The Paris Independent for Saturday August 5th, 2023

The Paris Independent

The Paris Independent

Saturday, August 5, 2023 Proudly Serving Paris & Area PDF Emailed $3.99/month

In Community

INDOOR POOL COMING TO PARIS! Pages 5-8

In Sports

BANNER FOR HOMETOWN

HOCKEY HERO Pages 9-11

In Sports

2023 ONTARIO 55+ SUMMER GAMES

Pages 17 & 18

LET’S PLAY BALL!

The Paris Youth Softball Association’s recreation league wrapped up its season with year-end tournaments last weekend. After a daylong rain delay, the youngsters were eager to hit the field on Sunday, July 30th to face off in the final games of the season The U9 Red Team 1 finished first amongst all the Paris teams. More photos on pages 15&16.

Are you ready to make a Move ? Contact me, Your Experienced Local Realtor!

Photo by Casandra Turnbull

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

PARIS LEGION BBQ TODAY! –Saturday, August 5 from 12 pm to 6 pm with live music by Garage Mahals from 1 pm to 3 pm, and our very own bartender Steve Jurkus and friends. Everyone welcome!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY TREE - On Tuesday, August 8 at the St. George Library Branch, learn about the library archives, how to research your family tree, and participate in hands-on activities to help you record important pieces of your family's history. Full event details at ow.ly/Jm9x50PiQP9.

PARIS COIN SHOW

World collectible currencies.

MOVIE IN THE PARK –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!

BRANTFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IN PARIS

TOMORROW – Sunday, August 6 at 3pm at Lion’s Park in Paris at the Walter Williams Amphitheatre. Bring a chair, everyone is welcome!

ZAC DALPE BANNER

RAISING – Monday, August 21 at 5 pm at Brant Sports Complex. Come visit our hometown hockey hero during a special ceremony. Full story on pages 8 and 9

–

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

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

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.

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

Indoor swimming pool opening in Paris next spring

Brave Waves Swim School excited to announce plans for state-of-the-art aquatics facility on Rest Acres Road

By Casandra Turnbull

A new state-of-the-art indoor pool is coming to Paris soon, with plans for a grand opening by April 2024. Brave Waves Swim School is excited to officially announce their plans to construct an indoor pool, offering residents a new opportunity to swim all year long and filling a major shortfall for this type of recreational service in the County of Brant.

It’s no secret that registration day for swim lessons can fill up within a matter of minutes. Right now, many families commute to Brantford in the winter to continue lessons at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre but by next year a more convenient option will open up in Paris.

The new pool will be located off Rest Acres Road in the Arlington Commons Plaza between the Applewood Montessori School and Paris Home Hardware It’s the perfect location for families, with convenient access to the 403 for those families who travel from Ancaster and Woodstock to swim with Brave Waves Swim School. Construction is set to begin next month

“We’re excited to have the architectural and technical plans complete and now moving onto the permit and tender stages,” explains Julia and Jessica Surette, Founders of Brave Waves Swim School “Our goal is to break ground inside the unit in September to begin excavating the pool That’s when the project is

going to become very real.” The state-of-the-art pool will be one of the largest private indoor swim school pools in Canada at 10M x 20M It will be a purposebuilt pool for swim instruction, heated to 30C with 15M of shallow water instruction area and 5M of deep water for advance instruction.

“We have included a built-in ledge down the entire shallow length of the pool for the comfort of young swimmers and a built-in grip space in the deep end assisting more advance swimmers,” said Julia. The facility will be equipped with oversized change rooms and a floor-to-ceiling glass walled viewing area.

Continued on page 6

This is the new location of the Indoor pool coming to Paris next spring in the Arlington Commons Commercial Plaza at 1070 Rest Acres Road.

This new pool, as well as the outdoor facility they operate out of at Five Oaks, will enable the swim school to continue to instruct and graduate swimmers of all ages and skill levels, addressing a critical shortage of qualified lifeguards and instructors across the province. In addition to parent-and-me, toddler, youth and adult swim lessons, Brave Waves Swim School offers certification opportunities like Lifesaving Society Aquatic Leadership courses and First Aid courses They have a history of training region firefighters as there are swim proficiency standard requirements in their field of work. The indoor facility will enable the school’s instructors to carryon these important programs all year round. “Municipalities do a great job of offering group lessons and that’s true in Brant County and Brantford. For years though, parents have wanted more – more individualized lessons, more

convenience, better schedules, and more focussed instruction,” said Jessica. “That is where swim schools like Brave Waves helps with two-on-one and small group classes with flexible schedules,” she added. Continued on page 7

The Brave Waves Swim School outdoor operations at Five Oaks Centre in Paris. The school’s indoor facility will be located next to Paris Home Hardware and will open in Spring 2024.

