The Paris Independent for Friday, December 31st, 2021

LOOKING BACK AT 2021: YEAR IN REVIEW - PAGES 6-14 Your Community Newspaper

The Paris Independent Friday, December 31, 2021

THIS WEEK In Community

LOCAL OFFICER IS 10-7 Page 3 - 4 In Community

WINTER WONDERLAND Pages 18-20 In Donation

SNOBELEN FARMS Page 23

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December 31, 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 1, 2022, 6 pm to 9 pm nightly. 20 Ava Rd, Brantford.

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 SNOW BUDDIES - If you are interested in being a Snow Buddy, please visit www.brant.ca/SnowBuddies and fill out the Snow Buddy Online Registration Form.

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 © 2021

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

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December 31, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS CONSTABLE RETIRES AFTER 37 YEARS SERVING & PROTECTING

Pictured to the left is Barry along side Inspector and Detachment Commander Angela Ferguson.

Above is Barry during the Paris Policing days.

Picture on page 4 is of Barry and his wife Nancy.

By Casandra Turnbull Badge#10455 was officially 10-7 after his shift last week. In other words, Constable Barry Hussey has officially retired from the Brant County OPP. After his last shift on December 23, there was a retirement presentation with a small group of family members and colleagues in attendance. It was a quiet end to a 37-year long career that started with the Brantford Police Service in 1984.

However, to understand how he ended up with the OPP, the story really begins during his childhood where he watched his dad serve and protect.

Determined to be an officer like his father Ed Hussey, it was never really a question of if Barry would succeed, but rather when. As a child, he was always curious about policing and showed a genuine interest in the career.

“Back then my father would take me to work with him before school and I had to ride around in the police cruiser until he would drop me off at school before 9 am,” Hussey recalled. Perhaps it was those early morning ride-alongs that fueled the fire.

Hussey joined the force in 1984 as an Auxiliary Police Officer with the Brantford Police Service.

During his eight years in Brantford, he was also employed with the Ministry of Correctional Services at Burtch Correctional Facility as a Correctional

Officer. He also spent several years working as security/police at McMaster University. In May 1992, Hussey joined the Paris Police Service and later became a member of the OPP during the county amalgamation in 2000.

Hussey still remembers that first day on the job in Paris where the old detachment was located on the corner of Broadway and Mechanic Streets. He called the experience rather unique compared today’s policies and procedures for new recruits.

“I went to the Paris Police Station with my new uniform and shiny boots. I met with Chief (Bob Mitchell), who made me coffee and said good news and bad news. The good news is welcome aboard on your first day. The bad news is you are working alone today. We went over to the Town Hall where I was sworn in and handed my use of force equipment. The Chief gave me the keys to a cruiser and sent me out.”

To this day Hussey said he was never given a formal coach officer, ultimately learning on the job and from gaining experience.

Hussey spent 25 years of his career doing what he referred to as the meat and potatoes of police work: uniform patrol.

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“I always felt that there was more police trust with someone who had a vested interest the community.”

Continued from Page 3 It’s the job that requires the most public interaction and it’s the exact reason why he loved policing so much. “I knew the area and the people well, which I found made it easier to communicate with community members. I always felt that there was more police trust with someone who had a vested interest the community,” he shared.

In addition to uniform patrol, Hussey spent some time assisting the Major Crime Unit and the Criminal Investigations Unit, working on homicide investigations. Prior to his retirement, Hussey was assigned to the Community Street Crimes Unit where his role was to investigate street level drugs and property crimes.

His career brought a lot of ups and downs. There were many difficult aspects to his job, but the ones that struck him the most were always the sudden/unexpected deaths where next of kin needed to be notified.

Like any frontline workers, Hussey was also prepared for the unexpected. But one time the unexpected hit a little close to home. In 2009, one of his colleagues began to choke and singled so by holding his throat. Hussey sprung into action and administered the Heimlich maneuver to clear the obstruction. He was honoured with the Commissioner’s Citation for Life Saving.

With so many memories to reflect upon, Hussey said he’s at peace with his decision to retire. “It (the decision) was an easy one. Basically, it was my time to go. The thing I will miss is the friendships that I have made. I will miss the constant bantering back and forth with my colleagues and the odd practical joke that took place to keep us sane,” he said.

With an abundance of free time, Hussey said he plans to spend it with his wife Nancy, two boys Brett and DJ (Kelly), granddaughter Charlotte and his dog Tucker - and to volunteer in his community. He already has his next role lined up as the entertainment coordinator for the St. George Applefest next September. All travel plans were grounded with Covid, so that retirement cruise will have to wait for another year, he said. And hopefully, sooner rather than later, Hussey can resume his hobby playing live music with his band ‘Frisky Business,’ as well as performing some solo shows.

