The Paris Independent for Saturday September 16th, 2023

The Paris Independent

The Paris Independent

Saturday, September 16, 2023 Proudly Serving Paris & Area PDF Emailed $3.99/month

GOOD VS EVIL BATTLE COMING TO PARIS

RE-EXPLORING

SHARED SERVICES

Pages 5-6

HOME ‘BREWED’ ENTERTAINMENT

Pages 7-8

DOUBLE CHAMPS!

Local Soccer Team is Golden. Page 15

Lady

Murder

during a recent

Paris Playful

Productions will present Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical on September 29, 30th and October 1st . More details inside on pages 19-20 Photo credit Marissa Wilson-Fox, Playful Fox Productions

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

Beaconsfield (Kennedy Wilson) surrounded by cast members in the song “Murder

”

production rehearsal in

Fox

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

Emergency: 9-1-1

Police Department: 888-310-1122

Fire Department: 519-442-4500

Willet Hospital: 519-442-2251

County of Brant Office: 519-442-6324

Paris Public Library: 519-442-2433

Paris Public Schools:

Paris High:

519-442-4477

North Ward: 519-442-2311

Paris Central: 519-442-4163

Cobblestone: 519-442-2500

Paris Catholic Schools:

Holy Family: 519-442-5333

Sacred Heart: 519-442-4443

Paris Councillors & Mayor :

Mayor - David Bailey

Ward 2 - Steve Howes

Ward 2 - Lukas Oakley

Ward 3 - John Bell

Ward 3 - John Peirce

Paris Customer Service Office 66 Grand River St. N. 519-442-7268

Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Main Services include:

-Accounts Receivable invoice payments

- Blue Boxes and Composters (pre-arrange pick up of composter)

- Brant Transit punch cards purchase and pick up

- Building Permits may be submitted and Building staff consulted

- Calendar pick up (free)

- Commissioner of Oath is by appointment only

- Dog license and tag

- Dog Park membership and key

- Parking ticket payment

- Property Tax payments and inquiries

- Public Works permits may be submitted

- Use the computer to meet with a virtual Planner to ask questions.

- Water testing sample bottles may be picked up. Drop off water testing samples on the last Wednesday of the month before 2 pm at the Burford Customer Service Office

Brant Sports Complex & Other Facility Booking

519-442-1944

226-387-2490

519-442-4955

226-216-3037

519-209-2277

519-442-7134

Administration & Bylaw: 519-442-7268

Open Monday - Sunday, 8:30 am - 8:00 pm.

Main services include:

- Dog Park membership and key

- Dog license and tag

- Tennis Court membership and key

- Camp registration and recreation program registration

Articles, Events & Story ideas, please submit by email to:

stories@theparisindependent.com

Publisher

Managing Editor

Advertising Sales

Photographer

News Reporter

News Reporter

News Reporter

Chris Whelan

Casandra Turnbull

Chris Whelan

Michelle Malvaso

Carolina Saenz

Bailey Zimmer

Rubyyy Jones

STATEMENT

Paid

subscriptions available by writing to: subscribe@theparisindependent.com

We are an independently owned organization made up of like minded volunteers from within our community with the main purpose of providing Paris and area with a trustworthy and reliable source of local news Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of everything we publish, we regret any errors that may occur We limit our liability to that of printing a retraction upon notification of such errors in the next available publication Our mail and Email addresses are listed below:

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

TOMORROW! PARIS TERRY

FOX RUN – Sunday, September 17th at 11am, beginning at Paris District High School Run walk roll or ride the 5k or 10k route. Everyone is welcome to participate. Register online today!! https://terryfox.org

TOMORROW! IT’S FALL, Y’ALL! INDOOR / OUTDOOR SHOPPING EVENT – At Wincey Mills, Mechanic Street, Paris, September 17th , 10 am to 4 pm. We’ve had so much fun this summer, and now it’s time to celebrate FALL! Bust out your fave flannel, grab your besties and shop some fabulous fall vendors! Awesome Eats, Delicious Drinks, and ALL THE SHOPPING! Enjoy some live music and fun fall photo ops as well. The best way to spend a September Sunday

TOMORROW! BRANTFORD KINSMEN ANNUAL CAR

SHOW & SWAP MEET – Paris Fairgrounds, Sunday, September 17th starting at 9 am Take a relaxing walk down memory lane, while enjoying the music broadcast and viewing the variety

and beauty of these shining relics of our past. Through events like this, we raise greatly needed funds to support CYSTIC FIBROSIS and many community causes.

THIS WEEKEND! ST. GEORGE APPLEFEST –Saturday, September 16th from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, September 17th from 10 am to 5 pm, downtown St. George. Enjoy a rural experience! Listed as a Top 100 Festival in Ontario – a FREE family festival where the pungent aroma of crisp, ripe apples is in sharp contrast to the sweetness of candied apples! FREE shuttle, FREE parking Accessible. FREE Saturday night Street Party. More details available online.

PARIS OPTIMIST CLUB

YOUTH DANCE – Friday, September 22 at the Syl Apps Community Centre from 7 pm to 10 pm. Admission is $5 a person, chaperoned dance open to kids in grades 5, 6, 7, 8 Hosted by Paris Optimist Club

ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE CELEBRATION

– Wednesday, September 20th at Wincey Mills Paris from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. The County of Brant is creating an Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy and we want the community's feedback! Free vendor samples, live music!

