The Paris Independent for Saturday February 18, 2023

Paris man and firefighter Logan Barrett (middle) with members of Operation Orphan’s Crisis Response Team in Moldova last March following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Team is now stationed in Istanbul, Turkey following a massive earthquake on Feb. 6. See his story, and how you can support him, on page 5.

Photo provided by Logan Barrett

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

Emergency: 911

Police Department: 519-442-2242

Fire Department: 519-442-4500

Willet Hospital: 519-442-2251

County of Brant Office: 519-442-6324

Paris Public Library: 519-442-2433

Paris Public Schools:

Paris High: 519-442-4477

North Ward: 519-442-2311

Paris Central: 519-442-4163

Cobblestone: 519-442-2500

Paris Catholic Schools:

Holy Family: 519-442-5333

Sacred Heart: 519-442-4443

Paris Counillors & Mayor :

Mayor - David Bailey

Ward 2 - Steve Howes

Ward 2 - Lucas Oakley

Ward 3 - John Bell

Ward 3 - John Peirce

Paris Customer Service Office 66 Grand River St. N. 519-442-7268

Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Main Services include:

- Accounts Receivable invoice payments

- Blue Boxes and Composters (pre-arrange pick up of composter)

- Brant Transit punch cards purchase and pick up

- Building Permits may be submitted and Building staff consulted

- Calendar pick up (free)

- Commissioner of Oath is by appointment only

- Dog license and tag

- Dog Park membership and key

- Parking ticket payment

- Property tax payments and inquiries

- Public Works permits may be submitted

-Use the computer to meet with a virtual planner to ask questions.

-Water testing sample bottles may be picked up. Drop off water testing samples on the last Wednesday of the month before 2pm at the Burford Customer Service Office

Brant Sports Complex & Other Facility Booking

519-442-1944

226-387-2490

519-442-4955

226-216-3037

519-209-2277

519-442-7134

Administration & Bylaw: 519-442-7268

Open Monday - Sunday, 8:30 am - 8:00 pm.

Main services include:

- Dog Park membership and key

- Dog license and tag

- Tennis Court membership and key

- Camp registration and recreation program registration

stories@theparisindependent.com

Publisher Managing Editor

Advertising Sales Photographer

News Reporter

News Reporter

Chris Whelan

Casandra Turnbull

Chris Whelan

Michelle Malvaso

Carolina Saenz

Bailey Zimmer

Paid email subscriptions available by writing to: subscribe@theparisindependent.com

STATEMENT

We are an independently owned organization made up of like minded volunteers from within our community with the main purpose of providing Paris and area with a trustworthy and reliable source of local 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:

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SENIORS’ DROP IN PROGRAM – Every Wednesday, ongoing, from 11am to 3pm at the Syl Apps Community Centre, upstairs hall. This is a free event

VIRTUAL REALITY FOR OLDER ADULTSWednesdays in February at 1pm. Branch locations vary. Need a ride? A free taxi service is available for County of Brant residents; inquire with staff when registering www.brantlibrary.ca/vr

STRATEGIC PLAN OPEN HOUSE

In-person Open House: February 22, 2023, 9:30am - 11:30am and 6pm - 8pm at the Brant Sports Complex, LaFarge Meeting Room, 944 Powerline Rd. Drop in and speak with staff and members of Council about topics that are important to you Virtual meeting: February 23, 2023, 6pm to 7:30pm. Visit www.brant.ca/OurFuture to join the virtual meeting that will include a facilitated discussion.

See story in next week’s edition!

THE PADDY STONES – At Flux Brewing Company Saturday, February 25th from 6pm to 9pm. If you haven't been there, Flux is a hidden gem brewery located in Scotland.

BE A LION! – Lion’s Club Open House on Tuesday, February 28th at 7pm at the Paris Fairgrounds. Come out to find out what being a Lion is all about and how you can serve your community Everyone welcome!

PARIS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

MEETING - Wednesday, March 1st , 2023, at the Paris Fairgrounds The meeting will begin at 7pm with social time. Our guest speaker is Catherine McGill. Her topic is “The Ground Gets Lower”. I believe we all know the feeling of that! This is a great opportunity to connect with other gardeners in your community. We cordially invite guests and future members.

NOVA VITA CELEBRATES

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – March 8th at 5pm at the Brantford Golf & Country Club. Ticket includes inspiring presentation by Special Guest Speaker Brandi Leifso, Founder & CEO of Evio Beauty Group Ltd, and one of Canada’s Top Women of Influence 2020, Three-Course Dinner from the award-winning Brantford Golf & Country Club, FUNdraiser Purse, which includes tickets for exciting door prizes and fundraising games, a $25 Donation (charitable tax receipt to follow event) and a special gift from Nova Vita. Click here for more information.

BIG CITYY DRAG BRUNCH – at 2Rivers

Restaurant on Sunday, March 5th , doors open at 11am. Tickets are $75 plus tax, includes three course brunch and a full drag show.

