)

Santilli is proud to recognize that ARTC has always taken an innovative and collaborative approach to its services, which is something that is now promoted and expected in the transformation of today’s healthcare system.

Santilli began her career as a recreation therapist at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Brantford. She’s a member of the Brantford Brant Norfolk Community Health Team. She’s been Executive Director of ARTC for over 30 years

The Brantford based ARTC program has operated at several locations since its inception in 1977. Its current location at 58 Easton Road is home to the Aphasia Program, care giver support services, functional exercise programs, foot care clinics, massage therapy

clinics (through Mohawk College) and various support groups. ARTC is a not-for-profit organization funded by the HNHB, LHIN and the Brant United Way It’s newest office on Easton Road was a true community partnership among many ARTC supporters including the Rotary Club Sunrise who helped contribute the financial support required to make the move to the larger state-of-the-art building. The extra space and expansion into the county will enable ARTC to continue to provide valuable services to individuals and caregivers but also lends support to an already overburdened healthcare system by helping people remain in their home, healthy and independent It has long been recognized that the trend continues whereby individuals are living longer, living with a variety of co-morbidities of challenges, and that increased responsibility is being placed on caregivers, said Santilli. “Coupled with the reality of muchneeded improvements and better integration in our healthcare system, the collaboration of healthcare partners is even more essential.”

The Brantford ARTC is open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm The Paris program at the Cowan Community Health will begin Thursday, September 14th and run every Thursday from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Mayor David Bailey and local dignitaries will help ARTC celebrate its satellite office grand opening on September 28th at 10:30 am.

Jack Flinders and Mike Jones enjoy a truly Canadian game of curling. Both fun and social, ARTC programs offer residents an opportunity to get out of the house and meet others.

Bill C18 – The Online News Act – What does it mean?

ATTENTION READERS!!! Since Meta is blocking all news media from Canadians, many of you may no longer be able to see our posts on Facebook or Instagram. It’s happening to different people at different times, but Meta has confirmed that we will all be completely blocked from their platforms soon.

This is being done in response to bill C-18 which will require Meta to share some of the advertising revenue it receives with Canadian news media outlets whenever its news is being shared on Facebook or Instagram.

If you would like to take action (like we are), please call or email your local Federal MP Larry Brock (larry.brock@parl.gc.ca) and let him know how much you love local news media and the negative effects this will have on all media outlets nationwide.

This might not be the end of The Paris Independent. We are still available through the social media platform X formally known as Twitter @ParisNewspaper and our website

www.issuu.com/theparisindependent . Bookmark that website and make it your Saturday morning routine to get up and catch up on what’s happening in your community each week.

We have a great new way for you to subscribe and support this local paper while also receiving great value. Click the picture above and see how you can become a Patron of the Paris Independent and support local journalism while enjoying all the benefits of being a subscriber. Only subscribers receive a PDF copy by email that can be saved, shared and even printed at home! Digital is the future of local newspapers and we offer it to you right now! Please check out our Patreon monthly paid subscription options because #LocalNewsMatters

How we deliver your news won’t change. How you receive it will. The posts you see us share everyday will become part of our weekly news edition.

You are more than ever encouraged to purchase a subscription for as low as $4/month to receive our paper weekly by email. Please visit our monthly subscription options on Patron Or contact: sales@theparisindependent com – your support will ensure this community newspaper continues to thrive.

Lastly, we love all our readers, advertisers and supporters. Thank you so much for allowing us to become your #1 local news source in Paris/Brant. Long live local and we’ll see you in the news!

Bookmark Our Online Newspaper Archive for Fast Access to Local News, Anytime!

Where Friends Meet: The Paris Fair!

Photo by Michelle Malvaso

See Page 12 for event location map!

ADULT

ENTRIES

1. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS AUGUST 18th (except where noted): Make your entries online at parisfairgrounds.com, email exhibit@parisfairgrounds.com, mail P.O. Box 124, Paris N3L 3E7, fax (519) 442-5121, or in person at the Fair office.

