The Paris Independent for Saturday April 9th, 2022

CAR THEFTS ON THE RISE. Don’t become a victim. Pages 7-8 NATIONAL CHILD CARE PLAN: Next steps not clear, say local providers. Pages 9-10

Your Community Newspaper

The Paris Independent Saturday, April 9, 2022

THIS WEEK In Community

Proudly Serving Paris & Area

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COMMUNITY GENEROSITY

50 HISTORICAL YEARS!

Pages 4-6 In Sports

COMPETING AT PROVINCIALS

Page 11 In Community

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! Pages 14 - 15

The Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant would like to thank all the residents in a north end neighbourhood who graciously donated food items last weekend while club members canvassed various streets in Paris. In total, 519 pounds of food was collected and donated to the Paris Salvation Army Food Bank. Pictured from left to right are Kiwanis Members John Bauman, Shelagh Finnigan, Chris Powles, Elaine Otterman, Karen Guse, and Judie Pezzetta. Not pictured were Ruth and Pat Doherty, Karla Stonham and Stan Hutchinson. If you’re interested in becoming a Kiwanis member or would like to learn more about the club, visit www.parisbrantkiwanis.org Photo by Stan Hutchinson

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

County Offices Closed

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR 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!

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.

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.

April 9, 2022

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The Paris Independent

April 9, 2022

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 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

Publisher Managing Editor Advertising Sales Photographer News Reporter News Reporter

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.

COME AND PAINT WITH US PARIS - hosted

by Steve howes and Christa Potter –Meet monthly during good weather to sketch and paint locations around our beautiful town. Everyone is welcome.

First meeting is Saturday, April 23rd by the Town Bell (parking lot behind council chambers).

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 9, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS One man’s vision is as vibrant as ever - 50 years later The Paris Museum & Historical Society celebrates Golden Jubilee; celebration planned later this year

By Casandra Turnbull Museums play an important role in preserving our history and telling the story of how our communities, cultures and ancestors helped shape the world we live in today.

They inspire and educate minds of all ages and remind us that not everything can be found on Google.

Museums and Historical Societies in small communities like Paris offer a wealth of knowledge and resources to fill inquiring minds.

They provide a crucial service to remind us of who we are and where we came from – a lesson that should not be lost on anyone.

This year the Paris Museum & Historical Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary. They are emerging from this pandemic with the objective of more visibility within the community. They want residents to embrace the history of this community, utilize the services they offer and perhaps contribute to the future success of the organization as it continues to modernize in today’s digital world.

Did you know the Paris Museum offers outreach programs / workshops so you can learn more about the town? Email info@parismuseum.com

“In a rapidly changing digital environment, small-town museums offer stability, a safe and friendly place to learn about local history and a gathering place where people can meet, make new friends and give back to their community,” said Carol Goar, acting chair of the Paris Museum & Historical Society. The local non-profit organization is entirely volunteer operated under the supervision of a board of directors.

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COMMUNITY NEWS It’s funding comes primarily from community grants, federal grants, provincial ministries and sometimes bequests from generous families. It’s the only organization in the province to house an archive, a museum and a historical society all under one roof. The society also collaborates with other community groups, the County of Brant, Agricultural Society, and Library to name a few, to share the history but they also host a variety of educational outreach programs at local seniors’ homes, volunteer groups and social clubs.

Let’s back up a few decades where it all started. The Museum was founded by one of Paris’ most knowledgeable residents, Fred Bemrose. An amateur historian at the time, Bemrose worked as a salesman for Penman’s Knit Goods, but his passion lied within books, envelopes and binders of a collection he kept safe in his home. Bemrose was born and raised in Paris; he knew everything about this community.

His son John Bemrose once said, “He wanted people to know the history (of Paris). He wanted people to never forget how it once had been.”

On November 23, 1972 the historical society held its first official meeting which included nine civic-minded local volunteers interested in preserving the town’s records, some documents which predated Confederation.

“He wanted people to know the history (of Paris). He wanted people to never forget how it once had been.”