SHAMROCK LUNCHEON EUCHRE, BRIDGE & 5 CROWNS – Friday, March 17th at 12pm at St. Paul’s United Church, 48 Broadway St W in Paris

Tickets are $15 each and include a beef stew lunch and includes all your games. Everyone is welcome. Please call 519-442-4223 for more information or to reserve your tickets. Capacity is Limited.

Paris man is stationed in Istanbul, Turkey with Operation Orphan’s Crisis Response Team

By CasandraTurnbull

A Paris man is in Istanbul right now aiding with rescue and recovery efforts following a major earthquake that rocked Turkey and parts of Syria in the early hours of February 6th . Logan Barrett is with Operation Orphan, a humanitarian group based in the United Kingdom. He’s part of the Crisis Response Team whose responsibilities will be to protect vulnerable children who could be displaced, separated from family, or orphaned following the devastating earthquake that registered magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5 on the Richter scale and has claimed the lives of over 41,000people

Last Sunday, before he left Paris, Barrett spoke with The Paris Independent He shared that the Crisis Response Team will coordinate with Turkish authorities in Istanbul, then travel into the earthquake zone by local transportation. The team consists of a disaster response leader, two specialist firefighters / search & rescue technicians, one doctor, one medic and one police detective specializing in child exploitation and trafficking

Barrett, who’s lived in Paris most of his life, is a County of Brant Firefighter based out of the Paris Station. He’s the only Canadian on the team. He had to complete a

four-day trial period in 2018 to test his strength and endurance through a variety of challenges from hiking to survival tactics and medical administration, to join Operation Orphan. His first deployment was last March when the Crisis Response Team was sent to Moldova following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Operation Orphan operates globally, where the need is the greatest. The primary goal is always to identify, make safe and keep children safe, usually in instances of extreme poverty or natural disaster crisis situations.

“We set them up (Children) with proper accommodation and medical care,” Barrett explained. “We will be working with family services in Turkey. Once we can identify children, we make sure they end up in a safe place ”

Following natural disasters like this one centred in Turkey’s southeastern Kahramanmaras province, there’s lots of chaos as people struggle to come to terms with what happened, while racing against the clock to find victims buried under the rubble. Inside that anarchy and confusion are opportunists who look to exploit children for the primary purpose of human trafficking. Operation Orphan is there to protect the most

innocent victims. While doing so, they also “set up logistics and base operations ”

By initiating roots on the frontline, additional Operation Orphan crews can cycle in shifts, bringing in new sets of specialized skills, such as social service workers, said Barrett. Operation Orphan’s core operational costs are funded by financial backers from the UK. When they deploy, the operate in an agile, lean and efficient way in the field to ensure that 100% of individual donations reach orphans.

“We will not have any lodging or logistic support while in the earthquake zone and the team will need to be totally self sufficient,” said Barrett, who will remain in Turkey for about 10 days “These operations cost quite a bit of money. If you are able to spread this link throughout your network, it would be greatly appreciated,” said Barrett referring to the Operation Orphan donation portalhttps://www operationorphan.org/.../massiveearthquakes...

You can learn more about Operation Orphan online

https://www.operationorphan.org/about-us-vision

Solutions presented to growing parking concerns in Paris

By Casandra Turnbull

With the number of parking related complaints more than doubling since 2019, council recently approved new design guidelines to help tackle the growing problem.

The design guidelines were adopted by Council at their January 31, 2023 meeting as recommended by the Policy and Strategic Development Committee on January 17th , confirmed Melissa Connor, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the County of Brant.

The complaints relate to parking in residential areas throughout the County of Brant, many of them heavily centred around neighbourhoods in Paris. As the municipality continues to grow, councillors are examining new ways to manage this growth and development, while addressing the parking challenges, notably in the newer residential areas

But new subdivisions aren’t all to blame for this mounting issue. Many families are living in multi-generational homes, which translates to more vehicles per household. In 2006, 22% of the County’s households had 3 or more vehicles and in 2016 that number jumped to 30%, according to data presented by county staff. It also states, drone flights were flown at various times during the months of October and November (2022) to observe the reality of parking challenges and supports the number of cars per household has increased. By-law enforcement has seen an uptake in complaints and violations related to onstreet parking from 234 in 2019, to 480 in 2022, according to data presented at last month’s Policy Development and Strategic Direction Committee Meeting.

Depicted above are the parking complaint hot spots in Paris. The yellow coloured areas are where the most complaints are filed. The county is investing in ways to minimize parking complaints in future developments.

An analysis of the locations of these complaints shows they occur most in newer developments where there are clusters of single-width driveways that have less than 6.5m of length for driveway parking and less than 9.5m between driveways. Policy Planning staff have collaborated with Enforcement and Regulatory Services, Development Engineering, Development Planning, Corporate Communications and Marketing, Infrastructure Services, and the Roads Division to evaluate how overall parking plans are implemented in the County of Brant’s new residential developments.

