The Paris Independent for Saturday December 24th, 2022

Merry Christmas Paris!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, it’s the best time of the year! At least it is if you ask Lady Baba, one of nine resident goats at Rodrigues Farms. Lady Baba and company really enjoy munching on leftover Christmas trees so feel free to drop yours off at 993 Drumbo Rd. if you’re looking to dispose of that holiday greenery! Last year the farm received close to 100 trees, which they shared with neighbouring farms. It kept the animals full until April!

Also pictured with Lady Baba is Santa and Yvan and Sarah Rodrigues

PAINT AND POUR - Have a glass of wine or a beer while you learn how to create a beautiful abstract painting at Dog-Eared Café with your host, Jeanette! Friday, January 13, 7-9 pm, come on down to Dog-Eared Café's Paint & Pour Night. Bring your friends and relax while you enjoy wine, beer, and nibbles and learn how to create your very own abstract art piece. This time, the night will live up to its name not only in the pouring of wine and beer but also in our technique We will be learning about acrylic pouring medium over the course of several sessions. These sessions do not have to be attended monthly as we will be building layers and using techniques that will be taught at every session Attending at least two sessions is advised but more is better. Your canvas and all supplies needed are included in the ticket price - all you have to do is show up! Instruction will begin at 7pm, so please consider arriving 15 minutes ahead of time. Seating is limited so get your ticket early!

MILE HILL PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION

– January 11, 4-6pm at the Brant Sports Complex. Join the County for a Public Information Session to discuss Mile Hill Road in Paris. Mile Hill Road in Paris is being proposed for conversion to a one-way southbound road Tentative start is set for spring of 2023. Construction will take place between May 2023 and June 2023, weather permitting. To provide your comments and ask your questions please visit https://engagebrant.ca/milehillroad

Publisher

Managing Editor

STATEMENT

Council supports Physician Recruitment committee to attract more doctors

HealthForceOntario predicts that Brant needs 4-5 new physicians to cover the 16% of residents without a family doctor

By Casandra Turnbull

The Chief Administrative Office for the County of Brant is asking that council help fund and approve a new committee that would oversee physician recruitment in years to come The Physician Recruitment Development was pitched at Tuesday night’s County Council Meeting. The ask is for $200,000 in the 2023 budget dedicated to recruitment efforts that would be headed by members of council, the PrimaCare Family Health Team and other subject experts, with assistance of the CEO of Brant Municipal Enterprises, Brooke Hayward, according to the council presentation. The committee would also retain a professional recruiter to organize the efforts If the program is successful in its debut year, it would be re-evaluated prior to 2024. The committee would require multi-year funding.

Paris Councillor John Bell asked how the County can learn from the City of Brantford since they’ve successfully recruited 13 physicians in the last five years. Adam Crozier, Project Manager for the County of Brant CAO office, pointed out that the county needs to approve an active recruitment program if they want to mirror similar results.

“We’ve been very passive and reliant on the Family Health Team,” said Crozier, who noted the FHT has recruited three doctors in the last 8 years. “To have a dedicated recruiter to show physicians the beauty of the County of Brant and what it’s like to live and practice here is the success of this program.” Currently, the County does not provide funding to, or undertake efforts for physician recruitment. Between 2006 and 2011 the County provided nominal funding to the Brantford Family Physician Recruitment Taskforce and continues to appoint a member of Council to this Taskforce, but the primary focus of this Taskforce is on

recruiting efforts for physicians to locate in the City of Brantford and not the County of Brant According to statistics provided by HealthForceOntario, and presented at Tuesday’s council meeting, there are currently 11 primary care physicians practicing in the County, with most a part of the PrimaCare Family Health Team operating primarily out of the Cowan Community Health Hub, with facilities located in St George and Ayr, and most current recruitment handled by the Executive Director of the Family Health Team responding to inquiries.

Continued on Page 5

A new Physician Recruitment Committee will be formed to help attract doctors to Brant County. The new Cowan Community Health Hub will be a key focus for recruiters. The committee will require $200,000 from the 2023 budget to get started.

Bringing in more physicians not only helps give every resident access to a family doctor, but it also lessens the pressure on acute service delivery, chronic disease management and ambulatory services HealthForceOntario predicts that Brant requires 4-5 new physicians to cover those currently without a family doctor in the County, which currently stands at 16% (6,485 individuals) of the County’s population Planning for the future of Healthcare in Brant is important and right now is the time to make sure physicians are in place as the population continues to boom and older physicians begin to retire. Currently, physicians 60 years of age and older are responsible for 45% of County-based doctors. The Cowan Community Health Hub will be part of the committee’s prime focus of attraction Councillor Robert Chambers questioned whether this new committee would impede Brantford’s recruitment efforts. “Are we fighting each other for the same thing, costing people more money?” he asked Mayor David Bailey agreed with Chambers’ assessment Mayor Bailey is a member of the Family Physician Recruitment Taskforce for the BCHS and feels the county’s recruitment efforts could impede the BCHS taskforce progress. He said he feels it’s important that he

continue to sit on the BCHS taskforce in support of the BGH but also for the Willett. Hayward, who attended the meeting virtually, said Ontario Health has considered regional recruitment in the future, but it’s not there yet “What we need right now, and we know what we need to do to make the success of the health hub financially, is to get funding and to build the recruitment committee and then we can have local discussions to see if collaboration is possible,” said Hayward And as the community continues to grow, and physicians retire, the need becomes more critical.

