Paris District High School collected another A.A.B.H.N championship this week. The Girls Varsity Fastball team hit their way to victory on Tuesday at Green Lane Sports Complex. Paris beat BCI 12-3. See story and more photos on pages 19-20.






Paris District High School collected another A.A.B.H.N championship this week. The Girls Varsity Fastball team hit their way to victory on Tuesday at Green Lane Sports Complex. Paris beat BCI 12-3. See story and more photos on pages 19-20.
Emergency: 9-1-1
Police Department: 519-442-2242
Fire Department: 519-442-4500
Willet Hospital: 519-442-2251
County of Brant Office: 519-442-6324
Paris Public Library: 519-442-2433
Paris Public Schools:
Paris High:
519-442-4477
North Ward: 519-442-2311
Paris Central: 519-442-4163
Cobblestone: 519-442-2500
Paris Catholic Schools:
Holy Family: 519-442-5333
Sacred Heart: 519-442-4443
Paris Councillors & Mayor :
Mayor - David Bailey
Ward 2 - Steve Howes
Ward 2 - Lukas Oakley
Ward 3 - John Bell
Ward 3 - John Peirce
Paris Customer Service Office 66 Grand River St. N. 519-442-7268
Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Main Services include:
-Accounts Receivable invoice payments
- Blue Boxes and Composters (pre-arrange pick up of composter)
- Brant Transit punch cards purchase and pick up
- Building Permits may be submitted and Building staff consulted
- Calendar pick up (free)
- Commissioner of Oath is by appointment only
- Dog license and tag
- Dog Park membership and key
- Parking ticket payment
- Property Tax payments and inquiries
- Public Works permits may be submitted
- Use the computer to meet with a virtual Planner to ask questions.
- Water testing sample bottles may be picked up. Drop off water testing samples on the last Wednesday of the month before 2 pm at the Burford Customer Service Office
Brant Sports Complex & Other Facility Booking
519-442-1944
226-387-2490
519-442-4955
226-216-3037
519-209-2277
519-442-7134
Administration & Bylaw: 519-442-7268
Open Monday - Sunday, 8:30 am - 8:00 pm.
Main services include:
- Dog Park membership and key
- Dog license and tag
- Tennis Court membership and key
- Camp registration and recreation program registration
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SUPER PULL TODAY – Saturday, June 10th at the Paris Fairgrounds. Hear the roar of the engines as the tractors and modified trucks compete in pulls along the track. Food trucks and a beer garden. Lawn tractors at 11am, main event at 5 pm. Tickets available online.
ANNUAL BIKE RODEO TODAY – Hosted by the Paris Community Safety Group on Saturday June 10th, at the Syl Apps Community Centre, side parking lot from 10 am 12 pm Free! Everyone ages 4-12 are welcome to attend There is a chance to win a bicycle, courtesy of Robin McNaughton from the Co-Operators
UNOFFICIAL OFFICIAL PRIDE OF PARIS - A weekend of connecting, celebrating and building community in Paris, Ontario and beyond. Pride is a protest and our protest is one that is about strengthening ties, nurturing 2SLGBTQIA+ joy and wellness AND celebrating our vibrant lives. There’s a number of events taking place from June 16 to June 18. Visit the Facebook page to find out more details!
AYR PARIS BAND CONCERT SERIES – Royal Canadian Legion, Paris Branch, at 70 William St. on Wednesday, June 21st from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!
An action-packed weekend full of demolition derby, live music and fireworks! At the Burford Fairgrounds for the BILLY BASH on July 1,2, & 3. Tickets : $15/Adult, $10/ child 512 years old, and Children under 5 free! For more info contact Ron at rmcclungs@live.ca
COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE – Scenic Ridge Gate off Rest Acres Road. Sunday, June 11 starting at 7:30 am. More than 10 homes participating.
ROYAL STORY TIME – On Saturday, June 17th at Telfer Place, 245 Grand River St N at 1 pm. The Midnight Princess from the Glass Slipper Company will be at Telfer Place to share stories, sign songs and take pictures. Interact with a princess and all the Telfer Place residents. Everyone is welcome. Tickets are $5 / person and are available online.
SUMMER WRITER’S FEST – Saturday June 24 from 9 am to 4 pm at Lions Park in Paris. Spend the day supporting local writers, literature & community. More details available here. Hosted by Riverside Reading Series.
BRANTFORD’S CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS
– Saturday July 1st at Lions Park in Brantford from 11 am to 10 pm You won't want to miss live music on the OLG Main Stage with performances by: Frank DiFelice Band with special guest David McKee at 12 pm; Three Legged Horse at 1:20 pm; Backburner at 2:30 pm; Mystic Highway at 4 pm; Jace Martin & the Pace at 5 pm; Sass Jordan at 6:30 pm and KIM MITCHELL at 8:30 pm. The Young Canadians Area opens at 12 pm with family fun activities including Barry O’ Kids Show, PAW PATROL Chase and Deputy Chief Saunders storytime, TEAM T&J performance and Meet and Greet, and Blue’s Clue’s Interactive Storytime and Meet and Greet.
The entire county is under an open-air fire ban, effective June 8th
The County of Brant Fire Department issued the notice online Thursday in response to extremely dry weather conditions for the last few weeks. “In an effort to keep those in our community safe, open-air burning is not permitted in the County of Brant until further notice,” said Fire Chief Darren Watson.
Open air burning includes brush pile burns, campfires, burn barrels, open fireplace/chimneys and other fires set in open air
Once a fire ban is declared, it is illegal to set a fire for any purpose within the County of Brant. Charges will be laid if attendance is required, according to the media release.
“The County of Brant’s volunteer Firefighters provide lifesaving support in our community, and we ask that residents be considerate of this at this time,” said Chief Watson. “We are asking everyone to be responsible and use their best judgment while the fire ban is in place ”
Firefighters are also asking people to remain cautious when outdoors – keep an eye on your propane and gas equipment carefully, be careful where you ash your cigarette and especially where you discard it and just be vigilant around potential flames. The Fire Department will continue to monitor the long-range forecast, which must include significant amounts of precipitation, before they can lift the ban.