– On Museum Founder Fred Bemrose They were kept in the Paris Library, but the group of history buffs feared the irreplaceable records would be lost when the provincial government amalgamated Paris with other small municipalities in Brant County (which did happen eventually in the late 1990s).

“To safe guard the town’s heritage, they purchased the entries collection from the library for $1.The first general meeting of the newly-founded Paris Museum & Historical Society attracted 125 people,” explained Goar.

Donald A. Smith, principal of

Paris High School (and author of At the Forks of the Grand, among other Paris-centric books), was elected President and Bemrose was named the curator.

Goar described Bemrose as an inveterate collector who acquired antiques and artifacts to supplement the library’s collection.

Initially the collection was stored in the Paris Public Utilities Commission basement with a public display in the town’s council chamber.

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COMMUNITY NEWS Over the next two decades, the museum moved six times to accommodate its every-expanding collection. Bemrose continued to expand the museum’s collection and highlighted his local expertise in a weekly Paris Star column titled Paris Past. In 1999 at the age of 83, Bemrose retired as curator and handed the reigns to Bob Hassler, in 2019 Bob stepped down and handed the reigns to Tina Lyons. Fred Bemrose passed away peacefully in July 2015 at the age of 99.

In 2010, near the brink of bankruptcy, the museum approached County Council to request a rent-free location that would enable the organization to remain open. That’s when they moved to the present location at the Syl Apps Community Centre and started the rigorous process of tracking its spending, eliminating paid positions and recruiting past volunteers to return.

Gradually the museum worked its way to financial stability and with the help from a generous donor, they were able to create an easyto-search digital record of its holdings.

In the early years, the museum relied on paper records, preserved in manila file folders and its volunteers had to remember where the bits and pieces of its collection were stored.

“Today, most of our records are digitized. Our curator can find any artifact in our collection with a few clicks of the museum’s computer keyboard,” said Goar. In addition to 9 computers used for research, the museum now has two scanners that allow volunteers to produce highquality digital reproductions, a vital piece of equipment in today’s digital society.

So, what draws most people through the doors of the Museum? “Typically, first-time visitors want one of two things. If they just moved to town, they want to know about their house/property.

The museum has a file for every home (except newly built ones). We can also look up land deeds and past real estate documents,” Goar shared. Secondly, out of town visitors are motivated by a desire to find out about their

family roots that lead back to Paris. “If either a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or cousin was born or died in Paris, we can usually provide genealogical information.”

And a fun fact that not too many people know is that the Museum only displays 10 to 20 per cent of the artifacts they have in its collection of over 40,000 objects and archival documents. “We rotate our exhibits, hoping to give visitors a difference experience every time they come in.”

That is the ultimate objective, give Museum visitors a taste of local history. An uptake in residential development over the last five years has brought many newer residents to Paris. Goar hopes they take a vested interest in their new community and visit the Museum to learn more about the place they call home. After all, what makes a town a community is its unwavering sense of pride in its historical roots.

To celebrate these roots, The Paris Museum & Historical Society has a 50th anniversary celebration planned for this fall. The exact date and details are still under discussion, but Goar said residents can watch out for future announcements surrounding this commemoration later this year. “We hope to include a period fashion show, a skit, musical performances, interactive games and even a public garden featuring plants that were popular in the early 70s,” teased Goar.

If you want to learn more about your community, volunteer at the Museum or are just curious on what it has to offer, pop by the public display at 51 William Street (the Syl Apps Community Centre). And if you have artifacts you think will fit nicely in the collection, the Museum accepts donations. “Some of the most cherished treasures were found in residents’ basements, attics, barns and garages,” said Goar, who added you can reach out to the Museum by phone at 519-4429295 or by email info@theparismuseum.com to inquire more.

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COMMUNITY NEWS Increase in reported vehicle thefts – don’t be a victim, lock it or lose it

By Carolina Saenz For the last five years, Brantford has been named as the top city for motor vehicle theft. Cities such as Windsor, London, and Hamilton follow suit. And while vehicle theft can happen anywhere, many people assume it’s a crime that mainly occurs in larger cities. While it’s true Brantford has some of the highest stats, the numbers in the County of Brant are also on the rise.