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE - Brant County Federation of Agriculture welcomes all OFA members and their families to the Annual General Meeting and Regional Meeting on Thursday September 21st . Location: Szentimrey Seeds 508 St George Road Branchton ON. Join us at 6:00 pm followed by dinner at 6:30 pm and guest speakers from the OPP and BPS Canine Units at 7:30 pm RSVP numbers to brantfederationofagriculture@gm ail.com by September 17th Please bring a lawn chair!

10th ANNUAL BANFIELD NEIGHBOURHOOD YARD

SALE – Saturday, September 23rd , 8 am to 1 pm Join us for

our 10th annual neighbourhood yard sale! 15 awesome yard sales and counting in one walkable neighbourhood. Grab a coffee, come walk our tree lined streets and find some treasures Sales will be found on the following streets: Banfield St., Jane St. St. George St., Warwick St (photo booth!), Capron St

WORLD RIVERS DAY - On Wednesday, September 20th at 7pm, Brant Waterways invites you to help us “Celebrate the Grand River Through Voice and Film” in recognition of World Rivers Day that takes place the 4th Sunday of every September.

The event is taking place at the River's Edge at the Arlington, Paris, Ontario Tickets are $20 per person Appetizers provided & cash bar available. For tickets, visit the Events section of the Brant Waterways Foundation Website

County of Brant and City of Brantford vote in favour of reinstating Shared Services Committee

By Casandra Turnbull

The County of Brant and City of Brantford are looking for ways to expand on shared services and interests to improve the quality of life within the region

During separate committee meetings last week, County of Brant Councillors and the City of Brantford Councillors discussed the opportunity for the two municipalities to take advantage of more shared services. Not only will the newly formed committee provide some much needed and expanded services for taxpayers, but it will also show the province that the two municipalities are willing to work together for efficiencies, which may prevent the province from forcing amalgamation of services. Both Mayor David Bailey and Mayor Kevin Davis have spent a great deal of time this past summer discussing shared services.

During separate meetings, both Mayors made it abundantly clear there was no interest in amalgamating the County of Brant and City of Brantford.

“We are in no way in talking or discussing or considering or encouraging amalgamation or a merger That’s not on my agenda and it won’t be so long as I am Mayor,” explains Kevin Davis during a City of Brantford Committee of the Whole meeting on September 5th .

The County of Brant and City of Brantford already share decisions on many services like Social Services, which resulted in the partnership of this new affordable housing project currently under construction on Trillium Way in Paris. Councillors voted in favour of resurrecting the Shared Services Committee for more collaborative services and interests. The committee will feature five county councillors and five city councillors along with both mayors

“If we can show the province that there’s more we can do together and efficiently to improve the services for our residents and lessen the load on our taxpayers, they won’t bother us,” he added. During the County of Brant Policy Development Committee meeting, also held on September 5th , councillors discussed a staff recommendation that a Joint City-County Shared Services Committee be resurrected to explore opportunities for service sharing and improvements. The committee will be comprised of five members from the county and five members from the city, along with both mayors. Paris Councillor Lukas Oakley was pleased with the 50/50 representation noting that one representative from each ward ensures all areas of the county have a voice at the table. The following councillors will represent their wards – Councillor Jennifer Kyle, Ward 1; Councillor Lukas Oakley, Ward 2; Councillor John Bell, Ward 3; Councillor John Chambers, Ward 4 and Councillor Brian Coleman, Ward 5.

A Joint Shared Services Committee was previously established in March 2017, and fulfilled its mandate at the end of term in October 2018. The city voted to reinstate the committee in 2019 but the county opted out According to a staff report, since that time, there have been several emerging issues that impact the county and should be evaluated with a broader lens and require the collaboration of both Councils. As an example, of one of these missed prospects, in April of 2018 both the City and the County library CEOs submitted a letter which identified current and future opportunities to share services, yet none of these initiatives have been implemented.

“I’m very supportive of this, I think it’s timely and we have lots of items we can work through,” said Councillor Bell. Currently, the county and the city share several services – Social Services, Land Ambulance, John Noble Home, Brant County Health Unit, Boundary Road Agreements, Infrastructure Agreements and Tourism activities, to name a few. Councillor David Miller pointed out that while sharing services is good, the committee should broaden the scope and focus on shared interests, citing examples of the Ontario 55+ Senior Games and the hospital redevelopment project.

Councillor Steve Howes also expressed his support for the

committee, noting a recent shared partnership with the City of Brantford on Social Services resulted in the construction of a new affordable housing complex on Trillium Way and more shared projects like that will only benefit the community. He acknowledged that shared services like these typically lead people to believe amalgamation is around the corner.

“I’ve never heard anyone at our County Council show any appetite for merging the two municipalities, but if there are services that we can share, for the betterment of all, it is worth discussing,” he said.

Home Brew Festival will feature lots of talent, brewed locally!

By Casandra Turnbull

Entertainers of all ages are coming together next Saturday to perform at an all-day community festival - and this is just one of more than 30 county-wide events taking place in the next few weeks in celebration of Culture Days

If you love music and are looking for a some home brewed talent, look no further than Home Brew, a dynamic and interactive day of music, presented by the talented Joan Minnery Enterprises in conjunction with Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead.

