The Paris Independent for Saturday February 24th, 2024

Paris

A total of 53 teams from across Ontario descended on Paris last weekend for the Paris Ringette Association’s annual tournament A few Paris teams earned medals during some action-packed games. Above, a Paris Thunder U16A player battles for the ring against two Waterloo Wildfire opponents. Paris won 5-4 to advance to the gold medal game. Catch all the details, plus more photos on pages 16-18.

Photo by Michelle Malvaso

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

Michelle

George

Rubyyy

Stephen

COMMUNITY NEWS

TODAY! LEARN TO CURL!– Saturday, February 24th , 1PM TO 4PM at the Paris Curling Club, 14 Oak Ave Paris Everyone is invited to the Open House. Bring the family to celebrate Curling Day in Canada with the Paris Curling Club. Give the sport a shot! Bring warm active clothes and clean indoor shoes.

TODAY! CREATE YOUR OWN 3-D PRINTER DESIGNS – Saturday, February 24th at 2 pm at the County of Brant Library – Paris Branch. In our 3D Design using Tinkcard program, you’ll discover the world of 3D design and printing More information available online

TODAY! WINTER WONDERLAND PRINCESS MEET & GREET- Saturday, February 24th at the Scotland Community Centre from 1 pm to 3 pm, hosted by the County of Brant. Meet Anna and Kristoff from Frozen, free snacks, face painting, crafts music and more!

PARIS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEETINGMarch 6th, 2024, at the Paris Fairgrounds; social time starts at 7 pm Meeting at 7:30 PM Our guest speaker is Jim Hall, his topic is ‘All About Dahlias’. Jim is with the Hamilton Dahlia Society. He will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Dahlias Come on out for a very informative evening. We welcome visitors. Come and join your local Garden Club!

SPAGHETTI SUPPER – Etonia United Church, #101 Highway 2, Etonia on Wednesday March 6th from 5 – 6:30 pm. Adults $20, children 12 and under $5 and preschoolers are free. Includes garlic bread, dessert and refreshments. Take out orders available Wheelchair accessible

MUSIC BINGO – Wednesday March 6 from 6 -8 pm at Flux Brewing Company. In honour of International Women’s Day, the $5 cover will be donated to Nova Vita Brant. Walk-ins only, get here to save a spot!

Click on the ad to register for this free event!

TODAY! THE GRAND RIVERMEN –

Saturday, February 24th from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Paris Legion. $5 cover. Come and enjoy this hugely popular band. In other Legion News, have you ever had Friday night supper at the legion? Follow them online to see the weekly menu.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

MARCH MEET & MINGLE – Presented by the Paris Performers Theatre on March 15th at 7 pm at St. Paul’s United Church. Get to know the Paris Performers Theatre and its members! Everyone welcome.

AUTHOR EVENTS AT THE LIBRARY – Hosted by the County of Brant Library - Explore the art of writing with critically acclaimed author Mariam Pirbhai! Friday, March 29, 2024 2 PM at the Paris Library Branch, more info: https://brantlibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails ?EventId=12927&backTo=Calendar&startDate=202 4/03/01

PARIS LION’S CLUB MAPLE SYRUP

FESTIVAL - Saturday, April 13th from 7 am to 4 pm Pancakes and maple syrup all day – including

vendors, crafts, and entertainment from Joan Minnery and her group of musicians, Barry Hussey and Doug the Great. Don’t miss out on this annual tradition held downtown Paris on Grand River Street north between William Street and Mechanic Street (street closure for the entire day).

PARIS HOMECRAFT SERIES – PIE MAKING

EVENT – Saturday, March 2 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the Paris Fairgrounds hosted by Elaine Tully and Laura Tousaw. No experience required, everyone welcome. More information regarding registration available online

As waste collection fees rise, councillors presented with options to reduce costs and extend current

contract with Emterra

Also, provincial changes to Blue Box program will exclude commercial, industrial and agricultural customers from curbside pick-up, starting in 2025

By CasandraTurnbull

Garbage and recycling were the centre of discussion this week at the Administration and Operations Committee meeting on February 20th .

County staff were asking for council support to extend the current waste collection provider’s contract after an unsuccessful RFP failed to attract any new contractors.

Higher than budgeted waste collection fees and changes to the Blue Box program have prompted the County of Brant to nix the idea of organic waste collection as just one way to cut costs and save some money.

During the meeting, councillors were presented with two staff reports one for the waste collection contract extension, the other to review changes to the Blue Box Program

The first discussion centred around the current solid waste collection contract, which expires on December 31, 2024 A Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new contract closed at the end of 2023. Only one submission was received from Halton Recycling Ltd, a.k.a Emterra Environmental, the county’s current collector. Their only bid was 106% greater than the County’s budgeted

$1,431,010, despite cost savings Emterra will see through provincial regulation changes to the Blue Box Program.

According to Emterra, their higher bid is attributed to a 50% increase in staffing costs over the last seven years (since the start of this current contract), rising costs in vehicle maintenance and fuel, higher insurance charges and interest rates and inflation.

Most of the councillors present were not pleased to hear of the increased fees, given waste collection services have lacked consistency within the last year in particular Many say they field constant calls from constituents to report curb-side services were not picked up as planned, and it’s happening on a regular basis, councillors noted. Councillor John Bell said he’d like to see that issue addressed in the next contract Councillor John Peirce agreed

“Emterra has a contract to fulfill, and it seems to be happening more often in the last 6-8 months (unfulfilled pick-ups). What I would like to understand, even if we just went back the last year, how many times have we invoked the clause so we can let constituents know it is not going unseen.” Peirce was referring to a clause in the contract where

Emterra is fined for not keeping up with collecting curbside pick-up as scheduled

Rob Walton, General Manager of Operations for the County of Brant, defended Emterra to an extent, stating it (missed pick-up) doesn’t happen often and usually there are extenuating circumstances, such as vehicle breakdowns because of aging equipment. But Walton agreed that releasing that information requested by Peirce would be beneficial to satisfy public curiosity “It’s not as often as you would think,” said Walton.

Councillor Peirce was also concerned as to why no one, other than Emterra, put forth a bid. Five waste collection agencies picked up the tender but only Emterra submitted a bid.

“What have we learned from this tender; how can we do things differently?” asked Peirce.

Walton and County staff representatives advised one area to reconsider in future contracts would be certain clauses surrounding manual labour, versus allowing more automated labour

That would entail spending more to upgrade infrastructure on the trucks (to add robotics) and delivering specialized bins to residents. This is an attractive feature for contractors because it’s safer for staff and helps them retain staffing levels, which translates to more consistent service in a shorterperiod of time.

