The Paris Independent for Saturday April 16th, 2022

COUNCILLORS MAKING INROADS WITH PROVINCIAL MINISTERS. Page 4 MASSIVE YARD SALE TO BENEFIT HAITI. April 23 & 24 See page 21

Your Community Newspaper

The Paris Independent Saturday, April 16, 2022

Proudly Serving Paris & Area

PDF Emailed $3.99/month

AGRICULTURE 101

THIS WEEK In Community

LOCAL LOOK AT EARTH WEEK

Pages 6-7 In Health

SAVE A LIFE – Be a Donor Pages 10 - 12 Active Lifestyles

WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE IN PARIS!

Over 900 county students, including ones from Paris Holy Family School, enjoyed a field trip to Burford this week for the return of the annual Bite of Brant event, which educates children on local agriculture and how the agri-food industry plays a vital role in our community. Pictured above is Ben testing out farm equipment on display.

See the full story and more photos on Pages 22-23.

Pages 13-17

Photo submitted by Alison Harrison

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

The Paris Independent

2

April 16, 2022

COMMUNITY CALENDAR TAKE-OUT ROAST BEEF SUPPER- Hosted by St. Paul’s United Church on April 23 at 5 pm. Pick up at the church, pre-order by phone at 519-442-4223 or by email daveboyd15@yahoo.ca. Tickets are $22.

MASSIVE GARAGE SALE FOR HAITI- Hosted by Braeside Camp in Paris on Saturday April 23 at 8 am and Sunday April 24th from 1 pm to 4 pm. All proceeds go to families in need in Haiti. If you have items you’d like to donate to the sale, please reach out to http://dreambigwithus.org/ before April 22 to arrange pick/up or drop/off. Event takes place rain or shine!

SPRING FLING LUNCHEON & CARDS- Friday, May 27, 11:30 am at St. Paul’s Church. Menu: ham, potato salad, Caesar salad and dessert. Tickets are $15, reserve early. 519-442-4223. Non-card players are welcome.

CELEBRATE EASTER- Saturday, April

16th 11 .m. to 1 p.m. at Sojourn Church on Scott Ave in Paris. Everyone is invited to a free family event that includes food trucks, easter egg hunts, ponies rides and more!

The Paris Independent

3

April 16, 2022

COMMUNITY CALENDAR COME AND PAINT WITH US PARIS–Meet monthly during good weather to sketch and paint locations around our beautiful town. Hosted by Steve Howes & Christa Potter, everyone welcome.

First meeting is Saturday, April 23 by the Town Bell (parking lot behind council chambers) from 1 pm to 4 pm. .

DRIVE IN BINGOS- Back by popular demand.

Be sure to reserve your tickets for the Paris Agricultural Society’s Drive In Bingo events scheduled for May 19th and June 23th. Tickets available on ticketscene.ca GREAT CANADIAN BUTTER TART FEST – Saturday, May 28 at 11 am at the Paris Fairgrounds.

Learn more at www.allcanadianevents.com GET THE LAST WORD WORKSHOP– Langford Conservancy hosts a build your own coffin/urn workshop Saturday April 30 – pre register by April 22 – call Ella 226-802-2801

STORYBOOK BREAKFAST PICNIC– Hosted by Kids Can Fly, Saturday, May 14 between 10 am to noon. Your kids will love a porch visit from a character they know!

Tickets are on sale now. https://www.kidscanfly.ca/storybookbreakfast-picnic-2022/

PARIS SENIORS CLUB–St. James Anglican Church - OPEN ALL YEAR- Euchre and tile rummy start at 1:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Bridge club starts at 1 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays.

General admission is $1.00 and includes light refreshments. Everyone aged 55 and older welcome.

For information contact Brenda 519-442-2032.

The Paris Independent

4

April 16, 2022

COUNTY NEWS Councillors discuss Brant challenges with provincial ministers at Good Roads Conference

By Casandra Turnbull Several Brant County representatives attended the Good Roads conference in Toronto this past week.

The conference brought together key leaders from a variety of sectors with a common goal of improving transportation and infrastructure in Ontario towns and cities. Councillors Steve Howes, John McAlpine, Robert Chambers and Brian Coleman, County of Brant CAO Michael Bradley and Mayor David Bailey attended.

Their primary goal was to present the Honourable Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation, with information regarding the county’s bid to receive provincial funding to construct an exchange at Highway 403/Bishop’s Gate Road.

“This project is important to help move people and goods around our municipality and Mayor Bailey and our CAO Michael Bradley presented well on our behalf,” said Howes.

He also reports there was a lot of good information presented by the Hon. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Hon. Monte McNaughton Minister of Labour Training & Skills, and from Amarjot Sandhu, parliamentary assistance to the Minister of Infrastructure. Howes and follow county representatives were able to have many productive discussions with dignitaries on several Brant related issues.