So how exactly does Brave Waves individualize lessons and progress swimmers in a more efficient matter than most swim programs out there? It’s simple - they rely on highly qualified personnel and technology of course! Instructors use iPads poolside to help track the progress of every swimmer, making digital notes and detailed evaluations on a swimmer’s progress at the end of each lesson, enabling them to advance a swimmer to the next level as soon as they are ready, rather than waiting for them to ‘graduate’ at the end of that registered session. When the evaluation shows the student is ready to move up, they advance right away to continue to build on their momentum and progression. Immediate positive reinforcement does wonders for a swimmers’ confidence, which in turn only heightens their ability in the pool.

Brave Wave Swim School started off as a modest idea between the two sisters in their parent’s backyard in Brantford 12 years ago. The goal was simple: learn a bit about entrepreneurship, make some money to fund their schooling and teach people lifesaving skills in the water. It has since grown to be the largest private swim lesson provider in the region serving more than 1,000 swimmers from 800 families for 12 weeks every summer Their base operations

are out of the pool at Five Oaks Centre on Bethel Road, and even though they will have a new state-ofthe-art facility to call home next year, Surette said they still plan to facilitate lessons in the outdoor pool at Five Oaks.

“Outdoor swimming will always be an important part of the Brave Waves experience. There’s something truly special for Canadian kids to learn to swim outdoors and it will be an ongoing option with our wonderful partners at Five Oaks,” said Jessica. As the school continues to grow, so will its philosophy for philanthropy. Brave Waves contributes annually to local charities - Lansdowne Children’s Centre, the Rotary Club, the Arnold Anderson Sports Fund, the McMaster Children’s Hospital, the Brant County SPCA and Autism Dog Services among others. The Brave Waves family is very passionate about community building and giving back

As for the cost of the private project, Jessica and Julia explained that the swim school has truly metamorphosed into a family passion where parents, aunts/uncles, grandparents and even family friends have contributed.

Continued on page 8

It takes a team of dedicated staff to successfully run the Brave Waves Swim School. The team consists of approximately 35 instructors (many seen to the right during a group outing for ice cream recently) and are a mix of young adults, some in college, university and late high school. Submitted photos

Register now for indoor swim lessons in Paris next year!

Continued from page 7

While contractors will be busy installing the pool behind closed doors this winter, Brave Wave owners and administrators will be working to facilitate classes for next year.

Families currently enrolled in Brave Waves will have priority registration for indoor lessons when registration opens later this month. Early registration for those families begins August 19 and opens to the general public on Saturday, August 26 There will be a Grand Opening discount offered to all families who book in August and September.

The Surettes said some of the more popular times tend to fill quickly so they suggest caregivers create a profile on the school’s online portal in advance of

registration day and know what classes and times you’d like to secure.

“Classes are offered weekday evenings and weekends with every level available every half hour. That is especially helpful for parents wanting to get two or three kids into swim lessons all at the same time – we do that!”

Registration is easy. Just pick the day(s) convenient for your family and that timeslot is yours until you opt out Billings are once-per month, and opting out is easy after your first three months. Learn more about Brave Waves Swim School online, including a complete schedule of classes

Peak Realty delivers to Paris Food Bank

The Salvation Army Brantford & Paris Community and Family Services sent a huge thank-you to Peak Realty Ltd this week for their generous donation to the Food Bank. The group collected and donated an amazing 830 lbs of food and school supplies.

Photo shared by Salvation Army Brantford & Paris Community and Family Services

Paris to honour Zac Dalpe with banner at Brant Sports Complex Aug. 21st

Community invited to come out and celebrate Dalpe’s career and most recent successful playoff run with the Florida Panthers

By Casandra Turnbull

Big dreams to the big leagues, Zac Dalpe’s story is one of inspiration and determination

Residents and hockey fans alike will have the chance to hear Dalpe’s story and to honour the local hometown hockey hero when a banner is raised at the Brant Sports Complex during a special ceremony on August 21st at 4:30 pm

The community is invited to celebrate with Dalpe, who was born and raised in Paris, advanced through the ranks of Paris Minor Hockey, eventually landing in the NHL and most recently coming off the high of a pretty spectacular run to the Stanley Cup Finals with the Florida Panthers. “I grew up seeing names like Syl Apps, Doug Stewart and Tyler Pelton (in the rafters) and I always wanted to have the status they had,” said Dalpe in a phone interview with The Paris Independent. “I just wanted to be on the same wall so to have a banner raised and that the town is going to honour someone like me is pretty cool.”

He’s home for a few weeks to visit with family and friends and just enjoy the off season. Dalpe has what he calls his forever home in Otterville now, a place for his family to unwind

Click on the above image to watch Zac’s complete post-game interview following his first Stanley Cup Playoff goal, which he dedicated to his hometown Paris, Ontario.

from the hustle and bustle of pro hockey life.