The OPP West Region sent out a congratulatory message thanking Hussey for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the citizens of Ontario.

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Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program: Applications opening January 2022 The Ontario government is offering support to small businesses who will face challenges in the months ahead, due to restrictions imposed to control the spread of the Omicron variant.

The new Ontario Business Costs Rebate program, announced days before Christmas, is providing up to $7.5 billion in funding to support businesses financially impacted by requirements to operate at only 50 per cent capacity. Eligible businesses will receive rebate payments equivalent to 50 per cent of their property taxes and energy costs they incur, while subject to restrictions.

A prime example of eligible businesses includes restaurants, smaller retail stores and gyms. There will be a full list of eligibility, along with applications made available in mid-January 2022.

Payments will be retroactive to December 19, 2021. Businesses will be required to submit property tax and energy bills as part of the application process.

“I commend business owners for pivoting quickly as we respond to the Omicron variant in our continued fight against COVID-19,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “It is essential that we support them during their time of need, and that’s why our new rebate program will provide them with the support they need right now on their energy bills.”

The province is also providing additional support to help improve cash flows for Ontario businesses by providing a six-month interest- and penaltyfree period to make payments for most provincially administered taxes, beginning January 1 to July 1, 2022.

A list if provincially administered taxes includes: •

Employer Health Tax

•

Beer, Wine & Spirits Taxes

•

Tobacco Tax

•

Insurance Premium Tax

•

Fuel Tax

•

International Fuel Tax Agreement

•

Gas Tax

•

Retail Sales Tax on Insurance Contracts & Benefit Plans

•

Mining Tax

•

Race Tracks Tax

Questions about the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program should be directed to 1-866-6688297 (1-866-ONT-TAXS).

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December 31, 2021

YEAR IN REVIEW LET’S TAKE A WALK DOWN 2021 MEMORY LANE

By Casandra Turnbull It’s hard to believe we are starting a New Year. It was a turbulent one, to say the least.

It was full of challenges and frustrations but at the same time offered glimmers of hope, optimism, and truly highlighted kindness within our community.

Much like 2020, it was a year many will remember as part of the ‘global pandemic era.’

The Paris Independent is taking you on a walk down 2021 Memory Lane by featuring some of the events and memorable news stories in your community. You may notice there is very little reference to Covid-19 and the pandemic. You get enough of that coverage daily, so let’s just leave it at that.

Composing content for this article was more difficult than I anticipated, after all, we only came into existence around September/October 2021.

Combing the internet for all things Paris, I grabbed a collection of the biggest headlines from various news outlets, service clubs, municipal offices and YOU, the residents of Paris. If I missed anything, forgive me, it’s really meant be a high-level overview of 2021. Please feel free to write a letter to the editor sharing your accomplishments of 2021 or

highlighting what you think was of importance this year.

You can send your letters to stories@theparisindependent.com As we looked back at 2021, The Paris Independent asked Councillor Marc Laferriere to reflect on what was his last full year representing the County of Brant – Paris Ward 2. Laferriere announced his political retirement earlier this year. He will not seek re-election in 2022.

“In what was a tough year worldwide there were a lot of good news stories in Brant that I think were very important,” he shared. “We’ve had our EcDev team helping businesses start, stay open and thrive despite difficult and complicated circumstances.

We’ve installed more sidewalks than any year on record and started an ongoing walkability fund. We brokered a joint services deal with Brantford that had long been a contentious issue that will see improvements to social services, public housing, the John Noble Home and Paramedic services. We’ve opened the Health Hub and the new OPP station, found a home for our new Library and funded more local organizations through tough times with an increased grant program all while only raising taxes 1.8% the fourth year in a row we’ve been under inflation while

increasing service.” (For more on Brant’s 2022 budget, see next week’s The Paris Independent).

Councillor Steve Howes looks to build on the successes of 2021 as we head into the new year.

“It has been my sincere honour to be involved as we worked through decisions and navigated some unexpected challenges in 2021. I look back feeling confident that this community is positioned well for 2022 and has a prosperous future,” said Howes who labeled the county’s New Official Plan one of the best accomplishments of the year. A draft of the new plan, as well as community feedback, was presented to the public at two meetings in December and will undergo provincial review and approval during the spring of 2022. The plan targets residential growth management (to slow down growth), building healthy and complete communities that better match the requirements of the people who live here, preservation of our heritage to keep our smalltown charm, planning for infrastructure, transportation and mobility, economic development and prosperity and finally environmental protection.

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YEAR IN REVIEW “This new document will help to steer us in the right direction for the next ten years with emphasis on listening to the needs of our community.”

Howes said he was also very proud that council was able to finalize a location for Paris’ new main library branch at the Old Town Hall, a decision that was well-received from the entire community.