There were 97 vehicle thefts reported to Brant OPP in 2021, up from 76 in 2020.

Only a few months into 2022, Paris residents have reported a number of vehicle thefts so far, so the OPP is sharing some helpful advice to prevent this unfortunate situation from happening to you.

OPP’s Interim Detachment Commander and Acting Inspector Angela Ferguson starts by stating the obvious: do not leave keys inside your vehicle, do not leave your vehicle running, and always make sure it is locked up. In a 2020 Lock it or Lose Campaign, The OPP reported that 75% of vehicles reported stolen were left unlocked.

“Treat your keys like cash- don’t leave keys in places where they are easy to snatch, such as a gym locker, on your desk at work, visible in an open purse, unattended in a shopping cart, or visible from outside your home,” Ferguson said.

In addition, she suggests you avoid leaving anything in your vehicle including loose change, cellphones, cameras, clothing, gifts, cigarettes, medication, firearms, bows, and any other valuable items, especially where thieves can see them.

Magical Anniversary Celebration!

Rapunzel helped the Dog-Eared Café celebrate its first anniversary last weekend. The Glass Slipper Company was honoured to send a princess to visit the downtown café/book store and entertain youngsters and adults alike.

There was a variety of second hand books to pick from and parents and caregivers were able to enjoy a delicious coffee and baked treats.

Submitted photo

If you like to warm up your car in the morning, invest in a remote car starter as they are designed to shut off if anyone attempts to drive the vehicle without a key.

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COMMUNITY NEWS Having experienced vehicle theft first-hand just a month ago, I have learnt that security features such as cameras do not always deter thieves. In my case, the thief was so skilled he made sure to cover his face, walked directly to the camera, changed the angle, and took off with our car right off our driveway all in less than a minute. One thing I did notice is that before choosing our car, he used a flashlight to check its contents. This is how he managed to pick the car with the most valuable contents in it (my husband’s work tools!) And our vehicle was not the only one stolen that night in the north-end of Paris. If you are active in any local social media groups, you will have noticed many other locals sharing their experiences.

Ashley Allgood, a Paris resident, recalls her experience of theft when her husband’s truck was stolen a year ago. “The cops called and woke us up asking why my husband crashed his truck on the 403 and left it there. We had to explain we had no idea what he was talking about as we were sleeping in our beds. Till we looked out the window and noticed his truck not in the laneway,” Allgood shared when The Paris Independent asked for locals to share their experiences.

Laura Haney is also a victim of theft, her story taking place in a public setting. “(It) Happens everywhere. I had a car stolen from the Lynden Park Mall. Mine was the second from the mall that day, the other was stolen from the Walmart parking, the cop said,” Haney shares.

For victims of these types of thefts, having insurance gives peace of mind and certainly helps ease the burden when going through this situation, it is still an inconvenience.

Depending on your insurer, you may be required to provide a detailed list of all the contents in your car with proof of purchase, if possible. If your stolen car is found, it is taken to a shop, evaluated, fixed if needed, before it is returned to you. If it is not found, insurers offer you the replacement value or cash value of your vehicle but finding a new/used vehicle right now is like finding a needle in a haystack.

The pandemic has affected the supply and demand of vehicles. So, finding a pre-owned car for a reasonable price is not easy, and even buying a new car at a dealership may require a wait-time of several months. All of these are inconveniences that are best to be avoided. Take the appropriate measures and be extra-careful.

Should you witness a crime in progress or something suspicious, do not hesitate to call the OPP right away. “Promptness promotes prevention,” says Ferguson. You can report activity to the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)

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April 9, 2022

N AT I O N A L N E W S

Ontario signs National Child Care Plan Local operators are happy to pass along savings to families but say details on how the program will rollout are still unclear

By Casandra Turnbull Ontario was the last province to sign the National Child Care Plan, just days before the March 31st deadline. Families provincewide are rejoicing at the prospect of lower fees – the first 25% decrease will be retroactive from April 1st with parents and caregivers paying 50% less by the end of 2022. By September 2025 working families will see the benefits of $10 a day care, which the government hopes will drive economic growth and enable parents to return to the workforce.