2. If unable to enter online, use YELLOW ENTRY FORMS when submitting entries by mail, fax or in person. Changes or additions to the original entry may be made at the office.

3. ALL ENTRIES must be the bonafide property of the exhibitor. In the case of every article, product, and chattel exhibited, the said article, product or chattel must be the actual production, growth or manufacture (as the case may be) of the person exhibiting same. The Directors of the Society shall discard all soiled or defaced work and instruct Judges to award prizes to new & up to date work.

EXHIBITOR FEE $10.00. JUNIOR EXHIBITORS (18 and under) are free.

Where Friends have been Meeting Since 1858

History of The Paris Fair

The Paris Fair has a rich history that dates back to the early days of the town's development. Hiram Capron, the town’s founder recognized early on the necessity of an Agricultural Society as a means to bring the community together and showcase the trends of the times. The inaugural Paris Fair took place on September 23, 1858, and was a significant event that left a lasting impact on the people of Paris.

The early fairs were held in Upper Town, with the Old Town Hall (now the Jack Bawcutt Centre) serving as the venue for indoor exhibits, while a farm in the old South End (now Fould’s Survey) was utilized for the outdoor displays As the fair grew in popularity, it was relocated to what is now the site of the Syl Apps Arena before finding its permanent home on Silver Street, where it still takes place today.

The original organizers of the Paris Fair were a dedicated group of individuals who played a crucial role in its establishment The minute book of the society from March 1858 reveals the

names of those present at its formation, including Warden Daniel Anderson, Chas. S. Whitten, Norman Hamilton, Henry Moyle, W. H. Oliver, C. Latshaw, Asa Wolverton, R. Cairns, H. C. Johnson, D. Turnbull, George Macartney, James Brown, W. G. Powell, Daniel O'Neail, Charles Arnold, George L. Scott, R. Thompson, James Davidson, F Philip, James Barker, R. Cairns, M. Emerson, William Vitchnorth, and William Patton The first officers chosen were Daniel O'Neail as president, with Henry Moyle and William Patton serving as vice-presidents, and Andrew Gay as secretary.

The O'Neail family played an instrumental role in the early days of the Paris Fair. Daniel O'Neail, the first president, left a lasting legacy. His son, James O'Neail, served as the secretary of the fair

from 1879 to 1893, and his grandson, Harry C. O'Neail, took over the secretary position in 1893, holding it for over 27 years The O'Neail family's dedication and commitment exemplified the spirit of the Paris Agricultural Society, and their contributions were vital to the fair's long history of success.

Continued on page 16

Paris Fair Newspaper clippings from Sept. 16, 1927 (left) and September 19, 1947 (right)

As an agricultural fair, the Paris Fair has always placed a strong emphasis on showcasing the region's farming heritage. Throughout its history, the fair has featured impressive displays of livestock, crops, and other agricultural products. These exhibits not only celebrated the hard work of local farmers but also provided a platform for knowledge sharing and advancements in the agricultural industry.

Over the years, the Paris Fair has become a beloved tradition in the

community, attracting visitors from near and far It has provided a platform for local farmers, artisans, and businesses to showcase their products and talents. The fair has also served as a hub for social gatherings, fostering a sense of unity among the residents of Paris.

The impact of the Paris Fair on the people of Paris, Ontario, cannot be overstated Beyond its economic importance, the fair has played a significant role in preserving and celebrating the town's agricultural heritage. It has provided a space

for generations to come together, share knowledge, and appreciate the achievements of the local community.

As the Paris Fair continues to thrive in its present location on Silver Street, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the rich history of Paris, Ontario. The fair remains a cherished event that brings joy, excitement, and a sense of pride to the people, ensuring that the legacy of this historic agricultural society lives on for years to come.

