The Paris Independent for Friday December, 24th, 2021

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES & TRADITIONS! Your stories shared on pages 8 - 11 NEW YEAR NEW BETTER ME - Turn to page 12

Your Community Newspaper

The Paris Independent Friday, December 24, 2021

THIS WEEK In Community

THAT’S A CHRISTMAS WRAP Pages 4-6 In Community

EMERGENCY AWARENESS Pages 14-15 Paris Past

IT’S A WONDERFUL TOWN! Page 16-17

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Shelby and Cameron Stone captured this picture of their 7-month-old son Axton Stone enjoying a Dr. Seuss Christmas Classic! The Grinch may have stolen Christmas, but Axton stole our hearts!

Your friends at The Paris Independent wish you a happy holiday season Photo by Shelby Stone

County Offices Closed

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December 24, 2021

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Email theparisindependent@gmail.com with your community calendar submission.

Help us share community news!

The Brantford Lights at Glenhurst Art Gallery.

December 3 to January 6, 2022, 6 pm to 9 pm nightly. 20 Ava Rd, Brantford. December 5 is Lansdowne Night at the Lights and will feature Santa and costumed seasonal greeters.

BOTTLE DRIVE - PARIS OPTIMIST CLUB - Saturday Jan.8,2022 from 10-2 at our clubhouse on Elm St. - on the Syl Apps parking lot. Please help us support the youth in our community by donating your bottles and cans!

If you need us to pick up call 519-442-5227 or email optimistclubof paris @gmail.com.

PARIS COMMUNITY POLICING MEETING- January 13, 2022 at 7 pm at 67 Bethel Rd. The Community Policing Committee is looking for more volunteers. Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/93346127756 4668

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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES ST. PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH – 7 p.m., December 24th. We are looking forward to celebrating Christmas Eve in person at St. Paul's this year. To help us prepare and make everyone feel comfortable attending please RSVP using the link. https://form.jotform.com/213438050779258 48 Broadway St W, Paris.

SOJOURN CHURCH - invites you to Christmas Eve celebration from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on December 24th. Register for tickets in advance at christmaseveinparis.com 112 Scott Ave, Paris.

GRACE GOSPEL CHURCH - Candlelight Service December 24th at 6:30 pm. Gather with us to celebrate the birth of our Saviour. This is a special time honour Christ and all He has done. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. 8 Silver St, Paris.

CEDARVIEW CHURCH - December 24th Candlelight Service featuring special music from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 20 Cedar St, Paris.

ST JAMES ANGLICAN CHURCH- December 24th Holy Communion 7pm (Modern) 9:30 pm (classic) Christmas Day Morning Prayer 10 am.

PARIS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH December 24th from 4:30 pm to 6 pm.

Register in advance at www.parispresb.ca 164 Grand River St N Paris

Publisher Managing Editor Advertising Sales Photographer News Reporter News Reporter

Chris Whelan Casandra Turnbull Chris Whelan Michelle Malvaso Carolina Saenz Bailey Zimmer

STATEMENT We are a non profit organization made up of like minded volunteers from our community with the main purpose of providing our community of Paris and area with a trustworthy and reliable source of community 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:

Published Weekly on Saturday © 2021

PO BOX 99900 LA 012 395 STN MAIN PARIS, ON, CANADA N3L 0C3 Email: theparisindependent@gmail.com

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December 24, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS CHRISTMAS HAMPER VOLUNTEERS WRAP UP SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN

Left to right: Bill Tough, Sheila Tough, Shirley Simons, Corrinne McClure and Tawnia Martel organize the nonperishable food donations prior to the Christmas Hamper distribution day last week. Bill and Sheila were first year volunteers, while Simons has led the organization for over 30 years. Corrinne has volunteered for 15 years and Tawnia for 10 years. Without the support of volunteers, the program would not be the success it is today.

Photo by Casandra Turnbull

By Carolina Saenz It was a true community effort that embodied the real meaning of Christmas. Service clubs, organizations and residents donated generously over the last two months to ensure no families would go without this holiday season. As a result, over 140 pre-selected families received a Christmas Hamper on December 17th – and it wouldn’t have been possible without all the volunteers and Christmas Hamper committee members who spent an entire week sorting, organizing, and packing the hampers.