Dalpe started and played most of the 2022/2023 season as Captain of the American Hockey League’s Charlotte Checkers, but he was called up to play 14 games with the Florida Panthers during regular season, collecting 14 point (two goals, two assists). He played in the first round of the NHL playoffs against the Boston Bruins and his energy and fierce determination cultivated into his first career Stanley Cup Playoffs goal. It was game 6 of the series and Dalpe’s third-period goal started a comeback for the team who went on to win 7-5 to tie the best of seven series. It was a moment Dalpe says he will never forget, and it was a moment that created a lot of buzz back here in Paris, too.

In a post-game interview, on Live TV, Dalpe dedicated the goal to his hometown of Paris, Ontario. Dalpe calls the dedication a spur of the moment statement, fuelled by unwavering support from so many people here in town

Continued on page 10

“I briefly checked my phone and realized how many people from Paris texted me So, I found it fitting to say that in the moment. I love being where I’m from, I have so much pride,” said Dalpe. And that feeling of pride was mutual Many hockey fans, Leafs fans included, were cheering for Dalpe and watching anxiously to see if he would hoist the Cup over his head The Panthers went all the way to the finals but couldn’t get the best of an unbeatable Las Vegas team, but it’s an experience at the top of Dalpe’s career highlights, that’s for sure.

The August 21st ceremony in Paris will not only honour Dalpe and his 13-year NHL career, but also serve to inspire the next generation of Paris Wolfpack players who have similar ambitions and dreams. With the start of another hockey season on the horizon, this event will remind youngsters that if you play hard and dream big, you can accomplish the seemingly impossible dream.

Logging many hours on the Syl Apps Arena ice (the former arena), Dalpe said dreaming of the NHL is all he ever thought about. “I definitely didn’t have a back-up plan because I was so dedicated to wanting to play in the NHL – I literally didn’t think about anything else. It was my whole life,” recalls Dalpe And it wasn’t always an easy road, but a lot can be said for determination and thick skin.

“It’s easy to enjoy the lighter side and ups of hockey but if you don’t embrace the grind and the failures and use them as motivation, then this sport is probably not for you. You have to really love the grind of hockey and know how to turn a negative into a positive,” he offered as advice to young players looking to follow in his footsteps. Dalpe left the Paris Wolfpack to play with the Brantford 99ers ‘AAA’ He signed with the Stratford Cullitons Junior B Club and eventually went west to play for the British Columbia Hockey League’s Penticton Vees Junior A Club in 2007-08 He was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2nd round, 45th overall of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Continued on page 11

One of Zac’s favourite Paris Minor hockey memories is winning backto-back OMHA titles in 2002 and 2003. The town cheered on as the team was paraded through town on a firetruck to celebrate their win. In fact, the poignant memory is tattooed on his arm. “I’ve done a lot of cool things in my life, but I still hold that near and dear to my heart. We felt like we won the Stanley Cup.” Pictured above is the winning Paris Optimist Club Wolfpack – Baxter Attlebery (left), Zac Dalpe, Dean Baker-Donovan, Phil Dalpe, Mike Frommer, J.J. Barrett, Randy Keeton (back row), Doug Stewart, Paul Dalpe, Pat Bailey, Chad Marshall, Brad Heibert, Chad McGivern, Joe Pickering, Dylan Svirk, Chris Pike and Elliot MacNeil. Absent: Ted Attlebery, Scott Northy

Zac and Cassandra Dalpe and their children, Brooks, 6, Beau, 4, and Beckham, 2. All three boys are already showing an interest in hockey!

He’s played on many American League farm teams over his 13-year career and has worn various NHL jerseys – Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, the Minnesota Wild and the Florida Panthers He’s experienced many ups and downs, cuts from teams and sports injuries but his never give up attitude, inherited from both his parents the late Lisa Dalpe and Paul Dalpe, he continued to strive forward with his eye always on the prize. On August 21st, Dalpe will be joined by his father Paul and his brothers Phil and Ben, as well as his wife Cassandra, their three children Brooks, Beau and Beckham, along with many family members and friends The first 500 people in attendance will receive a free t-shirt giveaway, explains Tyler Pelton, one of the lead organizers of the event. Plans are being finalized but there will be lots of involvement from the local hockey community to make it a

memorable evening for many young players. While Dalpe grew up idolizing Pelton’s career, it is Pelton who is now idolizing Dalpe’s career “Zac played a lot of his minor hockey right in Paris, which I tell all the kids I coach to give them something to dream for,” said Pelton, adding that making it to the NHL is so rare. The fact that only a handful of Parisians have accomplished the dream is even more motivation for Pelton to ensure Zac’s successes are appropriately recognized.

Right now, Zac’s Carolina Hurricanes jersey is hanging in the Brant Sports Complex lobby, but it’s mostly visible if you’re looking for it, says Pelton “I wanted something a little more prominent. When we win our championships, we show off our banners on the wall. As a community we should be proud of Zac for a lot of things.”