2023 Ontario 55+ Summer Games have successful run in Brant County / Brantford

Gold Medals for undefeated Woodstock Startsafe Competitive Slo Pitch

The Slo Pitch Competitive winners was the Woodstock Startsafe Team. The championship game went right into the seventh inning where they pulled out a 1-0 win over Pogues – Mahone.

Photos courtesy of Marsaya

Aburaneh, RadRose

Photography

GOLD for Wrinkled Warriors in Recreation Slo Pitch

The Wrinkled Warriors from Barrie edged out the London Whitecaps in the Championship game of the Recreation Slo Pitch. Peterborough claimed the bronze.

Photo of Wrinkled Warriors by Michelle Malvaso

The opening ceremonies for the 2023 Ontario 55+ Summer Games was held at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre on Wednesday, August 9th . The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Mayor David Bailey and Mayor Kevin Davis helped kick start the two-day sporting event featuring athletes from across Ontario. Photo Credit Mayor David Bailey

Recreation Slo Pitch Final Game Wrinkled Warriors versus the London Whitecaps 5

Photos by Michelle Malvaso

Best of Ontario’s 55+ tennis players hit Paris courts

This duo pictured above was the team to beat, going undefeated heading into the final game. Results from Tennis were not posted by press deadline.

All photos by Michelle Malvaso

Heritage Days will put vintage equipment on display

Bring the whole family, enjoy some wholesome family fun and brush up on your agricultural knowledge this weekend only as the 1st Ontario Two Cylinder Club presents John Deer Heritage Days Saturday August 12 and Sunday August 13th . Featuring some vintage equipment like the Gen 11 30 Series and 60 years of the 110 Lawn Tractor, be sure to catch the antique tractor pull (and a kids’ tractor pull!), field demonstrations, vendors, tractor games, youth toy displays and food booth There is free private camping (see the ad to the right) and you can even show up on your John Deere Tractor! Pictured above is 1st Ontario Two Cylinder Club members harvesting wheat using a couple of the tractors and John Deere binder that will be on display at the Heritage Days weekend. The sheaves will be used in a demonstration of an a thresh machine. On the JD 730 pulling the John Deere Binder is Reg Gurney. Frank Gollinger is driving a John Deere AR while Wayne Gurney, Dave Lockwood and Matt Lockwood are on the pitchforks. Photos submitted by John Gillies

County of Brant invites residents and local professionals to engage in the Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy

MEDIA RELEASE - County of Brant, ON – The County of Brant is looking for feedback from community members and professionals to help shape the future of Arts, Culture and Heritage in Brant. Several initiatives have been planned to reach those throughout our communities

“We are excited to be launching the engagement portion of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy,” said Zach Gable, Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “Community feedback is imperative to the success of the strategy, and we hope that through a number of activities planned, we can reach a wide range of both professionals and community members interested in sharing their thoughts on arts, culture and heritage in the County of Brant.”

Residents are invited to visit the EngageBrant website at www.EngageBrant.ca/Culture to learn more about the strategy and give their feedback through an online survey and by sharing their ideas, paper copies of the survey are also available at County of Brant Customer Service Offices. A dropin, open house is also planned for Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the Wincey Mills Market from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Public engagement for the strategy closes on September 24, 2023.

“We invite the community to come out to the Wincey Mills Market on September 20 and share your vision for Brant!” said Kayla Cicman, Arts, Culture and Heritage Officer. “Meet with other local creatives, and County staff, enjoy live music, as well as delicious treats!”

County of Brant staff will also be present at a number of events throughout the summer and will ask residents to share their thoughts on community boards Look for staff at Movie Nights, Music in the Parks, and more.

The need for an Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy stemmed from the County of Brant’s current Strategic Plan which includes creating and sustaining opportunities for residents to be actively engaged in recreational, social and community activities.

For more information on the Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy, visit www.EngageBrant.ca/Culture.