The Administration and Operations committee gave county staff the approval to negotiation a Solid Waste Collection contract extension with Emterra to May 31, 2027. To reduce costs, the county could negotiate any of the following changes to the contract: weekly pick-up in urban areas and biweekly in rural areas, biweekly pick-up county wide, one side of a road pick up in designated areas, a six- day collection cycle, a reduction in yard waste collection and discontinuing the Christmas tree

pick up. Updates on that negotiation process will be back before council for final approval

In that same recommendation, Councillors also voted to postpone any explored opportunities to expand the Solid Waste Collection Program to include a Source Separated Organics Program. They’ll revisit the organics recycling program in a new RFP that will be authorized in 2026. This also allows time for people to adjust to changes coming to the Blue Box program.

Councillor Lukas Oakley was not pleased to hear the organic waste collection was postponed.

Oakley questioned the numbers behind adding organic waste collection to the contract extension, noting no solid figures were provided in the staff report. He asked Walton

for more detailed information in the coming weeks.

New provincial regulations to the Blue Box program are coming down the pipe too. These changes will exclude ineligible sources, effective January 1, 2025, from curb-side blue box pick up.

‘Ineligible sources’ includes industrial, commercial, not-for-profit organizations, county-owned facilities (libraries, arenas, community centres, firehalls) daycares, places of worship campgrounds and farms.

These exclusions, will undoubtedly lead to more recyclables in the landfill, say Councillor Steve Howes and Councillor Oakley.

Raising awareness for Scout Canada & Girl Guides

Did you know that February 1925 is Scout- Guide Awareness week? Scouts Canada and The Girl Guides of Canada invite you to learn more about these kidfriendly programs that contributes to kids’ educations through a value system that puts an emphasis on developing young people physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually Scouts Canada has over 50,000 participants country wide, while Girl Guides of Canada empowers around 97,000 young girls.

On Monday, February 19th, Mayor

Brant County Council

David Bailey joined representatives from both groups to raise flags outside of

Chambers in honour of the week of recognition.

Photo credit Mayor Bailey Facebook

Oakley added these negative changes directly contradict the County’s 2019 pledge to be more environmentally friendly and conflicts with their upcoming ClimateAction plan.

“I have a great deal of concern about this, about us delaying our organic waste collections. So, I’m not going to be able to support not continuing to offer the services for what is a p**s poor roll out of a provincial program that has unattended consequences that they are not thinkingof,” said Oakley Annually, it costs the county $225,000 to provide curbside Blue

Box collection to ineligible sources (excluding industrial). When that requirement is no longer available through the Blue Box Program, the county will offer free Blue Box material drop off at the Paris Transfer Station and Biggars Lane Landfill at an estimated cost of $25,000 a year. Councillor Howes wondered if the committee could defer this decision to the 2025 budget or if staff needed direction now for contractual purposes Walton confirmed they needed direction now

The committee voted to support the plan to offer material drop off at the

Paris and Biggars Lane Landfills. Only Councillor Oakley and Bell opposed it.

County staff will work on a communication plan to inform impacted businesses of this change. Howes encouraged county staff to engage with the county BIAs to start the conversation and gather their feedback.

County staff plan to lobby the Province through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to revisit the decision and to allow ineligible sources as part of regular curbsideBlue Box program.

Councillors explain why they voted in favour of reconsidering council’s prior approval of the New Main Branch Library plans

Garneau, Kyle and Coleman release open letter to the community

To the Editor:

Our colleague, Councillor John Bell, recently took the brave step of putting his name behind the motion to reconsider the proposed New Main Library branch project. A motion to reconsider a decision is a special motion that does not allow for the typical discussion and debate that takes place with other motions under normal circumstances. As a result, procedure took away our ability to speak to our motives for supporting the resolution and next steps at the Special Council Meeting on February 1st. We are taking that opportunity now in this open letter to our community.

While the project was approved by Council in principle to move to the detailed design and tender stage, the project has not yet been given the green light to proceed to construction This decision will be made once the tendered costs are received and presented to Council. For us, voting in favour of reconsidering Council’s June 2023 decision was not a vote against the County of Brant Library, nor to sell the Bawcutt Centre Rather, we saw this as an opportunity to revisit the

scope of the project to make sure Council brought forward a project that stood a stronger chance of receiving final approval.

Since June, Council received the draft Long-Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Plan, and information about our debt capacity. While the project as currently proposed does not directly draw on the 2024 property tax levy, it will affect the County’s ability to borrow money for other projects If grants and donations fall short of targets, the property tax levy will have to make up the difference.

We all contribute to and reap the benefits of the services, infrastructure, programs, facilities, culture, heritage, and spectacular landscape across the County The three of us also come from the farming community and rural parts of the County, and we know rural infrastructure needs reinvestment, community programs and recreation facilities are at capacity, and the broader community needs a modern hospital Our job as Councillors is to balance these competing priorities, and we take the responsibility of allocating your tax dollars seriously.

We want to see the Bawcutt Centre restored in ways that best benefit the community We also want to see that the County of Brant Library has the facilities needed to meet the needs of our growing municipality. We believe there are multiple ways to facilitate this, but without reconsidering prior decisions, these conversations cannot happen now Instead, the County will incur more costs to complete detailed drawings that will allow contractors to quote construction costs. We remain concerned Council will not be able to approve the New Main Library branch construction contract due to cost, especially since Council does not have an approved budget for this project

With that said, we do respect Council’s democratic process and will continue working together with our fellow Councillors for the betterment of the County of Brant.

Sincerely,

Christine Garneau (Ward 5), Jennifer Kyle (Ward 1) & Brian Coleman (Ward 5), County of Brant Councillors

Chili chefs and hungry tasters pack the Legion for successful inaugural Chili Cook Off

By Casandra Turnbull

Mayor David Bailey and partner Jim Triemstra brought the heat and claimed top honours at the 1st Annual Chili Cook-Off hosted by the Paris Legion Branch 29. Only a mere seven votes behind David and Jim were the Spicey Girls from Ayr (were there voting points for best dressed?)

Photo to the left shared by Mayor David Bailey

It was a spicey fiesta at the Paris legion last weekend as cooks brought their best and coveted chili recipes to the branch for the first Annual Chili Cook Off. The fundraiser was part of the Legion’s ongoing efforts to raise money for upgrades to the aging facility and around 100 people showed up ready to taste samples from nine different teams who entered the contest. Close to $500 was raised for the renovation fund. Competition was fierce as contestants shared their secret recipes with the people of Paris, who showed up to sample the best of the best. No doubt there was a variety of chili recipes and lots of friendly smack talk as contestants got into the full spirit of the event. Samples were rated on a scale of 1-5 based on colour, aroma, texture, heat and flavour A total of 290 votes were cast.