“We had many hands helping which made the job a lot easier,” explained long-time organizer Shirley

Simons. Over a hundred helping hands worked in unison to pack the hampers, which included a twoweek supply of food for the holidays, a gift card to purchase a turkey or ham for a holiday feast, toys/games for the children and hats, mitts, scarves, and socks to keep warm this winter.

Volunteers have the process down like a well-oiled machine, said Simons. In fact, Simons recalls how it all started some 40 years ago in longstanding member Marg Knill Wilson’s basement. It has grown considerably over the decades and Simons still marvels at the success of the program. “It’s just outstanding to see how everyone works together to make all this happen,” she said.

Continued on Page 5

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This year’s campaign was dedicated in honour of Debbie Flewelling, and committee members asked the public to take a moment and reflect on how the efforts of one person can affect so many others.

Continued from Page 4 To ensure nothing is missed, committee members have their own set of responsibilities. Laura Bowlby and Lisa Lewis oversaw the toy donations, while Tawnia Markell, Cherish Gamble and Simons organized the food donations. These were no small tasks either. After all, donations came in from local grocery stores, schools, community members and service clubs – including massive toy and food drives held by the Brant County OPP, Fire Department and Paramedics. “Everybody pitched in and helped which made the event very successful,” said Simons. Brant County resident Nicole Wellwood made a major toy donation resulting from a local drive she held in memory of her son Evan Leversage. He passed away of brain cancer in 2015 and is known as ‘The Boy who changed Christmas.’

This year was also the first year Simons led the Hampers program without one of the co-founders and dedicated volunteer Debbie Flewelling. She passed away before the start of this year’s drive.

Above, Chloe Schaefer and Trisha Meadows organize food donations. Meadows said her mother used the food bank when she was young so she understands first-hand the importance of giving back to those in need. Below, committee members honoured long-time volunteer Debbie Flewelling who passed away in October.

“This year was special because I lost my dear friend Debbie Flewelling. She passed away on October 22,” explained Simons. This year’s campaign was dedicated in honour of her, and committee members asked the public to take a moment and reflect on how the efforts of one person can affect so many others. Committee members donned Santa hats with pictures of Eeyore in honour of Flewelling’s favourite Winnie the Pooh character. Flewelling was described by many as a wonderful lady with the biggest heart and kindest soul. Her actions have greatly contributed to today’s successes, said Simons.

The number of Christmas Hampers distributed in 2021 was down slightly from last year’s 165, according to Simons.

More photos on Page 6

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Above left, (pictured from left to right) Doug Kellam, Kaitlyn Sparks, Cherish Gamble and Kandyce Harrington sorting food donations from local grocery stores and various fill a cruiser/truck campaigns. Above right (pictured from left to right) Trisha Holyome, Emily Hunter, Lisa Lewis, Lindsay Percival and Emily Percival, volunteers in charge of organizing the massive amount of toy donations.

Photos by Casandra Turnbull

The County of Brant Fire, OPP and Paramedics organized collections over the course of several weekends.

Photos courtesy of OPP – West Region

Nicole Wellwood donated more than a van full of toys in memory of her son, Evan Leversage, fondly remembered as ‘the boy who changed Christmas.’ Evan passed away of brain cancer in 2015. This donation is the 3rd annual in his memory.

Photo (above left) by Nicole Wellwood

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December 24, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS Proof of Vaccination Required for Hospital Visitors Effective December 22, 2021 Brantford, ON – As a result of the rapidly • evolving situation with the Omicron variant, Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) is • implementing changes to its visitor policy.

Effective Wednesday December 22, BCHS will move to an Essential Care Partner (ECP) only visitor policy, which means general visitors will not be permitted. All ECPs must be fully vaccinated (i.e. 14-days since their second dose) and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination at screening, including a vaccine receipt or enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code and government-issued ID. Inpatients can have one ECP at the bedside at a time between the visiting hours of 9 a.m.- 8 p.m., with a maximum of two designated ECPs. The updated visitor policy is consistent with visitor guidelines in place at neighbouring hospitals located in the greater region of Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant and Burlington.