Get ready to raise your glass at Paris Drinks Fest 2023!

Travelling Pint with Tiffany Martin

Mark your calendars for August 18th and 19th, 2023, and join us at Lions Park in Paris, ON, for a weekend packed with craft beverages, fantastic music, local food, and endless fun!

The heart of Paris Drinks Fest is our amazing lineup of local craft breweries and spirits! From refreshing Pilsners and hoppy IPAs to creative cocktails and crisp ciders, there's something to delight every taste bud. Each admission includes two drink tokens, and more can be snagged at the event for just $2 each. Redeem your tokens for 5oz beer/cider, 2oz wine, or a 0.5oz cocktail.

With a great selection of breweries and distilleries attending, I encourage you to try something new and perhaps discover your new favourite summer brew or drink.

Let’s break down a few vendors I have my eye on this year!

Wishbone Brewery: I can guarantee they will be pouring something for everyone at this tent. Their Mimosa Seltzer I have talked about, or perhaps their peach Gose will make an appearance When you are checking out their offerings be sure to wish them a Happy Birthday as the brewery just turned 2!

Meuse Brewing: Sip on farmhouse-style brews made with fresh local fruit and ingredients grown on their farm including a malting variety of barley to use in the production of their beers and don't skip their gold medalwinning saison!

Junction 56: Experience the magic of Junction 56 cocktails, known for their top-notch gin, vodka, and coffee liqueur be sure to swing by their station and see what they are crafting up!

Continued on page 23

Tiffany plans to try the Junction 56, Meuse Brewing and Wishbone Brewery tents at the Paris Drinks Fest. What do you have your eye on this summer?

The festivities don't stop at drinks so get ready to groove with incredible musical performances all weekend long!

Friday Headliner - The Trews: I've seen this Canadian rock band many of times and they never disappoint Full of energy and great tunes they know how to keep the crowd pumped up! I am excited to check out Trash Panda Brass as well on the Friday & Saturday! Originating from Toronto and debuting in 2022 I've got my money on them being a new favourite of mine!

Saturday Headliner - Joel Plaskett: With his blend of indie folk and rock, he is one of my fav east coast artists and I love the story telling element to his sets and music. Leading up to his set you can hear Wannabe, a spice girls cover band, Tynomi Banks and Sunshine Makers.

So, whether you are stoked to see one of the headliners or into discovering new music like I am the Full lineup and details on the artists can be found here

Now what’s a festival without food? Well, Paris Drinks food lineup is just as stacked with offerings from Juniper Dining, Arlington Hotel, Poutine Supreme, Pabla’s Indian Street Food and if you are looking for dessert both Cheesecake on The Go and What’s the Scoop will be serving up the sweets! Paris Drinks Fest gets better every year so be sure to continue or get started on this annual local tradition!

Missed out this time? Don't worry, start looking forward to next year's festivities already and be sure to plan and secure your tickets early!

See you there and as always party responsibly!

Tiffany is an Ontario-based beer & travel blogger sharing her adventures served alongside all kinds of craft beer. Her love of craft beer is what inspires her travels and her love of storytelling is the backbone of her blog. Tiffany also puts on local pairing events & women only beer events so follow along with her adventures on social or at www.TheTravellingPint.com because the ROI on curiosity is priceless!

The Trews (above) will headline the show on Friday, August 18th along with the East Pointers and Trash Panda Brass. Joel Plaskett will headline Saturday, August 19th shows with appearances from Tynomi Banks

(left) and Wannabe, Trash Panda Brass and Sunshine Makers.

Joel Plaskett will headline Saturday night at Paris Drinks Fest

Trash Panda Brass Band will entertain on both Friday and Saturday

Children’s book author makes special stop in Paris to promote blind dog book series

By Casandra Turnbull

An author with ties to Paris is travelling across Canada in her camper van to promote her two children’s books, making a recent stop in Paris as part of her countrywide tour.