Continued on page 7

Above is an example of lower boulevard parking, designed to stop on-street parking during winter months, December to March 31st . This type of enforcement is in place in the Township of Wilmot and City of London To the right are some of Paris’ newest subdivisions and the amount of available parking spaces for the number of units in the area.

They also looked at how the County can improve on setting expectations and meeting the needs of residents in these areas through a comprehensive look at the policies and standards related to private and on-street parking. These guidelines will be used in the evaluation of new and current developments to guide how and where on-street parking is provided when considering things like driveway placement, property frontage, and road design, Connor said in an email in response to questions asked by The Paris Independent.

Planning for parking in new developments should focus on promoting efficiently planned,

compact, and accessible development for all modes of transportation, County staff recommend.

This will require a carefully thought-out network of road classifications that can accommodate the needs of all road users, including automobile and active transportation modes, as well as the needs of future users, including the potential for public transportation routes, it further states.

In the winter, when on-street parking can be a challenge for snow removal crews, the county is considering lower boulevard parking In effect from December 1 to March 31 each year, vehicles

could be permitted to park on the paved portions of a boulevard (i.e. driveway ramp or apron), provided the vehicles can comply with certain conditions. It’s a similar tactic enforced by the Township of Wilmot and the City of London.

Connor confirmed a report on amendments to the Parking By-law, to consider lower boulevards, will be going forward in the spring.

County staff recognize it will take education and enforcement before residents will adhere to any new parking by-laws, therefore they are considering hiring additional staff to handle the increased complaints and enforcement.

The County will also work to educate homeowners on the location of on-street parking opportunities available in their neighbourhood, any restrictions that may be related to ongoing construction, winter maintenance, etc., contact information for applicable staff to field inquiries and provide educational materials on the topic for both new homeowners and developers (brochures, post-cards etc.).

A more comprehensive look at the County’s plan to curb on-street parking is available online There have been no recent changes to the County’s Parking By-Law regarding on-street parking in Paris, said Connor.

In 2022, staff completed a two-year parking program in Paris to remove alternate parking and allow parking on one side of the street to improve efficiencies to the winter maintenance operations and to also optimize parking This has been a similar approach to on-street parking in new subdivisions as parking would typically be allowed on one side of the street and prohibited on the other side based upon, but not limited to, criteria such as pedestrian safety, number of on-street parking spaces available, available sidewalks, notable utilities such as hydro poles, street lighting, mailboxes, fire hydrants, etc, said Connor

The Town Bell Rang 5 times Daily for 76 years

ALL ABOUT THE BELL

As I wrote briefly last week, the half-ton bell was finally installed in 1874 in the bell tower of the Old Town Hall. The town finally had its own bell to mark the important times of the day. The bell would be rung 5 times every day echoing the whistle of the Penman’s factory. The bell rang at 6am, 7am, noon, 1pm, and 7pm, announcing a wake-up call, the start of the workday, lunch hour and at 7pm to signal the stores are all closing, On Sundays, the bell sounded at 10:30am and 11:30am and at 6 and 6:30pm up until March 29, 1905, when it was decided that the bell should observe the sabbath and therefore would be silent on Sundays. Continued on page 10

The bell also rang to alert the fire brigade until 1900 when a siren was installed in the new downtown firehall. The bell, which had been rung faithfully five times a day for 76 years, went silent on Nov 13, 1950, when the shaft on the instrument broke and town officials ordered it not to be rung again until repairs could be completed. The bell had been rung for the last 10 years by Mrs. Lydia Robb for an annual fee of $120. The Robb family were the proprietors of the Canadian House Tavern across the street and W. B. Robb Sr , father of Lydia's husband had the contract from 1916 until he became ill in 1941. Before him, the job was handled by Sam Robinson Many residents in the vicinity of the old Town Hall missed the traditional clanging of the bell. For several days Mrs Robb was kept busy answering the question: "Why isn’t the bell ringing?" Many persons depended on it to arrive at work and school on time. No announcement had been made as to whether town officials intended to repair the bell so it may ring once again. On July 2, 1953, the bell was installed at its new site at Grand River and Dumfries streets, Lydia Robb rang the bell again

at the exact time that the crown was placed on the head of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey as part of the Paris coronation celebrations. In 1967 the bell was once again silenced and stored at the public works yard Through the generosity of the Paris Lions Club, the Paris Museum and Historical Society, and other businesses and individuals the town bell was remounted on a cairn in the municipal parking lot. On Canada Day 2002, a millennium dream came true when the bell and cairn were unveiled in joyful ringing by Winnifred R (Robb) Todd whose grandparents, mother, aunts, and herself, had rang the bell since 1916 Mrs Todd’s first recollection of the ringing of the bell was around the end of the Second World War. This grand old bell has been an integral part of the daily life and celebrations of the people of Paris. It would be absolutely amazing if the old bell could be returned to the tower where it first rang in 1874 so the town could once again mark significant moments in history and celebrations at the former Town hall, perhaps at a wedding in the opera house in the hopefully restored Bawcutt Centre.