-Brant Councillors support plan to provide better water and wastewater services east of Paris along Dundas St E, Paris Rd and Oak Park Rd. -The Paris Firefighters Club to the rescue!

Volunteers worked day and night to bring an outdoor skating rink to Paris, located behind the Syl Apps Community Centre.

“Lastly, I would like to acknowledge our county staff who have done an incredible job responding to the ever-changing needs of our community during a pandemic. We have a very dedicated team of people who all work hard to help make this a great place to live.”

And on that note, without further adieu here is a look back at 2021: JANUARY -The County of Brant launches a new online community engagement website called Engage Photo courtesy of The Paris Firefighter’s Club Brant! This website allows residents to get involved in local projects that matter to them. Visit FEBRUARY www.engagebrant.ca to share your thoughts on projects, policies and initiatives that will shape the -County of Brant’s Mayor David Bailey was presented the “Community Influencer of the Year” County of Brant. award from the Economic Developers Council of -Brant County Federation of Agriculture Ontario (EDCO). This award recognizes an announces two $1,500 scholarship recipients: elected official that has ‘made a significant impact Brooke & Raechel on their peers, the industry of Economic -MPP Will Bouma announced the Ontario Development, their community and overall government is investing an additional influence of economic development’. $1,133,400.00 to increase prevention and containment efforts in long-term care homes in Brantford-Brant during the second wave of COVID-19.

-The City of Brantford and the County of Brant announced that the Ontario 55+ Winter Games that were to be jointly hosted in Brantford and the County of Brant have been postponed to 2022. The -County releases Brant Restaurant Guide. View it Games were scheduled to be held from February online at brant.ca/RestaurantGuide and show your 11 to 13, 2021. The City of Brantford and the County of Brant are currently working with the support for local Brant businesses! province to select a new date for the event.

-County launches online consultation for Water & Wastewater Rate Study

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YEAR IN REVIEW -Province of Ontario announced an investment of renovations and a community engagement project. $4.5 million dollars for the County of Brant and -Local woman Beth Howell Vervaecke was City of Brantford for roads and bridges elected president of the Ontario Association of maintenance.

Agricultural Societies. She is a life-long member -The Grand River Council on Aging has launched of the Paris Agricultural Society. a Seniors' Discount Directory online! With over -The Paris Agricultural Society was recently 250 discounts from local businesses and service awarded one of the County of Brant 2021 providers in Brant, Brantford and Six Nations it is Community Grants. an excellent online resource. Check it out today by visiting https://grcoa.ca/.

MAY MARCH

-The former Cedar House restaurant, an iconic downtown eatery, is demolished.

-Walter Gretzky, Canada’s favourite hockey dad, dies at the age of 82. Paris dam lights up in red in -The Old Paris Police Office and also the former honour of Walter. post office was demolished. The empty space is now used for municipal parking.

-March 11 residents pause for a National Day of Observance to remember those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 as well as reflect on the significant impacts we have all felt due to the pandemic.

-Kiwanis Paris Brant hosts a community food drive and collects 575 lbs of food which was delivered to the Paris Food Bank.

Photo credit Colleen Mackie Leroy

-The Paris Lions Club launches a popular Chase the Ace Fundraiser. Proceeds from that fundraiser went towards the Lions Club’s $50,000 financial commitment to the Health Hub. -In advance of Pride Month, the downtown Paris crossover had a new Pride flag painted on the road. Paris also saw a new Barnes Farm Dance crosswalk installed at the traffic lights on the corner of Grand River St N and William St. Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Paris - Brant

APRIL -Hamilton based company Forge & Foster purchases the Walker Press building and begins

JUNE

-Paris Optimist Club launches a community garden beside the Free Little Pantry.

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YEAR IN REVIEW JULY

-Brant County Councillors back new speed limits in the county, including along a section of King Edward St where children cross near Irongate to access the two schools in the Cobblestone Dr subdivision.

Photo credit Steve Howes

- Brant councillors approved plans that enabled Brant OPP to hire two additional officers that will be dedicated to speeding and traffic enforcement, at a cost of $361,600. As of the end of April, Brant OPP had charged 620 motorists with speeding. That’s a 29.4 per cent increase from the 429 speeding drivers charged over the first four months of 2020.