Mayor David Bailey and his partner Jim Triemstra (Be Ready Wards 2 & 3) brought the heat – and it was well received as the duo claimed top honours

Vegetarians look away! Meat Lover’s try not to drool at the sight of this three-meat chili complete with a brisket chaser courtesy of Ward 3 Councillors Steve and Lukas. Word is they were out of chili within an hour!

The Spicey Girls from Ayr were close runner ups, only trailing David and Jim by seven votes. Finally, Derek and Carol Gibbons (Not your mother’s chili) rounded out the top three with their tasty recipe Paris Ward 2 Councillors Lukas Oakley and Steve Howes also entered the contest, sharing their finetuned chili recipe modified from @tedgrills (yes, the one and only Ted Reader who grew up in Paris and is arguably the BBQ King!). Their three-meat recipe, ingredients courtesy of Browndale Farm, was topped off with a brisket chaser to cleanse the palate Other entries included the Paris & District Chamber of Commerce (Chamber Chili Champs), Helen Banks and Linda Buck (The Branch Gran Beeners), Travis White (Game On), the Optimist Club (Chi-Chi Chilies), and The Arlington Hotel (Chef Jeremy Barrett)

“I would like to thank all of the contestants and all the

people who took the time out of their busy lives to show up and support our event,” said Paris Legion Branch 29 President Donald MacLeod. The event was so popular, you couldn’t find a seat in the place! “Special thanks to Roy Haggart for all his hard work organizing the event,” he added.

As for MacLeod’s personal favourite, and winner of his coveted vote, (with no bias, really!), Helen and Linda – the Branch Gran Beaners!

Considering the success of this inaugural event, MacLeod confirmed the Legion will host the cook-off again next year, incorporating a few modifications to enhance the competition.

If you have a famous, award-winning recipe, fine tune it now in preparation for next year’s event because we have a feeling that many contestants will be back for redemption!

Of course, the Legion would represent at its own event! To the left is entry #6 aka Helen Banks with the Branch Gran Beeners. To the right, the Chi-ChiChilies, who also do some pretty great community work with the Paris Optimist Club. County of Brant Chamber of Commerce photos

The Paris & District Chamber of Commerce offered up some Chamber Chili and sharing some important literature at the same time! It was packed at the Legion last Saturday. If you didn’t get out but want to support the legion, 300 Club tickets are on sale now. Find out more here

Paris campers Brave the Cold to raise money and awareness for homelessness

By Casandra Turnbull

There's only one way to gain a true understanding of a situationand that is by experiencing it, or in this case, living it.

For the third consecutive year, brave residents faced the elements of a Canadian winter and camped out at Paris Springs Seasonal Park on Kitchener Road, just outside of town, to raise funds for local homelessness programming. They ‘Braved the Cold’for a three-night campout, mostly in tents and self-made structures to try and block out the wind as temperatures dipped below zero last weekend.

Randy and Cordelia Knowles, owners of Paris Springs Park, organized Brave the Cold Fundraiser to raise awareness and money for local agencies who aid people in need. It started in 2022 and has since gained moment and much-needed attention.

The statistics are astounding and it’s happening here in your community. Homelessness is no longer an issue in just the larger urban cities, it’s happening everywhere. The obstacles to securing housing vary from no or limited income to health issues, family breakdown, criminal history, addiction, mental health issues and lack of affordable housing.

For more information on local statistics, shelters and services available, click here

Brave the Cold fundraiser has come to an end. All campers have survived their three nights braving the cold last weekend. Yes, they had a huge fire to keep them warm, but it did get cold through the night. Well-done to all involved. Money raised will be donated to local charities involved with homelessness. View the video above - a CHCH News report from the campsite.

Moore-ish Caribbean Cookhouse a family affair –Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Family Day

On Monday, February 19th , Mayor Bailey had the pleasure of attending a fantastic ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Grand Opening of the Moore-ish Caribbean Cookhouse! Join us in congratulating Moore-ish Caribbean Cookhouse on their remarkable debut in Paris. Did you know that the name "Moore-ish" (inspired by the incredible head chef Andrea LevyMoore) is a clever play on the word "moreish" meaning a food or drink that is so good, it leaves you wanting more! It perfectly captures the essence of their mouthwatering dishes and delightful beverages that leave you craving for more! If you're a fan of Caribbean cuisine or simply love exploring new flavors, make sure to visit Moore-ish Caribbean Cookhouse at 1 Hartley Avenue. Your taste buds are in for an unforgettable experience! Check out their menu online and give them a warm Paris welcome!

The Legacy of Adams Wagon Company: From Blacksmith Shop in

Paris to The Sanderson Centre in Brantford

Paris, Ontario, a town steeped in history, owes much of its industrial heritage to the visionary entrepreneurs who shaped its destiny. Among the earliest, Peter Adam, a Scottish immigrant who arrived in Paris in the mid-19th century, left an impressive legacy with his establishment of Adams Wagon Company in 1863. What began as a humble blacksmith shop on the corner of Broadway and Mechanic Street soon evolved into a thriving enterprise, producing a diverse range of metal products, including horseshoes, tools, and farm implements.

Peter Adam's sons, William and John, assumed the reins of the company and propelled its growth to new heights. Expanding beyond blacksmithing, they ventured into the realm of horse-drawn vehicles, crafting wagons, carriages, and sleighs renowned for their quality and durability As demand soared, the company outgrew its downtown location and relocated to a larger factory on Capron Street in Paris Junction.

The reputation of Adams Wagon Company spread far and wide, prompting its expansion into neighboring Brantford. Brantford, itself a village of modest size, witnessed the arrival of Henry Sanderson from England in 1831. Henry and his family settled along Paris Road and bore witness to the gradual growth of the community. However, it was his eldest son, John Sanderson, born in 1857, who would become a driving force in shaping the Sanderson family's enduring legacy.

In 1886, John Sanderson, recognizing the business opportunities presented by Adams & Son Wagons, transitioned from farming to join the company in Paris Within a remarkably short span of six years, he ascended to become a partner, catapulting Adams & Son Wagons to new heights under his astute leadership.

By 1900, John Sanderson assumed the presidency and relocated the company to a spacious new building at the corner of Mohawk and Greenwich Street in Brantford. It was here that he introduced an assembly line, revolutionizing production and further solidifying the company's success

Continued on page 13

John Sanderson (photo courtesy of the Brant Historical Society)

PARIS PAST

In 1902, John Sanderson formed a partnership with John Harrold of Paris, resulting in the transformation of the former Adams wagon factory on Capron Street. The duo established The Sanderson-Harold Company, specializing in the manufacturing of ice boxes and screen doors. However, tragedy struck in 1909 when a devastating fire engulfed the factory, leaving it in ruins. Undeterred by this setback, the resilient partners rebuilt a new factory on Railway Street in Paris, which would later gain renown as Paris Kitchens. Remarkably, Paris Kitchens operated successfully for over a century before ceasing operations on December 1st, 2022.