This news comes after days of speculation and at a time when people are most alert because of more than a hundred and sixty wildfires burning across
Northern Ontario and Quebec (as of press deadline). It doesn’t take much for a fire to burn out of control and engulf anything in its path Just this week, on June 6th Paris Station Firefighters responded to a call on Governor’s Road. A stolen vehicle was on fire in a farmer’s field. Luckily firefighters reacted quickly and contained the blaze. The OPP is handling the investigation.
So, how dry does it have to be before a ban is put into effect? Fire Prevention Officer Tom Waldschmidt explains that the lack of precipitation is key. An indicator of how serious the draught is usually comes from the agricultural sector.
“A tell-tale sign is when farmers are turning fields up and the amount of dust that comes up because there is no moisture in the ground, no substantial rain,” said Waldschmidt. Many local farmers have labelled this spring as one of the driest on record. Without rain in the last couple of weeks, and no significant amount soon, the decision to put the ban in place was logical. The ban applies to the obvious things – no backyard fires, no industrial or commercial burning, no fireworks – but also day-today habits that aren’t that obvious.
“If you are a smoker please do not discard cigarettes out of the window,” reminds Waldschmidt, who said the Paris station has responded to three fire calls on Rest Acres Road recently because of cigarette butts tossed from vehicles, and landing in flower beds packed with mulch and woodchips.
For more information or questions about the fire ban, contact the County of Brant Fire Department at 519.442.4500
On Wednesday the Brant County Health Unit issued a special air quality statement for Brantford-Brant. The media release stated, poor air quality, with moderate to high-risk Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values are expected through most of the week locally.
AQHI levels have reached the high-risk level and are predicted to be in this range intermittently over the coming days due to smoke plumes from provincial forest fires as well as forest fires in Quebec. On Thursday, the AQHI levels were expected to reach 8. When AQHI values exceed 7, it’s considered high risk.
Higher risk populations are advised to reduce or rescheduled strenuous outdoor activities. All others, not high risk, should consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities if they experience
coughing or throat irritation. Residents are encouraged to adjust their activities based on their personal risk level and the evolving conditions Residents who have questions about their personal risk level should consult their primary health care provider. To learn more about the health risks of air pollution, visit the Government of Canada website.
Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone's health even at low concentrations. Exposure to air pollution may cause healthy people to experience irritated eyes, increased mucus in the nose or throat, coughing or difficulty breathing, especially during exercise BCHU advises all residents to monitor the local AQHI index over the coming days.
through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Drop in to check them out!
Perhaps you heard the secret spread like wildfire last week. The cat’s out of the bag now and Secret Lunch is not so stealthy anymore! Seemingly out of nowhere, the Secret Lunch opened its doors last week and what was supposed to be ‘soft opening’ turned into one hectic week full of curious local drop ins. Some days, they were sold out of meals before supper. It was an overwhelming welcome –one that caught owner and head chef Matt Lee by pleasant surprise. It all started with a social media post on May 29th by Dean De St
Croix, owner of 32 Dundas Street West in Paris (that’s the old Paris Variety some residents might recall). ‘Come by to experience some very cool unique creations of Matt Lee Asian, Italian and a bunch of cool combinations,’ the post read.
It might have read like any other post to some, but for long-time Paris residents, the name Matt Lee reminds people of the Cedar House days where you could get, hands down, the best portobello mushroom sandwich, mouth watering pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon, homemade soups or one of dozens of martini flavours. Lee
co-owned that restaurant with his sister Samantha Lee from 2008 to 2018. It was a local hotspot and you’d be hard pressed to get a table on a Friday or Saturday night without a reservation Diners loved the simplistic menu full of unique flavours executed to perfection. The Cedar House Grill and Martini Bar was a natural expansion for the Lees who originally moved to Paris in 2006 and took over the Cocoa Bean (where Cobblestone Public House is today), serving hot beverages and light lunches.
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How’s this for top secret?
Located at the back of 32 Dundas Street West is the Secret Lunch, where Asian food comes with an Italian twist.
When the opportunity came to expand their menu and culinary skills, they purchased the Spruce Goose and converted it to the Cedar House The establishment closed in 2018 when Lee says he needed a break from the industry. After 25 years in the kitchen, it was time to step into a new role – father and husband. Fast forward five years – the kids are growing up and Lee started to miss the familiarity of the kitchen and how easily flavour combinations flow from his brain to the pan and eventually onto the plate “Food itself has inspired me to get back into the industry,” said Lee. “Cooking at home each night with my kids, watching them learn and enjoy the finished product (is inspiration),” he added. The growing food and beverage industry awakened his creativity, coupled with the fact that he’s wanted to open a food truck or street food style concept for some time. The Secret Lunch organically developed concept, he said. “My family and I love food and travel, so any opportunity to go try different things is always high on our list.”
So, he took that concept and decided to bring ‘different things’ to Paris Where else can you walk into the back of what appears to be a garage and arrive in a funky, 80s vibe eatery complete with a boob tube TV and vintage tables and chairs? The atmosphere might be classic but there’s nothing classic about this menu. With a taste of Asian and Italian eats, the menu has some distinctive ‘East Meats West’ flavours. With menu items like sweet and spicy Kimchi noodles or a sloppy dox of messy Korean BBQ ground beef with Manchu sauce and cheese on a Little Paris Bread Co. focaccia, you’re certain to get a mouthful of flavour with every bite. Did we mention Matt is married to April, the owner of the Little Paris Bread Co? You’re likely to see some of her delicious sourdough bread recipes on the menu too.
“The concept was simple for me. I wanted to make good food at a reasonable price. I wanted a comfortable family feel, while trying to make a funky Paris vibe,” Lee explained. He’s the sole owner of Secret Lunch but has a familiar face beside him on the cooking line - Mark Phifer, who worked alongside him at the Cedar House as well.