The festival was approved by the County of Brant as one of many submissions to participate in the Culture Days Celebration. Musical talent of all ages, ranging from 8 years old to 70 years young, will hit the stage at noon on September 23rd and will entertain until the sun goes down,

OFFICIAL CULTURE DAYS EVENT!

around 8 pm. If you’re the type who not only loves to listen to music but likes to groove to the beat, rest assured there will be opportunities to get involved The event will offer Highland Dance Lessons as well as Line Dance Lessons and you’re likely to find yourself participating in a few sing-a-longs too. However, the best way to get involved, says event organizer Joan Minnery, is to simply attend and bring some friends to enjoy the day.

“The fact that it’s 100% local is exciting,” said Minnery And she would know! She’s well known in the local entertainment industry. You might recognize her name for many reasons She’s the face behind the Brantford Elvis Festival that ran for 8 years, as well as Rock of Ages Festival and a myriad of community events and functions over the last couple decades. “As a performer, this was (local talent) paramount to me. Every person involved lives in our community. It was also a mandate that we include cultural performances and diversity within our entertainment and we’re very happy about our roster,” she added.

Hungarian and Ukrainian Dancers and Angus Highland Dancers will infuse a bit of culture into the line-up Guests will also enjoy the likes of more than a dozen performers – Taya/Kyra Humpartzoomian, Delilah Minshall, Greg Zaluski, Ruby Williams, Shelby Lapinski, Carl Mulligan, SIVLE, Morgan Whitcroft, STOMPtastic Line Dance Troupe, Iris Mottershead, Ryleigh Fitzpatrick, Hilary Cowell, Steve Duran, and most recently confirmed the Paris Port Dover Pipe Band

Continued on page 8

SIVLE bandmates, Bob, Joan, Bill and Dan. They will be part of the Home Brew entertainment line-up, taking place at Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead on Saturday, September 23rd. Home Brew is one of more than 30 events being held county-wide between September 22 and October 15 as the county celebrates Culture Days.

Submitted photo

Minnery is the organizer behind-thescenes, along with a small group of volunteers, including her partner Keith Curley who’s helped with advertising, but she’s not the behindthe-scenes kind of gal. She’ll also appear on stage as a performer Alongside Dan Taylor, her son Bill and brother Bob, her family band SIVLE is part of the line up. Minnery, a professional entertainer and busy motivational speaker, loves being front centre as the front person for the Rock Band SIVLE Music and entertaining is deeply immersed in her life so it’s no surprise that she’s also a community music facilitator teaching her adult Musicking Classes. Although Home Brew is a new event, Minnery hopes if all goes well it will morph into an annual festival that grows.

Minnery wants to thank Nancy Carubba from Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead for stepping up to offer a venue for the upcoming Culture Days events. “She’s stepped up in a huge way to assist folks in creating community content within the month-long awareness event. Nancy offered the pavilion and space at the Homestead to run our event and for that we are eternally grateful,” said Minnery. If you’d like to learn more about the Home Brew event, or to follow its entertainment line-up leading up to the event, follow them online or on Social Media

Otherwise, bring your lawn chair and be ready to take in some local talent while celebrating the diversity rooted in our community

The County of Brant welcomes Brant Celebrates Culture Days

MEDIA RELEASE County of Brant, ON – The County of Brant is pleased to welcome Brant Celebrates Culture Days to our community and invites residents to join us as we celebrate culture across Brant! This year, to help make Brant Celebrates Culture Days a reality, the County of Brant provided funds to help eligible organizers cover the cost of hosting.

“The County of Brant is proud to provide funding to many local groups and creators,” said Mayor David Bailey. “With more groups able to fund their programs, there will be many opportunities to experience a behind the scenes view of the local groups and institutions that make up the community.” Culture Days is a national celebration of culture Culture Day programs invite the public to get hands-on and behind-thescenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities. This year’s celebration will take place starting Friday, September 22 through to Sunday, October 15.

Activities range from a Heritage Scavenger Hunt to Theatre Workshops, Cultural Storytelling and much more.

“We are thrilled to participate in this year’s Culture Days,” said

Kayla Cicman, Arts, Culture and Heritage Officer for the County of Brant. “We have 33 events happening across the County, hosted by various organizers. These events are free and will allow residents to learn and take part in the amazing arts and cultural scene that is thriving in Brant!”

Funding applications are now closed; however, organizers can still register their events.

“If you would like to host an event during Brant Celebrates Culture Days, there is still time to sign up,” said Cicman. “Visit our Culture Days webpage for registration information and Culture Days events happening in the County.”

For more information on County of Brant Culture Days, including a list of events taking place, visit wwwbrant ca/culturedays County of Brant Culture Day events will also be posted at all County of Brant facilities, on County of Brant social channels @BrantCommunity and on the County of Brant events calendar, wwwbrant ca/events If you have questions about Culture Days, contact culture@brant.ca or 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268).

Parking woes are compounding in Paris

To the Editor,

I’m starting my letter out with a confession; I got a parking ticket. I was parked on the road, right outside my front door, for 24 hours and 11 minutes. I know I was in the wrong however, the County of Brant is also in the wrong We have a serious issue in Paris that everyone is aware of, including the County of Brant, yet they are refusing to do anything proactive about it, and instead are using reactive solutions

Parking has been a hot topic in Paris since before I moved here 3 years ago yet plans for new subdivisions continually get approved with extremely limited parking. Look at Arlington Parkway for example. The road is wide enough for 4 lanes of traffic, yet the boulevard isn’t wide enough for a single car to park in front of the houses, thus we have an entire street with cars that have nowhere to park. Who approved those plans?