Families of End of Life patients – as determined by the clinical team One ECP for patients in the Emergency Department

•

One ECP for patients in Labour and Delivery

•

One parent or ECP of patients under the age of 18 years old

•

Proof of medical exemption or human rights exemption for COVID-19 vaccine

•

ECP who agrees to be vaccinated with proof of 1st dose by January 4th

All exceptions will require a proof of negative COVID test result at screening. This includes proof of a negative rapid test within 12 hours or a negative PCR swab result within 48 hours.

Thank you to our community for your support and continued vigilance against the COVID-19 “We know how important Essential Care pandemic. Getting vaccinated against COVIDPartners are to our patients. Changes to our 19, including your third dose, is the best way to visitor policy are made in consultation with our protect yourself and your loved ones.

Patient and Family Advisors”, said Dr. David McNeil, President & CEO. “Ensuring that To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine or to everyone inside the hospital is vaccinated – book a vaccine appointment, visit the Brant healthcare workers as well as Essential Care County Health Unit website. For full details on Partners – is critical to ensuring the safest care the current BCHS visitor policy, environment possible and protecting vulnerable visit www.bchsys.org/visitors. patients”.

ECPs will be denied entry to the hospital if they are unable to show proof of vaccine. There will be limited exceptions:

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December 24, 2021

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES Elf on the Shelf Exposed!

It was December first, and we enjoyed an overnight night visit at our cousin's home. Their son Luke was super excited because Buddy (his Elf on the Shelf) had made a splash return that morning. Luke woke up bright and early, shuffled his way sleepily towards the toiled and brightened to see Buddy smiling back at him from the back of the toilet.

He was a buzz when we entered the home, excited to show us Buddy's grand location. He corralled us all into the washroom where we could see Buddy stuffed into three rolls of toilet paper and mounted on the back of the throne. The adults smiled, and Luke rushed off to tell the neighbourhood kids.

Kids popped into the house throughout the day, rushed to the

washroom, excitedly chatting about his unique arrival. Luke's best friend, a six-year-old girl from next door, was particularly invested. Unbeknownst to the adults, the two decided to concoct a plan to track Buddy's movements.

to see what Buddy was up to, only to view my husband taking a whizz! Thank goodness the video caught his attention before he could scar a child for life.

Buddy and the Elf on the Shelf will forever be a fond memory The adults enjoyed a few drinks for me as "The Elf on the Shelf and noshes as the evening Exposed!” progressed. Eventually, the kids were put to bed, and all thoughts Tracey Eccleston of Buddy washed from our minds.

A Knitted Surprise My husband was the first to need the facilities. He excused My mother was knitting a baby himself, stepped into the outfit and when I asked who it washroom, and promptly was for, I was told for a baby returned. He called me over in a not born yet. Christmas morning whisper, saying, "I'm pretty sure there was a year-old doll under there is a phone in the the tree with the sweater outfit washroom recording the toilet." on.

"What?" I said, which caught my cousin's attention. "Our kids Deirdre Biehn don't own cell phones", she replied. Once again, we all Candy Cane Ice Cream crowded into the washroom to Surprise investigate.

Back in the early 90's my daughter's and I were doing An iPhone recording everything some last-minute grocery was tucked in the corner camera shopping on Christmas eve. aimed at the toilet. Luke and the This was when the old Sobeys neighbourhood girl had store was Calbecks and in the innocently hidden her iPhone in Northville Plaza. I was a staythe washroom to record and at-home mom and things were track Buddy's movements. I tight back then, especially with started to laugh. I had this two young girls. horrible vision of the poor little girl next door studying the video

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There was a knock on our door after supper. I went to answer it and there was Santa! He came in and brought gifts for the children, calling them by name.

Continued from Page 8 We were loading our groceries in the car when an elderly couple approached us and gave us a tub of candy cane ice cream to enjoy for Christmas!

30 years later our girls still remember the mysterious couple and their generosity that Christmas eve!

Anita Ferguson

The Hidden Trunk My mother had bought a small truck and it was hidden behind the couch and on Christmas morning it was under the Christmas tree, with my name on it and it was full of knitting outfits for my dolls.