Both admitted to spending the first week shaking off the cobwebs and getting reacquainted with working together in the kitchen, but it didn’t take long to fall back into familiar patterns for the two friends. Now that it’s no longer a secret, stop by the Secret Lunch to satisfy your palate You’ll walk out with a top-secret box filled with flavours that will leaving you wanting more! The Secret Lunch is open Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 am to 3 pm and Thursday to Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm. It’s located at 32 Dundas Street West in Paris
The Paris Firefighter’s Club had a smokin’ good time last weekend at the Fire & Smoke Fundraiser held at the Syl Apps Community Centre.
The longstanding 20-year tradition was always a fish fry until the group shook things up this year and brought in the Crazy Canuck Smokehouse to cater the fundraiser. The day after the event, the Fire Fighter’s Club sent out a huge thank-you to everyone who attended, donated prizes, sponsored the event as well as a shout out to Crazy Canuck Smokehouse for the delicious meal. Money raised from this annual fundraiser goes back into the community by way of special events the club hosts throughout the year. It was nice to see a long list of local businesses step up to support the Firefighters They are as follows:
Avon- Donna Wamsley, Landshark Brewery, Community Health Hub Pharmacy, Paris Fair Adidas, Home Building Centre Paris, Dog Eared Café, D2 Heating & Cooling, Arepa Love
The Paris Dog Parlour, Paris Beer Co., Grandview Massage Therapy, Pioneer, Cobblestone Public House, Scott’s Family Restaurant, Dominos Pizza Paris, Paris Home Hardware, Swiss, Chalet Paris, Team Logistics, Burford Golf Links, Stillwater’s Plate and Pour, Paris Bakery, Paris Factory Rides Auto, Princess Auto Brantford, McDonalds Paris, Link Street Sausage House, Maple Ridge Living (Landscaping and Renovations)
The Paris Horticultural Society’s Annual Garden Tour was a smashing success, partly because of the beautiful gardens on display but also because of the beautiful weather last weekend! The group sold a total of 272 tickets and had visitors from as far away as New Zealand, Florida and Nova Scotia. In total, 16 musicians and artist groups were on display. The stone labyrinth at 420 Robinson Rd was a favourite all weekend long, however, organizers advised every garden had a variety of plants and landscape designs on display to captivate visitors. The winner of the door prize was Ellen Barker of Burford.
Fundraisers like the annual Garden Tour, are not possible without volunteer garden sitters like Maureen Little pictured left.
A total of six gardens in Paris and area were featured on this year’s tour. Mother Nature provided the perfect weekend for the tour under sunny skies and cooler temperatures. Pictured above are two of the gardens featured. Visit the Paris Independent Facebook page to view an online gallery of photos submitted by PHS member Margaret Collins
Photos by Sarah Jean Green
An overwhelming thank-you to Anne Vernon and her committee for an extraordinary Garden Tour for 2023! The gardens were fabulous, the musicians and artists added that special touch and mother nature, both the one created by Anne and Patti and the one responsible for the best weather we could have had for this weekend’s tour put on quite a show.
At the two gardens I sat at, I saw many of our new members, lots of family and friends of our members and some of our former members tour around. What a great variety of people. The hosts of the gardens were so accommodating, knowledgeable and friendly to all the people touring and sitting. Thanks to all of you who sat at the gardens and welcomed people so nicely. I heard many comments about how friendly all the sitters were at each garden. Kudos, again to Anne Vernon and her committee for setting up such a special weekend. Sounds as if the ticket sales (270) went very well too!
Submitted by Margaret CollinsTop photo is Margaret Collins taking photos at various gardens throughout the tour. There was no shortage of scenery, that’s for sure! Also pictured above are local musicians/artists performing during the tour. To the right is Patti Gladding, Co-President of the Paris Horticultural Society, along with Carol Reansbury (not pictured).
Photos by Sarah Jean Green
The village of Wolverton in Blenheim Township, Oxford County is named after its founder, Enos Wolverton (1810-1893), who built a successful milling enterprise there on the Nith River Enos came to Upper Canada with his parents from Cayuga County, New York state in 1826. By 1829 Enos’ brother, Asa also came and in 1832 he moved to the new village of Paris with his wife Juliet, who was a niece of Hiram Capron. He was given permission to build a sawmill along West River Street (later, site of Penmans No 1 Mill) The couple lived across the street from the mill in a commodious cottage until 1854
Asa’s sawmill became a thriving business with logs coming in by the wagon load and by being floated down Smith’s Creek (later, named the Nith). Many of the workers, farm labourers and squatters, lived in “slab houses” built from free slabs of wood that were discarded by the mill. Wolverton established both a water-powered sawmill and a steam-powered sawmill, which produced a total of 24,000 board feet of lumber that year for buildings and houses in the Paris area
On Jan 1, 1850, more that 200 male ratepayers packed the old village hall to elect the first village council. After
all the votes were counted, Wolverton was elected to serve as one of the five councillors. The 1854, Paris Census stated that Patrick Logan was a partner with Wolverton on West River Street, where the mill office was located Another mill close by on Creek Street was also owned by them
Because the lumber business was so successful, the time had come for him to think of building a larger house on Grand River Street South, which became the earliest residential area in Paris consisting of Asa‘s home, a labourer’s home, the Newly immigrated Minister’s Home and a small cottage for Asa‘s staff, a family of four who immigrated from Ireland, was built behind the Church On Feb 5, 1851, he purchased the property from Hiram Capron and obtained a 500-pound mortgage which was held by Rev. William Morse, who was the first minister of St. James Anglican Church. Wolverton's decision was to construct an outstanding Greek revival house that took three years to build and the couple sold their cottage in 1854 and moved to
Wolverton House. The Wolvertons were childless, and this could be one of the reasons this home was originally built with just one bedroom. The house was part of the underground railroad, serving as a destination for former slaves
The exterior walls of the 2-1/2 storey house were constructed of hand split lath with a heavy coat of stucco followed by a thin smooth coat of local plaster giving the house a smooth, light feeling. The large triangular pediment containing a round segmental window was supported by four Doric columns which were actual tree trunks. A second storey verandah allowed for cool evening relaxing
Below the main floor facing the Grand River is the kitchen area that was the servants' domain It had a working fireplace and a work area and larder where burn marks from candles are visible along the edges of the shelves. There was also a cold room where meat from the smoke house was stored and a servant's room on this level.