Councillor John Peirce offered his full support to the recruitment efforts. “If we have competition against Brantford or Oxford, so be it We need to put up blinders and we only see the County of Brant because as Brooke and Adam alluded to in the report, we need 4-5 doctors and we are not the only ones in this situation. If we don’t fight tooth and nail to get the best into the County, then shame on us ” Everyone voted in favour of the recruitment committee funding except the Mayor.

Memory of local woman spreads Christmas cheer

Paris resident Dawn Sangster and family and friends fundraised, organized and delivered another 205 holiday gift bags to residents living at St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre in Brantford last weekend. It took over $5,000 in raised funds and 19 volunteers to ensure all 205 residents had a Christmas gift bag. Sangster organizes ‘Christmas Magic for Seniors’ every year in memory of her mom, Gwen Ludwig, who lived at St. Joseph’s before her passing in 2017. “She (Gwen) would give to the Christmas Hampers each year and taught us how it is more important to give than to receive, so I thought what better way to keep her memory alive than by making people happy,” said Dawn. The bags are filled with an ornament, a Norman Rockwell calendar, a nice body wash (a recommended item by staff at St. Joseph’s), a toothbrush, toothpaste, warm socks, a stuffy that looks like a real pet, a blanket, lip balm, handmade cards, all packaged in a gift bag decorated by students in Brant County schools.

Christmas in Paris

We asked readers….

What Does Christmas mean to you?

Abundance of love surrounds this beautiful town of ours where memories are found and friendships are made. Christmas fills our spirits once again while we laugh, toast, and sing to remind us of how wonderful life truly is. May your home be merry and your journey be kind. Thank you, Paris, for your open arms! God bless us everyone!

- from our

Emerson K.

youngest readers

“What does Christmas mean to me? Our family spends time together. Our family decorates our Christmas tree”

Ben T.

“I love Christmas”

Ashlynne T.

“I celebrate Christmas. I get together and open presents and we get to go to my mom’s side and my dad’s side. My family celebrates Christmas because it is God’s birthday”

Levi B.

-

My favourite thing to do at Christmas is to spend time with my family and open presents”

Sadie T.

“Christmas means spending time with my family”

Submitted by students from Megan Loewen’s Grade 2 class at North Ward School

- Chiu Ramírez Family (pictured right)

Christmas in Paris

The Tattered Recipe

I treasure the recipe and handle it with care. It is placed, ever so gently, in the box of her favourites; kept hidden away in a safe place, to be shared lovingly at Christmas time. Her cherished handwriting, faded, yet neat, adorns the precious 4 x 6 card with her presence. A small piece of her heart lives here.

There are delicate stains, traces of butter and brown sugar, that decorate the surface like lace. I could easily re-type it, but the memory of her baking these at Christmas would not be the same. The recipe could not be the same without this tattered card. As I read each word, I can hear her speak to me, tenderly guiding me, baking with me. In my heart she is there. As they bake, I am wrapped in her warm embrace; the sentimental aroma, the memories of Mom at Christmas.

Carol Crawford

Christmas in Paris

Carleigh J.

Felix P.

Grayson T

“Happiness and presents. A lot of food and pictures.”

Hosanna H.

“Spending time with my whole entire family and with my elf! I love Christmas.”

Selena W.

“Christmas means love for my family and to make sure that I spend time with my family over the holidays.”

Demilade A.

“What I think Christmas is, is family.”

“Christmas means spending time with family and having a bunch of joy on Christmas morning.”

Logan F.

“Christmas means to me the birth of Jesus our Savior. I hope he will come this year. Christmas means to me to spend time with my family and friends I don’t see all the time. Christmas is a very special time of year.”

Alyssa C.

“Celebrating for God and spending time with your family.”

“I think Christmas in Paris means that you’re putting other people before yourself and you’re caring about your family more than ever.”

Alivia D.

“Christmas in Paris means to me is that I like to see other kids happy with toys and I like to give gifts to kids who don’t have toys (e.g., hat, mittens, jacket, boots, toys)

Bea P.

“Spending time with family.”

Students in Alison Harrison’s Grade 3 class at Holy Family School

Christmas in Paris

Emily S.

“It means to eat chocolate cake and spending time with friends and giving presents.”

Michael B.

“A fun time with friends and family. And making snowmen and playing in the snow.”

Gwen L.

“It means friendship, and everyone is kind. I like being with my family it makes me glad, and I hope to see my cousins”

Lily Z.

“Christmas means putting others before you and it doesn’t matter the presents under the tree, it matters who you are with and what you are doing”

Jayda M.

“Christmas in Paris means to me seeing my friend that lives in Paris every day and seeing my family and playing with my baby cousin”

Brynlee R.

“Christmas means to me family and friends having fun. It’s not about presents, its about celebrating Jesus and having time with family.”

Paisley A.

“Joy, spending time with family and hanging out with people you love and that you don’t get to see as much.”

O Christmas Tree, the lights shine so brightly! Davey Trees installed this beautiful tree at Cobblestone Common in downtown Paris, on behalf of the Paris BIA. The tree lighting ceremony took place during the first night of Jingle Bell Market on November 18th .

Lincoln C.

“Spending time with my family and having fun”

Allison W.

“Christmas in Paris means all the lights and people giving out candy canes and spreading all of the joy with my family for that special holiday.”

Wisdom shared by students in Alison Harrison’s Grade 3 class at Holy Family School in Paris

Christmas in Paris

There’s some pretty festive houses in Paris, you can make an entire evening out of driving around to admire people’s hard work and holiday spirit! Have you seen this house pictured on the top left? There’s no shortage of lights and since the house backs onto Grand River Street North, the fence is decorated with shining snowflakes! How about the twerking Santa top right? He might be downward dog in this photo but it’s always a kid-favourite house in our neighbourhood!