Dawn Gibbons is the author behind a blind dog book series designed to guide children who might have similar anxieties and adventures in life While she calls Calgary, Alberta home base, these days home is wherever the 100 square foot camper van stops and on July 21st and 22nd , the van stopped at the Paris Night Market reconnecting her with her roots and bringing back some special memories in the process.

Gibbons was born at the Willett Hospital in 1961 but only lived in Paris for a short while until her parents divorced when she was very young. Although she spent most of her life in Kitchener- Waterloo, she returned to Paris frequently to visit her father Gerry Gibbons who lived his entire life in Paris until his death in 2004. She fondly recalls days spent at the Paris Fair Labour Day Weekend, family reunions at Lions Park and somber visits to the cenotaph for Remembrance Day to lay down a wreath for her uncle Alfie who was missing in action and presumed dead in 1942 at the battle of Dieppe. Each trip back to Paris, Ontario, ignites special memories she holds close to her heart For 19 years her father was a custodian at the old Sacred Heart School, so she was quite surprised on a recent trip home to see that Sensity – the Deafblind & Sensory Support Network of Canada, is now housed in that former school. Perhaps one day she might return to the former school her father spent so much time in to promote her books, isn’t that the definition of full circle?

Let’s start at the beginning of Gibbons’ story. She always expressed an interest in writing but was never published until she penned Daphne the Blind Dog Gets Adopted, a book that was inspired by her rescue pup and life changing fur baby, Daphne

In 2016 Gibbons adopted four-year-old Daphne who was surrendered by a breeder. She was 100% Havanese and was obviously confined and bread most of her life. She had very little quality of life or life experience before Gibbons came along Continued on page 25

When Dawn Gibbons adopted a blind dog named Daphne, she had no idea the impact Daphne would have on her life. She was the inspiration of a two-book series called Daphne the Blind Dog.

“When I took Daphne out and people realized she was blind, they often asked about her story and they were inspired by her,” said Gibbons. “A simple conversation with a family member prompted me to start thinking of writing about Daphne’s journey in a children’s book.”

And that’s how the concept was born. It was a daunting process, Gibbons recalls, but with a little help from FriesenPress and a whole lot of commitment Gibbons published the first book in December 2019, Daphne the Blind Dog Gets Adopted. Six months later she published the second book, Daphne the Blind Dog Goes to School (inspired by Daphne’s real-life visit to training school, of course!). Unfortunately, the timing of the books fell smack dab in the middle of a not so convenient global pandemic and all the challenges it brought “As soon as the first book got into bookstores and libraries, those facilities were closed. My plans to share the book at vendor markets around Calgary were all cancelled,” she remembers. During this time, friends and family were also encouraging her to travel to Ontario to promote her book, but the logistics of working full time and travelling during a pandemic were not adding up. It was also during the ‘lock down days’ that she discovered van life on YouTube and a new idea was on the horizon

“In 2021 I purchased a van and scheduled a custom conversion so that Daphne and I could live and travel full time in comfort. At the end of June 2022, we headed out on a book tour and travelled across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba Our first Ontario event would be in Paris,” she said.

Unfortunately, fate had different plans.

Even though Daphne (RIP 2022) was the inspiration behind Dawn’s books, these days Maxwell (pictured above) is the star of the show at all book signing events!

Enroute to the 2022 Paris Night Market, Daphne became gravely ill with a neurological condition called Geriatric Vestibular Disease. Gibbons had to attend the Market without the star of the show and only one month into the book tour, Daphne was not recovering and she was put to rest, fittingly in Gibbons’ hometown of Paris.

“Daphne was with me for five and a half years, so more than half her life I had spent many years of my life alone Miraculously, we were brought together to rescue each other.” Daphne’s passing also created another miracle and opportunity for the book tour to continue with a new ambassador named Maxwell.