Throughout the house, most of the windows are double hung with 12 panes over 12 panes Most all of the glass is original dancing with many imperfections. In the hallway on the second storey, an opening in the ceiling leads to the belvedere, or widow's walk, on the roof which captures a panoramic view of the Grand River and its surrounding area. Attached to the house on the south side are outbuildings consisting of a granary, storeroom, carriage house and a two-storey barn It is believed that this is the only example of this type of design in Ontario, but it is quite common in the Maritimes and the New England States. Wolverton wisely chose this design because of the steep slope close to the back of these buildings. An unusual cobblestone smoke house sits in the side yard, where salted beef and pork were smoked over a smoldering fire When finished, it was taken to the cold room for storage Another cobblestone structure on the property is the fence along the sidewalk of the outbuildings. An outstanding job was recently completed in restoring it back to its original condition.
When Asa Wolverton died of consumption in December 1861, Juliet continued living in the house until she sold it to Martha M. Smith in 1867. Juliet remarried John McElroy and moved away It is believed that the Sifton family rented the house during this time from Mrs Smith John Wright Sifton, his wife Kate and their children Sophia,Arthur and Clifford
moved to Brant County after Clifford's birth because John had accepted work as a railway contractor in Brant County. On one of the windowpanes in the dining room, Sophia, the eldest child, scratched her name on the glass using a diamond ring. The Siftons lived in Paris until 1875, then they settled in Manitoba where father and two sons became involved in politics John Sifton was elected a member of the Manitoba Legislature in 1875 and, in 1878 and 1879, he served as speaker of the House. He once more served in 1881. Arthur Sifton became a lawyer and worked in partnership with John who was also a lawyer. Arthur later moved to Alberta where he served as its second premier from 1910 to 1917. Clifford entered politics in 1888, becoming Attorney General and Provincial Land Commissioner for Manitoba In 1896, he was elected as a member of parliament under Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier where he served Minister of the Interior. Beginning in 1897, under Sifton, free land and assisted passages were advertised which brought a flood of emigrants from the United States, Britain and Europe into all parts of Canada but especially into the West. Between 1897 and 1914, over 3,000,000 emigrants came to Canada Sifton was knighted by King George V on January 1, 1915 The Town of Sifton, Manitoba was named for Sir Clifford Sifton. It is interesting that the Sifton Products Company began there and later the name was changed to Mary Maxim and the company
moved to Paris in 1954 In 1873, John Baker and his wife Eliza purchased the house He terraced the steep bank where he developed a fruit orchard and sold it to customers passing by his dock along the Grand River. In 1911, the house was sold to William Waite Patterson and his wife Margaret, who was the daughter of John Baker. Patterson served as the mayor of Paris from 1905 to 1907, 1915, 1919 to 1920 and 1923 to 1924 Upon his death, his daughter, Elaine, continued to live in the house and, from the carriage house, she operated an antique shop called the Barn Door Antiques and Curios. She passed away in 1961, ending 88 years of the Baker family and their descendants living here. Four other owners cared for the Wolverton House until Arthur Potts took possession and divided the house into two apartments He approached the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Ministry of Culture and Recreation to designate the house provincially because of its historical and stylistic value. On Nov. 4, 1979, the official plaque was unveiled on the property and Lois Darroch, Asa's grand niece, represented the Wolverton family.
Arthur Potts sold the house in 1982 to Rosemary Convey Sr., and she and her family lived there until August 2007 when the house was purchased by Judy Acri and her husband, Rick Courtemanche At this point the house was in rather poor shape and the two have spent considerable effort restoring the house to its former glory, both inside and outside.
The 2023 Brant Sports Hall of Fame inductees were formally approved last month, marking the first time a group of athletic champions will be inducted into the Hall of Fame since 2019. The induction ceremonies will take place later this year. There were a lot of nominees with roots tied to Paris. Seven of the nine 2023 nominations come from the Paris talent pool while four of the seven inductees are all from (or were born and raised in) Paris. Dennis McKinna, Bill Cracknell, Robert Perley, Linda Madden and Don Pancoe and Keith & Elaine Hall are this year’s inductees.
Every year the County asks for nominations to recognize individual and team achievements, to recognize the efforts of builders of sport in the community, to foster civic pride by recognizing accomplishments of local athletes, teams and builders and to create public awareness of health and well-being
In 2022, the 1958 Brant Oxford Intermediate C Ladies Champions were inducted into the Hall of Fame. In 2019 (several years with no inductions due to Covid) Baylea Wilkins was inducted as the Athlete, Roger and Edith Davis as builders and the 1980-1981 Burford Minor Hockey Bantam Team as the inducted team. The Sports Hall of Fame Ad Hoc Committee has met at council chambers in April, May and again in June to discuss year’s nominees, inductees and ceremony details.
Here’s a look at the Paris inductees and nominees and why they were selected as Hall of Fame calibre players/builders.
Dennis McKinna has volunteered more than 50 years in various capacities within the recreation activities in the County of Brant.
Continued on page 15
Bob Perley receives the Ontario CurlOn Volunteer Award this past April for all his hard work and contributions to the Paris Curling Club over the years. Bob is one of four people being inducted into the Brant Sports Hall of Fame Bob is pictured is the club’s outgoing president Craig McComb
He started coaching in the Paris Athletic Association (later becoming the Paris Minor Hockey Association) in 1968 as a Pewee House League coach. He also enjoyed years of referring within PMHA and the Grand Valley Hockey League OMHA playdowns. He held numerous positions within the PMHA executive until the late 1990s He also convened for the Ontario Minor HockeyAssociation (and still does).