Now let’s play the devil's advocate like some of the folks I’ve been talking to: “Ashley, you shouldn’t have bought a house with only one driveway spot if your family has two cars!” That is a commonsense point or approach to my situation, except I can’t afford a house ANYWHERE

that has a two-car driveway, and I am not alone in this experience.

Collectively we are experiencing a housing crisis and now more than ever we are seeing multigenerational households, in-law suites and homeowners looking to subsidise the cost of living by sharing their space But where do all the cars go?

I voiced my concerns to the by law office in Brant County regarding this issue and to discuss my ticket and was shocked by the response I was told to start my car and drive it around the block once to remove the chalk mark and then I could park it in the same space without penalty. Immediately I jumped back onto my laptop to reply to this email from a Brant County supervisor and asked, “How does that make any sense? If I can park in the exact same spot, why issue the ticket at all? And tell me exactly how your response aligns with the provincial and federal targets for reducing emissions in a climate crisis when you’re asking me to arbitrarily start my car, let it run and drive it in a circle?”. I replied to this supervisor's email 17 minutes after she sent it and was sent an out of office reply and not responded to for over a week

I sent an email to our local councillors’ office a month ago and received no response. In my email I suggested we adopt a system closer to what Hamilton has for parking. Each household is able to purchase a yearly parking exemption, for your street only, that allows you to park past the 24-hour by-law It’s a great revenue source for the city and it uses proactive solutions to combat the parking issue It seems both our local councillors and our by law office are only interested in focusing on reactive solutions as well as targeting households with lower incomes and multigenerational families.

I begrudgingly paid my parking ticket, because I was in the wrong, but we all need to hold the County of Brant and our councillors responsible because they are also in the wrong. I strongly encourage everyone to write to your councillors, to the county and to all your local government officials because as Paris grows the parking situation is only going to compound

Ashley Jasinski

What do you think of the County’s ride share service?

By Casandra Turnbull

Are you happy with Brant Transit, the County’s ride share program? Do you feel the growing community has adequate public transportation options available to meet the needs of all residents?

Save those answers and give your feedback to the County of Brant because they are currently undertaking an EngageBrant project to examine their ride share program to look for ways to improve Brant Transit services.

An online survey, designed to gather your feedback, asks a variety of questions from how often you use the service, to what’s the top three reasons you haven’t used the service, what times of day you require the service and why you use it (to go where?)

If you’re not comfortable doing the survey online, you can do it over the phone by calling 1-855-442-7268 or a printed copy within any County of Brant Customer Service office. The survey is open until 4 pm on September 30th

Lesley Jackson, Director of Community Partnerships with the County of Brant and Danielle Tota, Public Transportation Supervisor with the County of Brant will monitor the feedback and staff will produce a report on the key outcomes. A summary of what was heard, along with key steps to improve the service will be presented in the winter of

2024

Now’s the chance to help improve a service that is vital to the community as it continues to grow There’s always a lot of complaints online about lack of transportation services. Don’t miss this opportunity. Check it out online today.

Afro CariBrant Fest lights up Lion’s Park Paris

Lions Park came alive with cultural music, dance and food on Saturday, September 9th as the Afro-Caribbean Festival was in town. It featured lots of traditional dance, drum experiences, steelpan performances and even a fire show at night. This vibrant culture experience was presented by Darmont GivesBack, a philanthropic initiative of Darmont Events, a group of volunteers who share a passion for promoting diversity and community engagement.

August stats: Local labour pool continues to shrink

MEDIA RELEASE

BRANTFORD (Sept. 8, 2023) –

The local jobless rate increased for the third straight month in August, while the available labour pool continued to shrink. The Brantford-Brant unemployment rate climbed to 4 8% last month, up from July’s 4.2%, according to Statistics Canada’s seasonally adjusted figures, which are based on its monthly survey of local households.

Canada’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.5% in August, despite employment climbing by 40,000 across the country. The employment gains were outpaced by an increase of 103,000 working-age adults, fuelled by immigration Ontario’s jobless rate climbed to 5.9%, when employment remained unchanged at the same time as the number of potential workers swelled by 45,000.

The Brantford area hasn’t seen an influx of people into the labour market, like in Ontario and nationally. Quite the opposite, in fact. Brantford’s labour force has been shrinking in size. Overall employment has declined during 2023, but so has the number of unemployed residents, indicating that people have left the labour market, said Danette Dalton, executive director of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie. The Workforce Planning Board is one of 26 nonprofit organizations in Ontario that play a leadership role in labour force planning. The Workforce Planning Board is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario

Since December 2022, the labour force has shrunk by 5,000 people, while the number of people not in the labour force

those considered neither employed nor

looking for work – increased by 6,200, according to Statistics Canada’s estimates. The largest drop has been among men.

“It is puzzling to see such a dramatic change, especially when there’s been a lot of talk this year of labour shortages and jobs going unfilled,” Dalton said “The number of working age men not in the labour force has been particularly noticeable and concerning.”