“One of the issues impacting all communities is speeding and we had some good discussions about strategies and tactics to improve this issue,” said Howes. “One of the tactics that we experimented with last year was speed bumps.

Photo provided by Councillor Steve Howes

They proved effective and we are going to expand our testing of this tactic in various spots throughout the county.”

Next month residents will notice speed bumps on Banfield Street, the pilot street for this project. Speed bumps will be installed on other county streets and details of what streets will be provided soon, said Howes. Anyone who would like to request consideration for speed bumps on their street is encouraged to complete a form on the Brant Safe Streets website: https://www.brant.ca/en/residentservices/brant-safestreets.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2QJWS4hbszrn22Iin0ivMm G9YWMtdCWXxafZZ5PBVD4mj8wf2v4sP_0qc

5

The Paris Independent

April 16, 2022

COUNTY NEWS Provincial housing plan does not address affordability challenges Letter to the Editor The Ontario government has introduced the “More Homes for Everyone Plan” and stated that the Housing Affordability Task Force is its long-term housing roadmap.

The task force lacked municipal government or wider public representation.

It primarily comprised people drawn from the development, banking and real estate communities. The issue of truly affordable homes, for which there is a significant need in Brant County, was excluded from the task force’s terms of reference. So, the “more homes” referred to in the plan will not address the significant housing affordability challenge for many in our community. While the mayors of Brantford and Brant have been working to develop plans for local affordable housing, this new provincial plan is not going to be a big help. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario developed an alternative proposal that did include the issue of truly affordable housing, which the province has chosen to ignore. AMO said: “The province understands that the Housing Affordability Task Force’s recommendations were not broadly supported by the municipal sector.”

The province’s plan proposes measures to exercise further control over municipal government, and particularly elected officials, perceived to be blockers who politicize and slow the development process. The province believes local politicians are too heavily influenced by local input. We, the Brant County councillors for Paris wards, believe we were elected to represent the views and best interests of our community. Our engagement with the community during the development of the county’s new official plan highlighted strong concerns of residents at the pace of growth locally. We object to being told by the province that our community’s views effectively don’t matter.

We also object to the province failing to comment on our draft official plan. County staff worked to tight timelines set by the province only to be delayed by a lack of response from Queen’s Park.

Comments were expected last November. The task force report was issued in February. Perhaps there is a connection.

We believe the county’s plan to declare some lands within the settlement boundary excess to our

Publisher Managing Editor Advertising Sales Photographer News Reporter News Reporter

needs to meet our provincially set targets by 2051 is under threat with the potential consequence of development leading to growth beyond the previously set provincial population targets. The province’s delay will potentially be extended under this new plan. The province will potentially undermine the years of careful, professional work and community engagement by county staff by referring the approval of the plan to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

And who knows what will happen then!

This housing plan was announced in advance of the upcoming provincial election. The electorate needs to understand the additional control of development in our county that will be exercised by the province if this plan becomes law. On this important topic the electorate has an opportunity to signal their opinion on June 2.

Steve Howes, Ward 2 councillor, Brant County; Marc Laferriere, Ward 2 councillor, Brant County John Bell, Ward 3 councillor, Brant County; John Peirce, Ward 3 councillor, Brant County

Chris Whelan Casandra Turnbull Chris Whelan Michelle Malvaso Carolina Saenz Karon Sinning

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

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

6

The Paris Independent

April 16, 2022

E A RT H W E E K There’s plenty of ways to get involved in Earth Week There are many ways to roll up your sleeves and get involved in Earth Week activities. The County of Brant is offering a variety of ways for you to participate and keep our community clean. Here are some of their suggestions: Adopt-a-Road -Choose a section of road, typically 1 to 5 kilometers in length. Are there any potential pedestrian safety/visibility issues with this site? Is there another Adopt-A-Road group in this area -Commit to at least 3 clean ups per year, between April 15 and November 15. Work must not occur on long weekends or during peak traffic hours or any other times as specified.

-All participants are required to sign the County of Brant Adopt-a-Road agreement, review the safety guidelines for volunteers, review the participation checklist and view the County of Brant Adopt-A-Road Safety video -The County will erect signs at either end of the adopted road

to recognize the group’s Groups may also deliver bags to efforts. There will be no cost to the nearest roads yard, if the Adopt-A-Road group. possible.

-The County of Brant will loan Community Tree Planting up to 15 safety vests to the group.

Did you know that over the past -125 garbage bags (1 box) eight years, the County of Brant has planted over 7000 trees provided initially. More will be during Earth Week events? This provided if needed. year our goal is to plant 600 -A bundle of flag markers to trees! Join like minded residents mark large, heavy or potentially on Saturday, April 23, 2022 hazardous items will be from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 319 provided initially. More will be Grand River Street North in Paris (Behind Sobeys). Bring provided if needed. your own shovel and gloves!