Bosworth’s Gas Bar & Diner

Mrs. Lydia Robb Early Postcard

Last call for Community Grant applications

By Casandra Turnbull

The 2023 Community Grant Applications are set to close on February 28th , so if you haven’t already completed one, it’s your last chance to do so before the committee starts to review and approve 2023 grants.

Non-profit and charity organizations who wish to apply must complete a check list of items and give a full description of what the funding is for, as well as provide financial information to be considered. Applicants are filtered through an application process divided into five categories: Operating and Event Grants, Capital Grants, Emergency Funding Grants, Travel Grants and On-going Pre-Approved Grants.

Once all eligible applications are received, county staff use a scoring sheet to rate the technical aspect of the application to ensure it’s completed entirely and meets certain criteria. The scored applications are then brought to the committee, composed of the Mayor and Councillors, to debate.

Last year, the committee approved $305,770.21 in grants, and left $54,229.80 open to applicants who missed the deadline because they were not aware of the newer county process.

Mayor David Bailey and Councillors from the previous term also noted that both Agricultural Societies, Paris and Burford, automatically be included as a line item in the 2023 budget, each receiving equal funding, rather than making them apply through the grant program

“(Ag Society) Grants should be on par as they have been for the last 70 years,” said Councillor Robert Chambers during last year’s Grant Committee discussion, noting both societies have an important impact on the county.

The 2023 Community Grant Applications are open until Tuesday, February 28, 2023. You can learn more and apply online.

New Federal Electoral Map for Ontario

Tabled in the House of Commons

Proposed changes would split the county and put Paris in the Oxford-Brant riding

MEDIA RELEASE

February 10, 2023 – The report by the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario, outlining its proposed changes to the province's federal electoral map, was tabled in the House of Commons today. The report, which was sent to the Speaker of the House through the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, will be reviewed by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and HouseAffairs.

The Commission was tasked with proposing new boundaries that, as best as possible, maintain population equality while taking into consideration social and geographic factors, including respect for communities of interest or identity and historical patterns of previous boundaries. These criteria, along with the submissions and the public feedback gathered at public hearings held between September 26 and November 8, 2022, all factored into the report tabled in the House today

"The time and effort committed by the public to this important democratic process was remarkable and very much valued by the Commission. We are satisfied that we have balanced our statutory obligations with the views of the people of Ontario, striving for the

goal of effective representation", said the Honourable Justice Lynne C Leitch, Chair of the threemember Commission.

To consult the report and for more information on the next steps in the redistribution process, visit www.redistribution2022.ca.

County councillors had a lot to say about potential changes to the federal electoral boundaries during a planning committee meeting last September Currently, Brant County is part of the BrantfordBrant County riding.

During discussions last fall, the initial proposition presented by a

three-member commission, was to split the County into three ridings. Paris, Burford, Scotland and Oakland would join Oxford voters in a new Oxford-Brant riding, while Glen Morris, St. George, Onondaga and Middleport would become part of a Brantford riding. Six Nations and Credit of the Mississaugas would be part of an expanded Haldimand-Norfolk-Six Nations riding.

Stay tuned as more details become available and the proposed changes are ratified. Approved changes are expected to take effect in 2025

PricelessArt Auction raises 245 volunteer hours!

Over $6,000 of artwork was scooped up on January 27 when the Rotary Satellite Club of Paris hosted a Priceless Art Auction, its first major fundraising event since its charter in 2022. Rather than hand over cash for the artwork, guests bid on the pieces by volunteering their time to various charities, projects, organizations, etc. in the community. In total 245 volunteer hours was raised and people took home some beautiful, locally sourced pieces of art, supplied by the Taren White Gallery! The event, held at Wincey Mills, was sponsored by Kings Wood Products, Millards

Chartered Professional Accounting and ROI Group. Meg Edgar and Bailey Robb provided entertainment. Top Left - Kim Neziol (left) and Madeline Neziol (right) beside Art by Amy Walsh-Harris; Above - Rotary Satelite Club of Paris President Dale Hall (left) and President Elect of Satelite Club Chris Hazz (right); To the Left - From Left rotarians, Andrea Clendening, Chris Hazz, President of the Rotary Satelite Club of Paris Dale Hall, President of Brantford Rotary Jason Cherry, District Governor of Rotary Lisa Bishop and Rotarian Emily Miller.

Photo credit: Rotary Satellite Club of Paris

FREE Family Day Skate & Turf Play!

FREE Family Day skate alert! Grab those skates and hit the ice on Monday, February 20 from 10am to 12pm for FREE Skates at all County of Brant Community Centres. This year’s Family Day Sponsor is Paris man and business owner Isaac Rosebrugh - Isaac Rosebrugh - Mortgage Broker

If your littles are too young for skates, or prefer the warmth over the cold, take notice of the FREE Kinderplay on the turf at the Syl Apps Community Centre also from 10am to 12pm on Family Day. This is geared to children 1-6 years old.