Santa, Frosty and reindeer friends hang out on the front lawn of this Forest Street (left) home. Bottom left, the lights on this house light up Race Street! Bottom right, this Weston Street home has an abundance of Christmas spirit. Since 2017, the homeowner has carefully and thoughtfully decorated the house with a lot of Christmas charm. Even more impressive, the lights flash in coordination with 11 different Christmas songs. Swing by 5 Weston St in Paris between now until December 31st to check it out yourself!

LOCAL HISTORY

1959 Last Christmas Rush for Paris Postal Workers in Old Building

December 18, 1959, re-written from an article by Kay Tew Marshall explaining the need for the new post office: This is the last Christmas rush for the staff of the Paris post office in the confines of the old building, a handicap that only one who has been “backstage” could comprehend Next year the mail will be processed in the streamlined new building on Mechanic Street where space is designed for efficient operation. The old barred wickets and high partitions will have given way to wide open spaces where staff and customers alike can see each other. Nevertheless, the present post office when it was erected in 1901 was in the terminology of the day a truly magnificent edifice The building towered three storeys topped by the clocktower, and no one apparently gave thought to the fact that customers would have to toil up a long flight of stairs to the customs office, let alone the needless steps involved for the customs staff themselves. The postal boxes for rent looked ample no doubt but today more than half the townspeople have to wait in line for their mail at general delivery because there are not enough boxes. Today the Paris post office does more business in one day than was done in an entire month at the turn of the century, Postmaster Fraser Hilborn said yesterday When the present

post office was built the staff consisted of Postmaster Captain Peter Cox and four ladies. The present staff is nine with eight additional persons for the Christmas rush. During the rest of the year these nine do about 25 times the business in the same space as four leisurely ladies in 1901. Of course no one on the present staff recalls those days but Miss Lena Kyte who retired a few years ago. She remembers vividly when she joined the staff in 1910, “I went downtown saw the sign "clerk wanted' applied and went to work the next day,” she said. Miss Kyte stayed for 43 years and saw the changing times from preFirst World War to the present era of enormous advertising mailing lists air mail and other modern aspects of postal service one of the greatest organized businesses in the modern world When Miss Kyte went to the Paris office the staff consisted of Postmaster Cox, Charles Strickland, Miss Annabelle Flanagan, Miss Fanny Mason, and herself. “You must remember,” Miss Kyte said, “that times were very different then We didn't have adding machines or

cancelling machines and reports were sent in once a month to headquarters although we made them up daily,” Of course she added, “we didn't have any unemployment insurance stamps and other things that have been added” In 1910 there was only one rural route delivery called “Ameranto” the derivation of which Miss Kyte did not know This route she stated was what is now approximately R3 out of Paris covering Highway 2 west to the Burford Townline and south to Bethel district. It was operated by Knill and Gourlay who owned a livery stable in town. Otherwise, country mail was distributed from little local country store post offices whose owners picked it up at the Paris office or the Paris Junction office. Drop-Offs On occasion farmers paid these local storekeepers small annual sums to drop the mail off at their homes on their way from office to the store (The late Tom Halbert- was one of those. He operated the mail service at Falkland for many years).

CHRISTMAS PAST

Later, four routes were established with daily service by horse and buggy or sleigh as country roads were not navigable in winter months until quite recent years. R4 was absorbed into the Brantford area as R6 some years ago and only three rural mail routes operate from the Paris office today. Perhaps even more astonishing than the mail delivery was the system of paying the post office clerks in 1910 Miss Kyte explained that “the postmaster was paid a certain sum and from that he hired his own clerks for whatever amount they would work for If they didn't like the salary, they could leave,” she commented. When Miss Kyte started under Captain Cox, she received $27 a month for her services The captain died of a heart attack about a year

after Miss Kyte joined the staff and was succeeded by J. Patrick Nunan who was followed by A D Fraser While Mr. Fraser was postmaster the system of established civil service exams and salaries paid from Ottawa was inaugurated Remembering these facts as recounted by Miss Kyte it was surprising yesterday to see that 17 people could actually operate with the immense bags and sacks of mail in an area that was designed for five people and one twenty-fifth of the business. The new building now nearing completion looks positively modest compared to the Edwardian brick front of the present post office.

Note: The “new” post office on Mechanic St was demolished last year.

The

as

old Paris post office

it stood 121 years ago, across the street from the current Paris Bakery The post office was built in 1901 on Grand River Street North, where the Rexall Pharmacy stands today. –photo courtesy of the Paris Museum & Historical Society.

TIME TO JOKE TOO Even during the hurly - burly of the Yule-tide rush, the staff must have its joke time at the Paris Post Office Quite unaware is Alex Todd (photographed on right) with signs “Local” and “Loco” fastened to his back At left is a photo of three temporary employees handling the job of cancelling letters They are Murray O'Connor, Frank Weaver, and Carol Hilborn (Expositor Photos)

THE BUSY SEASON — Postmaster Fraser Hilborn and Mel Farnsworth handle local sortation at the Paris Post Office as the staff wades through the Christmas rush (Expositor Photo)