-Proposed location for placement of full garbage bags.

7

The Paris Independent

April 16, 2022

E A RT H W E E K Community Clean-Up Grab a group of family or friends and choose an area of your community to clean. Need supplies?

Sign up here www.brant.ca/CommunityCleanUp and the county will provide your group with garbage bags and gloves. Supplies can be picked up at Syl Apps Community Centre in Paris.

Earth Week Photo Contest Show the county (and the Paris Independent!) how you and your family are celebrating Earth Week by using the #EarthWeekInBrant and tag @BrantCommunity on social media or email photos to community@brant.ca. Enter for your chance to win one of three $50.00 Canadian Tire gift cards. Contest is open Saturday, April 16 to Saturday, April 23, 2022. Contest open to County of Brant residents only.

At-home Activities Starting on April 16th, residents are encouraged to take part in a variety of at-home earth friendly activities including: Create Some Green! Make your green spaces healthy. Now that spring is here, consider planting an indoor or outdoor healthy yard, using natural remedies for combating pests while feeding the soil and plants with natural fertilizers and soil amendments.

Enjoy Nature If you have an opportunity to get outside, make being outdoors as natural as hanging out inside. Whether it’s eating, playing, lounging, or boating, so many of these activities can be enjoyed outdoors. There’s an added benefit to being outdoors: It’s good for your health. Studies show that people who spend at least 120 minutes per week

Malia, 8, and RyLynn, 10, saved over 9,000 batteries from landing in the landfill last year. The sisters, who live in Scotland, plan to take part in the Brantford citywide clean up on April 23.

Photo credit Laura Haney

outside report better health and psychological wellbeing.

Family clean-up challenge Take the time to explore your property and do a spring clean-up teach your children how important it is to not litter.

If you require garbage bags or disposable gloves, please visit Syl Apps Community Centre, Monday to Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm or call 519.442.3342 Plant a vegetable garden Check out Equal Ground Community Gardens for info on ways to be involved in your own community! Want to learn more about Equal Ground Community Gardens check out the March 19th edition of the Paris Independent https://issuu.com/theparisindependent?fbclid=IwAR 1epUps9V3R6LgWbZbJGmkeDKQgoMPRCjkOz_MYD0B6WTGYfOI0xqtrKo

The Paris Independent

8

April 16, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Lions Club serves over 100 pancake breakfasts

By Casandra Turnbull When Covid put a damper on the Lions Club of Paris’ plans to host the Maple Syrup Festival again this year, the group of community-minded volunteers thought outside the box and brought the star of the festival – pancakes and syrup – to you!

Last weekend the drive-thru, pick-up Maple Syrup Festival Breakfast raised $1,600 for the Lions Club.

Over a dozen club members rallied together to serve 117 pancake breakfasts in a four-hour time span.

Each member had a specific job to do and the morning unfolded in an organized fashioned as cars lined up and picked up their delicious ‘secret recipe’ pancakes from the Lions Club booth at the Paris Fairgrounds.

There were a few challenges to overcome to make sure the first-time fundraiser succeeded, said Ken Linington, President of the Lions Club of Paris. They had to implement an online ordering system, prepare the booth with the proper certifications and cleaning, buy and prepare the ingredients and effectively advertise. “Thanks to the public who purchased our products.

The Lions moto is ‘We Serve.’ Those funds will find its way back into the community,” said Linington.

This year’s drive-thru, pick-up event was in lieu of the annual Maple Syrup Festival which takes over a

1st Vice President of the Lions Club of Paris, Rod Laframboise, flips some pancakes during last Saturday’s drive thru, pick-up breakfast.

Submitted photo

portion of Grand River St North the second Saturday of April so festival goers can enjoy vendors, music, activities and pancakes and maple syrup of course. The festival was founded in 2012

by Lion Dan Moore who saw the success of a similar festival in Elmira. The first event attracted a couple hundred people and has since grown to over 5,000 visitors annually until the pandemic paused the event two years in a row. Organizers hope to see the popular event re-emerge

the second weekend of April 2023.

If you’re looking for other ways to support the Lions Club of Paris, consider purchasing your Chase the Ace tickets today! The draw is entering week 10, with a guaranteed jackpot of $1,500.

Get your tickets online https://parislionscatchtheace.c a/?fbclid=IwAR0XK2gvqkbo CEfvVTPBN2t6uLvlxzIwcX aFsAxXiLukJ9ikZfzKQIRwGg

The Paris Independent

April 16, 2022

9

S P O RT S

ACED IT!

Interested in local soccer?

The Paris Soccer Club is still looking for players and volunteers ahead of its upcoming outdoor season. The Club’s U4, U6, U8 divisions play only in Paris at the Mary Maxim fields. The U10-U21 divisions players travel in the Twin Rivers League competing against other centres from Ayr, St. George, Burford, Wilmot, Delhi, Norwich, etc.