The first 500 people in attendance for the banner raising ceremony on August 21 will get a free prize giveaway. Come out and meet and NHL player, raised in Paris - Zac Dalpe - while he’s back in town!

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 formally known as Twitter now X @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 Patron monthly paid subscription options because #LocalNewsMatters

Bookmark Our Online Newspaper Archive for Fast Access to Local News Every Day!

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!

Aug. 10, 2023, will mark the 147th Anniversary of Historic Phone Call

The Cobblestone House built by Levi Boughton at 22 Church Street in Paris was home to Baptist Minister and School Inspector, Thomas Peter Henderson. The Reverend was a close family friend of Alexander Graham Bell, and in 1870, the Bell family stayed at the Henderson house for several months, while their home at 94 Tutela Heights Road (now the Bell Homestead National Historic Site) was under construction. Henderson continued to be involved with the Bell family and later became the first General Agent for the telephone business in Canada

Source: Town of Paris, By-Law

2569

WORLD’S FIRST LONGDISTANCE TELEPHONE

CALL - Alexander Graham Bell revolutionized the communications world with his invention of the telephone. Paris and the County of Brant played an important role in this invention. In 1874 at the Bell Homestead on Tutela Heights, Bell discovered the fundamental concept for the telephone. In August 1876, while on holidays at the Bell Homestead, Bell completed several important tests.

The first one involved a transmitter at the Dominion Telegraph office on Colborne Street in Brantford while a telegraph line carried the message to a receiver in Mount Pleasant. This was the first telephone communication between two communities.

On Aug 10 1876 the world's first successful one-way long-distance call took place between Brantford and Paris. Eight miles (13km) of telegraph wire connected the Dominion Telegraph office in Brantford to the telegraph office in Paris. On the night of the 10th of August 1876, Alexander

Graham Bell transmitted human voices by means of electrified wires from Brantford, Ontario, Canada, to Paris, Ontario, Canada, a distance of 8 miles or 13 km, firmly establishing the electric speaking telephone as an effective method of communication. Musical notes, the human voice, and songs spoken and sung were plainly audible at the other end This was a one-way communication, sounds from Brantford were audible to Bell in Paris. This was the climax of several "distance tests" Bell had conducted in Ontario.

Continued on page 14

This 19th century photograph shows the location of the Dominion Telegraph Company office, which was inside Robert White's Boot & Shoe Store. This store was the location of the first long distance telephone call, selected by Alexander Graham Bell for its proximity to Brantford. The store is the second door from the left on the ground floor Photo courtesy of the Bell Telephone Historical Collection, Montreal

AUGUST 10, 1946 – Unveiling of the Plaque Recognizing the Location of the World’s First Long

-distance Phone Call Photo

Bell made use of the telegraph wires of the Dominion Telegraph Company between its office in Brantford and its office in Paris. Because the battery power available at Brantford was too weak for Bell's membrane telephones, the Dominion Telegraph Company provided power from Hamilton and Toronto. Bell connected his membrane telephone and triple mouthpiece to the wires at the Brantford office, then at the Paris office he connected his iron box receiver. Through bubbling and crackling sounds, Bell could hear the voices from Brantford. By using high resistance electro-magnetic coils at each end of the line, the sounds were transmitted and received so clearly that Bell could recognize and name whoever was speaking On Jan 20, 1878, Professor Melville

Be11, Alexander’s father, transmitted music by telephone Burford was chosen as the site because a new telegraph line had been installed between Brantford and Burford. Over 20 miles of wire were used Choirs and soloists sang back and forth to each other. The first telephones in use in residential houses were in the Pleasant Ridge Road area in Brantford Township at the top of the hill on Highway 53. Both homes were owned by members of the Ballachey family. Bell strung wire along the fence lines, Joining the two phones in the houses. John Penman (Penmans Knitting Mills), Andrew Baird (Wincey Mill) and Charles Whitlaw (Flour Mill) were among the first to have a telephone connection between their home and their Paris Mill businesses

by Kay Marshall

U9 PYSA House League season comes to an end

Mounties

The U9 Paris Youth Softball Association house league season came to an exciting end, following a day-long rain delay! The teams played their first set of tournament games on July 27th and 28th. Four Paris Predator teams faced four teams from Ayr. After the first round of games, the Ayr teams each won advancing to an A division playoff on Sunday, while the Paris teams entered a B division play off, each spanned over two games. It was a day of exciting firsts – first hits, first double plays, first rallies, first catches and first routine ground plays. A big thank-you to all the volunteer coaches for sharing the love of the game and teaching the kids the fundamentals of the sport, along with the importance of excellence in sportsmanship.