-Councillor Marc Laferriere announces that he -A Home-Based Business Bylaw passes will not seek re-election in 2022, after 15 years unanimously by the Planning Committee. The in community politics. work from home trend was emerging before -The Paris Agricultural Society hosts drive-in Covid but the pandemic certainly sped that trend up substantially. The bylaw will stand for a year community BINGO, back by popular demand. as a pilot and then we can look to tweak it after a -Project Safe Trade is now in the County of year to see what does and does not work before a Brant thanks to space available at new OPP longer-term bylaw, reports Marc Laferriere. station. This is a safe location to pick up items -Laurel Street reconstruction project begins and purchased from online social media platforms wraps up in November. The project included: new sidewalk on the east side of Laurel Street, connecting Dundas Street West and Lions Park; New sanitary sewers through Lions Park to service existing properties on Laurel Street and the planned Nith Peninsula residential development; Replacement of existing trunk watermain, local watermain and services; New curb and gutter, along with other storm sewer replacements AUGUST Photo credit OPP –West Region

-Families enjoyed a special treat: The Paris Summer Midway, by Campbell Amusements.

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December 31, 2021

YEAR IN REVIEW -John M Hall: The House of Quality Linens -The Cowan Foundation donates $800,000 to the celebrates its 130th anniversary.

Health Hub, effectively renaming the facility the Cowan Community Health Hub.

SEPTEMBER - All eyes were on The Paris Agricultural Society (PAS) as it prepared to present the largest event in town in nearly two years. The 163 Paris Fall Fair Photo credit County of Brant returned with over 34,000 visiting over the course of 5 days.

-The County of Brant honours the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and raises a flag to -Kids across Paris return to in-person learning at recognize the ongoing trauma caused by area schools. residential and day schools, and remember those -The County of Brant Public Library and the who were lost, the survivors and their families.

County of Brant are excited to announce that the -The Brant OPP detachment celebrates the grand new Main Branch Library will be built on the site opening of its new facility on Bethel Rd. “This of the Bawcutt Centre. Located at 13 Burwell new OPP detachment building is an Street in Paris, Ontario, the Bawcutt Centre was exemplification of modern, efficient and safe use built in 1854 as the Paris Town Hall and is one of of space and resources. My compliments to the the oldest civic Gothic Revival-style buildings in County of Brant and the OPP for this huge step in Canada. Once at the heart of its community, the serving the community now and in the future”, building will be restored as a cultural cornerstone said Brantford-Brant Member of Provincial for County of Brant residents. It was designated a Parliament Will Bouma.

National Historic Site in 2020.

Photo credit County of Brant

Photo credit County of Brant OPP

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December 31, 2021

YEAR IN REVIEW OCTOBER -Residents were treated to an afternoon thrill show that featured two exhilarating sports: bull riding and motocross. The country-style actionpacked afternoon raised money for Help a Child Smile.

Photo credit County of Brant

-Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead receives $25,000 in funding from Brant County Council.

The funds were granted to the Women’s Institute of Canada, which has owned the historic site since the 1950s. The money was used for urgent repairs to the roof and kitchen.

-The Paris Curling Club, affectionately known as the Friendliest House in Town, opens its doors to members and invites residents to try the sport during two ‘Learn to Curl’ open houses.

-The Paris Performers returned to the stage for the first time in 18 months with the series of one-act plays at the Rope Factory in Brantford.

-Wes Kuntz and Jenny Butcher named Ontario’s 2021 Outstanding Young Farmers.

The duo operates Little Brown Cow Dairy Farm and Store and serve some of the most delicious milk around. Their farmer’s market style store offers handmade crafts, produce, meat, dairy, (in house made) frozen meals and baked goods all sourced from within a 100 kms of their Cockshutt Rd location.

-The Ford Motor Company of Canada announces that Paris will be home to its newest distribution centre with a state of the art 52,000 square foot building off Rest Acres Road and Highway 403.

Photo by Michelle Malvaso

NOVEMBER -Rotary Satellite Club launches in Paris.

Resident Dale Hall spearheads the initiative, and the first meeting is held in late November. You can learn more about this story in our November 6th edition.

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YEAR IN REVIEW -Marilyn McCulloch is honored with the President’s Citation for Outstanding Optimist Club Member for 2020/2021. McCulloch has been a member of the Optimist scene since 1996.

“I joined because I knew all the great things the club did for the youth in our community,” said McCulloch. “And I’ve loved every minute of it.”

The Paris Optimist Club is a vibrant service club that has supported youth and youth-based initiatives in the community for over 70 years.

-Junior Panthers finish second in Brant County Championships, an amazing feat considering the season was almost cancelled because they couldn’t attract players. “The coaches are satisfied that our Panthers gave everything they had in pursuit of the championship,” stated coach Steve Fergus in a brief interview after the game.

“Season 2022 can't start soon enough. The Panthers, Juniors and Seniors, will be back,” he added!

-Helen Mulligan, a long-time County Councillor, a retired nurse, a major leader in local health care with the Grand River Community Health Centre, -The Grand River International Short Film the Health Unit, the Brantford Health Care Festival debuts in Paris. The short-film festival System and so many other community groups, mimics the Lakeshorts International Short Film passes away.