CHRISTMAS PAST

NICHOL

Remembering A Typical Christmas in Paris

Christmas Eve in Paris: This painting above can take you back in time to the hustle and bustle of a very busy downtown on Christmas Eve. The popping of corks and the clinking of glasses in every restaurant mingled with traditional carols playing in the background Children enjoy the after-school retelling of classic Christmas stories in the library and then press their noses up against the glass display window at Tough’s Hardware to see the toy train as it wound its way around Santa’s Toyland. They gaze over at the special mailbox inside the store where they placed their wish list to Santa earlier in the month They can hardly contain their excitement at the thought of seeing some of those same toys under their own tree tomorrow morning. At Millward’s grocery store eager

families are lined up waiting to purchase a fresh baked pie for after supper tonight The hot fruity pastry smell wafts through the crisp December air tempting you to get into line yourself. Len Wise from Harry Wise Men’s Wear, has just sold his last pair of Christmas pajamas He carefully wraps them in brown paper and ties them up with a string. He is getting ready to close up his store for the holidays. For the ladies there is John M Hall’s and Millie’s lingerie. Over at the Palm’s Soda Bar the last of their hand made candy canes, and lemon drops are leaving in little paper bags. At the Sunny Side of the Street, they have a large selection of beads and macrame supplies. Norman Mulloy’s Appliance Shop is so busy today, trying to get the last of the appliances delivered to all the homes

in time for Christmas. Over on the flats children are skating behind the arena and in Upper Town the last of the trees in St. James Church yard are all gone, and children are sliding down Mockingbird Hill. In the junction there are some kids gathering lumps of coal that have fallen by the wayside of the coal chutes. Mary Maxim, a favourite stop for females, is unusually full of males today as the search for lastminute gifts continues There is tobogganing over behind the new high school and many other sacred traditions. There will be mass in every church in Paris with the appropriate hymns being sung as the children re-enact the Christmas story The church bells will be ringing and the sights and sounds of Christmas fill the air. It’s Christmas time in Paris

THIS PAINTING IS ENTITLED “AFTERNOON BEFORE CHRISTMAS. PARIS, ONTARIO” BY ROBERT J.

by Chris Whelan

CHRISTMAS PAST

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Wide offering of Christmas Services at Paris churches

By Carolina Saenz

Whether you’re new to Paris and spending your first holiday season here, or simply looking to celebrate Christmas at a new church, a variety of services are available locally In no particular order, here is a list of local churches and their Christmas celebrations:

Cedarview Church (20 Cedar St)

Christmas Eve service: 6:307:30pm A night of music and singing, candlelight service followed by coffee and treats “Please join us as we celebrate the night before Christmas!”, shares Pastor Wendy Pane.

Christmas Day: 11am-12pm Celebrating Christ’s birth with a short service and communion

New Year’s Eve: 10pm12:15am Prayer and Worship “Crossover” service going into 2023 Everyone welcome!!

New Year’s Day: 11am-12pm Short service followed by coffee and treats. “We would love to have you join us to start the year off together!!” invites Pastor Pane.

Sojourn Church (112 Scott Ave):

Christmas Eve: 6:30-7:30pm Register online at http://christmaseveinparis com/

"Christmas is for everyone! The birth of Jesus was, and is, good news for the whole world. Bring the whole family, there is something for everyone. We encourage you to come early and grab a warm cup of hot chocolate or cider. Whether it's reliving old memories or starting new traditions we invite everyone to join us this Christmas Eve”, writes Pastor Jay Grimes.

Services will resume on January 1st at 10am.

St. James, Paris Church (8 Burwell St)

Christmas Eve: 4pm: Interactive ‘family style’ service with Holy Communion; 10:30pm: Traditional Christmas service (quieter and more reflective) with Holy Communion Christmas songs will be sung at both services.

Christmas Day: 9:30am Service with Holy Communion.

New Year’s Day: 8:30am: Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion; 10:30am: Christmas Lessons and Carols. No registration is required for any services “St James, Paris appreciates the continued support of our Christmas Tree sale - it is great to be part of so many peoples' Christmas traditions and we hope that folks will join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus”, shares Father Jason Postma

Paris Baptist Church (25 Broadway St W)

Christmas Eve: 6:30pm Candlelight service including Christmas carols, a short message, and candle lighting while singing ‘Silent Night’.

Christmas Day: 10:30am Christmas carols and a short message.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

New Year’s Day: 10:30am Everyone Welcome “Come and may every heart prepare Him room this Christmas.”

Paris Presbyterian Church (164 Grand River St N)

Christmas Eve: 6:30pm in person and online. Join us to sing Christmas carols and reflect on the Christmas Story. The service will end in candlelight

Christmas Day: 10:30am online only.

New Year’s Day: 10:30am in person and online. Join us in person for a more casual service where brunch will be served. “We would love for you to join us during this Christmas Season as we continue in our theme ‘A Hope - Filled Christmas’ No need to register, come as you are. We look forward to seeing you”, invites Pastor Joel Sherbino.

St. Paul’s United Church (48 Broadway St W)

December 18th: 11am Advent 4: Celebrating Love with Lessons and Carols.

Christmas Eve: 7:30pm Family Christmas Eve Service.

Christmas Day: online on YouTube No need to register for any of the services All are welcome “No matter who you are, or where you're from you are welcome at St. Paul's United Church! Come and celebrate Christmas with music, joy and laughter at one of our family friendly services. Visit us on Facebook at "St. Paul's United Church Paris" for the latest updates and info”, shares Pastor Sarah Grady.

Bethel United Church (154 Bethel Rd)

Christmas Service on December 18th 10:30am.

Blue Christmas Service on December 21st: 7pm For those who are finding it difficult to face the holiday season this year due to grief, job loss, financial difficulties or illness. This will be a time for quiet reflection, comforting music and candlelight.

Christmas Eve: 4pm Family friendly service with candlelight and carols. Soprano, Julia Surrette will be guest soloist. ALL are welcome.