U9 Rep baseball team beats host team Norwich 10-6 to stay alive in year-end tournament

The Paris Youth Softball U9 Rep team won one and lost one during their first two games of the year-end tournament last weekend. Saturday’s schedule was a rainout, so the teams gathered in Norwich on Sunday to face one another in the final tournament of the season. The Paris Predators lost their first game 5-3 against Innerkip#3 but bounced back for 10-6 win over Norwich/Otterville in game two. The win ensured the team would advance, however, because of the rain delay, the final games of the season are yet to be determined. Missing from the team photo were Hunter and Beau.

A special thank-you to Brody and Brennan for playing up and helping the team this season when shorthanded.

2023 Ontario 55+ Summer Games coming to a community near you!

Check out this venue list and drop in to watch some games as Brantford and Brant County welcome athletes from across Ontario next week

The 2023 Ontario 55+ Summer Games roll into Brantford and Brant County next week. Here’s a look at what venues are hosting which sports (yes some are taking place in Paris!)

Photo shared by the official account of the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility

By Casandra Turnbull

Athletes from cities and communities across Ontario will descend on Brant County and Brantford next week to compete in the 2023 Ontario 55+ Summer Games

Look for a wide range of skills on display in 19 different sports events hosted at venues across the City of Brantford and County of Brant from August 9 -11.

The two-day event gives residents a rare opportunity to see top notch athletics right in their own backyard. More than 1400 participants will represent a few dozen zone districts across the province.

Currently, more than 250 volunteers, under the direction of an organizing committee, are working behind the scenes to ensure last minute details are

finalized so that everything runs smoothly.

“I’m extremely proud of the games’ organizing committee for being so prepared to accept athletes from across the province promote an inclusive, social and physically active competition and we look forward to the two communities coming together,” said Matt Cuthbert, 2023 Ontario 55+ Summer Games Coordinator.

Supported by the Ontario Government through its Games Ontario Program, which delivers and supports multi-sport events, including the Ontario 55+ Winter Games and the Winter and Summer Youth Games, the Ontario 55 + Summer Games were first delivered in 1986 by the City of Kitchener under the name 'Activefest;' it has grown considerably since that debut.

Continued on page 18

Catch some local events right here in Paris. Tennis matches will be held at Paris District High School Courts and Slo-Pitch games will be at Green Lane Sports Complex. There are events across the County and the City as well Here's a breakdown of what venues will host what game/event. A majority of all sports will run from 8:30 am to 3:30 – 4 pm, says Cuthbert. Some of the lower attendance sports like carpet bowling and possibly cycling will only run until 12:30 pm each day.

The Opening Ceremony will take place on August 9th

COUNTY OF BRANT EVENTS/VENUES

Carpet Bowling – The Gaukel Memorial Community Centre, 7 Gaukel Street, St. George

Cribbage – The TF Warren Group Cainsville Community Centre, 15 Eward Ave, Brantford

Cycling – The Brantford Municipal Airport, 110 Aviation Ave, Brantford

Lawn Bowling – St George Lawn Bowling Club, 8

Thompson Street, St. George

Slo Pitch – Green Lane Sports Complex, 8 Green

Lane, Paris

Tennis – Paris District High School, 231 Grand River

St N Paris and at the Burford Community Centre, 14 Potter Dr, Burford

CITY OF BRANTFORD EVENTS/VENUES

5 Pin Bowling - Echo Bowl, 760 Colborne St, Brantford

Bid Euchre - Sanderson Centre, 88 Dalhouise Str, Brantford

Bocce - Mohawk Park, 51 Lynnwood Drive Brantford

beginning at 6:30 pm at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre at 254 North Park St in Brantford It will a parade of District Flags, athlete and officials’ oath and will conclude with the lighting of the Games Cauldron For more information on the games visit https://www.brantfordbrantgames.ca/en/about/ontario -55-summer-games.aspx or follow on social media for real time updates as they are reported.

Contract Bridge - Sanderson Centre, 88 Dalhouise Str, Brantford

Darts - Dunsdon Legion, 9 Tollgate Rd, Brantford

Euchre - Sanderson Centre, 88 Dalhouise Str, Brantford

Floor Shuffleboard - Beckett Leisure Centre, 219 Colborne St, Brantford

Golf - Walter Gretzky Memorial Golf Course, 320 Balmoral Dr, Brantford

Pickleball - Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park St, Brantford

Billiards (pool) - Legends Billiards and Lounge, 20 Dalhousie St, Brantford

Swimming - Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, 254 North Park St, Brantford

Prediction Walking - Bison Alumni Field, 254 North Park St, Brantford

*Most events will run from 8:30 am to 3:30-4:00 pm, August 10 & 11*

Brantford Bulldogs Care about Kids in our Community

Media release - Brantford, ON –

The Bulldogs’ Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of a special 50-50 draw with proceeds benefiting pediatric care needs at the Brant Community Healthcare System. The online draw launches Friday July 28th and runs for two weeks, with ticket sales ending Friday August 11th.