Festival celebrating 10 years of success in -Five Oaks receives $148,000 Trillium Grant for Toronto. Residents Chris Szarks and Michelle upgrades to the dining room and kitchen at the Nolden co-founded both events.

65-year-old facility.

-In-person Remembrance Day ceremonies across the county. Residents were able to gather at the cenotaph to honour our local veterans and fallen heroes.

-Local historian Robert Hasler releases new book on the Paris Junction.

Above photo & football Photo by Michelle Malvaso

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December 31, 2021

YEAR IN REVIEW -The Paris Independent examines the Walker Press Building: Past, Present and Future. Plans to revitalize the historic building were paused when developer Forge & Foster reached an impasse with County planning officials over a lack of parking for the commercial building. Ben Ames made a passionate presentation to council but was unable to sway most councillors’ concerns over traffic and parking. The building is back up for sale.

- Beloved former Mayor of Paris, Jack Bawcutt passes away on November 22, 2021 at 98 years old. Residents fondly remember the life of a noble man once honoured as Citizen of the Year. Jack is survived by the love of his life, Joyce Bawcutt.

DECEMBER Photo by Michelle Malvaso

-Hundred of residents shopped local during the annual Jingle Bell Market in downtown Paris. The three-day event featured a tree lighting ceremony, shopping bargains and a ton of festive spirit.

-The long-awaited Cowan Community Health Hub opened its doors to the new 41,365 square foot medical facility -County of Brant and City of Brantford reach new cost-sharing agreement that will see social services transition from approach based on caseload and population of each community to a population-based model only.

-Convicted killer and conman Albert Walker loses his appeal for parole and will remain in prison.

-The Kiwanis Club hosts Breakfast with Santa to the delight of area children.

-Local residents Salah Bachir and Jacob Yerex make $250,000 donation to the Cowan Community Health Hub to fulfill the 2-milliondollar fundraising campaign. The donation was honoured by naming the community room The Bachir/Yerex Community Room.

Salah commented “We are honoured to be part of this great initiative and congratulate everyone on their hard work. We thought this would be a perfect holiday gift to our families and community.”

The Paris dam was illuminated in blue this month in recognition of all the donors. Mayor David Bailey commented, “We are beyond grateful to the community for their incredible support to make the Health Hub a reality.”

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December 31, 2021

YEAR IN REVIEW -The Drive-Thru Christmas parade returns to the Paris Fairgrounds for the second year in a row, hosted by the Paris Agricultural Society.

open to motorists after months of construction along Rest Acres Rd.

-The Paris Firefighters pull some strings and bring Santa Claus to -The County of Brant presents town. He rode on top of a fire its New Official Plan to residents truck visiting all streets in town during two public meetings in and offering some holiday cheer. early December.

-The Paris Community -District Fire Chief John Christmas Hamper committee Emerson retires after 47 years of wraps up another successful service holiday campaign, backed by close to 100 community volunteers. This year, 140 families received Christmas hampers, composed of donations from residents, grocery stores, service clubs, Brant County OPP, Fire Department and Paramedics.

Pictured above: Scarlet, Zoe, Violet, Maxwell and Lucas Photo credit Stephanie Holt

-Paris Minor Hockey Association hosts a very successful used equipment drive, organized by the U11 rep team. The equipment will be flown to remote areas of Canada’s northern region for kids who do not have the means to purchase hockey equipment.

-Paris’ first roundabouts fully

Without the help of up to 100 volunteers, the Christmas Hamper program would not be the success it is today.

Photo by Casandra Turnbull

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December 31, 2021

S P O RT S PASSING GRADE FOR LOCAL FIGURE SKATERS The Paris Figure Skating Club held its test day on Tuesday, December 21. The following skaters celebrated accomplishments: Danika Doyle - Ten-Fox; Isabella Smith - TenFox (Dance); Janine Smith - Ten-Fox (Dance); Maggie Donkers - 14 Step (Dance); Ella Knill 14 Step (Dance); Janine Smith - 14 Step (Dance); Katie Males – European (Dance); Erica Lewis – European (Dance); Sherry Osinga – American (Dance); Avery Furtado – Keats (Dance); Lisa Chaterson-Elley - Killian (Dance); Trillium Gazdewich - Rocker (Dance); Jennaka Smith - Gold Skill The club’s winter session is currently open for registration. If you’d like to enroll your child in the Tuesday/Wednesday session the registration will be open until January 3rd. If you’re interested in the Friday/Saturday sessions, registration is open until January 12th. You can email parisfigureskatingclub@live.ca or visit https://parisfsc.uplifterinc.com/

Pictured is Jennaka Smith after she passed her Gold Skill level, alongside coach Penny Colwell.