The Club is exclusively run by volunteers so if you have a teenager looking to get in volunteer hours or would like to help the club by donating your time, they are looking for help with teams, fundraising, administration, field maintenance and executive positions. Club Vice President Kevin Noseworthy said they’re also hiring referees who must be 12 years of age or older. Training is offered through the club’s referee clinic, which is scheduled for next Saturday, April 23 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Syl Apps Community Centre.

If you’re interested, please email admin@parissoccer.ca for more information.

Andrew Dupont scored an Ace at the Dwayne Bereziuk Memorial Disc Golf Course located at Green Lane Sports Complex in Paris. Dupont’s second career Ace came this past week as warmer temperatures brought out more players to the local course. Dupont was first introduced to the sport two years ago.

This year, the Paris and Brantford Disc Golf Clubs joined forces to create the Brant DGC. Through the efforts of its members, the non-profit community-based club promotes the sport by hosting public events, supports local charities through outreach activities, and maintains its courses with volunteer stewardship. If you’re interested in Disc Golf and want to learn more about the organization visit https://www.brantdgc.ca/#/ Photo provided by Andrew Dupont

The Paris Independent

10

April 16, 2022

H E A LT H N E W S Paris resident spreads an important message: Be A Donor

By Casandra Turnbull Never take life for granted because tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Just ask one of the more than 21,314 Ontarians who have received a life saving organ transplant since 2003. Or you can ask Paris resident Dale McLaren because he is among that statistic.

He's had two life-saving heart transplant surgeries since 2016, both life changing experiences that have shown him an entirely new appreciation for life.

April 24 - 30 is National Organ and Tissue and Awareness Donation Week. While 36% of Ontarians are registered donors, the impact of that gesture becomes clearer if you end up on the other side of the spectrum – among the names on the national transplant wait list.

Dale, pictured with his wife Cara and their children Kolby & Olivia. Photos provided by Dale McLaren

"I knew about organ donation and was an organ donor myself, but you never really think about how it all works," explained McLaren. "Well, when you actually are living it, everything changes."

McLaren's remarkable story starts over 20 years ago in 2001 when he was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. A small electronic device called an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) was implanted in his chest and connected to his heart. It was used to continuously monitor and help regulate his heartbeat. The ICD would respond to fast heart rhythms by shocking the heart to reset the rhythm and prevent sudden cardiac arrest. By 2014 his heart was failing, and he was placed on the heart transplant list in June of 2015. "At this point my ICD was saving my life as my heart would go into abnormal heart beats and would reach over 250 Continued on Page 11

Dale has received two heart transplants that have saved his life. April 24 – 30 is National Organ and Tissue and Awareness Donation Week.

The Paris Independent

11

April 16, 2022

H E A LT H N E W S beats per minute. The ICD would shock my heart back to normal range. Usually, this took two shocks to normalize," McLaren recalled. He credited his wife Cara and children Kolby and Olivia for knowing exacting how to handle the situation when his ICD went off.

The call that everyone on the waitlist hopes and prays for came on February 1, 2016. McLaren and his family headed to Toronto General Hospital for his eight-hour long transplant surgery. "The doctors and nurses there are amazing people," said McLaren. Three days after the surgery he was up and walking and 11 days post surgery he was released from the hospital with a new outlook on life.

personal information in the letter," he explained, when asked if he had the opportunity to meet his hero’s family.

"This experience has been life altering. Every day I am so grateful and humble that not once, but twice, I was given a second chance at life." And to show that appreciation McLaren pays it forward by promoting and educating folks on the importance of being an organ donor (#BeADonor).

He's shared his story and discussed organ donor awareness at several events locally and across Ontario. He's part of a group of recipients who get together and decorate floats to enter in area parades to draw awareness to organ donation. His family and friends have entered a float in the Paris "After my first year I felt great and was living life parade, handing out pamphlets and very symbolic to the fullest. Then on one of my appointments lifesaver candies. they realized this heart had developed a plaque build up which led to a coronary heart disease Continued on Page 12 diagnosis," said McLaren Just two years after his first transplant, he was back on the waitlist for another heart. Four months into the wait, he received the call again and headed back to the hospital, but it was not meant to be.

"After the donor heart was removed, they noticed the same issues with the heart that I was experiencing," which meant that his surgery was cancelled, and he was back on the waitlist.

Disappointing as it was, McLaren maintained a positive attitude. "If it was meant to be, it would have happened."

On March 26, 2019, McLaren underwent another successful surgery, receiving a new heart from another unknown hero. "To me, both my donors are my heroes. If it wasn't for them, I would not be here," said a grateful McLaren. "We are able to write a letter to each donor family and this is given to my transplant coordinator, and they send it off to the families. We are not allowed to put any

Dale shares his story at events and conferences (pictured above in Orillia) in an effort to raise awareness for Organ Donation.

