The Paris Independent for Saturday April 2nd, 2022

THE POWER OF 100 PEOPLE WHO CARE. Donation details on Page 7 GET THE LAST WORD. Workshops take aim at end-of-life preparations. Page 15

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The Paris Independent Saturday, April 2, 2022

THIS WEEK In Community

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MONSTERS IN PARIS! AT THE PARIS FAIRGROUNDS THIS JULY

EMBRACING YOUR IDENTITY

Pages 5-6 In Sports

RINGETTE SEASON WRAPPING UP Page 13

In Entertainment

GAME ON! Pages 19 - 21

#ThrottleOutProductions is bringing these big beasts back to Paris on July 9th and 10th for a two-day show. Proceeds from event ticket sales will go towards track upgrades that will improve the safety and quality of future shows. Tickets are on sale now. See the complete story on page 4.

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

County County Offices Offices Closed Closed County Offices Closed

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April 2, 2022

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR PARIS GEM & MINERAL SHOW-Saturday April 2 and Sunday April 3rd at the Paris Fairgrounds. Over 25 vendors, mineral surprise bags for kids, rocks, minerals, jewellery and more.

Tickets: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/39852/?fbclid=Iw AR13KtLDnjQyAJYP_rLgVhkOzndo1uFG6VgaB0NEqZK2F8fwfT5THCenrw SPRING AYR ARTISAN MARKET - We are excited to announce our first event of this year, the Spring Ayr Artisan Market!

This event is a single day event that will be located at the North Dumfries Community Complex 2958 Greenfield Rd located in Ayr April 9 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This is an indoor/outdoor event.

PARIS YOUTH SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION – Registration is open now until April 3. If you have a youth between the ages of 4-20 interested in building their skills, being part of a team and creating friendships register for ball today!

For more information and to register please visit our website: parisyouthsoftball.com

PANCAKE BREAKFAST – The Lions Club of Paris is hosting a drive-thru, pickup pancake breakfast in lieu of the Maple Syrup Festival. You MUST pre-order your breakfast online and pick up will take place between 8 am and noon on April 9th at The Paris Fairgrounds. Order your stack of pancakes now at https://lionsclubofparis.ca/pancakebre akfast/ 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

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The Paris Independent

April 2, 2022

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WRITE CREW SERIES – County of Brant Library Event – April 7th, register for Part 1 of the series - "Writing the Introduction" at ow.ly/1gIB50IvqZa or connect with your local Brant Library branch and sign up with staff. Event takes place at 2 pm.

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 519-4424223 or by email daveboyd15@yahoo.ca. Tickets are $22.

COME AND PAINT WITH US PARIS– Meet monthly during good weather to sketch and paint locations around our beautiful town. Hosted by Steve Howes, everyone welcome. First meeting is Saturday, April 23 by the Town Bell (parking lot behind council chambers).

EASTER EGG HUNT – At Cedarview Church, Saturday April 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free event with prizes and a BBQ! To register visit www.cedarviewchurch.com

BRANT PEDALERS & PADDLERS – Spring Open House on May 4th. If you want to meet others who enjoy your passion for hikes, walks, kayaking, canoeing and cycling, come to the open house to learn more! 7-9 pm at the Brant Sports Complex.

Publisher Managing Editor Advertising Sales Photographer News Reporter News Reporter

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

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April 2, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Monsters in Paris truck show at the Paris Fairgrounds this summer!

By Casandra Turnbull A very large crowd pleaser is returning to the Paris Fairgrounds this summer as events at the facility begin to rev-up.

It will be loud; it will be fun, and it will be entertaining! Throttle Out Productions is bringing the Monster Truck show back to Paris July 9th & 10th.

Presale tickets were available effective April 1st.

If you order them now on ticketscene.ca - they will be $5 cheaper than at the door pricing.

Cognitive of the fact that many people are still struggling financially because of the pandemic, tickets will only be $20 in advance and $25 at the door, far cheaper than similar indoor event prices which generally range between $50-$100 per ticket.

‘The Paris Agricultural Society (PAS) is very excited to welcome the community back for special events at the Paris Fairgrounds,” said Cheryl Muir, manager of the PAS. “We did hold the fair in 2021 and it was great to see everyone, but it was held under quite stressful circumstances,” she added.