Christmas Day: 10am at Burford United Church

New Year’s Day: 10:30am "At Bethel Stone we are ordinary imperfect people finding hope, healing and a purpose for this life that is rooted in God's love for ALL people Together we are learning what it means to walk in the way of Jesus, because no one should walk alone. Whether you have experienced life in a faith community before, are seeking a new church family to grow with, or are just curious about what this Christian faith is all about, you are welcome! Please join us this Christmas Season to be reminded there still a place for hope and love to be found Come as You Are and discover a place where YOU Belong!" writes Rev Adrianne Robertson.

Sacred Heart Church (17 Washington St) Mass is celebrated at 5pm on Saturdays, 9am and 11am on Sundays. Grace Church (8 Silver St) Service on Sundays at 10:30am

Paris Seventh-dayAdventist Church (63 Broadway St W)

Bible study on Saturdays at 10am; Worship Service on Saturdays at 11am.

Figure skaters dazzle at Holiday Showcase

The Paris Figure Skating Club held a Holiday Showcase on December 20th to give the skaters the opportunity to show off their new found skills and at the same time prepare for future competitions by gaining some practice in front of an audience. Skaters dazzled the audience with creative solos while celebrating the holiday season. All Star levels participated in this fun event that officially concludes the first half of this skating year. Paris Figure Skating Club Photo

SCOREBOARD DECEMBER 15 – DECEMBER 23

*U11 Rep sponsored by Pelton Transportation wins 10-1 over Tillsonburg Tornadoes

*U15 Team 3 sponsored by Paris Canadian Tire wins 7-1 over the Ingersoll Express

*U13 Rep sponsored by The Optimist Club of Paris ties 2-2 against the Twin Centre Stars

*U15 Rep sponsored by Comfort Plus Climate Care wins 5-2 over the Delhi Rockets

*U18 Team 3 sponsored by Paris Legion Branch 29 wins 4-1 over the Simcoe Warriors (3)

*U11 Team 1 sponsored by Brant Sports wins 7-2 over Ingersoll Express (1)

*U13 Team 2 sponsored by Fifth Ground Entertainment wins 3-1 over Delhi Rockets (2)

*U13 Rep sponsored by the Optimist Club of Paris wins 4-3 over the New Hamburg Huskies

*U11 Team 1 sponsored by Brant Sports ties 4-4 against Norwich Knighthawks

*U11 Team 2 sponsored by Nick’s No Frills wins 3-1 over Delhi Rockets (1)

*U18 Team 3 sponsored by Paris Legion Branch 29 wins 3-1 over Norwich Knighthawks

*U11 Rep sponsored by Pelton Transportation wins 4-2 over Tillsonburg Tornadoes

*U11 Rep sponsored by Pelton Transportation loses 3-1 to Aylmer Flames

*U15 Team 1 sponsored by Adkins Financial loses 3-1 to Simcoe Warriors

*U15 Team 3 sponsored by Paris Canadian Tire loses 10-4 to Paris’ U15 Team 2 sponsored by Burford Foodland

*U15 Rep sponsored by Comfort Plus Climate Care loses 5-4 against the Tillsonburg Tornadoes

*U15 Rep sponsored by Comfort Plus Climate Care wins 6-0 over Norwich Knighthawks

More winter weather required before outdoor rinks will pop up in Paris

By Casandra Turnbull

Winter officially arrived this week – like a lion –but it’s not quite enough to lace up those skates yet to hit the outdoor rinks in the County of Brant But don’t worry about a dozen volunteers are behind the scenes just waiting for the weather to cooperate so they can get to work preparing the rinks for residents to enjoy. The Paris Firefighter’s Club, along with the County of Brant, work hard every year to bring the outdoor rinks to life. It’s a painstaking job that requires a lot of attention, precision and a lot of cold weather!

“We need a solid snow so we can pack a good base, and we need a weather forecast that doesn’t go above zero during the day,” explained Matt Amy of what’s required to get the rinks in skating order. Amy is a volunteer firefighter and one of the lead coordinators for the project

In addition to the Paris Firefighter’s Club, Amy explained that some volunteer firefighters from the Airport Station are on board this year too and that’s good, because it will take a lot of helping hands to make sure the rinks are in prime condition.

The group of volunteers will start with the rink at the Syl Apps Community centre first, and if time and volunteers permit, they will groom and maintain the ice pad at Optimist Park next Amy’s been on board for the past six to seven years, led by the (ice) legendary Jack Davis, a Paris man who’s maintained rinks in town for over three decades. “He’s taught us a lot and has offered many reminders on how to do it properly,” jokesAmy.

County of Brant staff will test the ice on a regular

basis to ensure it’s safe for use and will post regular updates on ice availability on their website. “The county is so fortunate to have so many dedicated community volunteers and service club members willing to provide their time to ensure everyone in the community can keep active and have fun skating and playing hockey outdoors each winter,” said Kathy Ballantyne, Parks & Facilities Manager for the County of Brant.

Arabella and Arizona Haw enjoy a sunny morning skate last January at the Syl Apps Community Centre.

She noted the Syl Apps pad, Paris Optimist Park pad and the one in Mount Pleasant have been volunteer led for more than 30 years “They really contribute to community spirit, and everyone does appreciate the opportunity to do something with their family or friends during the winter,” she added.

In addition to the Syl Apps and Optimists rinks, Ballantyne confirmed there will also be one at Axton Park in Paris and Mt Pleasant Park in Mt Pleasant. In the past, there’s been rinks at Sunny Hill Park (St. George) and Poplar Hills Park (Oakhill), but more volunteers are required for the county to approve those rinks. Ballantyne also wanted to remind residents that stormwater ponds are not authorized areas for skating as the fluctuating water flows into the pond

cause potentially unsafe conditions. When you visit one of the approved rinks, there will be a sign if its open or closed, to indicate if it’s safe to skate that day. The rinks are unsupervised and parental supervision is recommended for children. Users are encouraged to use the proper gear and to use at their own risk.