Dalton said that while there have been fewer job postings lately and there are other signs that hiring has slowed down in the local economy, there is still work out there, spread right across the Grand Erie region.

There were about 2,500 new job postings in August on Grand Erie Jobs, the online job board operated by the Workforce Planning Board. That was up slightly from July.

County of Brant & Chamber of Commerce release Connectivity Guidebook

MEDIA RELEASE - County of Brant, ON - In an increasingly connected world, access to reliable high-speed internet is necessary. Being connected helps us stay in touch with our communities, access public services, create jobs and enhance economic growth and business development. Technology has progressed so quickly that it can be difficult to pinpoint what can be done to fully harness the power of connectivity

The Connectivity Guidebook was put together by a Joint Committee consisting of County of Brant Council and the Paris and District Chamber of Commerce. This Joint

Committee also includes County of Brant staff and the County of Brant Public Library The guide starts with the basics, from what the internet is and how to get connected, to some of the more innovative technologies that connectivity can bring. Being launched in conjunction with the guidebook is an internet availability tool. County of Brant residents are now able to look up available internet options for their property and see planned future infrastructure.

“We know that even with an internet connection, keeping up with technology and all it offers

can be difficult,” said Susan Morton, Executive Director at the Paris and District Chamber of Commerce. “This guide acts as a common starting place”.

For more information and to view the guide online, visit www.brant.ca/connnection, or pick up a printed copy at a County of Brant Customer Service Office or Community Centre.

Visit a County of Brant park, facility or Customer Service Office for free WiFi. You can also get free WiFi at any County of Brant Library For library hours and locations, visit www.brantlibrary.ca

Run, Walk, or Roll! Terry Fox Run takes place TOMORROW!

The Annual Paris Terry Fox Run takes place tomorrow, September 17th at Paris District High School starting at 11 a.m. Run walk roll or ride the 5k or 10k route. Register online today! Organizers are excited for another amazing year. https://terryfox.org

Photos by Michelle Malvaso, 2022 Paris Terry Fox Run

TERRY FOX’S MARATHON OF HOPE ALMOST NEVER CAME THROUGH PARIS

Back in the summer of 1980, Terry Fox, a 21-year-old British Columbia student who was running across Canada to raise money for cancer research, was coming through Southwestern Ontario. Mr. Fox, who had lost his right leg to cancer three years earlier, was expected to arrive in Paris on Tuesday July 15th , 1980, sometime in the morning around 8:00 AM Paris and area had taken Terry Fox to heart and were sure glad that he decided to change his plans to include this region in his cross-Canada “Marathon of Hope.”

His original route was to go north from Toronto but that changed with the numerous letters and invitations he received from area residents. Terry had already covered more than 2,200 miles since he started running in Newfoundland in April. His plan was to reach his hometown of Port Coquitlam, B.C. by November That alone would be a major achievement for any person without the handicap of an artificial limb

Before his death on June 28, 1981, Terry had achieved his once unimaginable goal of raising the equivalent of $1 from every Canadian. More importantly, he had set in motion the framework for an event, The Terry Fox Run, that would ignite cancer research in Canada, raising more than $850 million since 1980, and bring hope and health to millions of Canadians.

The sheer spunk and the noble cause which drives him left little room for doubts whether he would achieve his objective of raising money for cancer research. Along the route Canadian Cancer Society units were collecting pledges for the run. Mr. Fox entered the area on Highway 2 coming from Ancaster and running along Colborne Street West, Dalhousie Street, Brant Avenue, Paris Road, and along to Paris. In the evening after running through Paris he was driven back to the Holiday Inn for a reception and presentation in Brantford On July 16th , he was

driven back to where he finished running the previous day to continue on his journey. Mr. Fox always tried to complete 30 miles a day with two breaks during the day. A van driven by Doug and Daryl Alward, Mr Fox's friends was always nearby and would accept spontaneous donations along the route Cancer society officials were asking the general public not to stop or try to talk to Mr. Fox because of the concentration he needed to continue.

Continued on page 14

LOCAL HISTORY

1988 PARIS HOLDS ITS FIRST TERRY FOX MARATHON!

Left: September 19, 1988, Bob Neate pushes his twoyear-old daughter Lindsay in a homemade buggy at Sunday's first ever Terry Fox Run, Walk or Roll in Paris. Thirty participants in the Paris run raised $670 for cancer research. Four years later more than 100 runners, walkers & rollers, took to the streets in front of Paris District High School for two laps of a five-kilometre course. A documentary video of the Marathon of Hope played in the registration area which coorganizer Bob Neate hoped would add some perspective to the run "It's just a

reminder” he said. “Hopefully it'll give some people some encouragement and it sets the tone for the day”. By his second year of helping run things, Mr Neate said numbers have doubled each year. He expected Paris would raise $4,000 to $4,500. Volunteers said donation sheets ranging from $1 to $451 were handed in Starting the race was Tanya Rabe, 15 of Drumbo, who lost her leg to cancer when she was seven. She said the run is a good idea and she hoped people would raise a lot of money for cancer research.