The Paris Independent

12

April 16, 2022

H E A LT H N E W S He spreads the message in any forum he can think of - even if that means approaching the county to turn the Paris dam lights green last week in recognition of Green Shirt Day. Green Shirt Day was founded following a horrific bus crash that killed 16 Humboldt Broncos players and team members. Defenceman Logan Boulet was a registered organ donor and his organs saved six lives.

"I would like everyone to educate themselves on organ donation. There are so many ways to help people. It is amazing how life can change when you least expect it," said McLaren. Despite all the pain he's endured from physical to mental challenges, it's his family he worried about the most.

"My biggest hurdle was how this was affecting my wife and kids and how much stress they had. My part was easy. I was taken to the OR, went to sleep and woke up with a new donor heart. All this time my

family and friends had to wait, and not only did they have to go through this once but to have to live through another transplant three years later," he said.

And three years since that second surgery, McLaren is still living life to the fullest. He encourages everyone to enjoy every moment with family and friends, smile each day, laugh, cry and just cherish the moments. "Every morning when I wake up and my feet hit the floor, it's a great day."

If you'd like to learn more about organ donation or the statistics provided in this article, visit www.beadonor.ca

The Paris Independent

13

April 16, 2021

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

The Lost Art of Breathing Yoga Moment with Heidi Pfleger

Breathing. It’s something we do, on average, every 4.3 seconds yet give very little attention to. I did the math. It works out to 20,093 breaths per day and I think that’s something well work giving some attention to!

In my 30+ years of teaching yoga, I’ve come across many inspiring quotes. When it comes to breathwork, one of my favourite quotes lies on a page of a tattered paperback written in 1968. “Only a few men die from sudden lack of air, but multitudes perish because for years they have not been breathing enough.” - Rasmus Alsaker, MD While the gender reference in this quote may not appeal to everyone in this day and age, the message is compelling enough to consider just how we breathe and to explore ways of how to improve our experience. As a Yoga teacher, I have seen countless students benefit from the simple practice of mindful breathing to help combat stress, anxiety, discomfort and, in many instances, help to reduce weight.

At least 80% of us are ‘shallow breathers’ who use less than half

Did you know that research shows that taking the time to do just two 10 minute deep breathing sessions each day can help to significantly lower blood pressure and create a greater sense of wellbeing?

Photo provided by Heidi Pfleger

of our lungs’ capacity for each breath. Our breathing typically becomes shallow and rapid when we’re stressed, resulting in headaches, fatigue and disease of varying levels.

Shallow breathing depletes our supply of white blood cells which are vital in attacking invading organisms. It also forces our heart to work harder, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and heart attacks. None of this sounds good.

The good news is that we can do something about this and that is to take time to focus on the quality and depth of our breath.

Research shows that taking the time to do just two 10 minute deep breathing sessions each day can help to significantly lower blood pressure and create a greater sense of wellbeing.

Deep, full exhalations help to dispose of toxins at 15 times the normal rate of typical shallow breathers. One of the ways that our body can prevent illness and disease is through the lymphatic system, which traps toxins and bacteria that need to be fully exhaled. If they aren’t released from our body, we get sick.

Continued on Page 14

The Paris Independent

14

April 16, 2021

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE Deep, mindful breathing can release those toxins, help boost the metabolism, reduce stress and anxiety, fire up the immune and metabolic systems as well as protect us from illness and disease.

Ideally, our breathing should be the same way that a baby breaths. Babies let their inhalation make its way all the way down to their belly. When they breathe in, their bellies expand. When they breathe out, their bellies naturally contract. But the breath doesn’t just go to their belly. Once it reaches their belly, the in breath expands further into their lungs and moves up to their collarbone.

And so, on the out breath, the collarbone, lungs and then belly all take part in the process. We would do well do follow that flow as adults and to also breathe in and out through our nostrils rather than mouth as they do.

Breathwork is a vital part of yoga and it serves as preparation for the fifth limb of Yoga known as Pranayama. Prana refers to “vital energy” and Ayama refers to “expansion”. Together, the terms define a method of breathing through which lifesupporting energy is expanded. As babies, we seemed to intuitively know how to breathe expansively but, somewhere along the line, we

forgot.

Finding our way back is actually quite easy, but it does require practice and a great deal of mindfulness.

Next week, we’ll learn a simple technique for breathing more deeply and mindfully for improved health and wellness. Until then, keep breathing!

Heidi Pfleger has been a Yoga Teacher and Wellness Coach for more than 30 years and a student of yoga since the age of five. Born and raised on a farm in the Paris area, Heidi ventured further afield to study Yoga around the world in her twenties and has since been sharing her experiences and continuing in her studies both on and off the mat. Heidi offers regular yoga classes and individual sessions as well as wellness coaching sessions and retreats throughout the year. For more information on her programs, contact Heidi at 519 755 1447 or visit her soon to be launched website yogabyheidi.ca.

