The Paris Independent for Saturday February 15th 2025
S’MORE SATURDAYS! Page 10.
YOU CAN HELP SAVE THE OPTIMIST CLUB’S YOUTH DANCES. See Page 7
Print edition of the Paris Independent in stores next month!
By Casandra Turnbull
Guess what Paris? We have BIG NEWS!
We are pleased to announce that we are joining a growing group of Ontario Community Newspapers published by Grant Haven Media. Their team of experts are just as enthusiastic as we are about saving community newspapers and relaying important announcements, stories, and successes in the fashion that only a small community newspaper can deliver See Page 5-6
Pictured left to right, front row, Paris Independent photographer Michelle
Managing Editor
Turnbull, (back row), Sports Reporter George Le Gresley, Grant Haven Media Publisher Stewart Grant and Paris Independent Editor Chris Whelan
Malvaso,
Casandra
Photo by Cindy Whelan
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
Emergency: 9-1-1
Police Department: 888-310-1122
Fire Department: 519-442-4500
Willet Hospital: 519-442-2251
County of Brant Office: 519-442-6324
Paris Public Library: 519-442-2433
Paris Councillors & Mayor :
Mayor - David Bailey 226-387-2490
Ward 2 - Steve Howes 519-442-4955
Ward 2 - Lukas Oakley 226-216-3037
Ward 3 - John Bell 519-209-2277
Ward 3 - John Peirce 519-442-7134
Administration & Bylaw: 519-442-7268
Paris Customer Service Office 66 Grand River St. N. 519-442-7268
Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Main Services include:
-Accounts Receivable invoice payments
- Blue Boxes and Composters (pre-arrange pick up of composter)
- Brant Transit punch cards purchase and pick up
- Building Permits may be submitted and Building staff consulted
- Calendar pick up (free)
- Commissioner of Oath is by appointment only
- Dog license and tag
- Dog Park membership and key
- Parking ticket payment
- Property Tax payments and inquiries
- Public Works permits may be submitted
- Use the computer to meet with a virtual Planner to ask questions.
- Water testing sample bottles may be picked up. Drop off water testing samples on the last Wednesday of the month before 2 pm at the Burford Customer Service Office
Brant Sports Complex & Other Facility Booking 519-442-1944- Open Monday - Sunday, 8:30 am - 8:00 pm.
Main services include:
- Dog Park membership and key
- Dog license and tag
- Tennis Court membership and key
- Camp registration and recreation program registration
Articles, Events & Story ideas, please submit by email to: stories@theparisindependent.com
STATEMENT
Chris Whelan
Casandra Turnbull
Michelle Malvaso
George Le Gresley
Daksh Siwas
Rubyyy Jones
Stephen L.
Jacob Gaudet
Heidi Pfleger
Tiffany Martin
Shelley Gaudet
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
TOMORROW! BRANTFORD WINTER FEST –
Sunday, February 16th from 12 pm to 8 pm at Harmony Square, 89 Dalhousie Street, Brantford Celebrate the Familiy Day long weekend with familyfriendly activities, weather permitting. DJ Skate Party, presented by Grissin Bon Ltd, Carousel rides, S’mores station (while supplies last), face painting, horsedrawn trolley rides ($2 per person), hot cocoa supplied by Contestoga College (while supplies last) and firework display at 7:15 pm.
FAMILY FUN DAY
– Monday, February 17th at Five Oaks, 1 Bethel Road, Paris. Bring your own sled and enjoy a day of winter fun! Go Sledding, follow a story walk, get creative with a craft, and warm up with hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting by the fire!
FREE! FAMILY DAY SKATES & KINDERPLAY –
Hosted by Riverside Heating & Air Conditioning on Monday, February 17th at the Brant Sports Complext beginner skate, 9-10 am; Public skate at Brant Sports Complex, 10 am -12 pm; Public skate at Burford Community Centre, 10 am-12 pm; Gaukel Memorial Community Centre, 10 am – 12 pm; Kinderplay at Syl Apps Community Centre, 10 am to 12 pm. More info available at www.brant.ca/WinterActive
OPTIMIST CLUB YOUTH DANCE
- The Paris Optimist Club will hold its next monthly Youth Dance on Friday, February 21, 2025. The dance is for students in grades 5 to 8 only. Grade 9 and older students are welcome to attend as volunteers The DJ begins the Dance at 7:00 pm and it ends at 10:00 pm Volunteers must arrive at 6:45 pm
The Dance is held at the Syl Apps Community Centre, 51 William Street in Paris with adult chaperones to make sure everyone has a great time Entry fee is $5 00 with a concession booth for pop, chips, candy and pizza For any further information and to volunteer as a chaperone or as a high school student, please call 519.757.5020. See story on page 7
WARM HUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE
–
Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 1 pm at St. Paul’s United Church, Paris. With the help of some of their friends, join the Glass Slipper Company and the Paris Performers’ Theatre on a journey filled with enchanting songs, laughter and good company as we search for our beloved Snow Queen We encourage you to sing along as you greet all of our friends, both familiar and new! Tickets $15 a person in advance or $20 at the door (cash only). Email xtheglassslippercompany@gmail.com to reserve your ticket!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
PARIS SKETCHERS MONTHLY SKETCHULE! –Sunday, February 23rd at Janice’s House, 20 Burwell Street, Paris. Janice is an enthusiastic member of Paris Sketchers Come out and practice your artistic ability with group of like-minded individuals. Participants of all skill levels are welcome!
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MONTHLY
MEETING – Tuesday, February 25 at Sacred Heart Parish Hall in Paris starting at 7:30 pm.
PRICESS ART AUCTION – February 28, 6:30 pm to 9 pm at Wincey Mills, Paris. Hosted by The Rotary Satellite Club of Paris. See details in last week’s Paris Independent (Page 8). Click here.
BRANT MEN OF SONG – Weekly rehearsals on Tuesdays at 7 pm. February dates include February 11, 18, and 25th . Rehearsals are held at First Baptist Church located at 70 West ST in Brantford New members are always welcome to attend and learn more about our activities.
DREAMING OF SPRING – Presented by the Brant County Singers on Sunday, March 2nd at 3 pm at Sydenham-Heritage United Church Auditorium at 120 Sydenham St, Brantford. Join us for our Charity Concert, free will donation with proceeds going to Brant County Guiding
EXTRA, EXTRA, Read all About It! Print Edition of the Paris Independent Hitting Shelves Next Month!
Continued from front page
So, what does this mean for you, the reader, Patreon subscriber and faithful supporter of the Paris Independent?
Rest assure you will continue to see our great publication online, shared to our ISSUU account and delivered by PDF to those who enjoy their email subscription; however, soon you will notice a complimentary PRINT edition in a store, businesses, or community centre near you!