In the summer, he was an active executive member of Paris Minor Softball Association as a carded umpire for 32 years Over the years he has been honoured with a number of distinctions: Expositor Volunteer of Distinction Award 1992; Minor Hockey Association (SCMHA) Induction as a Life Member in 2016; Grand River Local League (GRLL) Induction as a Life Member in 2017; and Ontario Municipal Recreation Community Association Award for Volunteering on the Town of Paris Recreation Committee
Bill Cracknell’s history within the local hockey league dates to the 1960s when he was President of the Paris Minor Hockey League. At that time, he was also the convenor of the Paris Peewee local league and convened the Peewee tournament for 15 years. He is credited with starting the Grand Valley Hockey League consisting of players from Burford, Paris and St. George He was President of the Southern Counties Hockey Association in 1978, 1979 and 1980 He handled OMHA playoff contracts and Paris Minor Hockey OMHA contracts for 45 years.
He received the Lifetime Award from Southern Countries Hockey Association in 2017.
He is a well-respected resident as well. He received the Volunteer of the Year Award for the Town of Paris in 1991, a Celebration 88 Award from the Paris Olympic Awards Committee in 1988 for his community volunteerism and an Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation Award in 1987.
Bob Perley, as he is commonly known, has lived in Paris his entire life.
He’s been a member of the Paris Curling Club since 1960, one year after they moved to the current facility on OakAvenue.
Continued on page 16
Bob has served in every capacity with the curling club from Bonspiel coordinator to President He is a Past President of the Club and was a co-ordinator and convener of the Thursday Morning Mixed Curling league for over 20 years.
In addition to his work on the ice, he’s also served in just as equal of a capacity off the ice. He was a volunteer fair parking liaison for over 5 years, has served as an Ice maker, cleaner and mentor at the Paris Curling Club, he’s still responsible for grounds and maintenance and is a major driver of the club’s business sponsorship packages.
In 2017, Bob led the largest renovation (since the construction of the original building) in the Curling Club history with the floor replacement project, serving as designer and project manager. The last 2 two years during Covid 19 restrictions, Bob still was in charge of maintenance and well - being of the Club building He still either repairs things himself or has the lead in calling in trades to perform maintenance if someone can convince him to use a professional service.
Bob has garnered the respect all everyone within the Curling Club, surrounding clubs, and industry specialist whom he has been in contact with The biggest take away from all the above noted
accomplishments is Bob is a volunteer. He acts as a manager and keeper of the Paris Curling Club as a volunteer.
Linda Madden was born at the Willett and raised in Paris. She attended Paris Central and Queens Ward School before graduating from Paris High. She’s been a member of the Ontario Provincial Police, Brant Detachment, since 2002 As a well-rounded and naturally gifted athlete, her prowess spans across multiple sports, but some of her most notable accomplishments happened on the baseball diamond.
In 1977, 1984 and 1985, Linda was a member of the Bad News Bears
Ladies ‘A’ team. She won MVP in 1984 She racked up three more championship titles in Brant County between 1987-89 and a Tri Counties Championship win in 1998.
Between 1990 and 2018, Linda has played on 10 Provincial Championship Slo Pitch teams, one Canadian Championship team and one Canadian finalist team. She’s competed in the Huntsman World Senior Games bringing home a silver in 2014 (50+), a gold in 2019 (50+), two bronze in 2022 (50+, 55+ and 60) and she’s off to the games again in October 2023 to compete in the 50+ and 55+ divisions.
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On the basketball court, Linda still holds many longstanding records. In 1979 she set the record at Mohawk College for scoring 52 points in a game The record was then tied in 1980 and shared with Linda until 2009 When Linda set the record there was no 3-point line as the current record was broken using the 3-point line.
Also, in 1979 Linda had the most 2-point field goals in a game, a record that is shared with another female still to this day over 40 years later.
Linda played competitive co-ed volleyball in Brantford from 1996-2002. In 2012 she travelled to Michigan for the Senior Olympics where she won a Bronze Medal in the “Ladies 50+” division
The other Paris nominees included the 1994-1995 Paris District High School Senior Boys’ Basketball team: Blair Goodman, Mark Sutherland, Bill England Jr, Matt Kerr, Dave MacDonald, Dan Hammond, John Thompson, Adam Sleeth, and Jason Rupert. Head Coach Ross Enslev and Assistant Coach Bill Lord; and Ronald Hampson, a Paris resident for over 40 years and a National Judo Heavyweight Champion; and Steve Fergus, the man who revived the football culture at Paris High School after nearly fifty years and led the 2022 Senior Boys’ team to the A.A.B.H.N championship title.
The Paris FC U16 girls travelled to Barrie for Barrie Spiritfest and were in a tough 5-team group. With a four-game round robin start, plus a championship game, it was a gruelling tournament and Paris persevered. The action started on Saturday with a tough 1-0 loss to Dorchester Lightning. The team followed that up with a 3-0 shoutout over North Durham United. The following morning, they started things off with a 0-0 tie against Etobicoke Power but then had a fantastic match against a strong Darlington Energy team. They faced this opponent in their only loss of round robin play so it was a celebration as the team was victorious, 20. Finishing round robin play in second place with seven points, Paris headed to the championship game - for a rematch with the first place Darlington Energy, again! It was a tough game that ended in a 1-1 tie and penalty kicks, where the Paris girls closed the door!