The achievements of John Sanderson with Adams Wagon Company garnered the attention of the Cockshutt family, Adam’s biggest customer, who acquired the company in 1911. Renamed it Canada Coach & Body, the enterprise retained John Sanderson as its president, recognizing his

invaluable contributions to its growth and success. Amidst his thriving business endeavors, John Sanderson also sought to create a haven for his family In the 1890s, he purchased the Bell Holmestead, which served as their residence for a time However, prior to 1909, the Sandersons relocated to a magnificent home at 74 Dufferin Avenue, bidding farewell to the Bell family farm, which had changed hands several times since its sale in 1881.

Tragedy struck the Sanderson family with the passing of John Sanderson in 1917 due to complications from diabetes. His estate passed to his wife, Emily, who subsequently established the Sanderson Foundation. After Emily's demise in 1937, the responsibility of managing the foundation fell to their two unmarried daughters. These remarkable women continued to reside in the Dufferin Avenue home until the mid-1970s when the Glaves family acquired the

property

The Sanderson Foundation, a testament to the Sanderson family's philanthropic vision, consistently supported church mission work and various city causes. In a momentous act of generosity, the foundation donated $500,000 towards the restoration of Brantford's venerable Capitol Theatre. In December 1989, the Brantford City Council passed a decision to honor this contribution by renaming the theater "The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts."

The Norfolk The Norfolk

As we revel in the vibrant performances and cultural experiences offered by the Sanderson Centre, let us take a moment to appreciate the rich local history behind its name. The legacy of the Sanderson family serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of philanthropy, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the splendor of the performing arts in Brantford and beyond.

Celebrate Freedom to Read Week at Brant Library Branches: Embrace

Intellectual Freedom and Share Your Story

By Chris Whelan

[Brant, County] – In a world that values intellectual freedom, the County of Brant Public Library (CBPL) invites residents to join in celebrating Freedom to Read Week. This week-long event encourages individuals to express their support for the freedom to explore diverse ideas and materials, unencumbered by censorship or restrictions From February 18 to 24, CBPL branches in Burford, Glen Morris, Paris, Scotland-Oakland, and St George will host Freedom to Read photobooths, where visitors can capture their mugshot selfies with their favorite banned or challenged books.

Embracing the spirit of intellectual freedom, CBPL encourages everyone to share their mugshot selfies on social media using the hashtag #BrantLibrary. By doing so, participants will have a chance to be featured on CBPL's social media channels, amplifying their support for the cause.

The photobooths will be available during open hours throughout the week. Residents are encouraged to visit their local branch and borrow banned and challenged books from the featured displays.

These displays showcase a selection of thought-provoking and controversial titles, providing an opportunity for readers to engage with diverse perspectives and expand their understanding of different viewpoints. For an extensive reading list of the Top 50 Challenged Books, residents can visit

www.brantlibrary.ca/StaffPicks.

Freedom to Read Week emphasizes the importance of preserving individual rights to choose, explore, and engage with a wide range of ideas and materials. Libraries, as guardians of intellectual freedom, play a vital role in providing access to diverse resources, fostering intellectual curiosity, and promoting openmindedness. By participating in this event, residents demonstrate

their commitment to upholding these fundamental values.

To learn more about the principles behind Freedom to Read Week and the significance of intellectual freedom, visit www.freedomtoread.ca. The website provides valuable information on the campaign's history, its mission, and the broader impact it has on society.

Join the County of Brant Public Library in celebrating Freedom to Read Week and let your mugshot selfie tell a story of intellectual freedom, curiosity, and respect for diverse ideas.

For more information about the event and other programs and services offered by the County of Brant Public Library, please visit www.brantlibrary.ca or contact your local branch.

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Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth, and Support Animals with Cupcake Day 2024 at the Brant County SPCA

MEDIARELEASE (February 20th, 2024) – The Brant County SPCA is thrilled to announce the return of their annual Cupcake Day on Monday February 26th from 11:00am to 4:30 p.m. at 539 Mohawk Street. Stop by on the 26th and with a minimum 2$ donation you can walk away with a complimentary cupcake along with the satisfaction that you’ve helped a furry friend in need

“Cupcake Day isn't just about indulging in delicious treats; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of animals who need our help” says Jen Rienties, Specialist of Events

and Community Engagement at the Brant County SPCA “Each dollar donated contributes directly to the Brant County SPCA’s Greatest Shelter Needs allowing us to positively change the lives of animals in our care.”

Individuals, businesses and students are encouraged to participate in Cupcake Day whether they visit the shelter party or host their own Cupcake Day fundraiser. Anyone interested in hosting a party can request more information and receive a Host Kit by sending an email to jrienties@brantcountyspca.com.

These kits contain everything needed to ensure a successful event, whether it's with friends and family, at workplaces, schools, or community centers.

The Brant County SPCA is also hosting a Cupcake Day colouring contest if your little ones are looking to participate in the fun. Colouring sheets and more information on how you can get involved can be found at www.brantcountyspca.com.

By taking part in Cupcake Day, you are providing urgently needed care and shelter for animals waiting to find a loving home.

More than 50 teams travel to Paris for annual Tournament

By Casandra Turnbull

More than 50 ringette teams from across Ontario descended on Paris last weekend for the annual Ringette Tournament held on Family Day weekend

A total of 101 games were played throughout various age brackets ranging from six years old to 18+. Whether it was the entertaining Fun2 teams learning the sport to teenagers moving the ring faster than you can keep an eye on it, there was a lot of action packed into the three-day event.

It took a combined 454 volunteer hours from the association’s membership to pull off such a feat and everywhere you looked there were smiles and exciting chatter as teams practiced, hung out, watched

7-0 win against Tillsonburg

5-2 win against Sault Ste.

Marie

5-1 win against Walden

8-1 win against Burlington Blast (semi-final)

3-1 win against Sault Ste. Marie (final)

U12B

8-1 loss against Walden

games and purchased merchandise. Paris’ U10 (Fun3) team was undefeated all weekend to claim the title in their division, while the U14B, 18+A and U16A teams claimed silver medals on home ice Courtney Boehmer, Public Relations for the Paris Ringette Association, said the weekend is not possible without the executive members, coaches, referees and volunteers who put in a tremendous amount of time and effort

“A huge thank-you to the arena staff for helping keep our games run on time. At one point they brought both Zambonis out to get the ice done quicker to help make up some time with a game delay,” she said in a post-tournament interview. “We had compliments from teams this weekend stating how clean our

facility is – the arena staff are constantly cleaning and always around and willing to help wherever they could ”

A special thank-you goes out to the following sponsors: No Frills Paris, Zehrs, Choice Properties, Pel Valu, Paris Optimist Club, Legends, Dentistry in Ayr, Grandview Massage Therapy Cambridge, St. George Lions Club, Legion No 461 and the Brant County Milk Producers, who graciously donated free chocolate milk to all the players. Cobblestone Pub, Stillwaters and Chocolate Sensations also made donations to the raffle tables Funds raised during this annual tournament help keep membership fees down for PRAfamilies, so thankyou to everyone who contributed to make it another success.

