Donated milk bags used to create mats for The Reapers of Hope program

Volunteers at St. Paul’s United Church running low on milk bags

A group of 11 ladies meet weekly at St. Paul’s United Church, to reduce, reuse and recycle for an environmental and humanitarian purpose. For the last decade, volunteers at the local church have successfully woven 440 mats that are dispersed to countries in need around the world, such as Haiti, Africa and the Philippines. The mats are made from non-biodegradable plastic milk bags, which are UV resistant, washable and surprisingly soft and comfortable. To make a mat, donated milk bags are flattened out, cut in half and carefully looped together and woven on a loom. It takes 325 milk bags to make a youth-sized mat and 380 bags for an adult-sized one. One group member, Delanie Hopkins, has found a unique way to incorporate designs into the mats to mimic a quilt. When they are completed, the mats are donated to The Reapers of Hope project in Moorefild, Ontario (Christian Aid Ministries Canada). Pictured above are Maddie Howat and Grace Wilson So, if you have milk bags piling up at home and aren’t sure what to do with the, reach out to St. Paul’s United Church by phone (519-442-4223) to arrange a donation or drop off. The ladies will appreciate the donated material!

Volunteers recognized for 25 years of dedication

The Paris Agricultural Society Home Craft Division held its August dinner and meeting night on August 14th , one final get together to organize for the upcoming fair, but also to recognize the ongoing dedication and service of its longtime volunteers. Members with 25 years of volunteerism were recognized and presented with a special pin by Home Craft Division President Dora Kuilboer and 2022 Paris Fair Ambassador Bronwyn Monkhouse. Pictured clockwise receiving their awards were Laura Ritchie, Rebecca Lyster (accepted by Roger Lyster), Darlene Ilett, Cheryl Turnbull and absent is Marlene Miskow

PAS Home Craft Division Photos

Paris Community Safety Group Bike Rodeo Winner!

In June the Paris Community Safety Group held their Annual Bike Rodeo at the Syl Apps Community Centre parking lot. The participants manoeuvred their way through a skills course, had their bike safety checked and tested their knowledge with a quiz. Every participant was given a bicycle safety prize and entered in a draw to win a new bicycle courtesy of Robin McNaughton at the Co-operators in Paris. This year’s winner was Franklin from Ayr. Congratulations, Franklin! A big thank you to all the volunteers from the Paris Community Safety Group for hosting this free educational event. The Paris Community Safety Group also extended their gratitude to all its supporters who lent a helping hand to make the free event possible - The Paris Optimist Club, Paris Fire Fighter, Brantford Safety Village, Brant County OPP, John Bishop & The County of Brant. Paris Community Safety Group photo

SMALL TOWN LOVE!

Do you have an inspiring small-town story to share? Living in a small (ish!) community has its advantages from community spirit to comfort and peace and the intimacy of knowing one another, we want to hear your heart-warming stories! Here’s an example of one story shared by a reader and proud resident of Paris!

Send your story to stories@theparisindependent.com

My night just got WAY better! This set of cabinets (I will use as couch and end tables) found curbside held her porcelain dolls, as evidenced by the paperwork left inside. AND a former stranger named Katrina offered to help me load it in my vehicle! She was walking by on her way home from her volunteer gig, for the Summer Games for 55+ in Paris, ON and saw me lifting one end up. She came back to ask if I wanted help! Yay for friendly folks! THIS is #smalltownlove My vinyl can be stored and displayed lovingly; it fits perfectly!

Submitted by Sharlene O’Neill

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –You are trying to solve very big problems all by yourself Love and support is all around you and you will fall down a lot this week if you do not ask for help. By the weekend you will be ready to finally say it is too much. Hard lesson learned.

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) –You have already decided you are wrong and others are right You need to step back from all that is taking from your life right now and find a path out of the negativity It is time to stand up for yourself and be willing to hurt people's feelings, or you risk continuing to be abused.

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) –

Ask yourself are you doing all you can to accomplish your dreams? I think you will find yourself lacking in career and love. This week an event will shake you up and make you realize that you are slacking and you need to pull up your socks and make better choices

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) – You are searching for answers and this week you will need to go back to very old roots. You need to look at things from a child's perspective. Your focus toward mid-week will be on the health of your mind, body and soul Ignoring small issues will turn them into bigger problems

Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –We will learn one day what goes around comes around But this week we will spend our time helping others and hoping they will appreciate us. By the weekend we will be disappointed enough to change our course, Start at work and then work on the people you surround yourself with

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – You feel the pull to change directions because you have a strong urge to run away from everyone, but instead dig your heels in and face your issues head on Try to communicate clearly at work and put more emotion into your love life Attention is needed in all areas

Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air) - You are wasting a lot of energy on things that do not make you happy at all You have a problem in your love life that needs you to listen and focus You have a great change coming in your career that will require you to put in a little over time. All these little things will be worth it in the end.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – You have some luck this week and you should use it. Buy a lottery ticket, put your energy into bringing abundance into your life You will be asked your opinion every time you turn around and you will even surprise yourself at how amazing your advice really is

Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – You are feeling very confused with your relationship You should ask for clarity, but instead you are just trying to ride it out. You have to have that awkward conversation if you really want to fix your problems. You will have a social engagement this weekend that helps all your stress melt away

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – Life is all about change Each thing in your life has a season and you have to sit down and let some things in your past go Choose to only be around people who love and support you You have a big opportunity at work coming up, be prepared to take it or you will miss out

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 (Air) – You cannot trust all the people in your circle right now Keep your mouth closed this week. Spend the time observing all the people around you and figure out who you can trust. By the weekend you do a lot of socializing and make some great contacts for your career an energy reader. She uses her gifts to heal and guide others as a life coach. If you need support and insight in life, contact Tina for an energy reading directly online at https://www.facebook.com/ Tina.Graziano.Energy.Reader /?ref=page_internal

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – You have a lot of fun this week It is laid back and full of events Try not to spend too much money or you will feel stressed at the end of the month You have to take your health more seriously, you have been avoiding routine appointments, you want to stay healthy and happy, so do the maintenance.