The $30 billion Canada-wide plan, introduced by the Federal Government, will dole out $10.2 billion in funding to Ontario over the next five years with $2.9 billion promised in the sixth year. The funding will be distributed to licensed home and centrebased childcare facilities who opt in and apply. Ontario has also committed to creating 86,000 new spaces before the end of the six-year deal to address waitlists. It’s expected to take a few months for the province to hand out the funds and right now, the details of that plan are vague, Continued on Page 10

Families who use Wee Watch Brantford – Brant will see a 50% reduction in day care rates by the end of 2022 as the local chapter plans to opt-in and apply for funding under the National Child Care Plan.

Photo supplied by Wee Watch

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COMMUNITY NEWS according to two childcare centre managers/owners in Paris and Brant County.

“We do not know how the funds will be flowed to the agencies; I do look forward to getting more information,” said Luisa Pappert, Agency Supervisor for Wee Watch Brantford / Brant County. She had a meeting scheduled with a ministry rep on Friday, details of that meeting were not available by press deadline.

unanswered questions for operators and families.

She intends to engage with the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators to plan the next steps and to advocate for Montessori educators to ensure they are not left behind.

Aside of the unknowns at this time, Pappert is cautiously optimistic that the plan will be beneficial so long as it is well thought out and implemented fairly across all regions in Ontario. Pappert said Wee Watch Brantford Brant is going to opt into the plan.

“We are very happy that licensed home childcare has been recognized, as it is a high-quality childcare option and important for families that require a flexible childcare option,” she said, noting a national plan has been in discussion since 1984 so it’s wonderful to see it come to fruition. The Wee Watch agency also anticipates growth within its organization as unlicensed, independent homebased childcare providers could look to become licensed so they can apply for funding to pass the savings along to the families. In fact, Pappert confirms they’ve already seen an increase in potential provider inquiries, so they plan to conduct upcoming information sessions with the hopes of expanding their 50 home childcare providers in Brantford and Brant County. It’s evident more providers will be required to keep up with the growing demand for childcare once it becomes more affordable. “Wee Watch does utilize the centralized wait list (OneList Brantford Brant) and have seen it increase since the announcement.”

Over at the Montessori Children’s Academy in Paris, Director Heather Wilson confirms that since her facility is licensed she can opt-in to the plan.

However, at this point she said there are a lot of

Above: Montessori Children’s Academy photo.

“Montessori or otherwise qualified teachers do not qualify for any of the staff benefits associated with the program at this time. This is disappointing but does not have an impact for us in the immediate future,” said Wilson. “The program speaks to inclusivity and diversity yet will be excluding alternate training qualifications in the initial model.”

Wilson said she believes the program will have a lot of potential to serve Canadians well, dependent on how the province rolls out the plan. She added that consultation with owners and operators will be critical.

Details of the plan’s rollout are in the initial stages, but one thing’s for sure, there is a desperate need to focus on creating more childcare spaces. Prior to this announcement, families in Brantford / Brant County could sit on the waitlist for months before a space opens. That waitlist continues to grow as facilities struggle to find qualified early childhood educators to fill vacancies left during the pandemic.

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S P O RT S Ringette teams compete at Provincial ‘A’ Championships Paris Ringette Association’s 2021/2022 season is soon coming to an end. We had our U14A and U19A teams travel to Ottawa in March for Provincial A Championships.

Both teams worked hard this season and finished off strong.

Our U10B, U12B, U14B and U19B Regional teams will be competing in our final event of the season at our Southern Regional Tournament which is being held in Hamilton starting April 14th. We wish all our teams the best of luck.

Registration for the 2022/2023 season will be opening soon and PRA will be hosting a come try ringette event in summer so please look for information on this open event. It will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram account. If you would like any information regarding ringette and how to join, please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to answer any questions.

Top Photo – U14A team Bottom Photo – U19A team -Submitted by the Ringette Association

Paris

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April 9, 2021

F I N A N C I A L M AT T E R S Planning to sell your business or keep it in the family – are you sure you’re ready?