“In trying to reconcile with Daphne’s passing, I concluded that she opened space for another blind dog to have a good life I also felt strongly that I needed a companion to continue the book tour with me.”

So, Gibbons drove 10 hours Iowa to pick up Maxwell who was also a blind

dog who was surrendered He also came with a list of health issues but a natural curiosity and whole lot of love to give.

“Maxwell is very friendly with people and especially wants to hang out with men He is quite content to travel long distances in the van and he early walks around a new location almost every day,” said Gibbons.

The duo stopped in at the Paris Night Market last month in Paris to continue to promote Daphne’s books, which were just recently transcribed in Braille.

“I was at events in Paris and Brantford area last year, I met many people who are blind and even more people who work with the blind. Through their interest, I was encouraged to have my children’s books transcribed in Braille,” said Gibbons She stops at events across Ontario to sell her books and it’s not unusual to find her and Maxwell at retiree groups sharing her story or at Indigo bookstores signing books

It's been a remarkable journey so far; one she never saw coming.

“I never expected to become a published author. I actually swore that I would never even have a dog! When you open your mind and heart to new possibilities, sometimes a different path just opens before you. If you choose to follow that path, it can lead to amazing and wonderful things.” Gibbons will be back in Paris eventually When she does return to the area, she hopes to coordinate visits to the Sensity - the Deafblind & Sensory Support Network of Canada and the W. Ross MacDonald School. She has a story to share, and after all, Maxwell enjoys the company! Learn more about Gibbons’ story or how to purchase her books online.

Tax benefits of incorporating your small business

Common Cents with Jacob Gaudet

On average, over 90,000 new businesses are created every year in Canada. Many of those are owned by a sole proprietor or a partnership

However, many businesses could incorporate and enjoy a variety of benefits that business incorporation brings, including considerable tax advantages In fact, for certain businesses, the tax benefits of incorporating are so appealing that tens of thousands of them become corporations every year.

Tax preparation season is a good time to take a look at your unincorporated business and consider whether you should consider changing its status If you don’t need all of your business’s income for your personal needs, it could make sense to incorporate it.

In this article, we examine the different kinds of business ownership, the types of tax advantages and savings that can come with incorporation, and whether it might be a valid option for your business

The three types of small business ownership

Acommon type of small business owner is the sole proprietor

Tax preparation season is a good time to take a look at your unincorporated business and consider whether you should consider changing its status If you don’t need all of your business’s income for your personal needs, it could make sense to incorporate it.

The business has just one owner and, as far as Canada Revenue is concerned, there is no distinction between the business and the owner.

Profits are taxed at your personal income tax rate, which will vary depending on your taxable income and the province you live in. Any losses can be used to reduce your taxable income (which will probably reduce your tax owed and could bring you into a lower tax bracket).

A partnership is a business that’s owned by two or more people (with all partners typically sharing the profits and the losses). It’s similar to a sole proprietorship in that a partnership business does not file a separate tax return Each partner would report their share of the partnership’s income on their own personal tax return.

Sole proprietors and partners are

personally responsible for any debts their business might have if your company reneges on a debt, your lenders could seek payment through your personal assets, which could include your savings, investments and even your home.

When you incorporate your business, your company effectively becomes a legal entity in its own right, which can provide considerable personal protection from creditors There are also several tax benefits of incorporating that don’t apply to proprietorships or partnerships

The tax benefits of incorporating

The four key tax benefits of incorporating can save you thousands of dollars every year and considerably more if you plan to sell your business further down the line None of the following tax benefits are available to unincorporated businesses

Continued on page 24

Corporate tax rates are lower than personal income tax rates

Incorporated small businesses can pay very low income tax. The small business deduction reduces a company’s federal corporate tax to 9% (on up to $500,000 of active business income), while provincial corporate tax ranges between 0%-3 2%, depending on your province. The combined tax rate would therefore be between 9 to 12.2% for eligible Canadian-controlled private corporations. Compare this to your personal income tax rate, which could be 50% or more, depending on where you live and your level of taxable income.