That is right, thousands of copies of the Paris Independent will hit the community each week, making good on that promise we made in 2021 when we started this publication. It was always a goal to bring back print if it was viable. After years of hard work, dedication, and resounding community support, we are thrilled to say we are finally able to deliver that hard copy newspaper that was always in the back of our minds but never far from our thoughts
The Saturday online publication will continue February 22nd and March 1st . There will be a brief hiatus while we switch our deadlines and finalize the details of our print publication process with the new team Our first print edition will go out on Wednesday, March 19th Email subscribers will continue to receive their weekly PDF, switching to a Tuesday delivery effective March 18th . The beauty of this partnership is we all share the same goal to develop a model for community news that is free to read, has strong local content and builds a stronger sense of community pride and togetherness
When we launched the Paris Independent in 2021, Founder Chris Whelan recalls, “Our collective aspiration was clear: to reclaim our voice and rekindle a sense of community through informative and engaging journalism ”
Grant Haven Media Publisher Stewart Grant recognized that aspiration when he came across our online publication more than a year ago.
“I was very impressed with the commitment that Chris, Casandra and their team had shown by publishing their online paper for 3+ years,” said Grant. “Their love of the town is evident and the most important thing for a small town newspaper is to have dedicated local people telling stories,” he added.
Grant has experience in the small town newspaper model He founded Grant Haven Media with the acquisition of his first newspaper, the St. Marys Independent, in his own hometown in 2014. With an underlying passion for news that he says developed at an early age as he read the newspaper and eagerly searched for his in the sports section, Grant finally made the jump from the corporate world of insurance accounting to pursue his passion in the publishing industry. The purchase of the St. Marys Independent from longtime owner and founder Frank Doyle cultivated that passion and was the start of something that would continue to flourish over the next 10 years.
Continued on page 6
Starting March 19th, printed copies of the Paris Independent will be available in stores, businesses and community buildings across Paris. Above is a mock-up of what to expect!
COMMUNITY
“I was approached in 2020 by Bill Gladding, whose family owned the Tavistock Gazette for 52 years Bill was seeking to retire and was hoping to find someone who would be willing to buy the newspaper and continue the tradition of the Gazette that dated back to 1895,” Grant explained “Buying the Gazette ignited a passion in me to expand the newspaper business. I really enjoy getting into new communities and I know how important it is for a town to have a newspaper of their own ” Grant Haven Media proudly publishes the St. Marys Independent, the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette, The
Goderich Sun, the Woodstock Ingersoll Echo, the Stratford Times, the Simcoe Advocate, The Tillsonburg Post and the Norfolk, Niagara and Brant Farms publications.
“I approached the Paris Independent because I thought that with my experience, I could help them take their newspaper to the next level by making it a print edition,” said Grant. He admits the satisfaction of publishing really hits when he sees people reading the paper at the local coffee shop or when he receives an email or phone call from readers who share their appreciation for local news.
As we transition into this new step, the Paris Independent team would like to send an enormous thank-you to our remarkable Patreon subscribers, devoted readers, and followers. Empowered by your support and the dedication of several qualified volunteers, we were able to grow this digital publication into a print edition and will work our way towards an Ontario Community Newspaper Association accreditation
We truly cannot wait to turn the page and continue to deliver the news you trust and value.
Be A Part of Our Premier Print Edition!
We want to publish your Letter to the Editor in our March 19th edition. Email stories@theparisindependent.com. All letters must be signed by the writer and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Deadline for submission is March 1st If you’re interested in advertising rates and availability, email sales@theparisindependent.com to book your space now! More information on advertising opportunities are available here.
Push-Up Challenge in Support of Mental Health Awareness is On Now. How
many can you do?
HOW CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Try the Push-Up Challenge, a fitness event aimed at promoting mental health awareness and honoring lives lost to suicide. From February 11 to February 28, 2025, participants will complete 2,000 push-ups, representing the approximately 2,000 lives lost to suicide daily worldwide. Alternative exercises are encouraged for those unable to do push-ups. Registration is open for individuals and teams, making it a great opportunity to combine fitness with advocacy. Click on the picture above to sign up!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Optimist Club volunteers hope to see better attendance at monthly Youth Dance
By Casandra Turnbull
For more than 25 years, the Optimist Club of Paris has provided a safe place for the community’s youth to gather, socialize and create memories. There’s a good chance the parents of today’s young generation have their own fond memories of grooving the night away, secretly crushing on a classmate or perhaps just holding the wall up at an Optimist Club youth dance The monthly dances started 1998, originating in the old Optimist Clubhouse at times filling the hall capacity with 185 energized preteens. When that Clubhouse was demolished for safety reasons, the dances moved to the Syl Apps Community Centre where they are still held today.
“At the time, there were few entertainment opportunities/venues for youth in Paris,” shares Optimist Club President Julie Henwood, looking back at how it all started “Parents had to take their children out of Paris for an evening where they could socialize with peers in a safe, supervised environment.”
Fast forward a couple decades, and while the town has changed drastically, there’s still very few youth-based activities. It’s through the dedication of volunteers that the dance has survived. Attendance has fluctuated over the years but until late last year, Optimist members were
happy to welcome upwards of 200 students in Grades 5 to 8
Last year rumours that Optimist Club members call a fictious incident, hit social media. Like a game of telephone, one person told another who told another and by the time the story made it online the reputation of the dance took a major hit. Optimist Club members suspect that’s why the last few dances have only drawn around 35-40 kids and that has them very worried
They want parents to know this is a safe, chaperoned environment for youth. A small army of volunteers chaperon the dance in every aspect; monitoring the hallway and washrooms and making sure kids are on their best behaviour, no different than the behaviour that is expected of them at school. The kids have no ‘in and out’ privileges, once they sign in, they stay in. Everyone is required to provide the name and phone number of a parent/caregiver, the school they attend and their grade. High School students volunteer at the coat check where all hats and bags must be checked in The DJ is instructed to play songs/videos that are ageappropriate, and volunteers are firm in their stance of no abusive or offensive language
“Parents are welcome to come in and take a look at the hall and meet the Optimist members,” said Henwood, encouraging parents to ease their
concerns. Despite the decline in attendance, Optimist Club members are not ready to throw in the white towel just yet The club is willing to take the necessary steps to bring attendance numbers up through marketing at schools, community centres, on social media and through the media. This dance is not a fundraiser, rather an outlet to make sure youth have a fun social event to attend.
“One of the main mandates of Optimist Clubs is to bring out the best in youth. By giving them opportunities to enjoy an evening with their friends, they build confidence and develop basic social and life skills; it’s important,” reiterated Henwood.
The next dance is on Friday, February 21st at the Syl Apps Community Centre from 7 pm to 10 pm Admission is $5, and that fee helps cover the cost of hosting the dance There’s also a concession stand where youth can purchase snacks and drinks Help spread the word so we can return this dance back to its original glory. It’s not easy parenting youth in today’s technology dominated world. Let’s make sure kids continue to have a place to disconnect from the wifi and reconnect with friends It would be a real shame to see a tradition like this one fade away but continue to hear people complain there’s just not enough for youth to do anymore
Paris’ Recreation Dashboard: New Splashpad & Park, Brant Sports Complex Expansion and Gurney Sports Park
By Casandra Turnbull
County of Brant staff are working on a variety of capital projects and long-term planning initiatives on any given day, so they have deployed an online dashboard that gives council and members of the public high-level information about strategic projects.