Your Money Team

with

Glenn Gaudet

64% of business owners want to transition their business in the next 10 years. However, 51% feel the next generation is not ready and 39% worry the next generation is uninterested*. Whether you plan to keep your business in the family or sell to a third party, how can you ensure your business is ready for the sale?

Ensuring your house (and business) is in order now is key to sustaining your family’s financial well-being.

Keep in mind, there are many factors and steps involved when structuring an effective, taxefficient transfer of a family business. In this article, we outline a few critical, often overlooked questions that can arise.

Do I really know what the business is worth?

We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have a professional, objective valuation of your business. Imagine you were starting a similar new business – what is the current and future marketplace, and competitive landscape?

Look at different scenarios and crunch the numbers. For example, might timing factor into the valuation of your business, whether negative or positive? What about the intangibles on your balance sheet – are you being honest about how these elements might impact you maximizing the value of your business?

on the repurchase of their shares (paying more taxation at dividend rates on the transition). Bill -208 recently made it through Royal Ascent and is now law that provides relief for some family successions.

However, it’s important to note that this bill is still under scrutiny from the Department of Finance.

Am I properly planning for retirement?

Is my family aware and prepared?

You may assume that if you sell your business, it will provide your desired retirement income stream. However, have you considered the debt and tax obligations that could impact the proceeds of your business sale? The anticipated proceeds may be sufficient for retirement if the sale is to a third party but what about a sale to family? Until recently, the taxation regime in Canada was arguably not fair to family sales. If a parent wanted to sell their business to children; either the child paid with aftertax personal money to purchase shares (so parents could use their Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption) or the parents received dividends

Whether you’re planning to sell to a third party, keep the business in the family, or still considering both options, do not delay these conversations.

Is the next generation prepared professionally and personally for this transition – are there any skill or financial literacy gaps? Also, don’t assume, for example, that your children want to take over the business. Or if you plan to sell to a third party, will your loved ones still be involved, and in what role? Open, early communication with family members is important to ensure a smooth transition, as well as for your peace of mind and long-term family harmony.

Continued on Page 13

The Paris Independent Lastly, are you aware of all the financial, tax, and estate planning considerations that could impact and benefit your family.

Do I have the right team in place?

Don’t discount all the questions and concerns you will experience. The right advisor can help you balance emotions with the practical decisions you need to make. There are many complex financial and legal considerations.

Having a collaborative team of tax, legal, and financial planning experts to help guide you through this journey is so important.

Written and published by IG Wealth Management as a general source of information only, believed to be accurate as of the date of publishing. Not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell specific investments, or to provide tax, legal or investment advice. Seek advice on up to date withholding rules and rates and on your specific circumstances from an IG Wealth Management Consultant. Trademarks, including IG Wealth Management and IG Private Wealth Management are owned

by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.

Glenn Gaudet is the lead advisor of a wealth advisory team helping families and business owners since 1993. Glenn holds many designations including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® designation, Elder Planning Counselor, Certified Professional Consultant on Aging and the Registered Retirement Counselor. With more than 60 years of combined experience, Gaudet Group Private Wealth Management is committed to making clients’ interests their top priority. Do you have questions you’d like Glenn to Answer?

Email him at glenn.gaudet@igpwm.ca.

Investors Group Financial Services Inc

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April 9, 2021

County offers introduction to municipal politics workshop SOCIAL MEDIA POST: The County of Brant will be hosting a virtual Candidate Information Night in preparation for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections.

If you are interested in running as a candidate, working on a campaign team or registering as a Third-Party Advertiser in the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections, this workshop is for you!

Join us to hear speakers on the elections process, legislative requirements, campaigning and what it’s like to serve on municipal Council.

Presentations will be made by County of Brant and Ministry of Municipal Affairs staff.

The Candidate Information night will be Monday April 25, 2022 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is required.

Please visit www.brant.ca/elections for more information and to register today.

If you have any questions, please contact the clerks department at 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268) and toll free at 1.855.44BRANT.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Come Paint with Us Calling all artists who love recreating Paris’ beauty

By Casandra Turnbull An urban sketching group is starting in Paris this month and you’re invited to join.