Danielle Brochu

The Magic of Christmas It was 1983. We were living on Paris with our 2 children, Carol, 3 and Sam, 9 months old.

My husband, Dan, was laid off but was having no luck finding work. I was working full-time at Towers Department store in Brantford, but I had a medical emergency and almost bled to

death. Regardless, we were doing our best to get by & to provide a Christmas for our children. At work I was ordered to take as many breaks in the back as I needed because I was so weak & ill. Dan had to drive me to & from work each day. He was looking after the children, the house and myself. I would go to work, come home, and go to sleep. Dan would wake me up to eat then I'd sleep through the night. He would wake me up in the morning to go to work.

I was finally able to get the surgery I needed.

A few days before Christmas, there was a knock on our door after supper. I went to answer it and there was Santa! He came in and brought gifts for the children, calling them by name. There was a box of toys for each child, a couple of boxes of food, a wrapped present for both Dan and I. There was also a Christmas card with over $200 in it.

Santa called each one of us by name. He stayed for about an hour. Both kids were absolutely enthralled. It was a magical visit. We had no idea who was

behind this wonderful help. It didn't matter. It was the help that we so very desperately needed.

We never found out who had helped us. And our children still believe in Santa. And their children as well.

Jane Weber The First Cape Breton Christmas Many, many, many years ago my first Christmas with my wife, I bought her a portable mixer and she bought me a record player. We woke up Christmas morning and opened our gifts. There were no beaters in the portable mixer and there was no needle on my record player, both bought at the same store! That was our first Christmas in Cape Breton.

Tom

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Kindness & Respect from local away. In the morning I found a business owner beautiful plaster doll, I would say about 24” tall, with a very Here’s a memory from three fancy blue dress and hat years ago. Kindness and respect covering blonde ringlets. My are never forgotten. This is what Dad was stationed in Egypt in I love about Paris, John Hall has the Armed Forces and had been in business for over 120 bought the doll on a trip to Italy. years. My sister went to John’s My sister had the same doll only store to look for cotton pajamas dressed in pink. I always for my mother for Christmas, he remember that night and as an has the best linens money can adult wonder how e h managed buy. John the owner suggested, to ship it. for my sister without paying take home three pairs of Wendy Cheal pajamas to see if mom likes Christmas Eve Tradition them. John told her to come back tomorrow, to only pay for On Christmas Eve we always the ones she will keep and return open new PJs and spend the day the others (keep in mind my in them baking, listening to sister has been shopping there Christmas music, and watching for years). Have you ever heard movies. Then in the evening we of a store letting a customer take drive around town to look at stuff and come back the next Christmas lights! day to pay for them? I respect Stacey Sprague acts of kindness, trust and integrity especially in business, Christmas Eve Service it is rare. Stories like this should Christmas Eve we go to church be shared and admired. Thankthen home to enjoy a glass of you John. wine while doing last minute James Kirby wrapping and we finish off with some snacks and watch a The Christmas Fairy Christmas movie.

When I was 8 years old (keep in Gloria Haynes mind I’m a senior now) I woke Christmas Eve and saw a Christmas Scavenger Hunt beautiful fairy in the corner of We have a tradition if someone my room. She had a very fancy is getting a gift that is too big or blue dress and hat, and I was too awkward to wrap, we hide it afraid to move in case she flew somewhere in the house and you

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make a big gift tag and hang it on the tree with a ribbon that leads to the gift. They must take the tag off the tree and follow the ribbon. It may go under and over furniture, in closets and thru hangers to get the gift. No cheating is allowed! Sometimes it is put outside, and it will lead to your boots. So off you go on an adventure to find your gift.

The person that gave the gift can go with the person to see their reaction. Of course, they carry a camera to catch the moment to show others.

Penny Harris

Memories in the Decorations

I love decorating my tree every year because it brings back my memories of my own children and my many years of working in education. Each ornament is very special to me.

Susan Shewfelt

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The Great Cookie Decorating Contest My in-laws started an annual tradition of having a Christmas cookie decorating content at the beginning of December. The kids get to skip a day of school to be at Grammy’s house to bake all the cookies and make all the icing for the contest. The cookies of choice are sugar and gingerbread. They also prepare the homemade awards that are given out the day of the contest.