The Corporate Strategy Team launched the dashboard last fall in response to council’s request for a central list of projects. The online tool provides basic information such as the project name, overview, status updates, budget information and projected timelines
Since introducing the tool, council has provided insight to improve the dashboard, and the Corporate Strategy Team is exploring ways to accommodate their requests for better project tracking.
The Policy Development Committee received and updated dashboard during a February 4th meeting There is several Paris projects outlined on the dashboard The Wilkin Family Community Centre’s Capital Campaign should wrap up by June 2025. The facility, located by the Paris Lawn Bowling Club Greens on Grand River Street North overlooking the Grand
Plans to expand the Brant Sports Complex include a triple gymnasium, indoor walking track, more changerooms/washrooms and multipurpose rooms. The County of Brant has made an application through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to help pay for the 53,000 square foot expansion. If approved, under terms of the funding, construction plans will be accelerated to a new completion date in the first quarter of 2027.
River, is one of the County’s newest Net Zero buildings The campaign aimed to raise $400,000 through major donors and donations and as of last month, the campaign had secured $385,000. Plans to construct a new 5.2-acre park at 7 Becker St in Paris, referred to now as the Arlington subdivision community park and splashpad, has an anticipated completion date of April 2026
The County has asked for community feedback to officially name the park and select a park design. Read more about this story
in our January 25th edition (click here) RFP for landscape and architectural consulting services went to Seferian Design Group. Construction can start as early as this summer, dependent on permit approvals.
The Bawcutt Centre Main Library Branch was on the dashboard, pending approval of the zoning amendments, which failed at council late last month With that, the status of this project is on hold.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
The Brant Sports Complex expansion plans are underway. Staff are preparing an application through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund for consideration by the province. If awarded, construction on the 53,000 square foot addition, to include additional dressing rooms, gymnasiums and multi-purpose spaces, must be accelerated to a new completion date in the first quarter of 2027. This advanced date is a prerequisite to the funding approval. Not too far from the Brant Sports Complex, is the site of the Gurney Sports Park, located on Pottruff Road. Aproject overview will be presented in the coming months, including a completed design concept. Grading and servicing are expected to begin this year and construction of the park will commence in 2026. Its targeted completion date is October 2028
Phase 3 of the Grand River Street North reconstruction plan resumes this year The installation of the Scott Avenue roundabout coincides with archaeological
student and construction tender of the new north end Fire Station on Scott Ave, beside the Paris Veterinary Clinic.
Of course, let’s not overlook the Paris Downtown Reconstruction plans, called the Big Dig, which are currently underway. Enbridge Gas is replacing gas lines downtown as tendering and construction on parts of Grand River Street North begin this year. The first phase of construction will focus on Grand River St N between William Street and the Nith River Bridge. See last week’s Paris Independent for more details (click here).
When it comes to strategic plans that affect the entire county, not just Paris, there are several in the works.
The Paris Master Plan and Background Study will be implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2025. Before the plan is posted online, staff are meeting with First Nations to share the plan.
The North of the Nith Trails and Open Space Master Plan, designed to create a phased 20-year master
plan for the development of the North of the Nith lands, moved forward with Scaliff+Murray+Miller receiving the tender. Fencing will be installed in the spring of 2025 as they begin the archaeological study and site assessment. The County hosted a pop-up event at Lions Park last September to introduce the plans to use the site for recreational opportunities. Last month, the Long-Term Financial Plan was released and will serve as a model and guiding document for council to consider its future priorities and funding objectives.
The New Official Plan and Growth Tracking Model reports will come to council this year as the county begins to implement strategies to introduce the Growth Tracking Tool. Part of this plan includes the initiation of the county’s zoning by-law update. For a more in-depth look at the Major Project Dashboard, including plans outside of Paris in other parts of the County, click here to access it.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
All letters must be signed by the writer and are subject to editing for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in the letter are those of the writer, and not necessarily those of the Paris Independent. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, or completeness of this information. If you have an opinion to share, email your letters to stories@theparisindependent.com
S’more Saturday in Paris Pictures!
Not even the threat of winter weather could keep people away from last Saturday’s ‘S’mores & Songs’ event at Paris Beer Co. at Wincey Mills (who says you can’t have a patio party in February?) The gathering was just another in a long list of entertainment planned for Saturdays in Paris. Adults and children alike enjoyed the live music and opportunity to roast marshmallows! Children also participated in some planned arts and crafts. Today’s Scheduled Downtown Paris fun – the Mystery Sip Scavenger Hunt, will be postponed due to inclement weather. Visit www.saturdaysinparis.com for more details. Pictured entertaining the crowd with music are Krystina Bowen (top centre), Eric Bolton (top right) and Saffron A (directly below Saffron).
Photo Credit to Sarah Evans
County sends message to businesses amidst Tariff announcements: ‘We’re here to support you’
By Casandra Turnbull
The County of Brant issued a statement this week announcing its support of local businesses following the United States’ notice to impose tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel In a social media post on Tuesday, County of Brant reassured local businesses and residents that it ‘remain unwavering in their commitment to supporting local businesses, economic stability, and providing the necessary resources to navigate any challenges that may arise.’
As county staff continue to monitor the evolving tariff situation between Canada and America, the Economic Development reminds businesses they are available to help navigate these turbulent times and are willing to meet with businesses, provide support and connect them with resources Businesses are encouraged to schedule a visit with the Economic Development team through the County’s Business in Brant Tariff Resource page.
Local businesses are encouraged
to come together and support one another and one of the best ways to find that support is through your local County of Brant Chamber of Commerce (visit their page here) and the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant (visit their page here).
The county’s social media post went on to say, “In times of economic uncertainty, we encourage our community to come together and support one another. One of the most impactful ways to help is by shopping locally. Choosing to
buy Canadian-made products and supporting businesses in Brant helps strengthen our local economy, sustain jobs, and build community resilience. Locally, our Chambers of Commerce have been advocating on behalf of businesses and providing important updates.” Visit brant.ca/TariffResources for important resources and announcements as they are made
Time is running out to register for mail voting in provincial election
Paris Independent Staff
If you’re planning to cast your vote by mail in the upcoming snap Provincial Election, you’ll need to register for mail voting by 6 pm on February 21 in to receive your voting kit. It can take up to four days for your vote by mail application to be processed.
‘Your voting kit, consisting of your ballot to vote, will be mailed to the address you provide on your registration application. Elections Ontario must then receive your completed voting kit by 6 pm on February 27 to be counted. You can return your vote in the prepaid envelop provided in your voting kit or you drop it off at your local election office. Click here for a list of offices
Once your application for mail voting has been reviewed and approved you cannot choose any other voting option.
In the Brantford-Brant riding, MPP Will Bouma is seeking his third term. He will be challenged by:
*Harvey Bischof, NDP,
*Ron Fox, Liberal Party
*Karleigh Csordas, Green Party
*Joshua Carron for the New Blue Party
*Mike Clancy representing None of the Above Direct Democratic Party.