The ultimate smash and bash event will feature some familiar trucks and drivers who are usually seen offering rides and doing demonstrations during the Paris Fair. You can expect to see Train Wreck, Sabotage, Anger Management, Rat Nasty, Loud & Dirty, Psycho Pat, and the True North ride truck for spectators who want to get up close and personal. Don’t miss the change to support Proceeds from the Monster Truck show will be the agricultural society and #GetOnTOP with dedicated to a specific fund to upgrade the hydro #ThrottleOutProductions – tickets are available and lighting at the track to enhance the safety and now https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/39965/ the quality of future events. #TrottleOutProductions is bringing these big beasts back to Paris on July 9th and 10th for a two-day show. Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards hydro and lighting upgrades at the fairgrounds track to enhance the safety and quality of future events.

Photo provided by The Paris Agricultural Society

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April 2, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Personal journey to reconnect with Indigenous roots leads to memoir Raising awareness that honours and heals Indigenous communities

By Carolina Saenz To conclude a very successful seventeenth year of celebrating the One Book One Brant program, the County of Brant Public Library hosted an online event with this year’s author David A. Robertson.

Online participants included County of Brant’s Mayor Bailey, the County of Brant Public Library’s CEO Kelly Bernstein, and several avid readers eager to hear Robertson’s talk and ask questions.

Hosted by Gary Jermy, Outreach and Community Impact Coordinator at the County of Brant Public Library, the event provided a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Robertson’s book Black Water: Family, Legacy, and Blood Memory.

During this virtual gathering, Robertson talked about the book, where it came from and what inspired it. He explained that although he mostly writes children books and horror stories, he likes to challenge himself by writing adult novels and even books like Black Water which is a very personal memoir. Through Black Water, Robertson shares his journey as he comes to learn and embrace his Indigenous roots. Born to a Cree father and a white mother, he writes about his childhood, growing up with no awareness of his Indigenous identity, and ultimately

Paris Independent reporter Carolina Saenz highly recommends David A. Robertson’s Black Water: Family, Legacy and Blood Memory. You can pick up a copy at your local library branch.

the journey of reconnecting to it through a trip with his father back to the trapline. Sure that he wanted to be a writer since he was eight years old, Robertson acknowledged the important role his teachers played by allowing him to explore writing from an early age and his mother’s role in

supporting him. But he is also deeply aware that a long line of storytelling runs through his blood. A big theme throughout his work is that of blood memory, which he explains as the experience of your family living within you.

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COMMUNITY NEWS “The importance of stories and good representation is that they can bring people together and heal them from misrepresentations and negativity.”

“You can feel the lives of previous generations flowing through your veins,” he added. A feeling of belonging and connection to the land and to the people, of having been there and feeling at home.

“I get the most emails by far about Black Water,” Robertson said with a chuckle. And he attributes this to the way his book and his experiences are shared by readers who not only share similarities but also empathize with his story. “The importance of stories and good representation is that they can bring people together and heal them from misrepresentations and negativity,” Robertson explained.

Growing up, Robertson does not recall knowing much about residential schools and most of his knowledge about Indigenous people were negative stereotypes and misrepresentations. “One of the things I love about today Canada is that if you ask about residential schools to children in elementary school and up, they can tell you,” he said. And while there is still a long way to go, Robertson is thankful for and acknowledges the work that has been done. “Now, elders come and teach children about it and they learn about it, they build connections,” he explained. “I wanted to write about Indigenous people because I wanted to write books that I didn’t see when I was growing up,” said Robertson.

However, he did acknowledged writers who opened doors for writers like him, such as Thomas King, author of The Inconvenient Indian, and Beatrice Mosionier, author of In Search of April Raintree.

Through his work, he honours his relationship with his father. In particular, the trilogy of On the Trapline, which is a picture book, Black Water, and Kiwew, a podcast, are all about his dad. In addition, the book When We Were Alone is geared towards educating young kids about residential schools. Twice-recipient of the Governor

General’s Award, Robertson’s work continues to challenge and educate Canadians, and in particular young readers, by raising awareness that honours and heals Indigenous communities. When asked what the most important tool parents can give kids to navigate the world as Indigenous or racialized children, Robertson answered that “knowledge and pride in your identity is the most important tool you can give them. Raise them to know who they are.” He advised that by knowing who they are, children will be better equipped to deal with racism and teach other people what they know about their culture and history. And cautioned to find a balance in introducing them to learning about their identity so that it is not forced upon them.