SCOREBOARD FEBRUARY 15 - FEBRUARY 18

8-2 loss against Walden

10-1 loss against Sault Ste. Marie

U14B – Silver Medalists

8-1 win against Tillsonburg

5-3 win against Walden

5-0 loss against Cambridge

6-1 loss against Caledonia

9-2 loss against Caledonia (finals)

U16 B – Silver Medalists

3-2 win against Hamilton

2-1 loss against Dorchester

3-3 tie against Hamilton Heat

4-0 loss against Dorchester

U16A – Silver Medalists

5-2 win against Waterloo

5-3 win against Dorchester

5-4 win against Waterloo

6-2 loss against Forest (finals)

U19A

5-0 win against London

3-1 loss against Forest

7-0 loss against Ottawa

6-3 loss against Richmond hill

18+A – Silver Medalists

4-4 tie against Hamilton

3-3 tie against London

4-3 win against Woolwich

5-1 win against Waterloo

4-3 loss against Waterloo (finals)

FUN 3 – U10 - Gold Medalists

The U14B team proudly wears their silver medals following a hard-fought game against Caledonia in the finals. The team was 2-2 after round robin play, defeating both Tillsonburg and Walden.

Photos submitted by the Paris Ringette Association

The Fun2 team (above) played two games, no scores were kept. This young team is learning the basics of the sport and showed off their skills against two opposing Tillsonburg teams. The Fun3 (U10 Team below) was undefeated and won the Gold Medal!

The U16A (far left) and U16B Teams both played hard and earned Silver medals. U16A faced Dorchester in a 40 loss in the finals and U16B lost their final game 6-3 against Richmond Hill.

The U19A team faced some tough competition against London, Forest, Ottawa and Richmond Hill. Even though they were winless all weekend, their games were action-packed and fast-moving.

Action-packed fun at Paris Ringette Tournament

To the left, Paris’ U12B team faced Walden in two very tough games Saturday. Walden won both games.

Fun2 is the first stage of learning the game and sometimes it takes a full stomach stretch to get a hold of things! The Fun2 teams played two games, with some pancakes and fun games in between games!

Paris’ Fun3 Team (U10) was unstoppable. They went defeated all weekend and beat Sault Ste. Marie 3-1 in the finals to claim Gold!

All photos by Michelle Malvaso

Like what you see? Michelle has photos from many games over the weekend. Email mmalvasophotography@outlook.com to view a gallery and purchase your own digital prints!

Above, players from the Paris Thunder 16A team battle the Waterloo Wildfire in a 5-4 win that advanced them to the Gold medal game. Top right and immediate right, players from the U14B Paris Thunder team outplay Tillsonburg in a big 8-1 win.

Paris loses tough game to North Park in high school curling

Paris Panthers Report with George Le Gresley

The Panthers ending their season in third place, faced the North Park Trojans in the semi final game on February 23 Paris had the hammer in the first end and got into trouble having 3 points stolen by the North Park team. The second end, Paris maintain their last rock advantage, weren’t able to place any guards to curl around and turned into hitting open rocks with North Park missing their hits The end result saw the Panthers score 3 to tie it up. The third end North Park had three rocks lined up on the right side of the rings and the Paris skip attempted a hit and roll behind his guards but rolled to far to the left. North Park in the end scored 2 to take a 5-3 lead. The fourth end Paris got themselves in big trouble with 3 Trojan rocks in the house guarded by a guard.. In the end with 4 rocks in the house, skipper Henwood had a chance to draw to a North Park sitting in the back half of the button to either cut down the score or to take one point. Unfortunately, the draw came up short and the Trojans score 4 to trail 10-3

The Paris District High School Curling team faced a tough North Park Trojans in a semi-final game on February 23. Paris lost 13-4. Pictured left to right are From left to right Coach Don Lewis, Coach Tim Risebrough, Ian Henwood, Lauren Markle, Kathryn Wight , Max Wood , Isaac Halsey and Coach Sarah Purdy

Photo by George Le Gresley

The fifth end with North Park having two stones hidden behind guards, the Panther skip calls for second Isaac Halsey to tap his on guard for shot, with success. In the end the Panthers score 1 and trail 104

With three ends to go, the Paris Panthers have to become bandits, stealing as many points as they can. Unfortunately, North Park took advantage of their last rock advantage and scored 1, leading 11-4 after 6 ends.

The seventh end has to be an aggressive end to make up for the scoring deficit that Paris was facing, unfortunately the plan to score didn’t happen and North Park scored 1

The final end was about the Trojans taking one rock to clinch the game, which they were able to do and end Paris’year of curling.

Titans lose two on the road; head home for final game

Paris Panthers Hockey Report with George Le

Gresley

The Paris Titans schedule this month definitely was a difficult one with four road games in a row, all with losing results Last Friday they visited Norwich, where the Merchants defeated the Titans 5-2. Goal scorers were Seth Kirou and team points leader Thomas Lonsdale.

Last Saturday they headed northwest to New Hamburg where they took another loss by a 4-2 score. Spencer Edwards and Jack Moffat added goals to the stat sheet

Next up was a family day visit to Woodstock, where they were shut out 4-0. Wednesday was a rescheduled game in Wellesley where they definitely struggled by spending too many minutes in the penalty box, as the Applejacks scored a 7-0 win, of which 4 were power play goals

and one was a shorthanded goal

Tonight, the Titans are finally on home turf and face the Norwich Merchants for the final game of the season at the Brant Sports Complex with a 7:30 puck drop. Come out and support the Titans as they wrap up their first regular season.

Ladies’ Afternoon Winter Draw Winners

The winners of the Paris Curling Club’s Ladies’ Afternoon Winter Draw are, from left to right, Sue Cunningham, skip; Sue Hilhorst, vice and Tracy Sage, second. Missing from the photo is Jackie Delong, lead.

Bob Dale Memorial Bonspiel

The winners of the Bob Dale memorial bonspiel held at the Paris Curling Club on February 16th were from left to right: Rick Stewart, skip; Tim Berkeley, vice; Dave Mclean, second and Dave Kerr, lead.