PJHL PRESS RELESE - The Paris Mounties PJHL Hockey Team would like to announce an official change in ownership. Over the past several months, Todd Wood, Owner and President of the Paris Mounties, had decided to take a step back from the day-to-day operation of the Team and began to consider select bids to purchase the PJHLfranchise
After an extensive review process, Titan Hockey Canada, LLC was selected to take over ownership of the franchise following the PJHL board approval on May 26th 2023 Titan Hockey Canada is led by owners Mike Christian and Jon Clark both originally from the Hamilton/Ancaster area. With the sale comes a change in name. The Paris Mounties will become the The Paris Titans
Christian will serve as the team President and oversee all operations of the Paris PJHL Hockey franchise moving forward, as Clark will serve as a Senior Executive and Board Chairman Christian brings a wealth of Junior hockey experience to Paris both as a player and coach. After competing in the OHL, ECHL and NHL levels, Mike began coaching Junior hockey over 20+ years ago, spending successful seasons as the bench boss with Caledonia, Dundas, and most recently Glanbrook. Mike, his wife Ashley and their 7 children are currently in the process of moving their home base to the beautiful Town of Paris
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to take a franchise with a great foundation to the next level. Paris is a community with deep hockey roots and we are excited to make our mark in the community Paris is known as a great place to raise a family and I look forward to calling Paris home
for the long term It’s our commitment to put a winner on the ice immediately and are excited to put our plans and experience into action over the next few weeks and months putting together a team of fast, tough and skilled players to excite, entertain and Win,” noted Christian.
As Board Chairman, Jon Clark brings 20+ years of corporate business and leadership success to the Paris PJHL Hockey Club. After several years of playing Junior Hockey in southern Ontario, Clark moved south to complete business school in the USA and has led the build of numerous successful American based start-ups ranging from 5 to 500 employees. His leadership and experience as a top corporate executive are certain to bring a competitive advantage to the franchise’s front office.
Todd Wood was entering his 14th season with affiliation to the club, and although the change is bittersweet, he feels as though there couldn’t be a better ownership fit for the future of the franchise.
“It is with great pleasure and confidence that I have been able to hand over the reins of The Paris Mounties to Titan Hockey Canada. Mike and Jon are fierce competitors, and undoubtedly will have Paris at the top of the PJHL in no time They have committed to keep the franchise in Paris long term, in addition to providing a strong financial backing to accelerate growth The Paris Mounties are being left in very good hands and I look forward to seeing their success.” In the upcoming weeks, Titan Hockey Canada plans to release more information about the upcoming 2023-2024 season that promises to excite and energize the league, players, staff and most importantly the Paris community. The Paris Mounties play in the Doherty division of the PJHL They compete out of the Brant Sports Complex The 2023-24 season begins September 15th, and Paris will have over 20 regular season home games, according to the release. More details will be published as they become available
The PDHS Girls Fastball team took on BCI in the AABHN finals Tuesday and after a disappointing championship game last year, the team was determined not to suffer the same fate.
Both teams went into the game undefeated, ready to battle for the championship title and after seven hard-fought innings, Paris cruised to a 12-3 victory, thanks in part to some red-hot offense.
BCI struck first jumping out to a 1-0 lead
The teams traded runs for the next couple innings and were tied 3-3 when the Panthers’ bats came alive Paris scored one run in the fourth inning to go up 4-3 and never looked back. They piled on eight more runs on a slew of hits on route to the championship win.
Offensively, the Panthers had numerous players contribute, with Lauren Markle leading the way with a strong day at the plate and a clutch double in the top of the fifth with two out that cashed three runs to seal the lead for PDHS
On the mound, Maddie Hallman went five innings and Lauren Markle pitched two innings, combining to allow only five hits over the course of the entire game. Special thank-you goes out to the staff and students who made the short trip up to Green Lane to cheer on the team, especially Superfan Lisa Tichelaar.
Congratulations to entire team: Olivia Worrall, Rowan Worral, Naren Parker, Lauren Markle, Maddie Hallman, Mya Padusenko, Emmalyse Ristau, Sadie Oliver, Kayla Warden, Harley Shuart, Sydney Kipp, Grace Weidhass, Reese Halliday, Callie Grischow and Pyper Morale.
Above, Maddie Hallman went five innings on the mound and Lauren Markle went two innings to only allow a combined five hits the entire game. Below, Sydney Kipp rounds third base.
Paris celebrates following their 12-3 decisive win over BCI on Tuesday during the A.A.B.H.N championship game.
All photos by Michelle Malvaso
We had such nice weather for our second annual Kiwanis Teddy Bear Picnic!
Several hundred children of all ages and their families turned out last Sunday afternoon for this fun filled event.
Ice cream, drinks and food from local vendors were available to purchase, while many families took advantage of the nice day to bring a blanket and their own picnic
There’s no better way to picnic than under sunny skies! Hundreds gathered at the fairgrounds on June 4th for the annual Teddy Bear Picnic. Top left, meet Teddy, enjoying his first Kiwanis Teddy Bear Picnic with his first teddy bear! Top right, one youngster has his teddy checked out by a paramedic. Below, the Paris Firefighters are always a crowd favourite and what’s a picnic without some good old fashioned family fun and games!
Photossubmitted by
Stan Hutchinson, Kiwanis Club MemberThe event started off with a “Parade of the Stars” led by parade master Doug the Great Hunt on his stilts. Doug then walked about the site entertaining the children with his tricks.
Local children’s entertainer BarryO Kidshow provided stage shows throughout the afternoon
The children and adults alike enjoyed the various contests, games and facepainting too.
We thank all the volunteers and event and prize sponsors. Your support made the event a huge success!
See you next year.
Submitted by The Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant
He might have been the best dressed at his aunt’s wedding! Okay maybe not the best dressed (the honour goes to the Bride of course) but he sure garnered a lot of attention! Two-year-old Axton Stone, of Paris, was caught just hanging out… in style….at last Saturday’s wedding. His aunt, long time Brant 4H Member, Paris Agricultural Society and Paris Youth Softball volunteer Valerie Stone married Sheldon Grech
Isn’t this just the best time of year!
All the local fruit between now and September brings a whole new level of excitement to dinner! Moore Farms Ayr announced this week they have fresh strawberries. Pick your own opens mid-June.
Wait a minute…. Council didn’t change any bylaws regarding backyard chickens! On closer inspection, it appears this chicken was hanging out in the front yard of a residential subdivision in Paris on Thursday. Resident Leah Mayer shared this photo on a local social media page this week. Let’s hope this chicken finds its way home soon!