The provincial electoral boundaries split some Brant County residents into the Oxford riding and Cambridge riding.
Ontario’s 44th General Election Day is February 27th . Advance polls are open from February 2022 at select locations. Click here for a list of locations.
Ensuring the Safety and Well-Being of Children and Youth: Child & Family Service’s Mission and Call to Action
The Power of 100
This month’s focus: Child and Family Services of Grand Erie Presented by 100 People Who Care Brant
Each giving cycle, 100 People Who Care Brant members nominate local charities as candidates to receive our collective donations. This column spotlights the inspiring work and community events of these nominated organizations.
Child and Family Services of Grand Erie (CFSGE) is dedicated to ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of children and youth in Brantford, the Counties of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk, as well as the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This vital organization works with families and communities to provide the necessary support, services, and advocacy to help children thrive.
From child protection services to foster care, adoption, youth programs, and Indigenous services, CFSGE plays a critical role in supporting the diverse needs of the communities it serves.
One of the most pressing challenges CFSGE faces today is the urgent
need for foster caregivers. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the number of available foster homes has significantly declined – 33.6% province wide. In response, CFSGE is launching a campaign to recruit new foster caregivers, ensuring that children and youth can remain in stable, supportive environments close to their communities.
Foster caregivers provide more than just a home; they offer stability, care, and a sense of belonging for children during some of the most difficult times in their lives.
CFSGE emphasizes that fostering is open to people from all backgrounds whether single, married, in common-law or samesex relationships The organization provides extensive support for foster families, including initial orientation, ongoing training, regular check-ins, and financial assistance to cover the child’s living expenses. Inclusivity is important to CFSGE Governed by a diverse volunteer Board of Directors, they are committed to reflecting the rich cultural and social backgrounds of the communities it serves Representation from African Canadian, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities helps guide the agency’s policies and decision-making.
For those interested in becoming a foster caregiver, more information can be found on the CFSGE website or through the ‘There to Care’campaign.
If you can’t commit to becoming a foster caregiver, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities you can seize to make a difference.
CFSGE relies on the dedication of volunteers to support children, youth, and families in meaningful ways Volunteers can contribute in various capacities, such as:
-Driving children to appointments and family visits
-Acting as mentors or tutors for children and youth
-Assisting with special events hosted by CFSGE
-Supporting families in practical ways
Volunteers make an incredible difference in the lives of children, helping to provide stability, encouragement, and opportunities they might not otherwise have at CFSGE
Those interested in volunteering can contact Jackie Treszl, Volunteer Coordinator at CFSGE at 519-7538681 or toll-free at 1-888-7538681.
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COMMUNITY
Other ways to Get Involved
Protecting children and supporting families is a community effort. Whether through fostering, volunteering, or participating in fundraisers, there are many ways to make a difference
For more information about CFSGE’s programs, services, or volunteer opportunities, visit their website or contact their 24-hour support line at 519-753-8681 or toll-free at 1888-753-8681.
CFSGE continues to work tirelessly to ensure that children and youth across Grand Erie grow up in safe, nurturing environments But they can’t do it alone, community support is essential. Whether by fostering, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, every effort helps shape a brighter future for children in need.
Upcoming CFSGE Community Events and Fundraisers
Loaves of Love (February 2025) “ Throughout February, Leaven to Loaf Bakery in Hagersville will donate $1 from every loaf of bread sold to CFSGE programs.
Leaven to Loaf Curl 4 Camp Bonspiel (February 28, 2025) “ A curling event at Brant Curling Club raising funds for the Kids to Camp program, ensuring vulnerable children have access to enriching summer experiences.
LemonAID Day (June 2025) “ A province-wide initiative where families set up lemonade stands to raise money for child and youth programs.
3rd Annual Greens at Renton Community Day (June 11, 2025) “ A charity golf event at The Greens at Renton in Simcoe, Ontario, where proceeds will benefit local charities, including CFSGE.
These events not only raise funds but also foster a strong sense of community involvement and awareness about the challenges many children and families face.
100 People Who Care Brant is a local giving circle dedicated to strengthening our community. We unite individuals from Brant County, Brantford, and Six Nations of the Grand River to make a significant impact. We collectively choose local charities to support with our pooled donations. How it works:
Simple: Members contribute from $75-$300 annually, divided into three payments spaced a few months apart. Impactful: Our collective power transforms individual donations into substantial support for local causes. Empowering: Join us and experience the #powerof100. Ready to make a difference? Connect with us today to learn more!
The Rich History of Journalism in Paris, Ontario
Without newspapers this column would not be possible I can’t help but reflect right now on the rich history of local news media. The Paris Star, a stalwart publication, stood as a testament to the town's commitment to news dissemination. Surprisingly, the Paris Star and the renowned New York Times shared a common birth year, both unfurling their maiden issues in 1851. Had fate been kinder, the Paris Star would have celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2025 Alas, the echoes of its presses fell silent in 2020, hushed by the hand of Post Media.
In days gone by, Paris bustled with a vibrant newspaper scene. Picture a time when every household in Paris likely received a deluge of newspapers, ranging from dailies to weeklies. The Paris Star shared the stage with esteemed contemporaries like The Brant Review and The Star Transcript As the years waltzed on, only the Paris Star stood firm, a beloved voice of journalistic integrity. Even their longstanding rival, The Brantford Expositor, planted roots in Paris. Memories may stir of
other local publications like the Brant News and Paris This Week Let us journey back through the corridors of time and explore the tapestry of journalism in Paris, Ontario.
In the Beginning
Cast your mind back to June 1850, when Paris was but a humble village, not yet blossomed into a town At 9 Dumfries St in “Upper Town” Paris, within the Gore District of Canada West, a motley crew gathered around a “George Washington” newspaper press. The room was bathed in a golden hue, the sun's rays filtering through dusty panes. Crumpled sheets, ink-stained rags, brass galleys, and sturdy tables fashioned from long forgotten tombstones created a scene of
organized chaos Benjamin Causeway Hearle, a local conveyancer, stood among them, flanked by two printers and a lad of fifteen. The elder printer meticulously set the type, the steel forms clinking as they aligned. Ink met paper, and the first issue of the Paris Star emerged, a momentous occasion witnessed by the town's first physician, Dr. Robert McCosh.
The First Editor
Dr. McCosh, a man of letters and a staunch reformer, assumed the mantle of the Paris Star's first editor. A graduate of the University of Glasgow, his pen wielded political fervor and literary finesse. However, the tides of change swept in, and Mr. Hearle relinquished his interests to
LOCAL HISTORY
Jones and Harris of the Dundas Warder, kindred spirits in the world of gritty newspapers. Dr. McCosh's editorial duties continued, albeit with challenges, as the divide between Dundas and Paris strained the publication's coherence. The baton eventually passed to John and Josia Blackburn in January 1852, heralding a new era for the Paris Star.