Photo courtesy of the Paris Figure Skating Club

WOLFPACK TEAMS COLLECT WINS AHEAD OF HOLIDAY BREAK Here’s a look at the PMHA Dec 20- U18 Team 2 wins 5-2 Wolfpack Scoreboard from against Langton Leafs December 19 to 23rd.

Dec 20- U11 Team 2 wins 6-0 Dec 19- U13 Team 2 wins 5-0 against Port Dover Pirates against Port Dover Pirates Dec 20- U13 Optimist Reps Dec 19- U15 Team 2 wins 3-2 wins 4-2 against Burford against Tillsonburg Tornado Coyotes Dec 19- U11 Team 2 wins 8-1 Dec 20- U18 Team 3 wins 6-1 against Norwich Knighthawks against Tillsonburg Tornado

Dec 21-U18 Team 3 ties 3-3 against Tillsonburg Tornado Dec 21- U15 Rep loses 6-3 against Ayr Flames Dec 23- U13 Optimist Reps win 8-5 against Norwich Knighthawks

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December 31, 2021

THE BEGINNINGS OF LAW AND ORDER At The FORKS of the GRAND

Paris Past by Chris Whelan Up until 1977, Paris didn’t have an actual “Police Station.” Police offices at several different locations were the norm and were little more than a site where a police officer, at times, might be found. The first office was located in the basement of the Old Town Hall at the corner of Church and Burwell Streets. A dungeon like cell still exists in the building. Records don’t indicate when the police office was relocated to the municipally owned building at 66 Grand River St. N., but it is believed to have been around 1908.

This building (now the Paris Municipal Office & Council Chambers) served as the Fire Station, Community Hall and Public Utilities Commission. The Police Office consisted of a small space with a desk, a hallway and two cagelike cells. Furnishings were sparse and storage space negligible. This may have been sufficient when the force was just two officers, however it was still in use some fifty years later when the force had grown to seven. By the 1970s and 80s a house on Broadway St. had been purchased by the Town of Paris and converted into the Police Station.

Above: An old jail cell still remains in the basement of the Old Town Hall on the corner of Burwell and Church Street in Upper Town, now re-named the Jack Bawcutt Centre. The cell walls were, and still are, two feet thick stone and brick. Cells were fitted with heavy 2” thick steel doors. The walls of the cell were washed off several years ago and there is clearly visible handwriting stating “R.J. McFarlane -30 days – 1886”

Above: 66 Grand River St. North downtown Paris served as Police, Fire, Public Hall and P.U.C. for many years.

The Forks of the Grand became known as the Village of Paris in 1850. It was incorporated into the Town of Paris in 1856. On January 1, 1999, the Town of Paris and the townships of Brantford, Burford, Oakland, Onondaga, and South Dumfries amalgamated to form a new single tier municipal government with the official legal name of County of Brant and voted to go with the O.P.P. for policing. Existing officers were offered positions with the new force.

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December 31, 2021

SOME NOTABLE LAW ENFORCEMENT FROM PARIS PAST

Above: Chief Thomas Bean, 1929 to 1964 was well known and well respected. While he had little time for written reports, Chief Bean had a remarkable memory. This coupled with the fact that he knew almost every resident in Paris, made it very difficult for any stranger to go unnoticed, or to commit a crime and escape Beanie’s apprehension.

Above: Police Chief Jack Watts with the Paris department’s new 1966 Dodge Cruiser

Paris Constable Dave Maxwell shows off the new moving radar detector.

Above: Paris Police 1952. From left to right are Constable Laird McNeilly, Constable Don McArthur, Sergeant Dave Jack, Chief Thomas Bean and Sergeant Ken Stephenson.

Above: Last Paris Police Force c1998 from left-to-right, front-to-back, front row: Dispatcher Micki Watkins, Constable John Alway, Chief of Police John Cain, Sergeant David Maxwell, Dispatcher Heather Smith. Second row: Clerk-Typist Claudia Boaz, P/T Dispatcher Susanne Ayres, P/T Dispatcher Wendy Kipp, Dispatcher Jennifer Williamson, Dispatcher Wilma Harrower. Third row: Constables David Ely, Mark Trinaistich, Ron Yorksie, Tim Comely, Barry Hussey, Linda Montvajski. Back row: Constables Dean Pottruff, Andy Packer, Harold Coffin, Art Williams, Jeff Bund. Absent: Sergeant Dan Hurst.

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December 31, 2021

WINTER WONDERLAND “To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.”

-Aristotle

Nolan Ferren was thrilled to spend some time speeding down the hill on his G.T. racer. Thanks to some Christmas Eve-Eve snow, kids woke up to a winter wonderland on December 24th.

Every hill in town was packed with kids making the best of the white stuff.

Photo credit Renie Place

Nathan’s living his best life sliding head first downhill on his tube.