The recent cold weather is just a start, but Amy is not worried as he knows the best weather is yet to come in January and February “Living in the flats, I’ve used the outdoor rink at Two Rivers Stadium (as I know it) as long as I can remember. The middle of January and February is the best time for outdoor rinks. Last year we caught some great weather that made the season a couple weeks longer than usual, we’re hoping for another season like that.”

Learn to Curl program ends with mini bonspiel

The Paris Curling Club offers a Learn-to-Curl program each year to introduce new people to the sport, which not only boosts the club’s membership, but also introduces more Canadians to the sport we often call our own! This year was not exception. The Learn-to-Curl program had a very high enrollment this year and last weekend the fall session wrapped up with a mini bonspiel as the grand finale. New curlers put their freshly taught skills to the test and experienced the excitement of the game. A big congrats to the team of Bob, Michelle, Chris, and Rob for bringing home the victory! Following the Learn to Curl program several participants signed on as full fledged members filling in rosters in various league play. A special thank you goes out to all the LTC volunteers for making the program possible once again and for sharing their love of the game.

Photo Credit Paris Curling Club

Another photo for the 8-ender Wall of Fame!

While kids are busy making snowmen outside, this talented team of curlers were making a snowman of their own. A snowman, also commonly known as an 8ender, is an incredibly rare occurrence. When all eight rocks land in the ‘house’ during an end of curling, with no opposing rocks in the house, an 8-ender is achieved. This team will have their photo placed on the Wall of Fame inside the Paris Curling Club. In fact, it’s a feat so rarely accomplished, Curling Canada recognizes teams who score eight-enders with pins and certificates. This 8-ender took place during the Thursday Senior Mixed league on December 22. Pictured from left to right are Brenda Baker (2nd); Richard Luszczek (Lead); Rick Ashall (Vice); Kathy Dreyer (Skip). Congratulations team! If you’d like to learn more about curling visit https://pariscurlingclub.com/

Submitted photo

COMMUNITY NEWS

Consider taking a Storybook walk this holiday season!

Are you looking to stay active this holiday season? And how about coordinating a little holiday spirit into that walk? If both sound enticing, you might want to consider the Storybook Walk as the perfect way to start a new tradition while enjoying a community park and building a love of reading. The Storybook walk at Mt. Pleasant Nature Park is featuring Bear Stays Up for Christmas’ and the Storybook walk at Janice Hunt Memorial Park in Burford is featuring ‘Here Comes Santa Cat.’ For the latest info and directions, visit brantlibrary.ca/storybookwalks.

County of Brant Public Library

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HEALTHY LIVING

Five ways to protect your mental health during the holidays

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION – BRANT HALDIMAND

NORFOLK - Holiday magic. Although it’s real for some, the magic can also be a thin veneer, hiding challenging emotions that can come along with the celebrations, in fact, 52% of Canadians report feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation during the holiday season And, if you’re already depressed or experiencing anxiety, the holidays can make things even worse Here are five ways that the holidays can be just too much, adding stress and putting strain on our mental health. Do you see yourself in these? If so, here are some tips to help preserve your peace of mind.

1. (Too) great expectations The image of the “perfect holiday” permeates the mainstream culture. We know exactly how it’s supposed to go We feel obligations. We compare ourselves to it. Are we happy enough? Are we doing it right? The pressure for perfection may be even greater after last year’s restrictions on gathering caused conflict, disappointment and forced isolation Are we hoping and expecting “wow” this year? Maybe the holidays aren’t part of your cultural tradition, but you feel

pressure to celebrate them. Or you feel excluded if you don’t Or maybe they’re part of a tradition you reject. If so,

•Ignore judgments of “bah humbug” – you are not obliged to celebrate the holidays.

•Recognize if you feel oppressed by your own traditions. If you do, it’s time to take the space and time to reinvent Maybe that means saying no (“I can’t come this year”), or setting other boundaries (“I’m coming for dinner but I can’t stay the night”).

•Don’t be ruled by what’s gone on in the past They’re your holidays and you can take them back.

•Ask yourself what you love about the holidays What do you dislike, or even hate? Now choose to do what you love! Don’t let your - or anybody else’s - traditions dictate how and if you celebrate.

The holidays can be a real struggle for some people. Making sure you’re taking care of your mental health is top priority. The Canadian Mental Health Association, Brant – HaldimandNorfolk chapter offers some great advice.

•Know that you don’t have to buy things to show others that you care.

•There are gift exchange ideas that cut down on consumerism, without skimping on generosity or giving. Here are a few, or 44: https://allgiftsconsidered.com/family-gift-exchangeideas/

•Stay on top of what you’re spending by budgeting. A budget template can help you do that. Here is one, but there are many on the Internet https://templates office com/en-ca/holidaybudget-planner-tm16410204

2. Merriment

to the

max Over-eating. Over-drinking. Over-spending. General over-indulgence It seems the holidays go hand and hand with them. This compulsory consumerism and mandatory merriment can have a damaging effect on your mental health, especially if you struggle with your finances Consumption comes at a price that not everyone can afford If so,

•Remind yourself of pitfalls or triggers when it comes to overindulging It might feel good in the moment, or help you deal with holiday stress, but may not have positive effects on your mental health the next morning or the next month when bills are due.