September 15, 1991, Tanya Rabe 15, fires the starting gun for the Terry Fox Marathon in Paris More than 100 participants raised about $4,000. Expositor Photo

The 2023 Terry Fox Run. Walk or Roll is Sept. 17th, starting at PDHS at 11am

World Class experience for local disc golfer

By Casandra Turnbull

When Shelley KingmaKitchen adopted a Covid hobby, little did she know that a few years later she would be representing her country at the Amateur World Masters competition.

In July, Kingma-Kitchen travelled to Flagstaff, Arizona to compete in the Disc Golf Amateur World Masters in the FA50 division. It was an experience she says she will never forget.

“I was able to meet disc golf hall of famers, a few professional players and I played with women from the USA, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong and Estonia. I had so much fun,” said KingmaKitchen.

Not only did she have fun, but she also finished 13th overall – and amazing feat for someone who taught herself the game by chance after checking out the Paris course with her wife Linda during the pandemic.

Kingma-Kitchen also competed in a skills competition where she placed third in the long-distance throwing event.

“Funny story, my first throw I decided to throw my Glidey disc but forgot on my follow through that’s what I had in my hand. I spanked it into out of bounds finding the only

water hole in Arizona. It’s still swimming,” said KingmaKitchen She went on to place fourth in skill shots (maybe not that one that’s still swimming!) and sixth in putting.

Kingma-Kitchen explains the experience was second to none, especially since competitors were playing in 140-degree Fahrenheit weather To make it more challenging, there were several elevation changes ranging from 7,000 feet to 10,500 feet at the highest points and the courses were filled with lava rock. Another memorable aspect was the opportunity to be the flag bearer for Canada.

“What an honour and a true experience,” she said.

Kingma-Kitchen was invited to compete on the world stage following last year’s stellar season She was ranked # 1 in the female amateur 50+ year division, and ranked 7th globally, and boasted an impressive rating of 760. She won four tournaments, including the Niagara Women’s Global Event held in St. Catharines August of 2022.

What’s next for Shelley? She’ll be competing, by invitation, in the Disc Golf Masters Tour Finale in Marion North Carolina next month

Paris resident Shelley KingmaKitchen was the official flag bearer for Canada during the Disc Golf Amateur World Masters in Flagstaff, Arizona this past July. Above, she’s pictured with her wife (who served as a caddy) during the competition. Shelley finished 13th in the World in the FA50 division.

Busy opening weekend for the Paris Titans

By Casandra Turnbull

The Junior Hockey season is here and the Paris Titans are ready to present a win to their hometown crowd as the home opener puck drops at the Brant Sports Complex tomorrow. The team is kicking off the 2023-2024 season with free admission to tomorrow’s 7:30 pm game The Club has also partnered with a local restaurant – Legends (located off Rest Acres Road) – and just by showing your wrist band after the game, you can enjoy half price wings.

The team started the regular season with a game against Tavistock last night – details of that game were not available by press deadline, so you’ll have to read next week’s Paris Independent to get a Titan game report from George Le Gresley.

The Paris Titans brought their fast-paced, action packed style of hockey to the exhibition season, finishing with an impressive 4W, 2L record. The team gathered 6 points in preseason play, only matched by the Wellesley Applejacks. It’s the most promising start the Paris Junior hockey club

has shown in the last decade or so, meaning fans have something to be excited about this season.

In other Paris Titan news, players are hanging up their skates Sunday morning for a pair of running shoes to participate in the Paris Terry Fox Run The team is running in memory of #77 Brayden Pickett’s mother, Melanie Anne Pickett, who recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. The team has set a pledge goal of $5,000 in her honour, said Nathan Herrington, Paris Titan General Manager.

If you’d like to make a donation to the team’s fundraising goal, you can do it online. You’re also

invited to join the team for the run, to get to know some of the players who will be entertaining you on the ice this season.

Golden finish for U16 Paris FC Girls

You might say the U16 Paris FC Girls’ Soccer team is unstoppable this season. In tournament action, the girls secured another championship at the Ottawa Kicking it in the Capital Tournament last weekend. Fresh off that win, the team capped off their incredible season with a 2-0 win over Club Roma to win the League Cup and secure the double (League Champs plus League Cup Champs). The team clinched the Niagara Soccer League Championship with a win over Brantford City in the last game of their undefeated season (14W, 0L, 3T) Congratulations Girls!

Jekyll & Hyde – The Musical, shines spotlight on humanity’s moral compass

With George Le Gresley

By Casandra Turnbull

Playful Fox Productions cast members have spent the last few weeks walking the line of good versus evil and exploring the depths of one’s moral compass to gain a true understanding of the dual struggle people are challenged with every day.

It’s been an encompassing experience for many of the cast members but it’s all in the name of good theatre as the local production company prepares to present Jekyll and Hyde, The Musical

“While every musical provides its own set of unique challenges, Jekyll and Hyde’s greatest challenge has also been one of our greatest joys,” says Malakai Fox, owner of Playful Fox Productions. He’s also directing this upcoming performance and starring as Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde.

“The cast and crew have so much fun creating this dark atmosphere that sometimes we get so excited, we end up spending large amounts of time on one scene,” he explains, adding, “that same energy is what makes rehearsals so enjoyable – that collaborative spirit ”

Based on the classic tale by Robert Louis Stevenson, the musical centers around Dr. Henry Jekyll as he attempts to separate the two forces at work in us all: good and evil As Jekyll's research is met with obstacle after obstacle by the hypocritical band of the Board of Governors, Jekyll turns to his only option for an experiment... himself.