Some examples of the awards: Santa’s Favourite, Most Sprinkles, Best Decorated, Funniest, Most Creative, etc. On the big day family, and sometimes friends, gather. The table is full of colourful icing, sprinkles, candies, and anything else we can think of to add to the creations. Once the fun and creativity are over, the judges pick their top five out of each category and everyone picks their favourite. The one with the

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most votes win the award for that category. After, we split up all the decorated cookies between everyone and they can bring them to their Christmas and New Year’s gatherings for everyone else to enjoy – or just keep them for themselves!

Ashley, Ed, Emery & Jace Allgood Parades & Theatre Shows In the days when we had the Capitol Theatre and Penmans had the Santa Claus Parade, after the parade you would go to the theatre where you got a bag of Christmas candy and spent Saturday afternoon watching movies.

Bill MacDonald

Candlelight Caroling A few years go downtown Paris my mom Jean Broomfield. On Christmas Eve there was candlelight caroling around the tree.

Elizabeth Broomfield

Texas-sized Present My best Christmas of all was when I was a little girl. We didn’t have much and one year my aunt in Texas sent us three girls big, beautiful dolls in pink dresses. We were so thrilled!

Chris Christian

Paris Christmas Parade The only thing I can think of is the Christmas parade downtown Paris!

Mark Shan Butler The Good Ole Christmas Parade Glenna Williams My dad was in it (parade) one year for the Paris Co-op Preschool and put Christmas lights all over his grey van!

Andrea Blackey-Rickford

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December 24, 2021

H E A LT H Y L I F E S T Y L E Just for the Health of It! with Coach Shell

Don't you hate those New Year, New Me columns? Why do we have to be NEW? Although a lot of people tend to be very hard on themselves, especially women, I have never met anyone who wanted to be brand new! We all have things we like about ourselves right now...it could be our hair, our shoulders, our legs, our brain, our eyes....so instead of thinking about being a new version of yourself, why not this year focus on being better than you were before.

When you are sitting down or even just thinking about your New Year's Resolutions this year, I want you to write down some things that you have accomplished this year. For example, I love that I have a gym routine of doing strength training 3x per week. This act helps you to see all the things you’ve accomplished, things you can feel proud of, instead of just focusing on what you still need to do. Now I want you to pick just three things that you want to IMPROVE in 2022.

NEW YEAR NEW BETTER ME! Pick things you can control and things that are measurable. Try to focus on things other than just a number on the scale, as you can't control how fast you lose weight, but you can control the behaviors needed to get there...just maybe not in the time frame you want.

Some great resolutions would be:

Once you have chosen and wrote out your three, make a plan of action to achieve them.

For example, for: 'I'm going to drink at least 2L of water daily,' pick a favourite water bottle and figure out how many times you must refill it daily!

If you do this, something 1) I'm going to sign up for classes amazing is going to happen. You and do resistance training 3x per are not only going to make your week starting January 3. regular new year's resolutions this year, but you are going to KEEP 2) I'm going to plan my meals THEM. and meal prep every Sunday.

Here's to a YOU that strives to be 3) I'm going to try out a new a little BETTER every day. recipe every week for my family that is a healthier version of what we are currently doing.

Coach Shell is the proud owner 4) I'm going to take an online of Gaudet Fitness Solutions (aka cooking class to learn how to use GFS) She runs classes in person my crock pot or Instant Pot. and online, offers video recordings of classes daily, and 5) I'm going to walk my dog has coached hundreds of women every day before work. to better health and wellness 6) I'm going to drink at least 2L with her B-Lean Nutrition program. She also runs 3-4 large of water daily weight loss challenges each year All these behaviors will lead to that women in Paris and your goal of weight loss, better surrounding areas love to join. health, energy or whatever you are looking to improve to be 'better' and not 'new’.

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SEEKING MEDICAL CARE OVER THE HOLIDAYS Brantford, ON – As the holiday period quickly approaches, Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) would like you to know that it is safe to access our facilities and receive care. Please do not delay care if you need it. We're here for you and are taking every possible precaution to keep patients safe.

As Emergency Department capacity and health human resources challenges persist across the province, we encourage those requiring care to review their access options to ensure care is received in a timely manner.