The invite is open to any artistic minded individuals who share a passion for both art and the community, regardless of artistic ability. It will be a judgment free environment that offers no instruction, just comfort as you sketch, draw and paint the beautiful sites Paris has to offer.

And there certainly is no shortage of distinct, historic and picturesque subjects from the cobblestone buildings to the beauty of two rivers that flow through the town’s well-preserved downtown.

“I do know some professional artists who love Paris so much they may join us at one of our events, however, most of our participants will be local people who just want more practice in an encouraging environment,” said Steve Howes, one of the group’s founders.

Howes and fellow local artist Christa Potter discussed the idea throughout the pandemic.

Both had participated in sketching events hosted by the KW Urban Sketchers chapter and thought it would be beneficial to get out and do more drawing – locally – with friends and fellow artists. As the duo continued to admire artist work on Instagram, particularly the outdoor settings, an idea was born.

Continued on Page 15

Painting by Steve Howes

Painting by Christa Potter

Painting by Christa Potter

April 9, 2022

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COMMUNITY NEWS “I reached out to her (Christa) this past January and suggested that as spring comes along and restrictions are hopefully lifted, we should create a local sketching group,” explained Howes.

For Potter, who’s love for the arts developed at a young age and continued through University where she completed her degree in Fine Art, this Urban Sketch group was a win-win for the community.

“I think we are just providing an outlet for what’s already here. Paris is full of artists people who love art. We have two amazing galleries that not only support local work, but also bring a variety of outside talent as well. And, obviously, with the last two years, we are all looking forward to an event that gets us outside, enjoying our beautiful town, and connects us with other people,” she said.

The first meeting takes place on April 23 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Interested participants are asked to meet at the town bell behind Rexall pharmacy. The group plans to meet once a month at various locations in town.

While everyone is encouraged to sketch whatever inspires them, the focus of the first meeting will be the corner of William and Broadway Streets where there is a lot of subject matter in the charming and quaint buildings on that block. The session will wrap up with a typical artistic throw down, which Howes explained as an opportunity “where we can all enjoy seeing how others approached the subject. That in itself can help us all learn from each other.”

Howes’ enthusiasm for arts was reignited a few years ago, he said, when he read the book titled “Every Day Matters” by Dany Gregory.

While Howes enjoyed arts throughout high school, it was this book that really reminded him how soothing picking up a pencil can be at the end of the day. “it opened up my mind….. I slowly started to do two or three sketches a year and with the help of Instagram and Facebook and some local workshops, I started to gain the confidence to do it more often.” His newly rediscovered pastime also led to something unexpected, a sense of meditation and relaxation. “I have a fairly busy life, between my day job and my role in local politics and I find that slowing down to focus on creating a sketch really brings a sense of balance. It’s almost meditative as you truly use a different part of your brain.”

So, if you’re interested in meeting some new friends, honing your skills and taking in all the beauty Paris has to offer in the spring time, bring your art materials to the town bell on April 23. “I hope that our participants walk away feeling refreshed and inspired, but I’m also hoping that people just walking past, observing, will be able to enjoy talking with the artists and viewing the local scenery through their eyes,” said Potter.

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WHAT WERE PEOPLE SKETCHING & PAINTING IN PARIS’ PAST?

Paris Past By Chris Whelan

Elizabeth S. Hamilton

Paul G. Wickson

Paul Giovanni Wickson was one of Canada’s top Victorian and Edwardian artists. Paul was born in York (Toronto) in 1859, his family was from the UK and they returned with Paul where he grew up and received his art education before coming back to Canada in 1884 on his own at age 26. He married Norman Hamilton’s daughter Elizabeth and lived the rest of his life at Hamilton Place in Paris, painting major commissions for Canadian and American pictorial publishers in his studio located in the home’s Belvedere seen in this Paris Museum photo.

When not painting in the belvedere, Paul would be found puttering about in his beloved gardens which surrounded the house. It was while gardening that he suddenly dropped dead on September 2, 1922. He was only 62.