FAMILY DAY READ4BCHS –

Presenting ‘The Lorax’

The BCHS Foundation is excited to be joining the City of Brantford's free Family Day fun happening at Harmony Square Brantford on Monday February 20th.

As part of its Read4BCHS 2023 event, local educator and BCHS Foundation Board Chair Heather Wilson will be reading “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss along with a very special guest at 7pm!

“The Club is my Community”

Paris woman a finalist

in Curling Day in Canada Story Contest

A Paris resident and member of the Paris Curling Club could really use your help – actually, your vote!

Cassandra Easton entered a nationwide Curling Day in Canada story contest where 230 entrants were competing for the chance to win a championship weekend getaway at the 2024 Tim Horton’s Brier. Easton’s story has made it through to the top 20 stories and now voting is open to determine who truly has the best story! Voting is limited to one vote per email and will remain open until February 25th . The story with the most votes at the closing of the contest, in accordance with the contest rules and regulations, will be selected as the grand prize winner.

Manager of Club Development for Curling Canada reached out to Easton yesterday evening with the news. Easton’s story really centres around the heart of the local curling club and the community within the club that truly makes it the Friendliest House in Town Read her submission below, pop by the curling club tomorrow (open house story on page 17) to see what it’s all about and go home and vote!

“The Club is my Community”

I moved to my husband’s hometown of Paris, Ontario in 2013. When we toured the house we were buying, I could see the curling club from the back deck so suggested we join. It had been seven years since I had curled, having started when I was 10 but not

Where else can you play a game of curling and have a drink with an electrical engineer, a plant manager, an agricultural salesman, and a former drag car racer? At the Paris Curling Club of course!

having been on the ice since high school. My husband approached it as a good middle ground of “his town” and “my sport”, but it had been years so I willingly signed up for the Learn to Curl Program The activity came back to me pretty quickly so I had three glorious weeks of instruction where I was better than him, but he surpassed me shortly after that, getting really into the strategy of the game, and timing rocks, sweeping strategy, etc. For me though, what I loved was the sportsmanship of the game.

I love during a game how people will compliment each other’s shots, how at a Friday Night Mixed game, you may not even put up the score, it is really just for fun. After the game, win or lose, you’re up in the lounge sitting around the table with the 3 people you just played with the four you played against When we joined the club, we didn’t know anyone, but if I ever felt out of place at the Paris Curling Club, I don’t remember that time. Continued on page 17

Photo submitted by Cassandra Easton

Instead I have so many memories of meeting the most interesting people that I would not have otherwise. To take a step back and see the group in the lounge is always fascinating with so many stories, and jobs and experiences. Being a small town club, we lack some diversity, but are trying to work on that! For now I still enjoy being able to sit at a table with a farmer, an electrical engineer, a university administrator, a factory worker, a salesperson or funeral home director. This meeting of new people and hearing about their lives has always been something I have enjoyed about curling because I feel that I wouldn’t have met these people otherwise.

Last fall one of our members was killed by a driver while out riding his bike. Tom was a quiet man who liked to drink room temperature water after a game. Everyone called him “T-Line Tom” for his skill at a deadly draw in a game, which always made Tom bashful. Tom was a fascinating guy, he flew small planes and owned antique cars, he liked riding his bike and used to drag race cars. He was the kind of guy with great stories, but you only heard them if you asked, and where else could you get that chance than around the table in the lounge after a game? During my 10 years at the Paris Curling Club, I have known other members that have passed away, some like Tom, earlier than they should have, but there

was something with Tom that stuck with me and how appreciative I should be for the opportunity to get to know him and others at the Paris Curling Club. I lead our Learn to Curl Program now, so when I started off this session this winter, I welcomed them to our club, and I asked all 50+ of them what they did for a living, remarking on the commonalities and differences in the room. And I told them about Tom. I told them that over the next 7 weeks we would teach them to curl, but also hopefully bring them into our community at the Paris Curling Club, we’d be lucky to have them, but that they should see the club as their community and a place to get to know new people.

The Paris Curling Club is my community. They are the people I laugh with and lean on, and the people I am lucky to get to know.

The picture I have included is from a charity bonspiel hosted at our club in 2017 where Tom, on the far right played with my husband Shawn to his left, Jeff V and Jeff C An electrical engineer, a plant manager, an agricultural salesman, and a former drag car racer.

Cast your vote here!

https://www.curlingdayincanada.ca/the-club-is-mycommunity/

Random Act of Kindness Alert!

Nova Vita Brant was overwhelmed with the incredible random act of kindness they received on Random Act of Kindness Day- February 17th. The Seniorosity Group at Seasons Retirement Brantford gifted Nova Vita with school-safe snacks to keep their school-aged resident's lunch bags filled. With the rising cost of groceries, this will go a long way in keeping pantries filled, says the local shelter. Thank-you for making a difference for your community!