•Don’t lose sight of your needs for exercise and sleep

3. Your plate overfloweth

You may be hosting a gathering this year for the first (or fiftieth) time

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Maybe you feel responsible for other people’s entertainment and enjoyment. And maybe, you feel like it’s your job to please everyone and make sure others are having enough fun and enjoying their holidays, too. That’s a lot of pressure. If so,

•Delegate: if you feel it’s your job alone to make things perfect, you can ask others to help out. It’s their holiday too!

•Take a break from hosting or retire altogether. Ask someone else to host this year.

•Put safety first Not everyone will share the same opinions on vaccines, and this could cause conflict this year, which is stressful to manage. Remember that if it’s your home or your event, you get to set the ground rules.

•Head conflict off at the pass If you know there are certain topics that will set people off, be kind and clear about boundaries and expectations. For instance, put your expectations about vaccine status or mask requirements in your invitation email, or specify a time to talk things through in advance

4.

Too much togetherness

Sometimes our holiday traditions are intensely social Parties, get-togethers and family dinners can create relationship dynamics that are rife with discomfort, and even conflict Tensions can run high Because our holiday traditions can date back to childhood, we may be called on to play roles we aren’t comfortable playing any longer. If so,

•Remember that only you can choose what makes you happy.

•If you accept the invitation but find that you’re feeling overwhelmed while you’re there, plan to take time out by finding a quiet place to take a break, calling a friend or taking a

walk

•If you don’t want to stay, you’re allowed to leave. Hint: arrange your own transportation so you can come and go at will.

•If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to. Give yourself permission to do what’s best for you

5. Feeling left out in the cold

More than one in ten Canadians often or always feel lonely And, in those who experience loneliness, half have poorer mental health overall. Your connection to others and your community are key protective factors for everyone’s mental health, so loneliness is something to pay attention to The holidays can be especially hard if you feel lonely.

There are many reasons you might be alone during the holidays Sometimes it’s your choice, and sometimes it just isn’t. Like if you’ve lost someone, moved away or grown apart. If you are already feeling isolated socially, or have a social or other anxiety disorder, being alone during the holidays can make things worse. If so,

•Do something special for yourself: cook or order in your favourite foods, go to a movie, check out the beautiful Christmas displays in your area; do a holiday project

•Volunteer. By helping others, you also boost your own mental health and have a chance to connect with other people You can help out at a foodbank, serve holiday dinner at a community meal or offer to get groceries or spend some time with someone who’s alone and doesn’t want to be,

•Reach out to others who are also looking for connection: there are whole groups of people in person and online who are also looking for community

•Take a page out of last year’s

“distanced” holidays and plan remote festivities: share photos, emails, videos over video calls. Set up a Zoom event or Facebook group

•Go “old school” and write letters and holiday cards with invitations to connect by phone.

If you are struggling, know that there is help and hope

If, despite your best efforts, you feel overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety or sadness, negative feelings are persistent or get in the way of your daily life, you should reach out for mental health support:

•If you just want to talk to someone, there are “warm lines” for you to do just that: https://wellnesstogether ca/ en-CA/peer-support-warmline

•If you’re a young person, try the youth peer-to-peer online community: https://wellnesstogether.ca/enCA/peer-to-peer-community/

•Talk Suicide 1-833-456-4566 toll free in Canada

•Crisis Resources for Ontario

Local crisis support lines

•Brantford-Brant 24/7 crisis line at (519) 759-7188 or 1 (866) 8117188

•Haldimand Norfolk Crisis Assessment and Support Team (CAST) 1-866-487-2278

•Six Nations Mobile Crisis Line 519-445-2204 or 1-866-445-2204

Holidays aren’t magical for everyone. That’s because the “most wonderful time of the year” can be fraught with challenges and situations that affect our mental health Be prepared If you’re dreading the holidays, don’t let them just happen to you. Get out in front of them And take good care

Seeking care over the Holidays – where to go

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

If you require care over the holiday season, please note our available services

Emergency Care – Brantford General Hospital Emergency Department

The Emergency Department (ED) at Brantford General Hospital treats patients with serious illness or injuries such as loss of consciousness, chest pain, stroke like symptoms or difficulty breathing

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

Urgent Care – The Willett Urgent Care Centre in Paris

You should visit the Willett when you have an urgent but non lifethreatening illness or injury such as sprains, strains, stitches or minor burns. The Willett is open during the holidays the following times:

*December 24 to 25 – 10am to 6pm

*December 26 to 30 – 9am to 9pm

*December 31 and January 1 – 10am to 6pm

*January

9am to 9pm

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

Holiday hours:

*December 24 – 11am to 3pm

*December 25 – closed

*December 26 – 11am to 3pm

*December 31 – 11am to 3pm

*January 1 – closed

COVID, Cough, Flu Care Clinic (CCFCC) and COVID testing – the CCFCC provides an alternative to the ED or urgent care for patients experiencing viral symptoms, who may qualify for antiviral treatment. The CCFCC is right for you if:

*You (or your child) are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, strep, bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infection, cold or flu, sinus infection, vomiting, or diarrhea.

*You have been unable to book an appointment with your primary care provider, or you have been referred to this clinic by a healthcare provider.

*You are unable to safely monitor your symptoms at home.

The CCFCC will also continue to provide COVID-19 testing for eligible persons Visit the BCHS website for this criteria https://wwwbchsys org/covid -testing/.

The CCFCC operates in two locations: Brantford-Brant and Norfolk

Brantford Brant – in conjunction with the Willett Urgent Care Centre

There will be a physician on-site at the CCFCC from 1pm to 3pm on December 24, 26, and 31.

Other than the above date and times, the Brantford Brant CCFCC is open 8am – 4pm 7 days a week, closed between 12pm and 1pm each day.