As for the biggest influence from his dad, Robertson recalls his father’s love for helping people through his work. A good teacher and role model, he strives to follow in his father’s footsteps by being kind to everybody and ultimately by being a good man.

With that virtual meet and greet, the seventeenth edition of the One Book One Brant event comes to an end. With all positive feedback from attendees and readers in the community, Jermy is already looking forward to next year’s event. “Looking ahead to next year, I do foresee our 2023 selection being a fiction title since we’ve went with a memoir the past two years,” Jermy previewed.

Thankful for the wonderful programs available through the library and all the work behind organizing events such as One Book One Brant, we are also looking forward to next year’s selection. And if you didn’t have a chance to grab a copy of Black Water yet, request a copy at the library today. You will not regret it!

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April 2, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS The power of 100 SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTRE OF People Who Care Group donates $8,545 to The Sexual Assault Centre of Brant MEDIA RELEASE- We are pleased to announce that 100 People Who Care Brant giving circle has raised and donated $8,545 to The Sexual Assault Centre of Brant. This most recent donation is part of the fourth giving cycle since the group formed last year.

These funds will be used to assist members of the community who have suffered from sexual abuse and help them to receive counselling and care to put them on a path of recovery. Since the start of Covid-19, the need for the services at The Sexual Assault Centre has gone up 500% making this donation a timely blessing.

The idea of a giving circle — where individuals pool their money and donate to one cause — certainly is not new. But 100 People Who Care Brant is an entirely virtual variation that allows members to learn about, nominate and vote for local charities, non profit organizations and other groups/individuals through a private Facebook member’s group. This online platform meets the challenges that a pandemic creates for group activities and offers the appeal of a low time commitment to those with busy lives. There are an estimated four hundred “100 Who Care” groups throughout the United States and Canada, some composed entirely of women, men, teenagers, or businesses; others, like our local 100 People Who Care Brant group, welcome all residents to join.

The first group was started by Karen Dunigan in 2006 in Jackson, Michigan when Dunigan networked with friends and acquaintances to raise money for cribs and bedding for new mothers in her community. In the first meeting Dunigan hosted, the group raised $12,800, and her idea was born.

This local chapter of 100 People Who Care has now completed its fourth giving cycle and to date has donated over $32,000 to local programs serving Brant County, Brantford and Six Nations. They are asking anyone who would like to join in the effort or learn more to email 100WhoCareBrant@gmail.com “We are each strong in our own right, but we are stronger together.”

BRANT

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any unwanted act of a sexual nature imposed by one person upon another. Forced or coerced intercourse, grabbing, touching or kissing can be defined as sexual assault.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, we can help.

We offer a 24 hour crisis and support line for survivors of sexual violence, as well as friends and family members of survivors. We also offer counselling for survivors of all genders ages 14 and over in a supportive, safe environment as well as in all Brant County high schools, emergency services, accompaniment and support through hospital, police, and court procedures, public education, and community events.

All of SAC Brant’s services are free and confidential.

24 hr crisis and support line: 519-751-3471 Business line: 519-751-1164 Email: sexualassaultcentre@s acbrant.ca

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COMMUNITY NEWS Grab the shovel, it’s time to plant trees!

Did you know that over the past eight years, the County of Brant has planted over 7000 trees during Earth Week events?

If you’re looking for ways to get involved in this year’s Earth Week activities, plan to be a volunteer at the Community Tree Planting event.

The goal, according to a County of Brant social media post, is to plant 600 trees!

up in advance! Tree planting benefits wildlife by creating habitats for birds and animals and helps clean the air. As well, the area is in a source water protection zone and tree planting helps keep the land healthy.

Special thanks to the Grand River Conservation Authority and Earth Week Committee Members for their time and efforts!

The event will take place on Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm located at 319 Grand River Street North in Paris (behind Sobeys’s). Bring your own shovel and gloves!