"We can't think of a better way to begin our relationship with the Brantford-Brant community than by supporting children in need" says Peggy Chapman, Executive Director of the Bulldogs’ Foundation. "The Bulldogs’ Foundation has invested significantly in enriching the lives of youth in the greater Hamilton area and we will continue that work while doing the same in our new home community”

"The Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation is so excited to welcome the Bulldogs to Brantford. We're thrilled with this opportunity to work with the Bulldogs’ Foundation towards our common goal of keeping kids in our community healthy" notes Kari Wilson, Executive Director of the BCHS Foundation "Proceeds received from the draw will directly benefit the renovation of the Pediatric Acute Referral Service (PARS) at the Brantford General Hospital and help to purchase patient equipment needed for our infant and pediatric

patients.“

The PARS clinic serves the entire Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk region, allowing community emergency departments, walk in clinics and family physician offices to refer children requiring urgent specialized treatment to Pediatricians at the BCHS. This allows pediatric patients to receive the critical care they need, right here in the community when it is needed most. Over 3,000 pediatric patients were seen in 2022, a 400% increase from 2019, demonstrating there is a huge need for this service in our community.

Tickets for the Bulldogs’ Foundation 50/50 draw in support of pediatric care are available for purchase online at www.bulldogs5050.com. Tickets are 3 for $5.00, 10 for $10.00, 60 for $20 00 or 120 for $30 00 The early bird prize will be drawn on August 4th for a chance to win $1,000 in Esso gas cards generously provided by McDougall Energy.

Foam Fest to fill the Fairgrounds next Saturday

By Casandra Turnbull

The 5K Foam Fest brought its family-friendly course to the Paris Fairgrounds as one of its summer tour stops in 2022. It was wildly popular with participants with over 4,600 people participating in the one-day obstacle course and run that raises money for Make-AWish Canada. Participants were urged to Get Filthy Clean and in doing so, raised around $16,000 in online sales plus another $5,000 from the gear check the day of the event

With a successful debut, it’s no wonder organizers are bringing it back to the Paris Fairgrounds again next Saturday, August 12th . The course will be similar to last year, in terms of layout and how more than 20 obstacles spanned the entire Agricultural Society grounds, but they always add something fun each year to make sure it’s a little different, teased Michael Lambert, Vice President and General Manager of 365 Sports Events.

“We had tons of good feedback from the last event. The weather was perfect and we saw tons of happy participants and smiles throughout the course,” said Lambert.

Last year’s stop in Paris was

somewhat of a surprise to organizers who originally planned to hold it Chicopee Ski Resort before the pandemic hit Due to renovations at the resort following the pandemic, there was a bit of a scramble to find a replacement venue. Paris checked all the boxes they were looking for, said Lambert.

“We enjoyed working with the staff at the Paris Fairgrounds The venue has such a great festival area and a fun course,” he added. This year’s summer tour goal is to raise $150,000 for Make-A-Wish Canada. They’re also introducing a ‘Go Green’ initiative aimed at reducing their carbon footprint. “We have taken some pretty big steps as a company to reduce our environmental impact,” explains Lambert. “Our participant items like the buffs are made from

recycled water bottles, remove all unnecessary plastics packaging from any items we procure for participants, we are going fully paperless, no bibs or bib buttons (digital offering), paper cups and giving all day staff and volunteers reusable water bottles.”

All partners, sponsors and participants are encouraged to do the same. Tickets are on sale now online, if you’d like to go down the world’s largest inflatable waterslide, duck through mucky mud pits or float through 2 5 million cubic feet of foam! So far, organizers have confirmed more than 4,300 people have registered. The event is open for ages 7 and up and there will be a free kid’s zone for kids under 6, adult supervision required. This zone will have a mini inflatable obstacle course, a bouncy castle and games.

EVENT ALERT! Grand River Arts Festival at Glenhyrst Art Gallery next month

Arts & Entertainment

arts, crafts and creations and musicians who will be keeping the energy flowing, featuring the Low Down Dirty Mojo and The Kevin Williams Band, entertainment from Big Cityyy Arts in the form of roving and roaming avant-garde drag theatre, plus food and libations galore Tickets are on sale now on wwwgrandriverartsfestival com and each ticket includes access to the launch part event, a drink and a t-shirt; they’re selling fast so don’t delay if this sounds exciting! Continued on page 22

Summer is swinging along sweetly It has been a wonderful and wickedly warm season, and I don’t know about you, but my heart is already in the Fall with harvest, Halloween and hygge vibes! Maybe it’s because I’m a Scorpio or maybe it’s the back-to-school thoughts we’re already having, but I’m looking forward to the new season and making exciting plans for later this year in the meantime.

One of the reasons I’ve got my eyes set on the Autumn, is because of a fantastic event debuting at Glenhyrst Art Gallery, in Brantford, called the Grand River Arts Festival. I’m one of a hundred or so people working on bringing these audacious arts to fruition It’s a huge effort, with many moving parts, and lots of options for experiencing and exploring the festivities over two days on September 15th and 16th.