The Paris Independent

15

April 16, 2021

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

A picture from the Spring Walking Club’s first meeting this past Tuesday. Everyone is welcome to join.

Photo submitted by Kayla Rynne.

Pull out those running shoes, there’s a new walking club in town! even though it’s so close to town. Rynne.

There are some great views of If you love to walk, enjoy good Paris and the Grand River that company and want to see some She’s also started a Facebook you can see from a few lookout exquisite views of Paris, look no page: Paris Spring Walking Club points.” further than the newly formed where participants can RSVP, so Spring Walking Club. The group will continue to meet they get notifications and Organized by local Chiropractor every Tuesday until May 31. At reminders for walks. She will Kayla Rynne, the group meets that time Rynne plans to extend also use this forum to update every Tuesday at 5 pm at the the session into the summer but members of cancellations due to Cowan Community Health Hub wanted to see what kind of weather. for a walk down the SC Johnson turnout she’d get and wanted to “The trail is very flat and wide, Trail, alongside the Grand River. re-evaluate if the date and time so all walking abilities are “I recently started exploring this worked for everyone in the welcome. Dogs are welcome to trail during my lunch breaks at group. The first walk took place join on leash,” she added. “I work and really enjoy it,” said this past Tuesday and attracted a hope participants come away Rynne who is a chiropractor at sizeable turn out. feeling good about getting out Cobblestone Medicine Rehab “We had a great turnout and an and being active, and maybe and Wellness. “I love that it is a awesome walk, I can’t wait to make a new friend!” little distanced from the town, so see everyone next week,” said it feels very peaceful and quiet,

By Casandra Turnbull

The Paris Independent

16

April 16, 2021

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

Brant Pedalers and Paddlers group for seniors promotes physical activity and comradery

By Casandra Turnbull If you’re a senior citizen looking to maintain good health, increase your physical activity and make some new connections and friendships, the Brant Pedalers and Paddlers might be the group for you!

The not-for-profit recreational organization is a year-round outdoor activity centric group that aims to promote and maintain active lifestyles in an organized manner, while respecting and protecting the environment. Members meet throughout the week to participate in a variety of health-conscious activities: cycling, paddling, hiking, walking and winter-related sports. They actively seek local and provincial initiatives that impact the activities they participate in to contribute to the overall focus of healthy aging.

“My wife and I had recently retired and moved to

Paris in late 2014. We did have friends and family in the area. We were both in good health and good physical condition. We wanted to maintain that status going froward,” explained Greg Tanner Brant Pedalers and Paddlers (BP & P) Chairperson. “We saw the BP&P membership sessions advertised locally and decided to check it out.” What started as a health-driven goal, ultimately lead to some new friendships with likeminded individuals, he said.

Fellow BP & P member Deb Vickers echoed the same sentiments. “At a time in my life when I was seeking friends through outdoor activities, a friend introduced me to BP&P. I went for a hike at Pinehurst Conservation Area and I was hooked.”

Continued on page 17

Members of the Brant Pedalers and Paddlers meet year round to partake in a variety of activities from snowshoei ng to hiking, cycling and canoeing.

Submitted Photo

The Paris Independent

17

April 16, 2021

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE BP & P was founded in 2015 by a group of friends who live in Paris. They approached the County of Brant and entered a partnership with a shared objective of providing a healthy and respectful place to live. The organization grew to more than 100 members by 2019 and while Covid caused a minor decline in membership, the group was still able to meet through the pandemic as most activities took place outdoors in a safe, socially distanced format.

All BP & P activities are pre-planned and hosted in a safe environment. To achieve this goal, activities are established following proper safety protocols and activity hosts are responsible for ensuring all participants are accounted for and have provided the proper emergency contacts.

Participants are responsible for bringing their own safety equipment and should have some knowledge or experience in the activity they are

participating in. Deciding which activity the group will encounter next is always member driven, added Tanner. Activity coordinators ensure the activities are scheduled on the group’s website calendar so anyone interested in joining knows the when and where.

BP & P is hosting its annual spring information session/open house on Wednesday, May 4th at the Brant Sports Complex from 7 p.m - 8:30 p.m. where you can listen to informative guest speakers and sign your membership.

“Besides the obvious benefits of prolonging a state of good health and enjoyment of the outdoors, the new friendships that have grown are a definite added bonus,” said Tanner.

To learn more about BP & P visit them online at http://brantpandp.yolasite.com

If you want to learn more about the Brant Pedalers and Paddlers catch them May 4th at an open house at the Brant Sports Complex from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Submitted Photo

18

The Paris Independent

April 16, 2022

THE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE OVER 125 YEARS AGO WAS AT RIVERVIEW PARK

Paris Past By Chris Whelan

NO SPITTING ON PARIS SIDEWALKS ON SUNDAYS Right up until amalgamation one of the Town of Paris by-laws stated that it was illegal to spit on the town’s sidewalks on Sunday.