The tree planting event is open to the public and there is not need to sign-

Optimist Club welcomes new member Paris Optimist members welcomed Kevin Young into the Paris Optimist Club. Governor Gail Dolson inducted Kevin into the club at a recent Optimist meeting. Anyone over 18 years of age with a desire to help the youth of our community is eligible to join. Learn more about the club online https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=paris%20 optimist%20club%2C%20paris%2C%20on%2C%20ca nada

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April 2, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Medical supplies shipped to Ukraine

The Brant Community Healthcare System is honoured to be supporting the people of Ukraine with a donation of medical supplies. One month after the start of the conflict, BCHS sent six skids of sanitizer, gowns, masks, disinfecting wipes, and other essential supplies to Ukraine. On a social media post, the BCHS thanked everyone who collected and loaded all of the supplies, including John Crawford and Nick Paghal; their shipping partner Chris Cooper from Coops Courier; and partners from the Slavic Full Gospel Church, Mila Rozhko, Slav Bilyk, and Vitali Hopachuk. Each of these individuals, plus an amazing network across BCHS and the community, have made this donation possible.

Photo from BCHS social media feed

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April 2, 2022

S P O RT S Artistic and technical skill on full display at year-end Gala

The Paris Figure Skating Club wrapped up its winter session with a year-end Gala last weekend. Skaters had the opportunity to show off skills learned throughout the season through fun routines and performances.

All photos by Michelle Malvaso

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April 2, 2022

S P O RT S Registration for the Spring session is open until April 7th. Register online at https://www.parisfigureskating.org/ paris-figure-skating-joinus?fbclid=IwAR2V7O0CUbzsuMt0skg CHMf98Z7ma-7GtqI1eK-4IxSSJZ2W6JnCFjgS3A

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April 2, 2022

S P O RT S Local runner among top five in his age group at Around the Bay 5k Road Race

By Casandra Turnbull A Burford teenager put his extensive training to good use in last Sunday’s Around the Bay 5K Road Race in Hamilton, completing it 19th overall out of 776 finishers, but also posting an impressive 4th among runners in his age group. Dylan Campbell completed the race, in gruelling winter-like conditions, with a time of 17:57. Campbell, a student and athlete at Paris District High School started running about five years ago and has trained for the last four years with decorated international marathon legend Rick Mannen.

“Throughout 2020, and the first 6 months of 2021, because there weren’t any official competitions, I planned 17 solo time trials for Dylan to simulate race environments and help maintain his focus and motivation,” said Mannen in an email to The Paris Independent. “During this time frame, Dylan ran personal best times for every distance from 1500 metres to 14 km.”

In addition to regular training sessions with the Running with Rick Club, Campbell also honed his skills with competitors his own age on Paris High’s cross-country team.

Dylan Campbell pictured with his coach Rick Mannen and Josie Mannen at a race this past February. Dylan finished 19th overall out of 776 runners at last week’s Around the Bay Road Race.

Photo by Rick Mannen

He won the Athletic Association Brant, Haldimand & Norfolk Counties Championships, then placed fourth in the Central Western Ontario Secondary School Championships. Advancing to the Ontario Federation Championships, he was 26th out of 200 runners.

With races well underway in 2022, Campbell’s also collected a second and third place finish in three road races so far, improving his personal best times in the 8km and 10km distances, said Mannen.

“Dylan and most runners are ecstatic to be able to compete again in in-person organized competitions, giving them goals to work towards and allowing them to reconnect with their peers and enjoy the sport that they are passionate about,” added Mannen.

Mannen knows well the

positive impact live sporting events can have on an athlete.

He’s competed for Canada internationally at the World Marathon Championships in Seoul, South Korea and the Pan Pacific Marathon Championships in Long Beach, California. He’s won 7 international marathons and transitioned into the role of ‘coach’ more than 10 years ago. He’s guided and mentored more than 100 runners from beginner to elite levels and coached athletes to represent Canada at the Olympics, World Championships and Pan American Games – and maybe one day, Dylan Campbell will be among that list of competitors.

Campbell’s next competition is the Ontario Indoor Under 20 Track Championships in Toronto on April 9-10.

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April 2, 2022

S P O RT S

Pictured above is Paisley Dinsmore.

Paris fought a tough battle against a strong Caledonia team. The ringette season wraps up this month.

The U10 Ringette Team (top two photos) played Caledonia last Sunday on home ice. Above is Jordyn Wallis with the ring.

“Win or lose make the other team remember the day they played you.”

The U14B ringette players honed their skills at a practice last Sunday in Paris. Above is Kate Gingerich & Eve Nevill during scrimmage.

All photos by Michelle Malvaso

Above is Kate Gingerich and Paityn Stewart during practice.