Printing Pioneers
The printers of yore faced a herculean task in crafting each issue. With nothing but candlelight to guide their hands, they painstakingly set type, line by line, breathing life into the news. The advent of mechanical power in 1879 heralded a new dawn for Parisian printers. The clatter of the cylinder press and the hum of steam and later gasoline engines that transformed the printing landscape. Yet, it was the typesetting machine of 1934 that truly revolutionized the trade, lifting the burden of manual typesetting from weary shoulders.
As we bid adieu to the ink-stained pages of history, let us remember the Paris Star and its adversaries on the tapestry of Paris, Ontario. In the age of digital news and fleeting headlines, let us pause and pay homage to the ink-stained scribes who chronicled the heartbeat of a town through the ages to preserve our past forever.
The Paris Star Office c. 1870
As we traverse the realms of nostalgia and usher in a new era, the presses will once again hum with anticipation. Brace yourselves, for a new chapter in Paris' journalistic saga will unfold. The Paris Independent, our voice of truth and storytelling, will grace
newsstands, cafes, and eager hands of readers on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 Let us embrace this revival of print journalism, where the power of the written word reigns supreme, binding us together in the timeless dance of news and knowledge.
PDHS Sports teams battle it out in playoffs
Paris Titans Report with George Le Gresley
Senior Boys Basketball
Last Monday, the Panthers traveled to North Park and were defeated in quarter-final play 4938
Girls Volleyball
The Juniors qualified for quarterfinal play and traveled to North Park. The Panthers lost the match three games to none
In Senior play, the Panthers earned home-court advantage in quarterfinal play, playing the North Park Trojans on Monday In the first game, Scoring was back and forth between the two teams until the score was 24-14 in favour of the Panthers and the Trojans scored six straight points to make the score 24-19 Finally, the Panthers earned a side out point, ending the first game win 25-19.
The second game started with Paris taking a 4-0 start when the Trojans scored 5 points in a row to take a 9-6 lead. It was a battle until the end, with the teams tied at 25-25. Finally, the Panthers, having to win by two points, scored the next two points to take the win and a 2-0 lead in the best of 5 match.
The third game was a back-andforth match until the Panthers
18-19, and the Paris girls scored seven straight points to win the game and match
Next for the Seniors was a quarterfinal game against Caledonia's McKinnon Park Secondary
Unfortunately, the Panthers lost the match in three straight matches.
The season isn't over; they will compete again in a CWOSSA qualifying game next week. Congratulations to Eira Feairs, Kayla Padusenko, Lily Weir, Pyper Morley, Madi Burr, Rowan Worrall, Harley Shuart, Nora Kovacs, Kadence Parkins, Sydney Kipp, Nina Watler, Coach Wittchen and Coach Weaver for a great season
Girls Hockey
This team is the best hockey team in Paris They work very hard every game; they are dedicated by showing up to those 7 AM practices and there is a team culture cascaded from the senior
players to the younger players on the team.
On Tuesday, the Panthers defeated the North Park Trojans 13-0 and didn't allow one shot on net. A Trojan shot rang the crossbar of the Panther net but bounced away out of play. (In hockey, hitting a post doesn't count as a shot) So, I was curious how the Panthers goalies, Kenzie Coates and Brooklyn Boer, kept their heads in the game with so little activity Their secret during gameplay is to keep moving to stay warm and to keep their energy up They were both thankful for practice, where they got many shots to stop pucks. Down the road, these two athletes will be ready.
Their next game is the Athletic Association of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk Counties North championship next Wednesday, February 19, at 2:30 PM at the Brant Sports Complex
Pictured to the left is Paris Panthers goalies Kenzie Coates and Brooklyn Boer. The duo are part of the winning Girls Hockey team that is headed to the AABHN North Finals next week.
Photo by George Le Gresley
Titans win streak snapped with 3-2 overtime loss
By George Le Gresley
With a four-game winning streak, the Titans were on the road last Friday, starting with a match against the Dorchester Dolphins. There was only one goal in the first period, and the goal scorer was Jack Kersey in the first period, with his brother Cole getting the assist.
The second period's score sheet was all Dorchester, who marked two goals to take a 2-1 lead. In the third period, Dorchester had two players in the sin bin, giving the Titans a two-person advantage power play; Blake Kersey scored a power-play goal to tie the game at 2-2. Tyler Ward and Jack Kersey assisted the goal.
In overtime, the Dolphins scored the game-winner seven minutes into the overtime period for the win, ending the Titan's winning streak
The best part of dropping a streak, is to start a new one...and the Paris side had that opportunity last Sunday to face the Hespeler Shamrocks. The Titans made the scoresheet at 2:42 in the first period with a goal by Anthony Pede. Assist went to Luke Guagliano and Ethan Arrojado. Hespeler scored the next two goals, and the Titans trailed 2-1. In the second period, Hespeler extended their lead to 3-1 at 10:20, and 18 seconds later, Titan Emerson Verschoore scored to make the score 3-2. Assists went
PARIS WOLFPACK SCOREBOARD
February 7–U9MD#1 win 2-1 against Tillsonburg
February 7–U13LL#1 loses 3-2 against Port Dover 2
February 7–U18LL#3 lose 4-1 against Delhi 2
February 8–U13LL#1 lose 3-0 against Port Dover
February 8–U11LL#2 lose 3-1 against Six Nations 2
February 8–U9MDT#2 wins 5-2 against Tavistock
February 8–U15LL#1 ties 3-3 against Burford
February 9–U11LL#1 ties 2-2 against U11LL#2
February 9–U13LL#1 lose 5-3 against Port Dover 1
February 9–U9MD#1 lose 3-1 against Norfolk Knights
Thank-you Paris Minor Hockey sponsors Paris Optimist Club, Kings Wood Products, Mike Yarek Dodge, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, No Frills, Canadian Tire, Brant Sports Excellence, Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, Cobblestone Medicine Rehab, Desjardins, Tremco, Adkins Financial Service, Foodland for all your support! February
to Brady Seibert and Alex Foster. The period's final goal was a Titans power play goal by Josh Schell and Owen Lalonde and Max Koekoek assisted The period ended with the Paris boys tying the period 3-3.
The third period belonged to the Titans, with goals coming from Duncan Dodd and Josh Schell scoring his second goal, ending the game with a 5-3 win.
The Titans have two more games left this season, with the first game at the Brant Sports Complex on Sunday, February 16, at 7:30 pm against the Norwich Merchants and their final game on the road on Family Day in Wellesley against the Applejacks at 2:30.