SCOREBOARD FEBRUARY 16 – February 22

*U18 Rep Team sponsored by Paris Legion Branch 29 loses 6-1 against Port Dover Pirates (1)

*U9 Team 1 Aitchison wins 5-0 against Port Dover Pirates

*U9 Team 2 Blake wins 8-0 against Norwich Knighthawks

*U9 MD Team sponsored by Desjardins Insurance loses 4-2 against Norfolk Knights

*U9 Team 1 Aitchison wins 6-2 against Norwich Knighthawks

*U13 Rep team sponsored by Paris Optimist Club loses 4-0 against East Elgin Attack

*U13 Team 2 sponsored by Fifth Ground Entertainment wins 4-2 against Ingersoll Express (2)

*U13 Team 2 sponsored by Fifth Ground Entertainment wins 3-0 against Tillsonburg Tornadoes

*U18 Team 1 sponsored by Paris Legion Branch 29 loses 5-2 against Port Dover Pirates (2)

*U13 Team 2 Charles & Lloyd loses 3-2 against Ingersoll Express (2)

*U15 Team 2 E.S. Fox ties 2-2 against Simcoe Warriors (1)

*U18 Team 3 sponsored by Twisted Treats loses 9-5 against Norwich Knighthawks

*U11 Team 2 sponsored by Kings Wood Products wins 3-0 against Simcoe Warriors (2)

*U13 Team 2 Charles & Lloyd loses 5-2 against Langton Leafs

*U15 Team 2 E.S. Fox loses 3-0 against Tillsonburg Tornadoes

*U11 Rep team sponsored by Pelton Transportation wins 3-1 against East Elgin Attack (B)

*U18 Team 2 sponsored by Paris Industrial ties 1-1 against Tillsonburg Tornadoes

Photo submitted by Paris Curling Club

Photo submitted by the Paris Curling Club

Willowbridge Community Services: Bringing Change to Life

The Power of 100

Presented by 100 People Who Care Brant

This month’s focus: Willowbridge Community Services

AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY GIVING CYCLE, MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL GIVING CIRCLE 100 PEOPLE WHO CARE BRANT ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE A CHARITY OR NONPROFIT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE COLLECTIVE DONATIONS FROM OUR GROUP. IN THIS NEW MONTHLY COLUMN, WE WILL SHINE SOME LIGHT ON THE WORK AND COMMUNITY EVENTS OFFERED BY NOMINEES WHO HAVE NOT YET BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF OUR DONATIONS.

FEBRUARY'S FOCUS IS ON WILLOWBRIDGE COMMUNITY SERVICES

By Devon Atherton, Contributing Writer

Willowbridge Community Services has been a trusted source of support in the Brantford-Brant, Niagara, Haldimand-Norfolk and Hamilton communities for over a hundred years Their mission is simple: to bring positive change to life through counseling, education, and support.

Whether you're facing relationship issues, dealing with mental health challenges, or feeling isolated, Willowbridge is here for you They offer counseling for individuals, couples, and families, tailored programs for survivors of intimate

partner violence, and specialized support for diverse communities. Best of all, they make sure that finances never stand in the way of getting help.

"At Willowbridge, we believe in a community where no one is left behind. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you don’t have to face your challenges alone,” explains Leslie Josling, Executive Director of Willowbridge Community Services “Whatever road you’re walking, we will walk beside you.”

Here's a closer look at what Willowbridge offers:

* Counseling Services: They provide a safe space for people to talk through their problems and find solutions. From one-on-one sessions to group counseling, they're there every step of the way.

* Developmental Services: Willowbridge supports individuals with developmental disabilities through behavior programs, service coordination, and respite care.

* Community Groups: These groups offer a chance for socializing, learning new skills, and personal growth.

But Willowbridge isn't just about receiving help – they also want you to get involved and make a difference in your community. Continued on page 23

The Willowbridge Team at Haldimand-Norfolk Pride, June 2023. Pictured left to right are Margaret, Sarah, Devon & Jim Are you passionate about volunteering? Check out the free pizza party, hosted by Willowbridge on March 5th and see if you’re a good fit for their reimagined volunteer committee. Details available online Submitted Photo

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Volunteer Opportunities:

Willowbridge believes in community-driven solutions If you're passionate about making a difference, consider volunteering! They're looking for people to join their Volunteer Service Reimagined Committee and help shape the future of their services Plus, they're currently accepting applications for their Volunteer Board of Directors. In addition to volunteering, Willowbridge hosts various events and groups for community members:

* Service Reimagined Pizza Party – A free pizza party to learn more about volunteering on Willowbridge’s Service Reimagined Committee. This will be held on March 5th from 6:00-7:30 pm. Register here!

* WINGS (Working to Initiate New Growth in Selfesteem): A group counseling program for women and nonbinary individuals, promoting self-esteem and personal growth. It runs from March 19 to May 7, every Tuesday at the Willowbridge Head Office

* Caregiver Connections: Amonthly peer support group for caregivers of people with developmental disabilities. Meetings are held virtually on the last Tuesday of every month.

* Rockin’ Paint Party: Join Willowbridge for a free rock painting party on February 29th at their Brantford Head Office All ages are welcome, but don't forget to bring your own rocks!

Willowbridge operates across multiple locations, offering both virtual and in-person services for your convenience. If you're interested in learning more about Willowbridge Community Services or getting involved, visit their website at www.willowbridge.ca or reach out to them directly. Together, let's make a positive impact in our community.

We are 100 People Who Care Brant, a giving circle dedicated to serving Brant County, Brantford, and Six Nations of the Grand River communities. We unite local individuals to enact social change by pooling our donations, and collectively selecting charities to support. Members contribute three times annually, for as little as $25 per cycle, for a total of $75 a year. Join us to witness the powerful outcome when 100 or more people join forces in a collective act of generosity, effecting change locally. Discover how you can amplify your individual contribution through #powerof100. Connect with us to learn more!

The Willowbridge Team working at the Knights of Columbus Charity Breakfast, November 2023. Pictured left to right are Edie, Jen, & Sarah. Submitted photo

ARTS &

Artist finds beauty in everyday moments

IN THE STUDIO

With Taren White

Step into Donna Matthews' studio, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sweetness of a simmer pot of her fresh herbs creates an atmosphere of warmth and creativity. It's here, amidst the cozy ambiance, that I had the pleasure of sitting down with Donna, a local artist whose passion for art knows no bounds. As we shared delightful treats and conversation, Donna opened up about her journey as an artist, beginning with cherished memories of admiring her mother's doodles. Inspired by her mother's creativity, Donna's fascination with art blossomed, setting the stage for a lifelong pursuit of artistic expression. Through our conversation, Donna revealed the sources of her inspiration, finding beauty in the everyday moments and experiences that surround her. From painting houses for friends to hand painting greeting cards adorned with nature, Donna infuses each piece with joy and creativity. Reflecting on the significant influences that have

Local artist Donna Matthews specializes in water-colour and fine line work using archival ink. She was inspired and guided by Michael Davidson who left an indelible mark on her work.