Photo Credit Erin Frampton

Colten and Adelyn Robinson got lots of exercising going up and down the hills behind Paris District High School on Christmas Eve. Photo credit Lynda Robinson

Colten Robinson and Jace Allgood prepare for a G.T race. Photo credit Lynda Robinson

Emma’s still not sure what to make out of her first experience with snow! Photo

by Michelle. To the right, Seren took advantage of the heavy packing snow to build a snowman! Photo by Dannii Cadman

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December 31, 2021

Elf Blake stopped to make a snowcone snack during his Christmas Eve Day toboggan. Photo credit Ashley Dinsmore (below and right)

Blake takes his first ride on a G.T racer. Photo credit Jen Lynn

Ares was thrilled to go down the slopes – his brother Atlas – not so much. Photo credit Stephanie Kershaw

Paisley and her grandfather prepare for a rip down the hill.

Bryce Fisher makes his first attempt downhill on a snowboard.

Photo credit Lindsay Joy

Brent proves sledding isn’t as easy when you’re an adult – much to the delight of his daughter Bella. Photo credit Carrie Howarth

Adelyn Robinson and Emery Allgood prepare to launch down the hill.

Brake & Brady Bethune enjoyed a sled ride, with minimal work required!

Photo by Stefanie Leigh

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December 31, 2021

Mason and Dylan-Rose couldn’t wait for a major snowfall, they hit the slopes a week earlier making the best of light snowfall.

Photo credit Jade Jacqueline

Lewis and Marigold Graham opted to bundle up and explore the banks of the Grand River by Optimist Park on Christmas Eve. Photo credit Franny Cooper Graham

Lucas Baldwin enjoyed a Christmas Eve walk to look at local lights. Lucas is pictured in front of Salah Bachir and Jacob Yerex’s home, famous for their elaborate Christmas decorations Photo credit Julia Baldwin

Caleb Lamb was a snow buddy on Christmas Eve, helping neighbours shovel out their driveway and walkways.

Photo credit Kelly Lamb Olivia & Ben Turnbull make the long haul back up the hill behind PDHS

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December 31, 2021

Eating grapes, smashing plates, wearing yellow underwear – How will YOU celebrate the New Year?

By Carolina Saenz New year celebrations are different around the world. From food to clothing choices and activities, various cultures find ways to ring in the new year in special ways. And one thing most have in common is wishing for good fortune, blessings, and prosperity in the new year.

When it comes to food, there is one fruit that makes a special appearance: grapes. Grapes have played an important part of new years celebrations in countries such as Spain, Portugal, and many Latin-American countries like Mexico.

Traditionally, new years eve suppers are held right at midnight. And it is right at that time that every person will eat twelve grapes, making a wish for each one of the upcoming twelve months of the new year. It is bad luck not to eat them all, it must be done quickly and before enjoying the feast.

Once the grapes are eaten, hugs and toasts begin, followed by lots of food, dancing, and drinking.

Another interesting food choice happens in Japan.

While traditionally many Japanese enjoy soba noodles for new years, KFC meals are a very popular way to celebrate both Christmas and New Years Eve. Special Christmas offerings from KFC have become a tradition for many families who gather to enjoy fried chicken, generation after generation.

If you’re looking to incorporation some traditional food into your evening plans, consider picking up some corn bread, a Southern USA comfort food that is believed to bring prosperity in the coming year since yellow corn kernels look like gold. Rice pudding, typically serviced in both Sweden and Finland, comes with a special almond hidden in the mix. Whoever finds the almond is guaranteed a lucky new year. If seafood is your favourite,

prepare some pickled herring to better your odds for an abundance of wealth in the new year. In Poland, this briny fish is consumed to ensure a prosperous new year. If the weather is just right and you plan to fire up that backyard BBQ, put on some sausages and grab some sauerkraut, because you never know, the German tradition of eating sauerkraut could bring good fortune in 2022.

Wishes for the new year, not surprisingly, often include finding love and fortune. To bring these about, people in countries like Spain and Italy wear red underwear on New Years Eve. Similarly, Mexicans wear red underwear if wishing for love or passion, and yellow underwear if wishing for wealth. Retail stores will have endless supplies of these colours for both men and women to choose from. It’s a fun tradition that never gets old and keeps everyone participating year after year!

Another popular wish for many is an abundance of travel in the new year. For this, Colombians make their wish known by running around the block with an empty suitcase right at midnight. It’s a fun activity to start the new year and hopefully bring about lots of traveling opportunities. If you’re going to try this one out tonight, maybe give your neighbour a heads up so they don’t think you’ve lost your mind – and be sure to watch out for slippery sidewalks! And with so many restrictions on travel right now, maybe taking that suitcase for a spin is worth the effort if it can bring travel fortune in the new year.