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April 2, 2022

S P O RT S NEWS FROM THE FRIENDLIEST HOUSE IN TOWN!

Teams crowned club champions; will represent Paris at OCA Zone Championships in the fall This weekend, the Paris Curling Club held our annual Club Championship tournament. Six men's teams entered and participated in a spirited weekend of competition culminating in the outstanding win by the Gains rink.

Big congratulations go to the team of Ryan Gain (skip), Jeff Crowley (vice), Dan Tully (2nd), and Michael Johnston (lead) on their victory!

Ryan Gain is new to the Paris Curling Club but obviously not new to curling, and is seeming to fit into the club just fine, playing a few nights a week and enjoying the social part of the game as well.

Jeff Crowley is known to just about everyone at the club, curling or sparing in every evening league running right now. Jeff has also assisted with the Junior Program and currently one of the PM Mixed League Conveners.

Dan Tully curled when he was in High School and has returned to the game, playing in Choose-YouOwn, and Men's League. Michael Johnston is the newest curler of the group, coming through Learn to Curl just four years ago, but has embraced the club and now curls a few times a week.

Left to right, Ryan Gain, Jeff Crowley, Dan Tully and Michael Johnston

The Club Championship used to be determined by the winner of the Thursday Choose-Your-Own League champion, but a few years ago was opened up to all members of the club. Players choose their own teams and play all weekend long in a double elimination tournament style for the title of club champion (and bragging rights which I’m sure we’ll all have to hear for the rest of the season)!

The club champion will then go on to represent Paris Curling Club next year at the OCA zone

championships!

And regionals, and provincials… and so on.

then then

There will be a team representing the women, made up of skip Dianna Speakman, Linda Vivian, Kendra Landoni, Frances Campbell, and Ashley Schnurr who were unchallenged.

-Article submitted Cassandra Easton

by

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April 2, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Series of workshops encourages seniors to Get the Last Word funeral/celebration of life discussion on May 7th from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.

You can call Ella Haley at 226-802-2801 to preregister and learn about applicable pricing for some of the courses or register online at: The Get the Last Word is a series of workshops that https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfh2v takes aim at planning the best end-of-life practices 5nu7YmR_rA9aQ33LaYYaIMAAlFWVaUzxjnq0 with helpful advice and tips from local experts. It’s Df5uOhOQ/viewform designed to help seniors control their affairs and ensure their wishes are respected after they’ve The Langford Conservancy is a small, non-forpassed away. profit land trust group that looks to protect and celebrate local farmland and ecosystems. They It’s only fitting the educational series will take operate the Langford Schoolhouse as a community place at the Langford Schoolhouse at 1694 hub that’s open to a wide variety of workshops, Colborne St E, a one-room schoolhouse building in film nights, lectures and meetings as well as the 1870s but later transitioned into a community private events centre in 1964. Each series will have a distinct focus: writing your own obituary, preparing your will and power of attorney, building your own coffin or urn, and planning your burial and celebration of life.

The Langford Conservancy is launching a four-part series addressing a topic not many people know how to approach but should know how to approach.

Write your own obituary is a two-Sunday workshop taking place April 3 and 10 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm and led by well-known author Larry Brown. You must register by April 2.

Write your own will and power of attorney workshop is scheduled for April 11, 1:30 to 3:30, featuring lawyer Ayesha Noorani. Register by April 10th Local carpenters Rodger Morgan and Jeff Grantham will use pre-cut wood and materials to prepare you for the building your own coffin or urn class on April 30th from 9 am to 3 pm.

Finally, Alex Moroz from the Hamilton Municipal Cemeteries will lead the plan your own

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April 2, 2022

Remembering The Olde Schoolhouses in the County of Brant

Paris Past By Chris Whelan By 1817, a school in Burford and one in Oakland were listed in Robert Gourlay's report, “A Statistical Account of Upper Canada”. The school in Burford was built in 1808 and the teacher was Capt. Marvel White, who served in the Burford Company of the 1st Oxford Militia during the War of 1812. The school was torched by Gen. Duncan McArthur and his mounted Kentuckians because it was used by White and his men as a military warehouse, a guard room and part-time officers' quarters.

At this time, teachers had no training.

They were often men who had military service. A minute book from the Oakland Village school of 1833-34 stated that each pupil paid one-third sterling per month to attend school unless there was a financial problem which could be proven.