Primary Care Providers – As we are facing extraordinary volumes through our Emergency Department, we encourage the community to contact their primary care provider for non-emergency care needs.

Emergency Care – Brantford General Hospital Emergency Department treats patients with serious illness or injuries such as loss of consciousness, chest pain, stroke like symptoms or difficulty breathing.

The BGH ED is open 24/7, every day of the year. You can check current wait times on our website at https://www.bchsys.org/en/careservices/wait-times.aspx.

Urgent Care – The Willett Urgent Care Centre in Paris You should visit the Willett when you have an urgent but non-threatening illness or injury such as sprains, strains, stitches or minor burns. The Willett is open during the holidays the following times: ·Dec 24 to 26 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

·Dec 27 to 31– 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

· are showing COVID-19 symptoms

·Jan 1 and 2 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

·have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 either informed by the Brant County Health Unit or by an exposure notice received on the COVID alert app

·Jan 3 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

To check the current wait times at the Willett Urgent Care Centre, please visit our website https://www.bchsys.org/en/careservices/willett-urgent-carecentre.aspx.

COVID Testing – COVID-19 Assessment Centre at the Brantford Civic Centre will continue throughout the holiday season at the Brantford Civic Centre with special holiday hours ·Dec 24 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ·Dec 25 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

·Dec 26 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. · Dec 31 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. · Jan 1 – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Testing at the Assessment Centre is by scheduled appointment only and walk-ins are not accepted.

If you need to book a COVID test during the holiday, visit our website to access the 24/7 online self-booking tool: https://www.bchsys.org/en/covi d-19-online-scheduling.aspx.

You can also book an appointment in advance by emailing Covid.assessment@bchsys.o rg with your name and telephone number, or by calling the hotline at 519-751-5818, available Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please note that as per the Government of Ontario guidelines, the Assessment Centre will only test individuals if they:

·are a resident or someone whose workplace has a COVID-19 outbreak · are eligible for testing as part of targeted testing by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of LongTerm Care The Assessment Centre does not offer COVID-19 testing for travel or social gatherings.

Brantford COVID-19 Pediatric Assessment Centre – Located at the Brantford Civic Centre, will continue with regular hours over the holiday.

The on-site physician will be available for appointments 7 days a week between 1 – 4 p.m.

Appointments should be booked through your primary care provider.

If you do not have a primary care provider, you can book online at https://www.bchsys.org/en/covid19-online-scheduling.aspx, by telephone at 519-751-5818 (phone hours 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) or by email at Covid.assessment@bchsys.org.

Please remember that this is not a walk-in clinic. This service is for children presenting viral symptoms that are unable to be safely seen by their primary care provider due to current COVID-19 protocols.

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December 24, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS FLASHING GREEN LIGHT SIGNIFIES EMERGENCY RESPONSE

By Carolina Saenz

County of Brant volunteer firefighters are always ready to respond during emergency situations and they could use our help from time-to-time to get to those calls.

If you’re driving and notice that the vehicle approaching you has a flashing green light, please take heed: it’s a volunteer firefighter on their way to the firehall for an emergency call.

In the County of Brant, firefighters respond to fires, medical emergencies, water rescues, car accidents, and more.

There are at least 20 firefighters assigned to each of eight stations, depending on local staffing requirements, with approximately 175 firefighters to serve the County of Brant, all of which are volunteers. Since they use their personal vehicles to get to firehalls or emergency sites, first responders are asking the public for their cooperation.

Fire prevention officer Doug Kellam explains, “With the growing population in urban areas and traffic becoming more difficult, it is very appreciated for people to yield to firefighters getting to emergencies.”

As Paris welcomes new residents, some coming from larger urban areas, Kellam believes people might not be aware of how fulltime departments differ from

volunteer-based stations.

Firefighters in city departments are based on site and respond to emergency calls from the station. Volunteer departments like the County of Brant, page their firefighters who use their personal vehicles to get to the station to suit up for the call.

Kellam said even though the lights have been used for over 20 years, the campaign to educate the public on their importance is regularly revisited.

When you see a flashing green light, please safely pull over or yield to let the vehicle pass.