Along with making wishes, making offerings for the new year is common practice. In Brazil, flower offerings are made to the Ocean Deity to bring blessings for the new year. People gather by the beach to show their gratitude and wish for another blessed year.

Continued on page 22

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Looking at New Year traditions around the world Continued from page 21 And speaking of beaches, it’s common for South Koreans to bring in the new year with a special tradition of watching the first sunrise on the beach.

Beaches surrounding the country are filled with people hopeful for a bright and happy new year and grateful for the one that has passed. And what better way to start a new year than to rejoice in the beauty nature has to offer.

Without an Ocean or Lake in Paris you might want to take a different approach – like hanging some onions on your door – a Greek tradition that symbolizes rebirth and growth in the new year.

Greek culture has associated this food with the idea of development because onions are notorious for planting roots and continuous growth.

If you can’t stand the smell of onions – take a totally different approach. It might be a little messy, but it’s sure to be fun and maybe even provide a little stress relief. In Denmark people smash plates outside their doors at the end of the year. It’s believed to relieve any aggression and leave ill-will behind before the new year begins – and let’s face it – there are probably aspects of 2021 we’d all love to leave behind.

Finally, why not follow the traditions of folks in Ecuador and have a good old-fashioned bonfire in your backyard. These burnings of the ‘old year’ are held to cleanse the world of all the bad from the past 12 months and make room for the good ahead.

On that note, Happy New Year Paris!

First Retail Cannabis Store Opens in Paris Councillors Marc Laferriere, Steve Howes and John Peirce visited one of Paris’ newest businesses earlier this month for their grand opening to the public. Chillin’ Buds is committed to providing expert knowledge and high quality & unique cannabis products, with a focus on education. In an effort to give back, a percentage of proceeds goes to support Homeless Shelters, Covenant House and local food banks in the community. Learn more about this initiative or the products available by stopping in at its new location at 1070 Rest Acres Rd in Paris. The visit from local councillors marks almost three years since council passed a very contentious vote to allow cannabis retail in the County.

Photo courtesy of Marc Laferriere

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December 31, 2021

I N D O N AT I O N Brant Community Healthcare System receives $10,000 donation from Snobelen Farms MEDIA RELEASE: The Brant Community Healthcare System is one of five hospital foundations who each received a $10,000 donation over the holiday season, courtesy of Snobelen Farms.

The Snobelen family, who operates a family-owned farm in Bruce County Ontario, has a longstanding tradition of give back to communities, and did so this year in honour of the life of Past President, Troy Snobelen. The Memorial Fund distributed $50,000 to hospitals across Ontario, also including Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation, Wingham and District Hospital Foundation, Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation and Palmerston District Hospital Foundation. This year’s donation comes on the heels of the farm’s 50th anniversary celebration.

“For 50 years, we’ve been active participants in our community.

A gift investing in health care in the communities where we operate seemed the best way to celebrate and carry

on the legacy of Troy, our business and employees,” says Sam Snobelen, president of Snobelen Farms. “This donation comes at an important time, as frontline workers continue to work tirelessly to keep us safe and healthy.”

With a history of giving back and in recognition of their team, Snobelen Farms engaged employees to choose which charity in their communities should receive funding. Through an employee vote, employees selected local hospital foundations as recipients of funds. Snobelen Farms employees and members of the Snobelen family recently gathered to celebrate the donation. Each hospital foundation will soon participate in a

cheque presentation ceremony to officially receive the gifts and share appreciation for the donations.

In 1971, Mike and Judy Snobelen started Snobelen Farms with two grain bins on their home farm outside of Ripley, Ontario. Now Snobelen Farms operates eight elevator locations across Southwestern Ontario and employs approximately 60 full-time employees, specializing in the production, processing and sales of food grade soybeans, commercial grains, and pedigreed seed for markets across Canada and internationally.

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Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford Saturday January 1, 2022 Spider-Man: No Way Home Standard 11:15a.m. 11:45a.m. 2:40p.m. 3:10p.m. 6:00p.m. 9:20p.m.

3D 6:30p.m. 9:50p.m.

Sing 2 Standard 1:00p.m. 4:00p.m. 6:45p.m. 9:30p.m.

The Matrix Resurrections Standard 11:20a.m. 2:45p.m. 6:20p.m. 9:45p.m.

The King's Man Standard 12:25p.m. 3:40p.m. 6:50p.m. 10:00p.m.

Nightmare Alley Standard 11:30a.m. 3:00p.m. 6:30p.m. 9:50p.m.

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

Encanto Standard 12:10p.m. 3:20p.m.

American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story Standard 1:10p.m. 4:10p.m. 7:00p.m. 10:00p.m.