Feb 7 –
Feb 13
February 10–U18LL#3 tie 2-2 against Waterford 2
February 10–U15LL#1 win 4-2 against Delhi 1
February 10–U18LL#2 win 4-3 against Delhi 2
February 11–U9LL#2 win 3-1 against Six Nations
February 11–U11LL#3 win 17-1 against Tillsonburg
February 11–U13LL#1 lose 4-1 against Waterford 1
February 13–U9MD#2 win 4-2 against Delhi 2
February 13–U11LL#2 lose 3-0 against Simcoe 2
February 13–U15LL#2 lose 8-0 against Waterford Wildcats
February 13–U18LL#2 wins 6-2 1-0 against U18LL#3
New display will help preserve area’s sports history
By Casandra Turnbull
The Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition Alliance Board is looking to expand community recognition with a new display in the Wayne Gretzky Centre that will showcase everyone who participated in the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games or Special Olympics. The idea is to capture not just athletes, but coaches and referees who were either born in Brantford and area OR resided in Brantford and area during the time they participated in the games
“We have some Olympians, Paralympians and Special Olympians that have been inducted into the hall, but a number who have not been inducted,” said Lisa Campbell Vice Chair of the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition Alliance Board “We want to make a specific display within the Sports Hall dedicated to the athletes, coaches, referees, etc that have represented our
area at these International competitions to help preserve our sports history for our area.
The Olympian, Paralympian and Special Olympian display will be located within the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford. It will include the name of the person, which year and Olympics, Paralympics or Special Olympic World Games they attended, what sport they competed in and if they were awarded any medals It will be a digital display making it easy to update if more names are submitted throughout the year.
The board is asking for all nominations by mid-March with the hopes of preparing and unveiling the display prior to the Special Olympics being hosted in Brantford and Brant County this summer.
Submit your nomination to sportshallalliance@gmail.com with the following information:
*Year(s) they participated in the
BRANT BATTALION HOCKEY
SCOREBOARD
February 7–U10A Battalions lose 7-3 against Oxford Storm
February 7– U16A Battalions lose 4-1 against New Hamburg
February 7– U18A Jr. Titans lose 7-40 against New Hamburg
February 8– U11B Battalions lose 6-0 against Delhi
February 8– U15A Battalions lose 5-1 against Strathroy
February 8– U21A Jr. Titans lose 4-1 against New Hamburg
February 8–U16A Battalions lose 5-3 against South Oxford
Olympics, Paralympics or Special Olympics
*Sport event they participated in
*If they were an athlete, coach, referee, etc.
*If any medals were won and if yes, was it Gold, Silver or Bronze
*What area they reside when they participated (City of Brantford, County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River or Mississauga of the Credit First Nation)
*Any additional information relevant to their success
The Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition is a 3,000 square foot space which proudly recognizes hometown heroes through features such as Inductee artifact and memorabilia displays, Honour Wall of Recognition, Interactive Inductee touch screen zone, Trivia Game and Broadcast Booth as well as a mini theatre and Wayne Gretzky tribute area This digital display will be the newest addition to the recognition area.
February 9–U18A Jr. Titans lose 5-3 against St. Thomas
February 9–U15B Battalions win 3-2 against Twin Centre
February 9–U15A Battalions lose 5-3 against Mt Brydges
February 9–U11A Battalions lose 4-3 against South Oxford
February 11–U10A Battalions win 7-3 against New Hamburg
February 11 - U13A Battalions lose 5-0 against New Hamburg
Want
to catch some fast-paced fun this weekend?
The Paris Ringette Association is hosting its Annual Tournament with close to 60 teams from across Ontario competing in age brackets ranging from U10 to U19. A full tournament list is available here
Catch the U16A team in action as this tournament is a provincial qualifier for the team that is looking to secure a spot in provincials. Paris will face Chatham at 3:30 pm today (February 15th) at the Brant Sports Complex and with the finals for the U16A scheduled for Sunday at 11 am. All photos by Penalty Point Media
Robbie Burns Day Champs!
A team representing the Paris Curling Club travelled to Ayr recently for the Robbie Burns Day Bonspiel, returning home with the Senior Men’s Championship title. Team Speakman, comprised of one current PCC member, two former PCC members and a good friend of the PCC, won both of their games by wide margins on route to finishing in the top spot in their draw. Congratulations to Larry, Randy, Bert and Randy. Team Tamowski – Kurt, Karl, Marty and Brian, also attended the point spiel and won one game and lost one game on the day.
Paris Billiards Beat at Sharkey's in Brantford
By Scoop Stewart
MVP: Congratulations to Chris Whelan, who played alone yet managed to finish no worse than second place in every game.
Winners: Rising like seasoned firefighters to battle a blazing inferno, John Emerson and Billy "Eight Ball" Beechey extinguished their competition with fiery determination.
Runners-Up: Darin Ayres and Greig Graham put up a valiant effort and secured the runner-up positions.
Winners of the Losers: Jason Holmes and Jimmy Flood clinched a miraculous victory in their final game, preventing a winless night
Good Guy Award: This week's accolade goes to Darin Ayres, a lastminute fill-in. True fact: Darin's father, the legendary Jimmy Ayres, pioneered the slap shot in the East Coast league long before Bobby Hull.
Quote of the Day: "Once you learn to fake sincerity, you have it made." - WC Fields
Shot of the Day: Pat Fergus showcased his prowess by skillfully redirecting shots, often missing his intended target but sinking his team's balls, nonetheless. The Master of Misdirection indeed.
Old Scoop bids his beloved Loveey and her mother Dianne a joyous Valentine's Day weekend filled with love from the Stewart family.
Always a pleasure signing off till next week, Scoop Stewart
County of Brant Approves New Community Engagement Framework and Policy
MEDIA RELEASE - County of Brant, ON – The County of Brant has taken a significant step toward strengthening community engagement with the approval of its new Community Engagement Framework and Policy at the February 5 Policy Development Committee meeting. This framework outlines a transparent, inclusive, and accessible approach to engaging with members of the public, ensuring meaningful opportunities for community input on County decisions.
The Community Engagement Framework and Policy was developed with direct input from the community, it is supported by best practices and aligns with the County’s recently approved strategic goals.
“This new framework demonstrates our commitment to engaging with our community in meaningful ways,” said County of Brant Mayor, David Bailey.
“The County of Brant is growing, and it is more important than ever that our residents feel heard and have the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of our community. I encourage everyone to get involved and learn more about community
engagement is Brant.”
The framework is guided by core principles, introduces clear levels of engagement, and aims to create better awareness regarding how decisions are made in the County of Brant It also supports County staff in consistently designing, planning, and delivering meaningful engagement opportunities to better connect with residents.
“The approval of this framework is a milestone for the County of Brant,” said County of Brant Public Consultation Specialist, Dana Steane. “Public engagement is about building trust, promoting transparency, and ensuring that everyone in the community has meaningful opportunities to contribute to decision-making This framework and policy provide the guidance needed to make that happen.”
Residents can learn more about the Community Engagement Framework and Policy and ways to engage by visiting www.engagebrant.ca/CommunityEngagement
More than 2,000 suspension orders issued to students because of invalid immunization records
A total of 2,006 students in Brantford-Brant-HaldimandNorfolk have received suspension orders because they have not met the requirements of the Immunization of School PupilsAct (ISPA).
The Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH), formerly the Brant County Health Unit, made the announcement this week The suspensions will take effect March 25, 2025. In the Brant-Brantford area, the suspensions applied to students in cohorts 2008, 2013, and 2017. It was not clear how many students of the 2,006 reside I the Brant-Brantford area, opposed to Haldimand-Norfolk It was reported that multiple reminder notices were previously provided to students starting in July 2024.