In the early days of Paris, it was common for men to chew tobacco and then spit it out. On Sundays, the sidewalks would be busy with lovely ladies and gentlemen, young and old, in their Sunday best walking to and from church.

The Town Council passed a bylaw making spitting on sidewalks on Sunday illegal so that ladies and gentlemen would not have to have the risk of tobacco juice soiling their good clothes. After church it was common to walk up Grand River Street to attend a picnic at Riverview Park located just below Homestead Road.

Cricket was also a very popular sport in Paris’ past and it was noted in the history of the County of Brant that many residents were upset when the fine cricket fields in the flats (Willow Street area) were destroyed to make way for the Willow Street Race Way and several mills.

Photo 1 above: This is the original photo taken in the 1890’s of a group of townspeople on their way to Riverview Park.

Riverview Park was located up Grand River Street North below Homestead Road along the Grand River. Photo: Paris Museum and Historical Society

Photo 2 above: This is a view of the colourized version of Photo 1 that was made into a giant mural and placed downtown Paris, roughly where the original photo was taken of the townspeople in their Sunday best parading to Riverview Park. Riverview Park was a popular spot in the 1890s for the people of Paris to picnic and play sports. It is now private property. Photo: https://theplanetd.com/thingsto-do-in-paris-ontario/

The Paris Independent

19

April 16, 2022

CRICKET POPULAR ACTIVITY IN PARIS AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY Photos Courtesy: The Paris Museum & Historical Society

Above Photo: A group of cricketers playing on the Riverview Park cricket ground c. 1910. Cricket was a popular sport in Paris at the time. D.A. Smith Photograph Collection, 2009.0062.01, Page 17, Riverview Park was located up Grand River Street North below Homestead Road.

Above Photo: Willow Street looking south, residents at the time, mourned the loss of their beloved cricket fields due to development. Willow Street is on the left, the raceway is in the middle and Elm Street is on the right. In the foreground is the Grand River with the head-gate to the raceway.

The Paris Independent

20

April 16, 2022

E N T E RTA I N M E N T Pirates will take over #forParisCentre!

The cast is hard at work rehearsing the hilarious musical comedy “The Pirates of Penzance” coming in May to both Brant and Norfolk County! Playful Fox Productions is please to announce its next show coming to Paris May 28 and May 29 at #forParisCentre (Paris Presbyterian Church) Http://pfppiratesindoor.eventbrite.ca. Featuring such famous songs as “I Am The Very Model of a Modern Major General” this new adaptation will have you eagerly wanting to become a member of the Pirate Band! The show is recommended for age 12+ as it does contain some language and mild adult humour. If you want to catch an outdoor performance of the show, Playful Fox Products is also offering it at Whistling Gardens on May 21 and 22. Tickets are available online: Http://pfppirates.eventbrite.ca.

Playful Fox Productions Photo

Night of Comedy centre stage in Paris Crew Real Estate brought a ton of laughs to Paris last Friday at the #forParisCentre. Hosted by Robert & Rina Beckham, the evening featured a variety of stand-up acts from: Timmy Boyle, Barry Carter, David Green and Chris Jarvie. Local photograph Dean Ellis of DellisartPhotographix photographed the evening (credited for the photos to the left). Event organizers called it a successful inaugural event, with hopefully more to come!

The Paris Independent

21

April 16, 2022

COMMUNITY EVENT Don’t miss out on this massive yard sale!

By Carolina Saenz Spring must be in the air because it’s yard sale season already. If you love rummaging through new/used treasures, you might want to mark your calendar for April 23 & 24 when a massive yard sale will take place at Braeside Camp on East River Road, Paris.

Titled ‘Dream Big With Us,’ the big two-day sale is hosted for a specific purpose to raise funds for families in desperate need in Haiti, with 100% of the money going directly to the cause.

Volunteers are busy until April 22 collecting and sorting donated items in preparation of the sale that will take place rain or shine.

Sue Keddy, from Dream Big With Us, shares all the details behind this great event. As a registered charity, Dream Big With Us has come alongside a small village in Northern Haiti to help those in need and in the prison system.

“Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, so we are blessed to have trusted hands on sight that make sure hungry bellies are fed with the monies that are raised. We also provide micro loans to jump start small businesses, and help the local

prison provide fresh water and food for their inmates,” explains Keddy. And because anonymous donors cover the costs of the events, they have made it possible for all money raised to go directly to Haiti.

Through this event, donations of furniture, kitchenware, sporting goods, exercise equipment, decorations, toys, antiques, and furnishings are accepted at Braeside Camp (located at 110 East River Road in Paris, ON).