Above photo: A typical County of Brant Schoolhouse. Bruce's School was named for James Bruce, a graduate of Dublin University who taught in the County of Brant for ten years. The first schoolhouse was a log cabin on Concession 5 near the Beverly Township line, in David Cope's field about three quarters of a mile east of the school's current location. A second log school was built on the modern location, then replaced with a white brick structure, and finally the new red brick building in 1909. It remained open until 1961 when it closed due to the movement to centralize public education. The students were then bused to Glen Morris and German's Schools.

In 1843, the School Section Act stated that the townships were to be divided into school sections. In 1846, it was Egerton Ryerson, chief superintendent of education for Canada West, who wrote a report upon which the public school system of Ontario was built.

School sections were numbered, uniform and approved texts were recommended, support for the schools would come through property tax and Above photo: Taken in 1985, shows the front side of the Glen teacher training would be done through Morris School House. Built in 1869, it was still in use in 2011.

Photo by Ann Gaunt during a Digital Preservation Day event the Normal and Model Schools.

(May 10-13, 2011) held by the County of Brant Public Library.

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April 2, 2022

Remembering The Olde Schoolhouses in the County of Brant

Above Photo: Built in 1911, known as the Moyle School this building sits on the corner of Paris and Powerline Roads. The school was closed in 1964 and in 1981 it was converted into the upscale restaurant it is today. The name comes from the original landowner, Mr. William Moyle. There is a plaque located on the school dedicated to William Arthur Moyle who died in St. Quentin during WWI.

This photo depicts the old Scotland public school, on Church St. The school depicted was opened November 1, 1867, and used until 1924 when it was replaced with the Scotland Continuation School. The original Public School was moved further back on the property to a new foundation and continued to be used until 1974, when it was torn down to be replaced by a new school. Photo: Neil O'Reilly

Above Photo: 705 Paris Plains Church Road ....

South Dumfries Township / Brant County, Ontario The Maus School: Built 1869. After the Education Act of 1846 divided the area into school districts and the Maus School became known as the "Maus School District, No. 11." The one room schoolhouse closed in 1966, when the Province of Ontario ended one room schoolhouses. Photo: County of Brant Public Library Digital Archives.

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April 2, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Power companies amalgamate and unveil new name and logo MEDIA RELEASE – Two local electricity distribution companies are amalgamating to form a new company that will be known as GrandBridge Energy.

The new company branding was unveiled last week by Brantford Power and Energy+, who will officially join together to form GrandBridge Energy in the second quarter of 2022. The new company’s tagline – “Bridging the way to a connected future” and corporate structure were also announced.

GrandBridge Energy will be the seventh-largest municipallyowned electricity distributor in Ontario servicing more than 109,000 residential and business customers in Brantford, Cambridge, Brant County and North Dumfries.

“We are excited to share our new name and logo and are confident that it will resonate with our customers and communities,”

said Energy+ President and CEO Ian Miles. “GrandBridge Energy is both a nod to the Grand River and our unwavering commitment to service excellence. It signifies the two-way connection between companies, communities and employees and imparts a sense of accessibility; that there is always an open pathway to reach out to connect.”

Brantford Power President and CEO Paul Kwasnik also commented, “The GrandBridge Energy name and logo represent optimism and new beginnings, while promising a lasting commitment to provide safe; reliable and innovative solutions that benefit our customers and communities.”

communities for the long term, creating ongoing employment; • Greater capacity to focus on future growth and advancements in technology; • Enhanced opportunities for innovative service solutions for customers and local businesses; • Strengthened customer response, with 24/7 control room capabilities across the entire service area; • Increased efficiencies; less duplication of services; • Diversified job opportunities and fair treatment of employees; • A larger entity is capable of withstanding significant changes in the economy, and • Increased shareholder value for the City of Brantford, City of Cambridge, and the Township of The new company stated the North Dumfries. benefits of the merger include: To learn more about the merger • Stable and competitive of Brantford Power and Energy+, distribution rates for 10 years visit EnergizingOurFuture.ca following the merger; • Continued presence in local

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April 2, 2022

E N T E RTA I N M E N T Brantford’s (Unofficial) Best Game Show Learn more about your community, support local businesses, have some fun and win some prizes!

Move over Trivia there’s a NEW GAME in town!