On September 15th, there is an evening ticketed launch event that will be overflowing with visual artists, entertainers and the who’s who of Brant; schmoozing, cajoling and imbibing in an evening of varied vibrancy. This 19+ event will offer tents featuring 35+ artists sharing their

ARTS & CULTURE

On September 16th is the main event, more punchy programming happening all day, and almost the entire day is free of charge It will be full of fabulous arty options: amazing artists, marvellous musicians, exciting entertainers, the terrific 10 Minute Play Competition, onsite demos, kid’s activity tent and more. Free passes for the day must be booked to gain entry but this day is open to all ages and offers a wide range of activities, as well as food trucks and/or space for picnics, so you can take your time and enjoy the day The 10 Minute Play Competition features eighteen plays by regional theatre companies and creators with each ninety minute “block” showcasing six plays, including appearances from Paris’ own Paris Performers’ Theatre, and the show have a range of themes from love, life and loss to Canadiana, even the Grand River itself; these events are ticketed at $5 per block of performances; which is a steal of a deal for such a theatrical treat.

With so many offerings in one day it’s amazing that the event is so accessible - it will fill up quick so sign up for your free pass and 10 Minute Play Competition tickets as soon as you can! You can find out more on the Glenhyrst or Grand River Arts Festival websites.

We’re truly lucky to have so many great and glad things going on in Brant all year round! So, while you luxuriate in the rest of your summer, keep one eye on September and beyond, with so many dynamic things popping up all the time you don’t want to miss out on the Fall fun. Mark your calendars for September 15th and 16th and give yourself something expansive and eclectic to look forward to!

Dip in July Job Numbers, Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie

BRANTFORD (August 4, 2023) – Unemployment in Brantford-Brant climbed in July, but the region remains tied for the second lowest rate in Ontario. The Brantford area unemployment rate rose to 4.2% last month, up from June’s 3.9%, according to seasonally adjusted estimates released by Statistics Canada on Friday.

The national rate rose slightly to 5.5%, while Ontario’s unemployment rate shrunk 0 1 point to 5.6%. Brantford continues to boast the lowest jobless rate compared to surrounding census metropolitan areas, with Guelph following closely behind at 4 4% Youth participation and employment both increased, but this was offset by significant decreases amongst core working age and older adults. Both full and parttime employment decreased month over month

“We’re seeing a growing number of older adults leave the labour force, which creates more job openings, but many of these are hard to fill because there’s a limited labour supply.” said Danette Dalton, the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie’s executive director. “For the past few months, we’ve observed increases in the number of core-working aged adults not in the labour force, and we need to strategize ways to support these individuals by addressing obstacles that deter them from looking for work ”

“We recently wrapped up an in-depth study designed

CONSTRUCTION NOTICE

Road resurfacing will be taking place on Broadway Street West in Paris from August 8 - August 31, 2023. Please find additional information below:

Location: Broadway Street West from Charlotte Street to William Street (Paris)

Work Dates: Tuesday, August 8 to Thursday, August 31, 2023

Closed by: G.I.P Paving on behalf of the County of Brant

to better understand how workers can be supported through improving quality of work across workplaces. We observed major gaps in how employers and employees viewed job quality, but also, significant opportunities for collaborations between sectors, governments, community agencies and workers.”

The WPBGE’s latest report ‘Examining Quality of Work in Grand Erie: an assessment of needs, gaps and opportunities’ is set to be released next month. Grand Erie Jobs, the online job board operated by the Workforce Planning Board, saw about 2350 new postings in July, down slightly from June. The retail trade industry maintained the largest number of postings – namely for retail salespersons, followed by the health care and social assistance, waste management and educational services sectors. There were also a large number of postings for material handlers, other customer and information service representatives and personal support workers, as well as for university professors and lecturers.

The Workforce Planning Board is one of 26 nonprofit organizations in Ontario that play a leadership role in labour force planning. The Workforce Planning Board is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario

–

Broadway Street West

Note: Traffic will be reduced to one (1) lane during working hours and open to two (2) lanes overnight and on weekends Daytime traffic will be controlled by Traffic Control Persons The road may have a gravel surface during construction.

• Through traffic will be maintained

• Emergency access will be maintained

Please refer to Municipal 511 http://www.municipal511.ca for the

most up-to-date traffic information regarding road construction and closures.

It is our goal to minimize any inconvenience to our residents Your patience through any disruption will be greatly appreciated. If additional information is required, please contact:

Be the voice of the Paris Agricultural Society!