The ability to defer personal income tax

If, for your personal income, you need less money than your company makes in profits, another of the tax benefits of incorporating is that you only have to declare the money you withdraw from the company on your tax return (which would usually be in the form of a salary or dividends)

By leaving the remaining profit in your corporation, you can defer paying personal income tax on it until the time you need it for personal use Retained profits can be used to expand the business, invest more passively for future retirement or other uses, or fund life insurance strategies that can deliver tax advantages.

Incorporating allows you to keep more money in your company and use it to build up your wealth, effectively deferring paying tax until you need to withdraw the money for your personal use

Income splitting

You can make your spouse a shareholder and then wait until you turn 65 before paying them a dividend. Also, if your spouse works in the business on average 20 or more hours per week in the current year, or has done so in any five prior years, there is no limitation on the amount of dividends you can pay them if they’re a shareholder For seasonal businesses, the 20 hours per week rule only applies during the portion of the year in which the business operates. This can help you to share the business’s retained profits with your spouse and potentially move you into a lower tax bracket, so you end up paying less tax.

Your spouse would then pay tax at their personal income tax bracket, which, if lower than your own, could lead to considerable tax savings

Save on tax when you sell your business

There is a lifetime capital gains exemption for incorporated businesses when you sell the shares of a qualifying small business corporation There are a number of conditions to satisfy in order to claim the exemption, but the tax savings available are substantial For 2022, the exemption was $913,630. This could mean that you would pay much less or even zero taxes on the profits from the sale Let’s say you sold shares in your business in 2022 for $1 million profit. You would only have paid tax on the difference between your profit and the exemption, so:

$1 million - $913,630 = $86,370

Therefore, only half of that amount $43,185 would be considered taxable income This option is not available to unincorporated businesses, because they cannot issue shares.

This can be a big benefit of incorporating and is often a key reason for entrepreneurs to incorporate their business. Another advantage is that the lifetime capital gains exemption can be used more than once, until you reach the limit.

Is incorporating your business right for you?

Incorporating a business won’t be the right decision for every entrepreneur There are several factors you’ll need to consider first, such as how much profit your company makes, the type of business you own and your own personal tax situation. There are costs involved in incorporating, both for setting it up and on an ongoing basis, plus added administration to manage, so it’s important to weigh these up against the potential financial benefits Your IG Advisor can help you to work out if business incorporation is a good idea for you. They can discuss your business’s situation and your personal income with IG’s team of tax experts, to help you understand if business incorporation will be beneficial for you.

Library’s Writer-In-Residence connects local authors with expert advice

MEDIA RELEASE - The County of Brant Public Library launches a new Writer-in-Residence program and welcomes award-winning author Suzanne Craig-Whytock to the community.

“Suzanne is a prolific writer whose work draws you in immediately Her passion for writing, love of the community, and undeniable skill make her a great asset, and we are thrilled to welcome her as our Writer-In-Residence,” says Emma Johnston, Program and Outreach Assistant at the Library.

Author of five published works, including Feasting Upon the Bones and At the End of it All, Suzanne brings writing help to local authors through summer office hours and writing group sessions

Local authors looking for one-on-one help can book 30-minute sessions during Suzanne’s office hours which occur Tuesdays from 10 AM to 12 PM until August 29. Branch locations vary. Appointments are made with library staff; drop-ins are welcome.

Writers looking to connect with others on a regular basis can attend biweekly Brant Writes Writing Club gatherings every first and third Thursday at 2 PM at the Burford Branch Gatherings are led by Suzanne during the summer and offer peer support and inspiration.