Donations can be dropped off between now and April 22nd, from 9 am to 5 pm. And if those times don’t work, another time can be scheduled by calling 905467-7297. While pick-up of donations is not available, help when unloading at Braeside Camp is.

“We take EVERYTHING except mattresses, videos, and booksbut other than those three things we will take everything including the kitchen sink!!” writes Keddy, who urges the community to donate. “Your stuff will change a life that will change a nation!!”

For those looking to make monetary donations instead, cheques, e-transfers (info@dreambigwithus.org), or donations directly through their

website (www.dreambigwithus.org) are accepted. All donations will receive a tax receipt.

The event is free to attend and in addition to the wide range of items that will be available, delicious treats will also make an appearance. “At this year’s sale we are going to be selling pulled pork on a bun thanks to a generous pork farmer and Conestoga Packers. And thanks to some incredible bakers we will have a gargantuan assortment of mouth-watering baking to make available,” explains Keddy.

So, with all this in mind, mark the weekend of April 23rd and 24th in your calendar. You won’t want to miss this! “Thank you, PARIS, and beyond for supporting the sale in the past like you have- and for buying pies at Christmas time!! You are the most generous city in the world. Your generous hearts are transforming lives. Thank you for being a part of one of God’s coolest stories!!”

Keddy concludes with gratitude

The Paris Independent

22

April 16, 2022

E D U C AT I O N N E W S

Local students take a Bite of Brant Hands-on program gives children chance to learn about local agri-food industry

By Casandra Turnbull Over nine hundred Grade 5 students and teachers, from Brantford and Brant County Public, Catholic and Private Schools descended on the Burford Fairgrounds for the 26th Annual Bite of Brant this past Tuesday and Wednesday.

The event not only gives students an appreciation for where their food comes from, but also insight into how it ultimately lands on their table. With a primary focus on increasing awareness of the agri-food industry in Brant County, Bite of Brant organizers were happy to see the event return in-person this year so students could take a hands-on approach at learning. Various food commodities were showcased at 18 different stations and students rotated in groups through all the stations.

“It is important for students to gain an appreciation for the high quality of Ontario food and to have some knowledge of how it is produced, since they are already consumers and they are our future decision-makers,” said Committee Chair Jean Emmott in a press release.

Alison Harrison, Grade 3/4 and 4/5 teacher at Holy Family in Paris said she was impressed with the program and while it was her first visit to Bite of Brant in her 22 years of educating, she assured it won’t be her last.

Continued on page 23

Above: Evan, Charlotte and Morgan planting basil and tomato seeds at the garden station.

All photos submitted by Alison Harrison

Above: Brayden and Laken meeting Amber the Beef Cow

23

The Paris Independent

April 16, 2022

E D U C AT I O N N E W S Left: Jaxon, Alex and Laken, planting seeds at the garden; Bottom left: Josh uses the apple press to make juice and cider; Bottom middle: Hudson trims a branch at the apple centre; Bottom right: Hudson learning to milk a cow; To the right: Jack on the tractor; Top right: the Grade 3/4 class works together to solve a puzzle.

“The volunteers were so knowledgeable and shared such interesting information in a fun and engaging manner. Each centre ran smoothly from start to finish with interactive opportunities for the students to learn more about local agriculture and farming.

Even parent volunteers were thoroughly impressed,” she shared.

Through demonstration, observation and interactive play, students were able to press apples to make cider, investigate cow milking procedures with a life-size cow model, consider nutritional benefits, plant seeds, compare input food costs, grind wheat to make flour for pizza dough, look at careers in the agri-food industry, observe live farm

animals, explore farm equipment and learn about environmental land stewardship. Approximately 100 volunteers and a dedicated planning committee work hard to ensure outcome-based activities support the Ontario Curriculum.

“The enthusiasm and passion of the volunteers for what they do was evident with the information that they shared and the engagement they had with answering student questions,” said Harrison. She added that her students enjoyed the local experience and spent the remainder of the day discussing the activities and things they learned.

The Paris Independent

24

April 16, 2022

Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford Saturday April 16, 2022 Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore 12:15p.m. 3:30p.m. 6:00p.m. 6:45p.m. 9:20p.m. 10:00p.m.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 12:00p.m. 12:30p.m. 3:00p.m. 3:40p.m. 6:55p.m. 9:55p.m.

The Lost City 11:30a.m. 3:10p.m. 7:00p.m. 9:50p.m.

Ambulance 11:40a.m. 2:50p.m. 6:20p.m. 9:30p.m.

Morbius 1:30p.m. 4:10p.m. 6:30p.m. 10:00p.m.

The Batman 11:15a.m. 2:30p.m. 6:10p.m. 9:10p.m.

Father Stu 12:40p.m. 3:40p.m.6:40p.m. 9:40p.m.

Hop 11:00a.m.