Music and craft beer go hand in hand in the summertime and Farm League Brewing is the perfect place to experience both this summer
Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, Ontario, Farm League Brewing has quickly established itself as a beloved destination for craft beer enthusiasts and music lovers alike. With its stunning taproom, a diverse selection of finely brewed beer, and a growing calendar of in house concerts, this brewery has become an entertainment hub within the community It's a place you can watch the big game, listen to music, enjoy the patio, order up one of their pizzas and a drink with friends. With a deep appreciation for the underdogs and a commitment to supporting Canadian artists, Farm League Brewing is a gem that continues to shine brightly.
As you step into Farm League Brewing and past the bottle shop, you'll find yourself
immersed in a picturesque taproom filled with natural light, welcoming vibes to all and of course beer! Housed in a historic building that once hosted the Galt Knife Company for almost 100 years, before becoming the home of Grand River Brewing and then Farm League resurrected it in 2021. This building seamlessly combines oldworld charm with modern comforts. Nothing says craft brewery like exposed brick walls, rustic wooden beams, and open spaces but they have created an atmosphere that pays homage to the brewing traditions of the past while offering a welcoming space for patrons to enjoy their favourite brews and possibly your new
favourite too!
Farm League Brewing takes immense pride in their craft, and it shows in every sip With a diverse lineup of well-brewed beers, there's something to satisfy every palate From crisp and refreshing lagers to bold and hoppy IPAs, their offerings cater to both the seasoned beer connoisseur and those just beginning to explore the world of craft beer. The brewery's commitment to using high-quality ingredients, their attention to detail and of course all brewed with a side of humour they ensure that each pint is enjoyed and tells a story.
Continued on page 24
Farm League Brewing’s Taproom - Nothing says craft brewery like exposed brick walls, rustic wooden beams, and open spaces but they have created an atmosphere that pays homage to the brewing traditions of the past while offering a welcoming space for patrons to enjoy their favourite brews and possibly your new favourite too!
Sorry, before I go any further, I need to get some exciting news off my chest and mention their Glizzy & Fizzy deal. If you know me by now you know I LOVE hotdogs, especially with my beer. Farm League has welcomed back their $8.50 hot dog & pint of Hauler Lager combo during Jays games which they have playing on their taproom tv. One sec while I compose myself and get back to the article... Ok, shall we continue?
What seems sets Farm League Brewing apart from other breweries as of late is its interest in the music scene and creating a stage for Canadian musicians. Recognizing the power of live performances to bring communities together, they have transformed their taproom into a vibrant concert venue. By hosting past shows such as Sheepdogs, The Dirty NIL, Elliot Brood and their own Music Festival this past weekend Farm League Brewing has created a platform for up-and-coming and established Canadian artists to showcase their talents and gain recognition The energy in the room during these events is electric, as beer enthusiasts and music lovers come together to celebrate the best of both worlds. As a concert goer I appreciate nothing more than being able to buy a craft beer or have such a selection to choose from at a concert.
Farm League Brewing not only supports local talent through their concert series but also collaborates with Canadian artists to create unique beer experiences. By joining forces with musicians they have produced limited-edition brews that combine the flavours of craft beer with their love of music These collaborations have not only introduced beer lovers to new and exciting flavours but have also provided exposure to the works of talented artists.
The fun doesn't end with the beer and music. Farm League Brewing offers a range of merchandise that reflects the brewery's vibrant spirit. From trendy apparel adorned with catchy phrases or the ever loved
'Sudsy the bear' to collectible glassware and accessories, their merchandise is a testament to the brand's commitment to creating a memorable experience for its patrons. Purchasing Farm League Brewing merch, or any craft brewery merch to be honest, is not just about supporting a local business but also about becoming a part of a community that values hard work, quality beer, and the pursuit of dreams
Farm League Brewing, in my mind, has become a great addition to the city of Cambridge. By revitalizing a historic building and infusing it with their style and passion for craft beer and music, they have not only preserved the city's brewing legacy but their commitment to supporting up-and-coming artists, fostering a welcoming atmosphere, and brewing exceptional beers makes Farm League Brewing a true gem in the community.
Thanks for all you do Farm League and I highly suggest you all follow them on social and keep an eye on their website under ‘Farm League Presents' for upcoming concerts at their Taproom Venue!
If you like hot dogs and beer as much as Tiffany, check out this deal at Farm League Brewing!
Exploring the myth that it’s always better to take a fixed over a variable mortgage, and how you can choose the best option for your circumstances. When you’re looking to buy a home or renew your mortgage, one of the most import decisions you’ll have to make is whether to sign up for a fixed vs. variable mortgage. A common myth is that it’s always best to go with a fixed-rate mortgage
Up until fairly recently, many Canadians seemed to follow this advice, with around threequarters of mortgages being fixed rate (with the remainder being variable or fixed/variablerate hybrids).
During the pandemic, however, variable mortgage rates were so appealing that over half of new mortgages were variable (for renewals and home purchases)
Let’s take a look at the difference between fixed and variable mortgages and how they work What are the pros and cons of both of them? And most importantly is a fixed or variable-rate mortgage best for you?
What is a fixed mortgage and how does it work?
Regardless of whether you take out a variable or fixed mortgage, you’ll have to pay interest on the
money you borrow. With a fixed-rate mortgage, you’ll sign up for a specific interest rate and will pay that rate for the entire length of your contract term (which is typically between one and five years, with five-year terms being the most popular).
Therefore, the key difference between a fixed vs. variable mortgage is that you will always know what your interest rate will be, your mortgage payments will not change, and you’ll pay consistent amounts off your mortgage principal for the duration of your mortgage term. Once you’ve chosen a fixed rate mortgage, you’re stuck with it until you renew your mortgage or decide to break your mortgage (which would normally result in a large penalty).
What is a variable mortgage and how does it work?
If you sign up for a variable mortgage, the interest rate will be based on your lender’s prime lending rate This rate is in
turn based on the Bank of Canada’s key interest rate. Typically, a variable mortgage interest rate is the lender’s prime lending rate minus a certain amount For example, if your mortgage was prime minus 50 basis points and the prime rate was 5%, you would pay 4.5% interest.