Photos by Taren White

shaped her artistic path, Donna spoke fondly of Michael Davidson, a talented artist whose guidance and mentorship have left an indelible mark on her work

When asked about her favourite medium, Donna's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she described her love for water-colour and fine line-work using archival ink With each brushstroke, she captures the essence of childhood whimsy and playfulness, infusing her art with vibrant energy and unpredictability. Donna's artistic style seamlessly blends realism with impressionism, offering viewers a unique perspective.

Sharing an intriguing anecdote from her time studying in England, Donna recounted the challenge of illustrating organs for an anatomy and physiology textbook a task she approached with humility and determination, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her craft Since relocating to Paris over seven years ago, Donna has found a supportive community within the local art scene, embracing the towns rich artistic community and participating in plein air meet-ups with fellow artists.

I asked Donna to share her approach to traveling with her art supplies.

Continued on page 25

ARTS & CULTURE

For short hauls, she opts for simplicity, carrying essentials like a clipboard, paper towels, and her trusty Derwent Ink set, which offers a remarkable layering ability. Occasionally, she'll switch to her Koi kit for its brighter colours, especially suitable for certain watercolour techniques. However, for longer journeys, she relies on her "mother ship" carry-all a repurposed sewing basket meticulously organized with compartments for everything from graphite pencils and erasers to an extensive selection of watercolour pencils and paint tubes. With her arsenal of tools neatly packed and ready to go, she ensures that she's always equipped to bring her artistic vision to life, no matter where her adventures take her.

Spending time with Donna served as a poignant reminder of the significance of carving out moments for creative pursuits be it painting, drawing,

making music, or any other form of self-expression that fuels our creativity. Donna's gentle encouragement prompts us to find inspiration in the minutiae of everyday existence the steam rising from a morning coffee cup, the playful dance of robins on the back porch, or the fleeting beauty of butterflies fluttering by. I hope she has inspired you as well.

To learn more about local artist and author, Donna Matthews, visit her website: wwwdelizdoodles com

If you know of a local artist that would like to be featured, please reach out to:

Taren White at the Taren White Gallery, 32A Dundas St. W., Paris, Ontario **New Location** Online at www.tarenwhitegallery.com and on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tarenwhitegallery/

HUMAN INTEREST

DNA kit leads Paris woman to family she didn’t know in Houston, Texas (and a road trip of course!)

By Karon Sinning

Most people are familiar with the DNA genealogy search companies such as Ancestry.com, etc. A few years ago, I was given a 23 and Me box DNA kit and to this day I still get notifications of new DNA relatives. By far the most interesting is a fourth cousin from Texas.

Born in 1984, Lisa is the same age as my second oldest daughter. Sadly, she’s suffering from a degenerative eye condition and at some point, will lose her vision She has so far beaten the odds and we pray this continues. She joined the DNA community to see if any other “relatives” suffered from the same problem. While I do not, it has been an immense privilege getting to know her and her family over the years.

Lisa’s love and care for children is something near and dear to my heart.

For years she was a foster mom to many children Eventually adopting her youngest daughter, a couple of years ago. I was thrilled to attend her daughter’s adoption ceremony via video Such a wonderful day!

Adoption is also something that is ingrained in my family as well Along with my sister, my two youngest daughters are also adopted. Was that in our DNA?? As well and like me, Lisa has a love of writing She is a published author.

Lisa lives in Houston, Texas and while I as in Florida for an extended time, it seemed like a good idea to finally travel to Texas and give this girl (woman) a hug. That’s exactly what I did! The first thing we did was hug, in the “pick up” lane at Houston (Hobby) airport. She has a lovely friend named Tish, who drove her to meet me and then whisked me off to Lisa’s place After a brief stop to pick up tacos, which were delicious, I finally met the rest of her family!

The family includes Jayla, Casey, Caleb, Madyson and her husband Jarvis. They were all very welcoming and I immediately felt like family Not to be missed, there are also three dogs Louis, Tiny and Dutchess, along with a big fluffy white cat named Nico

Sunday morning Lisa picked me up, and yes, she can still drive We toured areas around Houston, including Pearland, where I’m staying. Then we went to look at an area where Lisa would like to live, Meridiana Beautiful homes in an area with gated communities throughout the subdivision We stopped for a lovely lunch at Saltgrass Steakhouse.

We tried to pick up some groceries while out, but since this was Super Bowl Sunday, we couldn’t get anywhere near the store. She promptly ordered everything online for pickup later that day. In keeping with her love of children, Lisa is also “grandma” to a little 5-year-old girl, Amariah…for whom we did a little shopping.

Paris resident Karon Sinning (right) was given a 23 and Me box DNA kit a few years ago and that is how she connected with a fourth cousin from Texas, Lisa, whom she visited recently.

HUMAN INTEREST

In the 1930s, it was difficult for black people to get the supplies they needed as they were often not allowed in white owned stores or allowed to buy what they wanted. During this time a Polish immigrant named Krolczyk arrived and set up a store near Racoon Bend, where he allowed the black people to shop. It was a deli of sorts and he allowed them credit and bartered for livestock and crops. The shop was pretty remote from both Hempstead and Racoon Bend and Krolczyk realized that they were not able to buy gasoline to get out to him. He opened a gas station solving that problem as well.

Lisa's family still shops there and uses it to cater their yearly family reunion.

Settling back at the house, it was lovely just to watch their family dynamics and marvel at how similar families are. “Is that my shirt”, rang out. Along with, “where are you going?” “How are you getting there?” “I ride my bike everywhere!” “Can I get my nails done?” Having been away from home for a while now, a taste of family life was just what I needed!

While we didn’t watch the Super Bowl, we certainly did watch the halftime performance by Usher. Based on the amount of singing and squealing in just this one room, I’d say his performance was a hit!

Heading out on Monday, Lisa was taking me to where “our” family came from This took us west of Houston to Hempstead and ultimately Racoon Bend.

But first, we had to stop at Buc-ees.

This is a Texas tradition Similar to taking all our visitors to Niagara Falls. On our drive down to Florida, we had passed several of these “gas stations” along I-75 but had not stopped at one Well we missed out! These are huge stores offering just about everything With, as Lisa described, the “cleanest bathrooms anywhere”! We loaded up with a couple bags of snacks and continued.

In the 1930s, it was difficult for black people to get the supplies they needed as they were often not allowed in white owned stores or allowed to buy what they wanted During this time a Polish immigrant named Krolczyk arrived and set up a store near Racoon Bend, where he allowed the black people to shop. It was a deli of sorts and he allowed them credit and bartered for livestock and crops.