Above sketch by Sarah Wickson: Paul Wickson’s Aunt Sarah was also an accomplished artist and she had re-married Norman Hamilton and introduced Paul to Hamilton’s daughter (her stepdaughter) Elizabeth. Sarah Wickson’s artistic talent shows up in the above view of Paris she drew probably in the 1890s.

Note, behind the church, on the top right of the hill overlooking the Grand River, is Hamilton Place, with its white columns, her home after she married Norman Hamilton –Paris’ leading entrepreneur. Sarah Wickson Hamilton would die in 1918 at age 94. Norman Hamilton had died in 1874

Above painting by Paul Wickson: “Stopping at the Bank” the setting is in front of the CIBC bank downtown Paris. Next door would have been the Old Paris Post Office (now Rexall).

Perhaps she was stopping to get the mail, hoping for a letter from her husband who was overseas during World War One.

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PARIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN INSPIRATION FOR ARTISTS Photos Courtesy: The Paris Museum & Historical Society

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L O C A L S I P S & E AT S Five local beverages to reach for this Spring!

Travelling Pint

with

Tiffany Martin

Let's face it we love where we live but man oh man is it time for some warmer, sunnier days and there’s something special about springtime in Paris. The river starts to flow and reminds me of all the great spring releases coming from our local breweries & distilleries! (What a segue.).

As seasons change, we see a shift in clothing at the stores and seasonal fruit at the grocery store but also in what’s brewing around Brant County. Equally beers and cocktails shift to more refreshing and bright flavours to make for more enjoyment as we shift to longer warmer days.

Though there is no hard and fast calendar for releasing specific beer styles if you’re looking for something local to shift into spring with, here are five Spring Releases I’ll be reaching for this spring and encourage you to as well!

1- Flux Brewing Co, Scotland, ON has a new light beer coming out soon. Quite opposite of their usual hop-filled lineup the new Light Year Lagered Ale will quench your thirst and at 4.0% it's appropriate for longer patio sessions, outdoor BBQs, and long days in the sun with friends.

Stay tuned for its upcoming release shortly!

Flux Brewing Co.

2Manns Botanicals is Brantford's only distillery and they have so many great creations to try and house-made bitters!

Their most recent release, on Friday, was their small-batch Rum! Aimee, the head distiller, has been waiting patiently for this and rightfully so as aging spirits takes time! This Rum is a blended 1year-old rum that is great on its own or in a cocktail that calls

for an amber-style rum. It’s partially aged in new Ontario oak barrels made locally in St. George Ontario and is just the start of 'Aimee's Rum Resumé’.

Manns Botanicals Photo credit: Aimee Belanger head distiller at Manns

3- Meuse is also located in Scotland, ON and their Saison de la Meuse hits the spot these days. Traditionally this style is produced during the winter months to provide a refreshing and nourishing beverage to the farmhands in during the summer.

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The Paris Independent

April 9, 2022

L O C A L S I P S & E AT S This is how it got the name “saison”, the french word for season. Saison de la Meuse has mild herbal and floral hop aromas that complement Meuse's house yeast character. It is effervescent with a dry peppery finish and bottle conditioned.

Easy going, light-bodied, and well-balanced. It's also available in the LCBO but I highly suggest checking out this cute farmhouse brewery and market on a rural 25-acre property.

A big dry hop in a lower abv beer that has notes of blueberry, pine and a heavy dankness with a fluffy mouthfeel and off-dry finish.

You should probably buy some gin while you're there too!

Birdy Juice. Photo Credit Farm League Brewing Photo Credit Meuse Brewery

5- Farm League Brewing, located in the Galt area of Cambridge, has brewed a trio of beers called 4- Willibald is a farm distillery, brewery & Birdy Juice. A perfect threefold for patio season restaurant located in Ayr, released FLUFF a Pale or as it’s designed for the golf course! You don't Ale w/ Citra, Mosaic & Simcoe and coming in at see too many Golf Courses serving craft beer, in 5.5% it's the perfect patio brew. fact, this is way overdue. It comes in three styles; a smooth and juicy session IPA, a Radler made with real grapefruit juice and their light lager for a crisp and refreshing drink made with Pilsner malt, flaked corn and cold aged for 4 weeks for the most FLUFF refreshingly clean, and crisp finish possible.