Build your Skills, Your Community and Lasting Friendships

Representing the Paris Agricultural Society as the Paris Fair Ambassador is a great honour and tradition. 2023 marks the 56th anniversary of the competition. Our goal is to provide young adults opportunities to build skills, become involved in their community, and make friendships that last a lifetime

Contestants must meet the following criteria:

●17 years of age as of August 1st , 2023, and not be 24 years of age byAugust 1st , 2023

● Male or Female

● Single

●Hasnot previously reigned asAmbassadorof any fair

●Be available to represent the Paris Agricultural Society for the duration of the 2023 Paris Fair and at various events for one-year commencing Labour Day weekend, 2023.

●Be available to represent the Paris Agricultural Society at the Canadian National Exhibition in August 2024 (Approx:August 16th-18th)

● Have a Sponsoring Organization (a non-profit community organization), to provide the $50 entry fee The contestant may contact an organization of their choice, or the Paris Fair Ambassador Committee can obtain one on your behalf

The Competition includes:

●Awritten resume

●Aninterview with a panel of 3judges (10 minutes)

●APrepared speech (3 to 4 minutes)

● In Impromptu question

●A YouTube video about your Sponsoring Organization (maximum2 minutes)

The video will feature the sponsoring organization (the role and services it provides to the community). Each contestant will be assisted in the preparation of their video. The format will include

●An introduction

●KeyFeatures about your sponsoringorganization

●Aclosing

A member of the Paris Fair Ambassador Committee will work with you to record the video if you need So don’t worry assistance will be available to make it great - please reach out and let Valerie or Melissa know if you need any assistance! The YouTube video will be featured prior and during the Paris Fair Your Youtube video is to be submitted to Melissa Howell via Dropbox, Google Drive, USB or e-mail: melissajanehowell@hotmail.com by Monday, August 28th,2023

All judging for the competition takes place at the Paris Fair on the Thursday leading into Labour Day weekend. The Paris Fair Ambassador will be required to represent the Paris Agricultural Society at various events for one year commencing Labour Day weekend. Each contestant will be assigned a mentor from the Paris Fair Ambassador Committee who will be available to help prepare for the competition. Click here to apply now!

Deadline isAugust 15th

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –

Make yourself some realistic goals this week, you have been reaching for the stars and only hitting the clouds. You are not failing more like just falling behind a bit Your ideas are great, do not give up on them, just try focusing on one at a time and you will not fail

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) –

Inspiring and trend setting describes you perfectly this week Looking stylish and super attractive in all you do. You need to tell your lover the truth about all that is bothering you, if you leave it, it will blow up into a huge argument

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) –

You are having many visions and seeing many signs. You are not crazy; you are being guided to your true-life purpose If you are not in the right relationship it will end, if you're not in the proper career path you will quit or get fired Big changes can happen this week so prepare yourself

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) – Trust yourself, a situation that you hold guilt in and have been getting super bad advice in comes to a head this week You have been fighting the truth of what you want to do next This definitely has a huge impact on your loved ones, but it is time for you to pick you.

Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –

You are losing your focus. You feel like you have been running uphill for a long time and now you want to sit and reflect on how far you have come You are very happy in your love life, but not so satisfied in social and career If you do not feel like you are getting out what you are putting out, then you will just shut down

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – People are getting in the way of you making progress You keep getting distracted by everyone else's problems This does not end till you decide to walk away and say no This hits a breaking point by mid-week when you have a great conversation with someone you highly respect, after this you will finally be ready to say no.

Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air) - Just be you Loving, Intelligent, supportive you. You are trying to fight who you are lately and change to suit others around you. But this week you just will go out there and be your authentic self, by the weekend you feel free and finally like your old self once again

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – You are struggling to be heard Your relationship seems one sided and at work you cannot seem to be taken seriously You are at your breaking point and getting ready to scream at the top of your lungs Take a breath and wait it out, this too will pass quickly

Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – There is a new project coming into your life this week, it will be good for your mind and body. Time to get physical and work harder to get what you want Your love life is definitely lacking in the spark department so take a quick break and put in a little more effort there

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – You have been accomplishing a lot of small, but great feats lately, at work, at home and even in your health This week you feel like kicking back and celebrating Plan or go to a social event, you need to get out and do more than just work and sleep.

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 (Air) – Step away from social media crap, the constant bad news coming at you is making you depressed. Is it really that there is just so much bad in the world or is it that we just have constant access to it? Unplug and go for a long walk, get back to the simple things in life and get out of your funk

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – You know some things just need to change You have to stand up and say more You have to do more physically if you really want to see the change You will not be happy sitting idle this week, make some great plans for your love life and work. Try and stay busy, so you can stay out of trouble

Horoscopes with Tina Graziano Energy Reader

Tina Graziano was born 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/

Barbie

Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford

For Saturday, August 5, 2023

12:10p.m. 12:40p.m.

11:50a.m.

Meg 2: The Trench

3:50p.m.

Standard 11:00a.m.

Showtimes for The Oxford Drive-In August 4 – August 10, 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 FREE

Aug 6 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Top Gun, and Top Gun Maverick

Aug 7 - CLOSED

Aug 8-10 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Top Gun Maverick