On Thursday, August 24, the community is invited to attend a book launch and evening celebration for Suzanne’s upcoming novel, The Devil You Know

Suzanne Craig-Whytock’s love of literature and writing came at an early age and continued into adulthood, leading her to earn an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature. She has worked in education most of her life and was a high school English teacher in Ontario for over 20 years. She has authored both fiction and non-fiction works, from short stories and poetry to academic documents and educational resource materials. She regularly publishes humorous essays focused on city life, politics, current events, and popular culture on her own website.

Full details about workshops, resources, and more are found at brantlibrary ca/BrantWrites Writing workshops and resources are free for everyone to enjoy Need a library card? Membership is free too! Sign up in person at any County of Brant Public Library branch or online at brantlibrary.ca/membership.

Left to right: Author Suzanne Craig-Whytock attends the Riverside Writer's Festival with library staff members Emma Johnston and Rachel Franklin. Submitted Photo

ASTROLOGY

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –You will have to do a lot of observing and gathering information this week Do not make any hasty comments or choices that will not end well for you. Someone that loves you very much has been trying to confess something to you, but you are missing the signs and ignoring them Time to listen up

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) –Slow down and take a break You have amazing intuition, start using this to help you get a head in work and in love Love is needed in your life right now, but it cannot be your complete focus You have to start thinking about your future and make smarter choices.

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) –You have small problems piling up, but you seem to lack the confidence to stand up and do what needs to be done. It is time you find your true self again. Take a vacation or a long walk or have a conversation with a good friend Once your head clears you will be able to solve all these problems quickly

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water)

– You put all your energy into making all your dreams come true. Love, work and health are not everything you want You have to communicate with the people you trust the most, you have questions and need direction from those you trust You have great ideas, but you struggle to get them started

Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –

You set a lot of things in motion for the past couple months in your love life and career, this is the week when things finally start coming together. You are a couple choices away from making your life all you want it to be Do not let fear set in and derail your course

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – Do not settle in love Time to make a new list of wants and needs then sit down and see if you are making all the right choices to finally check these things off. This method will also work out well for your career and health If you write it down, then you are more likely to do all the things you need to do to have a better life

Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air) - You have a lot of amazing qualities and you are ready to show everyone what you're made of You must start to let the people around you know that you are worth it A job opportunity is coming your way and it can be all you have been looking for so do not say no to quickly.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – You have gathered all the information you require to now make better choices. You have to talk to your family and start to make more of an effort to have them more present in your life You are looking at making some big purchases in the near future so spend this week being frugal and see where you can cut and save

Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – You have been putting up with some very toxic situation at work and in love You really need to reflect this week on why you are willing to put up with such behaviours. Speak up and say your true feelings or none of this will change and it will end quickly and painfully for you

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – Take a good look at the people who have stood beside you lately. You will need them this week to help you get through some hard emotions You will have great ups and downs mentally Turn to those you trust with your heart and you will be ok

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 (Air) – If you can be honest this week you will get through it completely unscathed You will have moments where you want to lie or stretch the truth, do not do this. If you do, then you will learn hard lessons and possibly lose a close relationship Your motto needs to be honesty is your best policy

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – You do know best. You have been doubting yourself and letting people bully you into doing things you do not agree with, especially when it comes to love and career This week stand up and politely say no I do not think so, then walk away from the negativity of it all. This will feel amazingly freeing.

with Tina Graziano Energy Reader

Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford For Saturday, August 12, 2023

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant

Impossible – Dead Reckoning

Showtimes for The Oxford Drive-In August 11 – August 17, 2023

Pay at ticket booth Cash, Debit or Credit

1 adult ($15.00)

2 adults ($25.00)

3 adults ($35.00)

4 adults ($45.00)

5 adults ($55.00)

1 Adult 2 kids ($16.00)

Now Open 7 Days a Week CAR LOAD Tuesdays $20

1 Adult 3-4 kids ($25.00)

2 Adults 1-2 kids ($30.00)

2 Adults 3-4 kids ($35.00) gates open at 7pm - movie starts at dusk. Kids are 12 and under –6 and under are FREE