Nova Vita Brant Photo

You’re invited to the Friendliest House in Town!

If you’ve ever wondered what curling is all about, now is the time to find out!

Did you know it’s Curling Day in Canada tomorrow? If you’ve ever wondered what curling is all about, now is your chance to learn! The Paris Curling Club is hosting another open house tomorrow at the Oak Avenue Club house from 1pm to 4pm.

The open house is in conjunction with Curling Day in Canada and is supported by the County of Brant’s Winter Active initiative for the month of February This drop in style event will introduce you to the sport and if you fall in love with it – you’ll be able to follow the 2023 Tim Horton’s Brier with ease! (Yes, that’s the Canadian men’s and women’s championships, taking place in London, Ontario this year).

Aside from being able to talk the talk and walk the walk while watching the Brier, PCC Secretary Cassandra Easton provides three excellent reasons you should consider curling in the winter:

#1 - It's a great way to stay active during the cold, winter months.

#2 - You can start at any age! Curlers start as young as 4 and some curl into their 90's!

#3 - it's a great way to meet new people! Curling is a very social game with it being part of the game to sit up in the lounge together after your time on the ice.

The Paris Curling Club held two open houses last October to help attract new members to its already thriving club, which offers a variety of leagues for men, women, and youth of all ages. In 2018 the Paris Curling Club celebrated its 175th anniversary. The history of the club dates to 1843 when its original members gathered to play on Watts Pond or the Nith River before a covered rink was built in 1877 on Elm Street. In 1961 the Paris Curling Club, in conjunction with The Paris Agricultural Society, built the present club house, affectionately known today as The Friendliest House in Town. **Please remember to bring a clean pair of shoes and dress appropriately (it’s not easy curling in jeans!)**

Pictured at an October 2022 open house is Angie Crichton, Alix Consorti, Naomi Melo and Bryan Maude.

Visit the club tomorrow, February 19th for an open house from 1pm to 4pm to learn more about the sport and one of Paris’ longest operating clubs!

PEDDLAR DOUBLES DRAW

(BELOW) The winner of the Peddlar Doubles draw at the Paris Curling Club was the team of Eleanor Dutkewich and Jackie Delong The team was helped by spares Joan Sims and Marion MacGregor From left to right in the photo are Joan Sims, Marion MacGregor and Eleanor Dutkewich Jackie Delong was not available for the photo. Thanks to the Peddlar for sponsoring this draw.

PARIS PUB DRAW

(ABOVE) The winners of the Paris Curling Club Paris Pub draw, from left to right, Patti Fergus, second; Eleanor Dutkewich, vice, and Sue Cunningham, skip. Missing from the photo is lead, Judi Gale. Thanks to the Paris Pub for sponsoring this draw.

Paris Mounties put up tough fight against New Hamburg

MOUNTIES REPORT

With George Le Gresley

The New Hamburg Firebirds, a team struggling with a three-game losing streak, came to town last Saturday to face the Paris Mounties. The first period was a tightly played period, with both teams getting good chances to score, having no power play opportunities to get a goal and each team taking 10 shots.

Both teams continued the second period competing hard defensively with New Hamburg gaining the only goal, to take a 10 lead The Mounties were getting great chances on net but could not get it past the Firebirds’ goaltender

Jacob Wilkinson scored an unassisted goal to tie the game early in the third period. Unfortunately that was followed by a scramble in front of Mountie goalie Scott Rodrigue, with New Hamburg pushing the puck across the goal line for the tie breaker at the 7:14 mark. The remainder of the period the Mounties pressed hard to even things up, even pulling the goalie in the last two minutes for a 5 on 3 power play.

Jaden Shiell fends off an opponent during a Paris Mounties versus New Hamburg Firebirds match up in December. The two teams went head to head again last weekend with the Mounties falling short 2-1.

Unfortunately, the Mounties couldn’t get that much needed marker to send the game into overtime

With tournaments at the Brant Sports Complex this weekend, the Mounties are on the road. They played in New Hamburg last night (details not available by press deadline) and play again on February 19 in Hespeler to meet the Shamrocks, followed by a trip to Norwich on

February 24 to meet the Merchants at 8 pm.

The next home game at the Brant Sports Complex will be on Saturday, February 25 against the Wellesley Applejacks. Puck drop is at 7:30pm, come out and support your local junior players!