Pale Ale

Photo Credit Willibald

Enjoy, drink responsibly and don't forget to stop to smell the spring flowers and maybe pet a dog!

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April 9, 2022

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COMMUNITY

NEWS

Paris Optimist Club is growing again!

The Paris Optimist Club is very pleased to welcome Diane Lemire (centre) into its vibrant club. Optimist Bob Nelson did the induction, assisted by Optimist Marilyn McCulloch.

Membership in the club is open to anyone 18 years of age and older who have a desire to make a difference in the lives of children in the community. You can learn more through the group’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sea rch/top?q=paris%20optimist%2 0club%2C%20paris%2C%20on% 2C%20canada Photo submitted

Attention young adults: Do you want to be your own boss this summer?

Calling all Secondary and Post Secondary students!

If you're returning to school in the fall, why not try working for YOURSELF this summer?!

The Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre can help you launch your business and give you the chance to receive $3,000 in grant funding!

The provincial Summer Company program offers free guidance, workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities.

It’s designed to give young adults the chance to learn career skills in marketing, bookkeeping and customer relationship management before they delve into the working world.

The program is open to any high school, college or university student between the ages of 15 to 29, who are not already running a business or working at another job. You cannot apply again if you have already received a Summer Company grant in the past.

Successful applicants who receive the maximum $3,000 funding will get half upfront to help with start-up costs and the other half when they successfully complete the program requirements.

Check out the program today.

Applications are open until May 31, and you can apply using this link: ontario.ca/summercompany

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April 9, 2022

H E A LT H N E W S Be A Donor - Save A Life!

April marks the start of #BeADonor Month. One donor can save up to 8 lives and enhance the lives of up to 75 more through the gift of organ and tissue donation. In recognition of this important cause BCHS has raised the #BeADonor flag at the Brantford General Hospital. Thank you to everyone who is already registered to be a donor and a special thanks goes out to the lab, diagnostic imaging, switchboard, emergency department, critical care unit, operating room and postanesthesia care unit for their involvement in making sure donations are received, processed and transferred in a timely and effective manner. For more information please visit: www.beadonor.ca or www.giftoflife.on.ca .

Brant Community Healthcare System Photo via Social Media Post

Did you happen to notice the Paris Dam was illuminated green on April 7th for Green Shirt Day, in recognition of organ donation? Green Shirt Day draws attention to organ donor awareness, in honour of Logan Boulet, a Humboldt Broncos player who died during a horrific bus crash four years ago. His organ donor status inspired more than 150,000 Canadians to become a donor. Local resident Dale McLaren is a donor recipient who’s undergone two heart transplants. See his full story in next week’s Paris Independent. Pictured left to right is his family, Kolby, Cara and Olivia.

Photo credit Dale McLaren

Support The Lions Club, Support Your Community The Ace is still in play!

Grab your tickets for the next draw: https://parislionscatcht heace.ca

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Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford Saturday April 9, 2022 Sonic the Hedgehog 2 1:00p.m. 4:00p.m. 7:00p.m. 10:00p.m.

Morbius 1:40p.m. 4:20p.m. 7:10p.m. 9:45p.m.

Ambulance 11:50a.m. 3:10p.m. 6:30p.m. 9:40p.m.

The Lost City 1:20p.m. 3:30p.m. 6:40p.m. 9:30p.m.

The Batman 11:30a.m. 2:50p.m. 6:20p.m. 9:20p.m.

Uncharted 12:00p.m. 3:45p.m. 6:50p.m. 9:50p.m.

Spider-Man: No Way Home 2:30p.m. 6:00p.m. 9:35p.m.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 4:00p.m. 6:45p.m.

Sing 2 11:40a.m.

Cinderella and the Little Sorcerer 11:20a.m.

Jackass Forever 10:00p.m.

The Addams Family 2 11:00a.m.

April 9, 2022