Continued on page 19

You don’t want to miss this sweeping Gothic musical that pits murder and chaos against love and virtue

Malakai Fox brings out the dark and murderous side of his inner self as he portrays Dr Henry Jekyll/ Edward Hyde in Playful Fox Production’s upcoming musical.

Photo by Marissa Wilson-Fox

Thus, he becomes Edward Hyde and wreaks havoc and destruction on all those around him

Playful Fox's production of this tale celebrates its dark tones and its overarching message, the facade that all humans wear

The performers, without question, have raised this show to a whole different level. Fox walks the fine line of Jekyll and Hyde, putting on what is sure to be a tour de force performance. He is matched by both Jennifer Mountain as Lucy Harris and Marissa Wilson-Fox as Emma Carew. The rest of the cast fills out this story wonderfully, delivering such driving vocals and characters that will fully transport audiences into the heart of this horror story!

Malakai and his wife, Marissa Wilson-Fox, who will also be the musical director, selected this particular musical because it fits into the spooky spirit of the Halloween season, which is just around the corner.

“A long-time hidden gem from Broadway, Frank Wildhorn’s Jekyll and Hyde is a favourite of many musical theatre performers, both for its gothic setting and its soaring music,” said Wilson-Fox

Joining Malakai and Marissa on stage will be Jennifer Mountain as Lucy Harris, Scott Mountain as John Utterson and John Bell (yes, Paris councillor John Bell!) as Sr. Danvers Carew.

“This is a step out from the Disney, feel good musicals that Playful Fox have presented over the last years and, whilst musically a wonderful treat, the

dark story line challenges both cast and audience. It asks questions of us all,” explains Bell

Rob Curwain, who portrays Lord Savage, admits this will be a performance you don’t want to miss.

“The cast has really taken to the challenge, a lot of them letting their darker sides rise to the surface. It really speaks to the show’s theme of duality - to have the idea of murder and chaos pitted against love and virtue,” Curwain shares, noting it’s darker than any show he’s performed in before and that’s what makes it an exciting challenge.

Despite its darkness and morally rooted undertones, this performance does have an uplifting and inspiring resolution, says Gus Adam who portrays The Bishop of Basingstoke He hopes the audience sees that even if every moment is a struggle you can persevere. And with a full range of acting chops on the main stage, Adam said he also hopes the show sparks the fire for people to get involved in local theatre.

This gothic style musical hits the #forParisCentre stage September 29th , 30th and October 1st . If you can’t make the Paris performance, catch the show in Fergus at the Fergus Grand Theatre October 6, 7, 8th .

Showtimes and tickets are available online now. Please note: This musical contains artistic depictions of violence, murder, and sexuality Recommended for ages 13 and older.

Playful Fox Production cast members rehearsing for the upcoming Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical.

Marissa Wilson-Fox

Sobeys celebrates grand reopening – donates $1,000 to Paris Community Salvation Army

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Sobeys Paris celebrated its Grand reopening last week after a long renovation project that included interior and exterior upgrades, and the installation of an improved, energy efficient refrigeration system. The reopening was attended by many of Sobeys over 125 part-time and fulltime employees, including a special visit by the ‘unofficial’ Toronto Raptors Mascot, pictured with Mayor David Bailey. The local grocer also donated $1,000 to the Salvation Army Paris Food bank.

Mayor David Bailey Photos

Mounties

Submitted Release:

OLYMEL ANNOUNCES THE CLOSURE OF ITS PARIS PLANT AND THE INCREASED PRODUCTION CAPACITY AT ITS POULTRY

FURTHER PROCESSING PLANT IN OAKVILLE, ONTARIO

PARIS, ON, Sept. 13, 2023 /CNW/ -

Olymel's management team regrets to announce the definitive closure of its poultry further processing plant located at 20 Scott Ave. in Paris, Ontario This decision is part of a plan to redevelop and optimize the company's processed poultry sector, which will also lead to an increase in capacity at its poultry further processing plant in Oakville, around 75 kilometres north-east of Paris. Production from the Paris plant will

also be transferred to the Oakville plant A total of 93 employees from the Paris plant were informed of the closure decision today. Each employee also received a letter explaining that the closure of the plant has been set for December 22, 2023, thus providing a 14-week notice before the closure

within the company if they desire, especially in the processing and further processing facilities located in Oakville, or the poultry slaughtering, cutting and boning plant in Port Colborne, both of which are located near Paris, as well as at its two poultry processing plants located in Brampton, Ontario as well A relocation plan will be put in place in the next few weeks

RELOCATION

Olymel's management will offer Paris plant employees to relocate to another establishment

Continued on page 22

$8 MILLION INVESTMENT AT OAKVILLE PLANT AND OTHER OUTCOMES

The production capacity reorganization in Olymel's processed poultry sector in Ontario will entail an investment of $8 million at the Oakville plant, as well as major renovations starting in the coming weeks. Among other things, one of two production lines from the Paris plant will be installed in Oakville. This redevelopment will also have a positive impact on the poultry products plant on Orenda Road in Brampton, Ontario, particularly for tumbling operations. The reorganization will also make way for equipment to be transferred from the Paris plant to the poultry further processing plant in SainteRosalie, in the Montérégie Est region of Quebec, thereby reducing the cost of acquiring this equipment, increasing production capacity for certain poultry products, and improving employment prospects Once the work is completed, operations at the Oakville plant will require an additional 62 employees, bringing the total number of workers in the facility to 180. The company will assess all options for the future of the Paris facilities, including putting them up for sale, and will announce its intentions at the appropriate time.