The Bank of Canada uses its key interest rate to try and manage inflation and the economy If, for example, inflation is too high, the bank might raise interest rates to help lower inflation to its target rate (which is around 2%). If the economy is struggling, the bank might lower rates to boost spending and help grow the economy.
Unlike with a fixed mortgage, you’re not stuck with a variable rate. You can switch your variable rate over to a fixed rate at any time during your term, without paying a penalty
A key advantage of a fixed vs. variable mortgage is that you know exactly what rate you’ll be paying over the entire course of your mortgage term and by how many years you’ll be reducing your amortization period This is helpful for people who want more control over their budgeting or who are risk averse. During periods of high inflation and severe interest-rate hikes, it can be both comforting and financially beneficial to have a mortgage rate that stays the same, regardless of what the Bank of Canada decides to do. There are also several disadvantages of a fixed vs variable mortgage Typically, fixed rates are higher than variable mortgages, at the time you sign up for it While this has not been the case so far in 2023, as variable rates are higher than fixed rates, this is more the exception then the rule
Fixed mortgages are less flexible than variable; you can’t switch to a variable mortgage without breaking your contract
If you need to break your mortgage for any reason, the penalty you will pay is based on a calculation called the interest rate differential, which is typically thousands of dollars more than the penalty for breaking a variable rate mortgage
In the past, variable mortgages have saved homeowners money over the term of the mortgage. Typically, the variable mortgage rate available at any one time is significantly lower than the best comparable fixed mortgage rate This difference is often as much as 100 basis points (one percentage point) or more Taking on a variable mortgage is riskier and so the rate is usually discounted to reflect that risk
A key advantage of a variable mortgage is that, if you need to break your mortgage for any reason, the penalty is typically three months of interest, which is usually considerably less than the penalty you’d pay with a fixed mortgage You can also convert your variable mortgage to a fixed mortgage at any time, with no penalty. The main disadvantage of a variable-rate mortgage is that if interest rates rise, so does your mortgage interest. As we mentioned, this can lead to either higher mortgage payments (which can derail your budget) or lower principal payments (which can extend the amortization period of your mortgage)
This is very much a loaded question; in that it suggests that one or the other might be better for everyone The best option will depend on your own unique situation, your risk tolerance level and the type of mortgage that fits best into your financial plan.
The answer will also depend on where rates stand at the time, you’re making your decision. For example, if variable rates are on the higher end (around 5%), fixed rates are a whole percentage point higher, and the Bank of Canada is signaling that rates might soon be on a downward trend, then a variable mortgage could be a wise option. Alternatively, if variable rates are considerably higher than fixed rates and the Bank of Canada’s rate is unlikely to fall any time soon, then a variable mortgage may not be the best choice
Any mortgage should be considered within the context of your financial plan and far beyond simply fixed vs variable This includes the size of the mortgage, the rate, the term, the amortization period, monthly payments, prepayment privileges (how much of your principal you can pay off early), prepayment penalties and portability (the ability to take it with you if you buy a new home).
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This document may include forward-looking statements based on certain assumptions and reflect current expectations. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and risks and uncertainties often cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information or expectations. Some of these risks are changes to or volatility in the economy, politics, securities markets, interest rates, currency exchange rates, business competition, capital markets, technology, laws, or when catastrophic events occur. Do not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. In addition, any statement about companies is not an endorsement or recommendation to buy or sell any security
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Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –Let's find a way to bring abundance in your life this week There are opportunities to increase your income at work, you just must ask the right people You have a lot of bumps in the road lately in your relationship and need all your love and attention.
Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) –Fresh new start is coming for you. This may be at work, but most likely is about your love life You may decide to take the next step or start a new relationship, either way this is the change you have been asking for, so ride it out
Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) –
You have a great failure you now have to deal with This could make you start to question all that's in your life Stay away from making bigging choices while you feel this way. This passes by the weekend and you will have to go out and have some stress-free fun.
Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) – You are ready for social events and to make your big debut What are you really interested in doing this summer? You must make this choice without worrying about financial gain or what your loved ones think. This is your only choice
Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire)
– You deserve a promotion, but you will not get it if you do not ask for it. Your soul is tired and wants recognition in every area of your life Start with your love life, let them know your struggles and get the support you need to then take on your boss next Get all you deserve
Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – You will encounter stress in your relationship this week This will hit a boiling point and you will question if the work is worth it Say what you truly feel, you need to know where you truly stand. Then book a doctor appointment and do a check-up.
Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air) - Work is going to overwhelm you this week to the point where you will have to ask for some help The health issues you have been ignoring are now going to have to be dealt with, so just make the appointment and show up to them Unexpected costs will arise, save some of your money
Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – You will have personal problems come up and you will need to take time for yourself to deal with them. Let your loved ones know and be prepared to be a bit stressed out. It is important you keep communication open with all around you till you get through it
Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – Frustrations at work will have you looking around to see what other options are out there You are ready for change, if not in your career, then you will go to your love life, then to your health I would try and change a little of all 3 areas so you can finally feel balanced.
Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – You are stressed to the max Stop for a moment and smell the flowers. You need to get out and have some fun this week. Go and talk to your favourite person and make some plans to go out and relax
Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 (Air) – You may feel like you are stuck in the middle of a lot of unwanted drama You will have to do some problem solving and back and forth to smooth things over. You hate doing it, but you are about to see how good at it you are.
Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – You will be feeling very drained this week. You will have to tread lightly this week, lay low and do some at home projects By Friday you will have a bit more energy, now you can go out in public and be your fun-loving self
with Tina Graziano Energy ReaderTina Graziano was born an energy reader. She uses her gifts to heal and guide others as a life coach. If you need support and insight in life, contact Tina for an energy reading directly online at https://www.facebook.com/ Tina.Graziano.Energy.Reader
For Saturday, June 10, 2023
Spider-Man:Across the Spider-Verse
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3