Every second counts when

responding to an emergency and the difference of a few minutes could be life or death.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, volunteer firefighters are not granted any special privileges.

However, if you see the green light and have the ability to safely pull over, please yield and let them pass.

There are approximately 28 volunteer firefighters in Paris alone, who respond to about 1/3 of all county emergency calls, said John Emerson, outgoing District Fire Chief.

Continued on Page 15

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“Essentially I’ve always said it’s not an issue to get the fire trucks through town, it’s an issue getting the firefighters to the station.”

To help dispatch calls in a timelier fashion, the County of Brant Fire Department has put a request in the 2022 municipal budget for funds to build a satellite fire station in Paris’ north end. It would allow for a quicker response time for volunteers who reside north of Paris’ downtown core.

“Essentially I’ve always said it’s not an issue to get the fire trucks through town, it’s an issue getting the firefighters to the station,” said Emerson.

“When you’re in a big red truck people get out of the way. But people don’t always notice the little green flashing light when you’re on the way to the station.”

Details on whether that request was approved during the December 21 budget approval meeting were not available by press deadline.

If you’re interested in learning more about the County of Brant Fire Department, who are actively recruiting volunteer

firefighters, please visit https://www.brant.ca/en/resident -services/recruitment.aspx Kellam also took the opportunity to send a friendly reminder to residents to check their carbon monoxide and smoke alarms to make sure that they are working and are within the recommended replacement dates, as well as to have a fire escape plan ready.

“We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season,” he concluded.

SANTA STOPS IN PARIS! The Paris Firefighters Club went above and beyond the call of duty last Friday and brought a special visitor to Paris! Santa Claus made his way through EVERY street in town riding on the back of a firetruck for everyone to greet. Excited kids and adults alike lined the streets to catch a glimpse of Jolly Old Saint Nick as he waved and shouted holiday greetings to everyone. The same sentiments were echoed throughout town: THANK-YOU to our firefighters for taking the initiative and donating their time to spread some holiday joy, that was surely felt all the way in the North Pole! Pictured here are Jakobe Barrett and Jarome Burke, decked out in their Christmas pjs, excited to finally see Santa.

Photo by Samantha Barrett

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December 24, 2021

IT’S A WONDERFUL TOWN – PARIS IMITATES ART

Paris Past by Chris Whelan This week marks the 75th Anniversary of the classic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Set in the 1940’s in the fictional town of Bedford Falls, this timeless classic stars Jimmy Stewart as our hero Above: Downtown Paris in the 1940s. Photo: Paris Museum & Archives George Bailey. The movie is as much about the idyllic little town as it is about the protagonist who needs to see what life would have been like if he had never been born. An angel proceeds to show George what a wonderful life he has had in Bedford Falls, which is why it truly reminds me of our life here in Paris, Ontario, Canada.

Right: It’s a Wonderful Life” takes place in 1945 at the end of World War Two Photo: Paris Museum & Archives Left: Downtown Paris at the corner of William Street and Grand River Street North. The local Pharmacy & Soda Fountain, just like where George Bailey could have worked.

Photo: 1950s Piccadilly Soda Fountain and Copeland’s Drug Store from Paris Museum and Archives

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Mr. Gower's Drug Store and Soda Fountain.

Above: Movie still of George Bailey working at the Soda counter. Right: Roy Anguish inside the Palms, downtown Paris. Photo Paris Museum & Archives

Above: Movie still of Mr. Gower's Drug Store Right: Inside Syl Apps Family Pharmacy in Paris. Photo Paris Museum & Archives

The Bailey’s house in fictional Bedford Falls

Hiram Capron’s daughter’s house on Grand River St N Paris

The Paris Independent

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December 24, 2021

O P I N I O N COMBINING HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

By Carolina Saenz

Christmas is celebrated in unique ways around the world, greatly influenced by culture, religion, and even weather. As a new Parisian family, we are excited to adopt new traditions specific to our community while keeping our own customs as a Mexican-Korean family.

For my husband, growing up in South Korea, Christmas was rarely celebrated. It was considered a romantic holiday for couples to exchange gifts, go on dates, and even have getaways. Santa only brought gifts for some children, Christmas trees were rarely seen, and turkeys nonexistent. Nowadays, South Korea is changing and adopting Western traditions, so Christmas celebrations are evolving for newer generations to enjoy.