Photo by Michelle Malvaso

SCOREBOARD FEBRUARY 8 – FEBRUARY 15

*U13 Team 1 sponsored by Arora Dental wins 3-1 against Burford Coyotes

*U18 Team 3 sponsored by Paris Canadian Tire loses 4-3 to Waterford Wildcats

*U13 Rep sponsored by Paris Optimist Club wins 5-0 over Ingersoll Express

*U11 Rep sponsored by Pelton Transportation loses 5-1 to Tillsonburg Tornadoes

*U13 Team 2 sponsored by Fifth Ground Entertainment wins 3-1 against the Simcoe Warriors

*U15 Rep 1 sponsored by Comfort Plus Climate Care loses 3-0 to Six Nations Blackhawks

*U9 MD sponsored by Desjardins loses 5-2 to Aylmer Flames

*U18 Team 3 sponsored by Branch 29 Paris Legion wins 40 over Delhi Rockets (1)

*U9 Team 1 sponsored by Cobblestone Medicine wins 4-1 over Delhi Rockets

*U15 Team 3 sponsored by Paris Canadian Tire wins 4-2 over Tillsonburg Tornadoes

*U9 MD sponsored by Desjardins loses 9-0 to Burford Coyotes

*U9 MD sponsored by Desjardins wins 2-1 over Aylmer Flames

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

*U13 Team 1 sponsored by Arora Dental ties 2-2 against Port Dover Pirates

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

*U15 Team 1 sponsored by Adkins Financial wins 3-1 over Simcoe Warriors

*U9 Team 1 sponsored by Cobblestone Medicine wins 9-2 over Tillsonburg Tornadoes

*U15 Team 2 sponsored by Burford Foodland loses 6-2 to Tillsonburg Tornadoes

*U18 Team 1 sponsored by Cobblestone Medicine ties 2-2 with Tillsonburg Tornadoes

*U18 Team 2 sponsored by Hoogs Installations loses 7-1 to Delhi Rockets (1)

*U11 Rep sponsored by Pelton Transportation loses 4-2 to Hagersville Hawks

*U13 Rep sponsored by the Paris Optimist Club ties 1-1 against Hagersville Hawks

Paris Youth Softball Registration open, organization puts call out for volunteers, umpires and sponsors

“The backbone of PYSA is, of course, the coaches, volunteers, sponsors and umpiring crew who make the season and games happen for the players,” says PYSA President Nathan Smith. “We are currently looking for folks interested in coaching teams and volunteering in different capacities throughout the season. We are also looking for people interested in becoming umpires, and we would be happy to hear from companies or individuals who would like to sponsor.”

PYSA is looking for people interested in volunteering to help convene divisions, coordinate volunteers, work in the concession stand on game nights and help out with tournaments and events throughout the season Umpires are also needed. Becoming an umpire does require completing a certification process, and these individuals are paid for each game they umpire.

Wait a minute - did we just score?

Two of Paris’ U8 Wolfpack Hockey Teams travelled to Tillsonburg for a game last Sunday afternoon. The two teams split the ice so Paris fans got a glimpse of both games simultaneously. Pictured top left is the U8 Team 1 watching as the puck passes the Tillsonburg goalie. Above right, the same scene unfolds minutes later. Both Paris teams skated away with double-digit wins over the Tornadoes. Well done Wolfpack!

by Casandra Turnbull

Photos

Artist loves capturing moments in time

IN THE STUDIO

With Taren White

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Amy WalshHarris in her Paris studio this week. The sun was streaming in the windows and danced around the room, seemingly celebrating her array of paints, brushes, water cups and paint palettes. Her easels and walls were adorned with works in progress and finished pieces. It was a feast for the eyes!

Amy was initially inspired by her friend's mother who, as a hobby worked with oil pastels. She had a studio in her basement and Amy was always fascinated by her use of bold colours in her portraits and floral arrangements. Amy especially loved her portraits. She began sketching portraits of her favourite celebrities. For most of her childhood Amy loved doing pencil portraits. Currently, Amy finds her inspiration in places that

Amy has a romanticized view of what she sees around her. She loves to paint cafes, street-scenes, busy patios and places that she loves – Paris is full of inspiration!

she feels a strong emotional connection to. Growing up in Toronto, Amy’s favourite thing to do was to walk all over the city and observe the people and places. Amy has a romanticized view of what she sees around her. She loves to paint cafes, street-scenes, busy patios and places that she loved to go to when she lived in the city. Amy uses exaggerated colour to convey the

feeling that she has about a place she feels connected to. Amy loves to create a snapshot in time while these places exist, knowing that one day they might be gone. Amy loves the idea of creating a piece of work that captures the landscape, culture and feeling of a specific place and time.

Continued on page 24

ARTS & CULTURE

“I want to be able to create a piece to show others what I see when I look at the world ”

Amy was greatly influenced by the impressionists. Renoir's painting, “Bal du moulin de la Galette” is one of Amy’s favourite paintings as well as George Seurat’s, “ASunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” .

“I love works with a strong sense of colour and culture that are filled with people out living their lives.”

Amy paints primarily with oil She loves the texture and vibrance of oil paint as well as the blending capacity and versatility working with the various mediums available with oil paint

Amy describes her work as an emotional response to how she feels about a place.

“I love to work with exaggerated colour and light to give a slightly surreal or romanticized feel to the places that I paint.”

Amy now creates with more detailed work in her pieces with the intent to give the observer more to look at. She wants people to find new details in her paintings each time they look at them.