with those in Oakville was taken to ensure efficiency and cost savings This decision will prevent the projected costly investments needed to update the company's equipment at the Paris plant, notably to eliminate noise and odour disturbances for the neighbourhood After renovations are complete, the Oakville plant will be able to carry out its current operations while integrating the activities from the Paris plant into its production lines. I know that the announcement of the closure is difficult news for the Paris employees On behalf of the company, I would like to extend appreciation to them for their years of loyal service Between now and the closure in December, Olymel will make every effort to help in the relocation or transition to employment in another sector," says Yanick Gervais, President and CEO, Olymel.

processing plants and 5 distribution centres in Canada.

ABOUT OLYMEL

Olymel is Canada's leader in the production, processing and distribution of pork and poultry meats. The company has made feeding the world its mission, which it pursues passionately with products of impeccable quality. It has production and processing facilities in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatc hewan and New Brunswick, and employs over 13,000 people. Its annual sales approximate $4.5 billion. The company markets its products mainly under the Olymel, Lafleur, Flamingo, La Fernandière, Pinty's, Tour Eiffel and F. Ménard brands.

"The decision to close the Paris plant definitively was much thought-over, and the choice to consolidate the Paris operations

Following the closure of the Paris plant, Olymel will have 5 plants in Ontario: the Port Colborne poultry slaughtering, cutting and boning plant; the Oakville further processing plant; the Westwyn poultry boning and further processing plant and the Orenda breaded products plant, both located in Brampton; and the pork further processing plant located in Cornwall. In total, Olymel operates 24 pork and poultry

For further information: Source: Olymel L.P., Acting Director, Corporate Communications, AudreyGiboulet @OLYMEL.com; Information: Richard Vigneault, Corporate Communications, 514-497-1385, 450-771-0400

SOURCE Olymel l.p.

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –You are wanting to be comfy and cozy all week You will be wanting to go out and buy fall clothing and drink hot drinks This is a great time to sit and think. It is time to let go of all that is weighing you down This may mean you will have to let go of some people also

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) –Anger will not get what you want. You have frustration boiling up inside you You have to now hide from all the people at work and home that gets on your nerves You have to make plans to get out and have a good time on the weekend, it will help you get rid of all your anger.

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) –You are stronger than you think. Hang in there a little longer Things have been changing quickly for you and it starts to all come together this week for you You have been patient in love and you will finally start feeling all the love you have given out come back to you

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) – You do hide your emotions well, but should you be doing that right now? The energy around you this week heightens these emotions and you will feel compelled to start telling those around you how you feel and what you want You will have to keep these emotions out of your work, it will not end well. .

Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –You are feeling trapped You do not do well with this emotion and will over react in every area of your life because of it You have to focus and get a grip, if you don't you will fall into self sabotage behaviour and have a hell of a mess to clean up in your love life and career next week..

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – You are physically exhausted. Time to have a nap or go out and party till you pass out The things that are important to you this week need to be put on the back burner so that you can deal with the drama that hits you by mid week. Yes, this passes quickly but is also not avoidable.

Libra: September 23 - October 22

(Air) - Can you meditate? If you don't learn quickly, you will have moments this week that require you to stay cool and calm Breathe in, breathe out You have a great new connection made at work which can end in great friendship outside of work This is something new and exciting and desperately needed in your life right now.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21

(Water) – Stop being so rational, go out and have some fun Make some plans with old friends or go out and make new ones. make plans to do something romantic with your lover Also call your family members and plan a get together, there is a disconnect there that needs to be fixed.

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21 (Fire) – There is nothing wrong with you going after all you want and deserve, so what exactly is stopping you? You are not lazy, you are not without excellent ideas So this week you will be seeing signs everywhere you look on how to move up or move on Do some soul searching and then pick a path.

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – Your glass is half full, not half empty You are full of great ideas, you are a strong leader, you have earned your place at work and with your peers This is the week to let this all shine and demand what you are truly worth The people around you need you more than you need them.

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 (Air) – You want to move forward You should move forward, but you are in a flip floppy mood this week and you are finding no outlet for this energy Keep your mind on the prize until you feel yourself more steady. Your choices are only yours to make, no one can do any of this for you

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – You will have conflict at home, you are the only one who can resolve this Ask the right questions and listen to the answers. Once you feel more confident then make some changes. You are in clean up mode this week and nothing can stop you

with Tina Graziano Energy Reader

Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford

For Saturday, September 16, 2023

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Showtimes for The Oxford Drive-In September 15th – 21st 2023

Pay at ticket booth Cash, Debit or Credit

1 adult ($15.00)

2 adults ($25.00)

3 adults ($35.00)

4 adults ($45.00)

5 adults ($55.00)

1 Adult 2 kids ($16.00)

1 Adult 3-4 kids ($25.00)

2 Adults 1-2 kids ($30.00)

2 Adults 3-4 kids ($35.00) gates open at 7pm - movie starts at dusk. Kids are 12 and under –6 and under are FREE