Appointment only and walk-ins are not accepted To book an appointment visit the 24/7 online self-booking tool: https://www.bchsys.org/en/covi d-19-online-scheduling.aspx, email Covid assessment@bchsys org with your name and telephone number, or by calling the hotline at (519) 7515818, available Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm.

New online tool makes job search easier in Brant/Brantford

MEDIA RELEASE - Local job

hunters can now customize their search using Grand Erie Jobs, the region’s largest online job board.

A new Job Seeker Dashboard gives people the ability to set up free user accounts to get custom alerts when there are postings that match their interests and skills, says the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, which operates the popular job board.

Users can set up an account so that they’ll receive email notifications when there is a posting that:

• Is in an occupation they’re interested in;

• Is from a local employer they’ve chosen to follow;

• And/or matches their work-related skills.

“The dashboard gives people the ability to customize their job search like never before,” said Danette Dalton, the board’s executive director. “This tool empowers residents and makes it easier for them to find jobs, filling openings from local businesses and organizations.”

There’s also a Resume Builder tool that makes it easy for people to build simple resumes, using a number of free templates. Accounts can be set up by going to: www.workforceplanningboard.org/da shboard

The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie launched a new online tool that can help you customize your career search. The new Job Seeker Dashboard allows you to set up free user accounts and get custom alerts when there are postings that match your interest.

Dalton said the ability to match jobs to skills is particularly exciting People can build a profile for themselves, choosing from hundreds of skills and work certifications, and they’ll get automatic notifications if a new posting matches at least 50% of those skills.

“This feature can help match job seekers to postings they didn’t think they were qualified for,” she said. Grand Erie Jobs lists several thousand local job postings each month. Since first launched two years ago, Grand Erie Jobs has expanded to include a half dozen online tools that people can use to search for work, explore careers, look up local wages, research local companies and more

The Workforce Planning Board is one of 26 non-profit organizations in Ontario that play a leadership role in labour force planning. The Workforce Planning Board is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

ASTROLOGY

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) - The sky's the limit for you You want a grand love, done You want more money, done Whatever you put this great energy into will be rewarded with great success Make a list now so that you are prepared. Time to find out what you're really made of in the New Year.

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth)Seize the moment Seriously, stop waiting for what you really want Stand up, walk over and take it The New Year energy is giving you the courage you have needed. Love is all around you. You have great opportunities just passing you by while you observe and think about your next move Just move

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) - Hello Lady Luck. This New Year is about to bring you a lot closer to accomplishing all your big projects You are attracting all the right people in love and career Now that you have gathered the right people you have needed you are ready Just with a little luck, there will be no stopping the success that will follow you

Cancer: July 23 - August 22 (Fire)Welcome to the potential that is in you The New Year is showing you what you are made of The time has come to do all the things you have been putting off. Not things you have to do, but things you really want to do. Love and career are full of options. You may feel overwhelmed with all your options so consult someone you trust

Leo: June 21 - July 22 (Water)Excitement is coming your way Wow you will start the year off with a bang Your love life will provide you with more than you thought possible Your career changes into something you truly love doing. Do not ignore all that is going on around you, these small things are what is making all these exciting things possible for you

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth)True love is on its way This is not conventional love This is an amazing gift You will fall in love in many ways this New Year Possibilities are endless Love in family, in a partner, in your career, or most importantly with yourself If you embrace this you will be unstoppable

Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air)Anything is possible. Say it out loud everyday until you believe it. This New Year energy is coming to help you to build your confidence. It will show you the beauty that is you. Yes it is true, anything is possible for you. New love, new career and a new outlook on this crazy world You are ready for so much more.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) - Surprise. Get used to that word, it is the word of 2023 for you These surprises will teach you life lessons, will guide you to the changes needed and to great love You will have to open yourself and trust the Universe blindly This is what you have been asking for

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21 (Fire) - Risk and reward for you this New Year What are you willing to risk to propel yourself into a better life? Only you know that If you were ever going to gamble anything now is the time to do it You have gathered all you need to change your love, self and career If you decide to risk nothing you will gain very little

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) - Clean slate This New Year brings you a brand new canvas to start again fresh. You're going to get all you deserve and more. You have earned it. You have to be willing to get out of your head and trust your gut though. This will be scary for you. That's good. Anything worth doing in life is terrifying. Step up and do not back down.

Aquarius: January 20 –February 18 (Air)Encouragement. This is what is coming for you in the New Year Why this? Well because it is what you need the most. Let this energy flow through you and help give you courage and confidence. Pay attention to those people in your life that are encouraging you, they will guide you to get all you really want this year.

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) - Perspective. It is a great New Year for you if you can gain perspective You need to gather information about your career and love life You have been blindly living for the last 6 months

You have to go into 2023 with eyes wide open. Be up for and ready for anything and everything and great blessings will follow you.

with Tina Graziano Energy Reader

Tina Graziano was born an energy reader. She uses her gifts to heal and guide others as a life coach. If you need support and insight in life, contact Tina for an energy reading directly online at https://www.facebook.com/ Tina.Graziano.Energy.Reader

Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford For Saturday, December 24, 2022

Avatar: The Way of Water

Standard 1:10 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 3D 12:10 p.m. 4:30p.m.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Standard 11:40 a.m. 2:20 p.m. 5:10 p.m.

I Wanna Dance with Somebody Standard 1:40 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

Babylon Standard 1:20 p.m. 5:40 p.m.

Violent Night Standard 12:10 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 5:50 p.m.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Standard 1:30 p.m. 5:10 p.m.

Strange World Standard 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 3:10 p.m.

The Menu Standard 6:00 p.m.