“Ensuring that all students are up to date with their immunizations is crucial for the health and safety of our school communities By enforcing the Immunization of School Pupils Act, we aim to protect students from vaccine-preventable diseases by maintaining high immunization coverage rates. We urge parents and guardians to review their children’s immunization records
and report any updates or deficiencies to public health promptly,” said Dr. Malcolm Lock, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Grand Erie Public Health. GEPH is required to collect and maintain the immunization records of all students under the age of 18 attending school in the Brantford-Brant-Haldimand Norfolk regions. This is to ensure that all students have up-to-date immunization records in the event of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease. Routine childhood immunizations are administered to prevent outbreaks of tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, and varicella Under the Act, it remains the responsibility of the parent/guardian to report immunizations to public health, not of the health care provider.
Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is one of Ontario’s public health units GEPH formed in January 2025 when the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and Brant County Health Unit merged.
DID YOU KNOW?
Many types of health records from the Brant Community Healthcare System can be viewed using ConnectMyHealth, a free, secure, web-based portal? This digital health solution provides you with an online single access channel to view your health records and there is no cost to use it.
ConnectMyHealth is different than other patient portals because it combines various types of health records created at hospitals you've been to in the Ontario Health West Region into one, consolidated view. Click here to learn more and register!
Finding her roots, across the pond!
Paris woman details her journey to England to research ancestry pool that traces back to 18th century
I think we’ve all heard the Ancestry DNA stories of people finding their longlost parents, children or siblings but there are other stories to be told as well.
I’ve previously written about finding a Black cousin, Lisa, in Texas and getting to meet and know her family. This was a wonderful experience. That connection was made through the 23andMe DNA research
Wanting more, I also subscribed to the Ancestry DNA group. This search engine provides names, birth and death dates/locations and occasionally pictures of long-ago relatives. It also provides hints of who may have birthed who, and once you do a bit of checking on dates and locations, it is easy to add the person to your family tree.
Following this strategy through my dad’s family, I was able to go back to a John Hobbs, 1788-1862, born in Wotton-UnderEdge, Gloucestershire, England. The trip to England was already planned to visit my partner’s family, so I did a little research into
Wotton Pronounced like cotton, but with a “W ” .
The town has a very long history, first being mentioned in 940 AD, where King Edmund of Wessex leases out the land in “Wudetun” . Through the years there have been various spellings of the name In 1375 it was known as “Wotton under Hegge”, in 1386 as “Wotton Undyrheg” . With excitement building, I did a little more snooping into the current town and discovered The Swan Inn. Built in the 17th century, so definitely there when John Hobbs was born, a plan was coming together After a discussion with Roy, it was decided that we’d rent a car for the last few days of our two-week stint in England and go see what we could find in Wotton. Roy has driven many times in England and was very comfortable with driving on the “other side” We had another lovely visit with family. We got away from Portsmouth a little later than intended, but GPS is a wonder. I will say that the roads approaching Wotton were barely more than a squiggly goat path. With giant hedgerows
Paris woman Karon Sinning stands beside her ancestor Daniel Hobbs’ grave in England during a recent trip where she explored her ancestry. Daniel died at age 61 in 1876.
on either side of the road, hairpin turns and oncoming traffic, in a light drizzle, manoeuvring these were a challenge. The trip from Portsmouth was about three hours.
Arriving at The Swan Hotel, it was exactly what I’d expected. I’d seen the online pictures, but the reality was better. The ancient building, kept up to date, down a narrow cobbled street could have jumped right out of a Dickens’ novel. It was a bit rainy when we arrived, so we dropped the bags at the
door and went to park the car Checking in was quick and easy; however, the room was a bit small. There were larger rooms and next time booking an historic inn, I will opt for the upgrade. The hallways up to our room were a warren of corridors and stairs, a large staircase initially, then a stair or three along the halls. Even the stairs were on angles! The staff who showed us up took the wrong way the first time.
Continued on page 24
TRAVEL BLOG
The Inn offers a pub on the first floor, so once settled in our room it was off for our supper Dinner was delicious, but the atmosphere was the highlight. I could just feel the history ooze through the building Rain arrived overnight with it pelting on the windows quite heavily I was a bit anxious for our day out in the morning, but other than a few puddles, the day broke sunny and cool. I had done some research and found that the Wotton Heritage Centre was a block away from the Inn; off we went
Jeff Walshe was the man in charge and was very interested and helpful when I explained that I was looking for information on my ancestor John Hobbs He immediately set out looking through their computer Roy and I browsed through the museum, picking up flyers and books about Wotton After many searches, Jeff was not able to find any information on the Hobbs surname He wasn’t deterred and seeing the church flyer in my hand said, “oh, have a look in there”
The flyer entitled “Wotton-under-Edge” Tomb Trail offers a guide to the three Pre1900 cemeteries in Wotton. Listed by surname it didn’t take long to spot “Hobbs” in the list! St Mary’s Parish Church is the largest church in Wotton and very old, easily dated to the 1200s Map in hand, off we went. The weather was perfect for trekking through the village, and it was mere minutes before I was standing by my ancestors' graves
Daniel and William Hobbs, not John who I had come in search of, but Ancestry soon connected them to my DNA. Standing outside the church, we chatted with a woman who was there waiting for a wedding to finish. She suggested we speak to the Vicar (Minister) afterwards and I may get some help finding additional family records
We waited and were pleased to see the bride and groom covered with rose petals as they exited the church. The Vicar was able to point me to an address on their bulletin board and an email has been sent requesting more info The rest of the day was just puttering through shops and enjoying the small English village of my ancestors.
Meanwhile, back at home….
Another interesting find was much closer to home. A contact from a “cousin” in Burlington led to discovering a whole branch of my family that I wasn’t aware of The cousin, Lorraine, is very into genealogy and was a great source of information on my dad’s side Lorraine had actually posted a picture of my great grandmother, Lucy.
Continued on page 25
Pictured is the St. Mary’s Parish Church (to the left), the largest church in Wotton, and easily dates to the 1200s. Above is the Swan Hotel, built in the 17th century. The ancient building, kept up to date, was located down a narrow, cobbled street that she says could have jumped right out of a Dickens’ novel.
Photos by Karon Sinning
TRAVEL BLOG
Another interesting find in Karon’s genealogy pool hit much closer to home. A contact from a “cousin” in Burlington led to discovering a whole branch of my family that she wasn’t aware of, so the family arranged a get together in Hamilton at Fisher’s Pub, pictured above.
Our grandmothers were sisters! I was aware my grandmother had 3 sisters, but I really only knew my Auntie Olive Her son and daughter-in-law were my Godparents. Lorraine’s grandmother was Auntie Buff. Coolest aunt name ever! Once upon a time our families lived in houses close to each other in Stoney Creek A place called Stop 69, the Millen Road area I think it was the number of the bus stop. My sister actually lived there with my mom and dad before I was born. Lorraine arranged a family get together in Hamilton to meet these cousins.