Last week 'Brantford’s (Unofficial) Best Game Show' premiered Live in front of a studio audience and broadcasted live from our Facebook page, which you can follow and rewatch here.

Both myself, Tiffany, and my good friend Jim, co-owner of Altitude Coffee Roasters, have had this dream for a while now and with recent mandates lifted it was the perfect time to launch something fun in the community that offers contestants both at

home and in-studio a chance to win A LOT of local prizes and laughs along the way. In fact, we gave away over $1,000 in local prizes, gift cards and experiences and made 127.5 locals (unofficial count) laugh, it was incredible!

The show will take place monthly in Brantford with three rounds of games where two contestants face off each game on a mission to win their way to the final round. If they make it to the coveted finals, they earn time in the infamous, yet-to-benamed, Bell City Bluster Box, Wind Tunnel of prizes! *cue

applause! Games vary each week from pumping up random objects, unscrambling photos of famous Brantford icons, guessing the prices of local items, attempting activities in upsidedown goggles and even a serious battle of Paper, Rock, Scissors.

They are active, hilarious and though you won’t leave dirty you may get sweaty. We also have a local musician in the studio for each episode to entertain you when we forget a line or tell a bad joke.

Continued on Page 20

Left, Pam O’Farrell, and above, Rob Lucier, participate in fun and quirky games on Brantford’s (Unofficial) Best Game Show! Also pictured above is Co-Host Tiffany and Randy “Referee” Parks.

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E N T E RTA I N M E N T We have a hyper-focus on Brantford and Brant County by showcasing local businesses in the games, throughout the commercials and of course in the prizes.

Why are we doing this you ask? Well, Brantford’s (Unofficially) Best Game Show is more than just fun & games, we are striving to highlight how amazing local businesses are and the goal of making Brantford and Brant a better community. Local businesses love to give back to the community and now it’s our job, through the Game Show, to ensure that residents of Brantford are rewarded with fun and entertainment As local business owners ourselves that were shown a lot of local love and support during the pandemic it's time we help return the favour to the residents of Brantford and Brant County.

Between us purchasing prizes and local businesses of all sizes getting involved through donations and sponsorship, we can continue to say, "Thank You!".

Though we have set a silly and full of nonsense tone with our humour, branding and games, we want to be welcoming to all and especially show our support to businesses that are making a difference in the community, are unique and sometimes are not usually showcased.

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Pictured above is Rob and Amanda Lucier, Randy “Referee” Parks and Co-Host Jim

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E N T E RTA I N M E N T So won't you join us, like old times, for some simple fun, lots of laughs and a chance to win big with an additional chance of sore muscles the next day...

Next Episode: Thursday, April 28th at 7PM How can you watch the show: Tune into ‘Brantford’s (Unofficially) Best Game Show on their Facebook Page here at 7PM and be prepared to also play from home as prizes are also given away to the home audience.

Tickets to be in the studio audience will be announced on our page at the start of each month, they are $20 and include a local grab bag of goodies and $5 from each ticket goes to a local charity that we rotate each month.

Are you a local business? Want to be a part of the show, officially?!

Game Sponsors and a Title Sponsor for the show, which includes your name and branding on The Bell City Bluster Box, Wind Tunnel of prizes, are still needed. If interested please reach out to us via email or message on Facebook and we can discuss sponsorship options, answer any questions or simply sing you a song. If you are interested in donating prizes, anything counts, please email or message us and we can pick them up from you. We also use the sponsorship money to put back into the community by purchasing prizes too!

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Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford Saturday April 2, 2022 Morbius 11:20a.m. 2:00p.m. 4:40p.m. 7:20p.m. 10:00p.m.

The Lost City 11:10a.m. 3:40p.m. 6:50p.m. 9:45p.m.

The Batman 11:40a.m. 2:10p.m. 6:00p.m.9:20p.m.

Uncharted 12:40p.m. 3:40p.m. 6:40p.m.9:30p.m.

Spider-Man: No Way Home 1:20p.m. 2:40p.m. 6:10p.m. 9:40p.m.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 12:20p.m. 3:20p.m. 6:30p.m. 9:55p.m.

Sing 2 1:00p.m. 4:00p.m.

Cinderella and the Little Sorcerer 12:10p.m.

The Wolf and the Lion 4:40p.m.

Jackass Forever 9:45p.m.

Scream 7:00p.m.

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run 11:00a.m.

April 2, 2022