The shop was pretty remote from both Hempstead and Racoon Bend and

Krolczyk realized that they were not able to buy gasoline to get out to him. He opened a gas station solving that problem as well.

Lisa's family still shops there and uses it to cater their yearly family reunion. We bought some summer sausage and cheddar cheese, along with a box of crackers. Very good!

Hempstead is a small Texas town close to where her grandparents lived in Racoon Bend She had a specific spot in mind to show me here in town and we had to turn around once to find it.

We drove slowly past a nondescript storefront.

Lisa told me this story

My grandparents were sharecroppers. “Do you know what that is?” Not really, I guessed farmers.

HUMAN INTEREST

After slavery was abolished, there was still a need for people to work the fields Black people were offered a share of the profits from the fields and a house to rent. In our family, the house was outside of the town of Hempstead, in a place called Racoon Bend.

What they weren’t told was, what the rent on the house would be or how much the profit was. With few other options, people accepted these terms, only to find out the rent for the house usually exceeded any profits (as they were told). Essentially keeping them as slaves. The white landowners continued to live well, while the black people did not.

The story continued. Even in Lisa’s family there are different shades of black. Her grandfather, Levy, was very noticeably light skinned and could pass as white This of course was not allowed He was a very brave man, who, when in other towns would “pass”. He was discovered doing this and turned in. He was murdered, being stabbed in the neck and bleeding out. This happened on the sidewalk in front of where we slowed to look at the storefront. No one offered him any help.

“The story in our family goes that his blood stained the sidewalk in front of that store, not for days or weeks, but years. Finally, the concrete was torn out and removed.” Lisa said

Following the murder, which no one was ever charged for, trucks descended on the home with the white landowners demanding $1600 in rent. “My grandmother, Ruth, didn’t have that kind of money nor could she understand why they were asking her.”

This is when she was told that her husband was dead and if she couldn’t come up with that money, they’d take what they could In shock from discovering her husband’s death, her farm was ransacked, taking most of her livestock, leaving her with minimal resources to feed her family of 12 children.

Later that day, the KKK showed up and took all photos of Levy and burned them. There is no remaining evidence that he ever existed

In Racoon Bend, Lisa found the house where her grandmother lived It is now a pile of rubble but her family still owns the land.

Hearing this story was heartbreaking for me What an evil thing slavery was. I will be always grateful that Lisa trusted me enough to share this story and this part of her life.

Heading back towards Houston, Lisa knew I wanted to sample “real” Texas BBQ. Sure, enough she knew the perfect spot, Waller County Line, Pit BBQ We shared a Three Meat meal, which included sausage, beef and turkey, as well as a side of homemade BBQ baked beans each. My mouth still waters when I think of that meal.

Returning to Lisa’s, she was promptly swallowed up in work. Lisa is a USA Today listed bestselling author, under the pen name of Mariah Kingsley Her books are sold through Amazon. As she describes her writing, “It’s Sex, Love and Murder” I was privileged to be gifted with many of her books. Some of which came with a parental warning! I have my reading list for the foreseeable future.

For my last night, we all went out for dinner. There were 12 of us in total and Olive Garden was able to accommodate us all. It was truly a family meal!

On Tuesday morning, Lisa dropped me off at the airport, with big hugs and a promise to do it all again next year!

ASTROLOGY

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire)

– This is a good time to channel any recent frustration, suppressed anger or resentment into hard physical work or a creative project Your efforts will result in practical and enduring achievements you can be proud of

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth)

– You would find great satisfaction working on your home to give it a more comfortable vibe But even cleaning or organizing would bring satisfaction You can rely on patience, a strong work ethic, and attention to detail

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) -

You will find the most efficient way to get the job done Your patience and self-discipline will keep you plodding without being distracted or discouraged Increased sex drive and sex appeal are good omens for new and existing relationships

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22

(Water) – You will be balanced, focused, and not distracted from your goals and plans This may not be an exciting time, but it is still crucial because you are working hard on building secure foundations for the future Your diligence and hard work should be appreciated and rewarded

Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –

The perfect blend of patience and ambition makes you determined to do the very best you can, no matter how long it takes. You gain the respect and admiration of superiors, especially men, because of your strong work ethic, attention to detail and trustworthiness This should also be a time of loyalty, security and stability in your close relationships

Virgo: August 23 - September 22

(Earth) – Being alone studying or on the computer would feel more comfortable than being in social situations, with in-depth research offering a way to keep your mind busy Avoid making important decisions and signing contracts. You may have a critical eye but could also make mistakes.

Libra: September 23 - October 22

(Air) - You will feel more emotional and sensitive than usual This is a great time to discuss relationship issues because you will be in touch with your feelings Inner calm and balance give you the confidence to break the ice and make new friends.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – Your thoughts are in harmony with your intentions to make ideas flow easily into words and to make conversations pleasant and fruitful. Because you can express yourself so clearly and smoothly, this is the ideal time to negotiate a better deal in any area of life, in business, at work, or in personal relationships

Aquarius: January 20 –February 18 (Air) – Your relentless hard work and selfdiscipline earn you respect and support The perfect mix of caution and courage makes this a good time to take risks Strong self-confidence and primal sex appeal are excellent omens for dating. This is also a good time to formalize or commit to a long-term relationship

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – Mutual respect and understanding improve relationships, especially with men and superiors. You could gain new employment, get a promotion, or take on more responsibility without any added stress This time of achievement and recognition leads to satisfaction, contentment, and higher selfesteem

Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – You will feel things more powerfully and are likely to be transformed by your intense emotional reactions Someone is likely to move you deeply and have a strong influence on your life An intense emotional connection may result in a new relationship

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – You may have to take on extra responsibility or act as a mentor or guide This can be a time of great satisfaction, with achievements, recognition, and promotion You could act as a rock for someone or be looked up to because of your stability and wisdom

Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford

For Saturday, February 24, 2024

Madame Web

12:00p.m. 3:40p.m. 6:50p.m. 9:30p.m.

Bob Marley: One Love

1:40p.m. 4:30p.m. 7:10p.m. 9:45p.m.

Argylle

12:10p.m. 3:20p.m. 6:30p.m. 9:00p.m.

Migration

1:00p.m. 4:00p.m. 6:35p.m.

The Beekeeper 9:10p.m.

Wonka 12:20p.m. 3:20p.m. 6:20p.m.

Anyone But You: The Valentine Encore 4:20p.m. 7:00p.m. 9:40p.m.

Land of Bad 12:50p.m. 3:50p.m. 6:40p.m. 9:40p.m.

Lisa Frankenstein 9:45p.m.

Oye Bhole Oye

12:40p.m. 2:45p.m. 6:00p.m. 9:20p.m. Turning Red 1:50p.m.