The event was planned at Fisher’s Pub on James Street North. The old north end of Hamilton I was raised mostly in the east end of Hamilton. The owners are also cousins Ed and Eileen. The lunch was lovely and for me solved 2 mysteries!
My cousin Helen and her husband came with Roy and I so at least I would know one of them! I grew up with Helen being like an older sister to me. On arriving, I spied another cousin I knew, Pam. Her parents were my Godparents. With Pam was another woman I did not know, but who turned out to be the answer to one of my mysteries.
As a teenager, I was on a date with an Italian boy. He was driving a van, and we picked up a group of his friends I was riding up front with him and from the back of the van came a girl’s voice, “are you Karon Hobbs?” Yes! “Oh, I’m your cousin!” No idea why I didn’t pursue it but that was all I remembered from that meeting. It did, however, stay with me my entire life. Wondering who it could have been.
I thought I’d solved it once, with another cousin but it just never felt right.
This woman, Kim, starts waving at me saying, “It was me! In the van!” Now that felt right! One mystery solved We are now friends on Facebook, and I smile every time I see her name come up.
The second mystery is quite a bit older My dad passed away when I was 9 yrs old and somehow, I ended up with his grade 3 reading book. The date inside the book is 1935. It has, what I believe, is his handwriting, with a little caricature of a man smoking a pipe.
Tucked inside the book is an envelope that was sent to me, again while I was a teenager There is a lovely little note from an Aunt Margaret enclosing a newspaper clipping. The article describes an accident where my then 12-year-old father fell through the ice on a pond and was rescued Neither I nor my mom knew who this Aunt Margaret was, but I saved that letter inside my dad’s book.
Back to the luncheon, Audrey one of the elderly cousins who couldn’t attend the lunch was brought in via FaceTime. The envelope I had contained the address of Aunt Margaret and surprise ending, this cousin still lived in that house Aunt Margaret was her mom! Lorraine and I have stayed in touch since that first get together and I’m hoping to meet up with her again for another lunch! If you are looking for a great “pub lunch”, Fisher’s Pub in Hamilton is an excellent choice!
Brantford-Brant jobless rate remains lowest in Ontario
Still unclear what threat of American tariffs will have on local hiring
Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie Press
Release – The Brantford area’s jobless rate was the lowest in the province in January, though employment actually fell locally
The Brantford-Brant jobless rate dropped to 5% in January, down from December’s 5.1%, even though an estimated 500 fewer people were employed, according to Statistics Canada’s seasonally adjusted figures, based on a survey of some local households.
Canada added 76,000 jobs in January, the third straight month of employment gains, and the unemployment rate dipped to 6.6%. Over the last three months Canada has added 211,000 jobs. Employment rose in Ontario by 39,000 positions, but the jobless rate climbed 0.1% to 7.6%.
The Brantford area edged out Thunder Bay, at 5.1%, for lowest unemployment rate in Ontario. Brantford beat neighbouring communities by a wider margin, with St. Catharines-Niagara being the closest at 6.1%.
Despite the strong numbers, the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie is taking a cautious tone
“We’ve heard a less positive story from the Employment Ontario organizations that provide help to jobseekers,” said Danette Dalton, the planning board’s executive director. “They report that many local employers aren’t hiring and that jobseekers are frustrated and discouraged.”
Dalton said the number of residents not in the labour force – neither employed nor unemployed – jumped last September and has remained stubbornly high since then
“The number of youths 15 to 24 not in the labour force has increased the most, indicating that they have been hit the hardest by the slowdown in hiring,” she said.
Dalton said it is unclear what the threat of American tariffs on Canadian goods has or will have on local hiring, but that the planning board is investigating ways it can support businesses if they are impacted.
The planning board’s Grand Erie Jobs platform saw a sizeable jump in new online job postings in January, with 1,600, up from about 1,000 in December. However, the total number of active jobs postings, which includes some carried over from the month before, was down.
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
Above is a representation of Grand Erie’s top 10 most in-demand jobs. Topping the list is Food services with 40 listings in January 2025. Ranking second is nurses with 29 job postings and third is retail sales, also with 29 help wanted posts. These stats are collected from Grand Erie Jobs active listings.
ASTROLOGY
Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –Show the world what you’ve got! The spotlight’s on you, so don’t be afraid to steal the show Whether you’re focused on a passion project, making a bold move in love, or just vibing with some carefree fun it’s all about going big or going home!
Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) – Are you truly being yourself at home? If your space or family situation isn’t in sync with the person you are today, it’s time for a shift Stop hiding yourself this is your chance to be fully self expressed or create a space that lets your true self shine through
Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air)If you’ve been holding back in conversations, feeling like your voice doesn’t matter, or avoiding sharing your creative ideas, you’re getting a cosmic push to break through those barriers. This is your moment to speak from the heart, say what’s on your mind, and make your voice heard
Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) - Are you honoring your worth, or are you selling yourself short? Take pride in what you bring to the table no more settling for less than you deserve You might feel the urge to splurge on things that bring you joy, but keep it in check!
Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –You’re the star of the show called Your Life, so own it! The universe is basically shouting, “Shine even brighter!” Yup, be bolder, more unapologetic but stay humble and lead by example. Your confidence will spark that same fire in others to own their fierce power too
Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – What part of you’s been hiding? Get real with yourself, reflect, and embrace those vulnerabilities around your confidence, creativity, and selfexpression This is a pivotal moment to heal, release old emotional wounds, and stop letting the past or your perfectionism hold you back from stepping into your full power
Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air) – Are your friends hyping you up or cramping your vibe? If it’s the latter, stop shrinking to fit in this is your cosmic cue to choose yourself over the need to be liked by others. Don’t think twice about walking away from those who no longer match your energy
Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – Playing small with your legacy? Enough of that! Own your wins and let your brilliance shine Stop chasing titles or opportunities that don’t light you up only go for what truly excites you, and get ready to unlock a whole new level of career success and fulfillment.
Aquarius: January 20 –February 18 (Air) – Are you being seen for who you really are, or just blending in with the background? Stop hiding, giving more than you’re getting and settling for less Own your needs, set those boundaries, and remember you deserve so much more than what you’ve been putting up with
Pisces: February 19March 20 (Water) – Time to add some fun and balance to your daily grind! If self-care’s been on the backburner, make it a priority and give yourself the TLC you deserve. Whether it’s tackling that health issue or switching up your routine, listen to your body—it knows what you need right now
Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – If you’ve been keeping quiet or holding back your truth, those sneaky limiting beliefs are about to get called out Awareness is cute, but upgrading your mindset? That’s where the magic happens The universe is pushing you to ditch the comfort zone and live your truth loud and proud
Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – The universe is shining a spotlight on that emotional baggage you’ve been holding onto. Yup, it’s time to take back your power! Face those old wounds that are dimming your vibe, let go of toxic drama, and ditch the power struggles You’re WAY stronger than you’re giving yourself credit for
Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford For Saturday, February 15, 2025