For myself, growing up in Mexico meant similar traditions to those of Canadians with some slight differences. Snow was something dreamy and only heard of in songs. Instead, sandy beaches were the norm. We did decorate, always had a tree, and Santa brought gifts for most children. Stockings were purely for decoration and never stuffed but gift exchanges were held amongst family and friends.

Like other Latin-American countries, Mexico kicks off the holiday season with “posadas” held from December 16th till Christmas Eve. Posadas are get-togethers inspired on the Nativity story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. A reenactment of Mary and Joseph asking for refuge is done in candlelight along with a special song.

And while the root of these celebrations is religious, posadas are embedded in Mexican culture and celebrated even by non-religious people. Most posadas also involve piñatas, traditionally made from clay and filled with candy and seasonal fruits. “Ponche”, a homemade spiced fruit beverage is served warm and often with a splash of alcohol of choice. They provide an opportunity to see friends and family and give “el abrazo” (the hug) which is an important tradition.

So attending many posadas is not out of the ordinary for most people.

Living in Canada, our family traditions have grown. The highlight of the holidays is definitely our Christmas Eve feast. We begin preparations for this special dinner weeks in advance. Some staples include bacalao (cod fish stew), turkey or ham, chiles rellenos (stuffed hot peppers), japchae (Korean glass noodles), and a traditional Christmas fruit salad for dessert. We all dress up for the evening, toast, and enjoy the feast. And with lots of leftovers, Christmas Day is spent in our pyjamas at home. While we don’t usually participate in gift-giving, we have adopted a tradition of baking Christmas cookies and watching Christmas movies on Christmas Day. Santa brings gifts (the kids are always good!) as well as the Three Wise Men on January 6th, but that’s a tradition for another time.

The Paris Independent

PLACES TO TURN IF YOU NEED HELP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

19

December 24, 2021

CHRISTMAS MAGIC FOR SENIORS

COUNTY OF BRANT: Do you need food? The following organizations are here to help individuals and families in need: Serving all County of Brant residents: Brantford Food Bank, 1100 Clarence St. Brantford. Call 519.751.4357 x 225.

Burford: Fellowship Baptist Church, Burford, 67 King St. Call 519.449.5315.

Paris: The Salvation Army Brantford Community Church, 25B Dundas St. West.

Call 519.442.3432.

Paris: St. James Anglican Church Food Bank, 8 Burwell St. Call 519.442.4334.

Paris: Cedarview Church - Food pantry, 20 Cedar St. Call 519.442.4448.

Paris: Paris Free Little Pantry, 2 Elm St. and operates on an honour system. People are invited to take and also leave food items.

Visit www.brant.ca/BrantCares

A couple weeks ago The Paris Independent reported on a local initiative to raise money to gift seniors living at St. Joseph’s Lifecare with Christmas gifts. Called, Christmas Magic for Seniors - in memory of Gwen Ludwig, the fundraiser met its $4,700 financial goal and all the gifts were distributed to St. Joe’s on December 18th. Lead organizer Dawn Sangster said, “Thank you to everyone who cheered, commented, added a friend, shared a post, donated, made cards/ornaments/gift bags, packed and delivered the items!!! This would not have been possible without every one of you.” Pictured above is the Sangster family and friends dropping off the gifts.

Photo by Dawn Sangster

The Paris Independent

20

December 24, 2021

Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford Saturday December 25, 2021 Spider-Man: No Way Home Standard 2:30p.m. 3:00p.m. 6:00p.m. 9:30p.m.

3D 6:30p.m. 10:00p.m.

Sing 2 Standard 3:40p.m. 6:40p.m 9:30p.m.

The Matrix Resurrections Standard 3:20p.m. 6:50p.m. 10:15p.m.

The King's Man Standard 3:50p.m. 7:10p.m. 10:20p.m.

West Side Story Standard 6:10p.m. 9:40p.m.

Nightmare Alley Standard 2:50p.m. 6:35p.m. 10:10p.m.

Encanto Standard 3:10p.m.

American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story Standard 4:00p.m. 7:00p.m. 9:50p.m.