Amy explained that it took a long time to figure out what her style was, and she finds that it is always evolving. She tried several different styles and subjects and it took her about eight years to find her own, unique style Amy shared that she was often rejected when she applied to juried shows and galleries when she was in her twenties. When Amy reached her thirties, she went from working as a full-time waitress to part-time in order to create time to paint, and eventually made the jump to painting full time. It still took years to be established in selling her work regularly Amy started by selling paintings for very little money in order to pay for more painting supplies.

Continued on Page 25

IN THE STUDIO WITH AMY WALSH-HARRIS

Amy originally came to visit Paris for lunch. She fell in love with the skyline of the buildings on the main street, and that Paris was in the middle of two rivers. Since that lunch in 2015, she and her husband Peter started watching the real estate in Paris until they found their home here, which they share with their son Jackman.

“Paris almost felt like a painting. (I know that sounds cheesy). I love living in Paris. People are very friendly here and even though I have been here for over four years, I keep discovering new houses that I have never really looked at before I love that I can just walk into town and visit with people, especially if I have spent a lot of time indoors painting I think Paris is such a beautiful town to live in.”

Amy will have her paintings on display at an Open House on June 21, 2023 as well as a show in October 2023 at https://www.instagram.com/the_maple s_on_brock/ . To learn more about Amy please visit her website at https://amywalshharris.com/

ENTERTAINMENT

February 17 – 26, Paris Performers Theatre presents: Martin McDonough's 'The Pillowman’ at the Paris Fairgrounds

"It isn't about being or not being dead. It's about what you leave behind“ The Pillowman tells the tale of Katurian, a fiction writer living in a police state, who is interrogated about the gruesome content of his short stories and their similarities to a number of bizarre child murders occurring in his town.

February 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th at 8pm, doors open at 7:30pm

February 19th and 26th at 2pm, doors open at 1:30pm

Tickets: General Admission: $25 Senior Admission: $22

StudentAdmission: $15 (with valid student ID shown at the door) ***MATURE CONTENT. COARSE LANGUAGE. VIOLENCE.***

Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../martin-mcdonaghs-the Martin McDonough's 'The Pillowman’

March 3 – 5, Can you handle the truth? Playful Fox presents: ‘A Few Good Men’ at the #ForParisCentre

When two marines Dawson and Downey are accused of killing one of their own at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, hotshot young lawyer Daniel Kaffee, with a penchant for plea bargains, is tasked with their defense. Inspired by actual events, this gripping story of conspiracy and corruption in the name of patriotism is a fascinating look at morality in our modern age. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Tickets available online on https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-fewgood-men-by-aaron-sorkin-tickets478290197857?fbclid=IwAR1JwMTSXKWapsVtZOVKQl5lAKPi2lz -Xwk-mVKLw5dEvaPQ02m015nc1cI

April 9 – Noisemaker Presents: STARS!

With approaching 20 years as a band and a storied album catalogue spanning 2001’s Nightsongs, the romantic upheaval of 2003’s Heart and 2004’s Set Yourself On Fire, 2007’s In Our Bedroom After the War, the downcast elegies of 2010’s The Five Ghosts, the rejuvenation of 2012’s The North and sub-base, dance club infused No One Is Lost in 2014, Stars continue to prove themselves some of the finest musical storytellers in the country, moving through life with their fans. This is an all-ages event and tickets are available online

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/stars-tickets517794817237?fbclid=IwAR0OtXvC5j0HcJv3i4smiQnj3QW811kMgA0DNH9FTDVey5j dMCMSlusVPwg

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –Stay on top of things or you will risk looking foolish in the end You have to decide what in your life needs your precious energy the most You are choosing to use this in your career right now and you may want to change that to health and self care.

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth)

– You will be making upgrades in every area of your life this week This will be outlined step by step and be completed by the end of this month You will feel organized and lighter. This has been needed to be done for a very long time.

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) –You feel like you're standing in a room full of people in your underwear. Your vulnerability this week makes you feel paranoid and weak. There are people around you that you can trust, they will show you the good in this world, relax you will be having fun by the end of the weekend

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) – You feel overwhelmed in love You are ready to express yourself and tell someone how you truly feel This has been a long time coming for you and will leave you finally feeling some healing Your career has possibilities that you have been choosing to ignore.

Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire)

– Choices in love need to be made this week Are you in or are you out? The energy is pushing you to be done and walk away, but this is not a choice to make on a whim. Sit down and think about it before you exit stage left

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – You are setting yourself up to have a productive week Do not sit idle and waste this energy flowing around you Your love life needs attention, your career needs more excitement, your health needs to be evaluated Find focus

Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air)- You will not know where you stand with your loved ones if you do not ask the proper questions There is also miscommunication at your workplace. You need to think about how much of this is your fault? Once you figure that out, take responsibility and fix it.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – Celebrate love this week Love for others and love for yourself. The energy is contagious and you will find yourself smiling a lot You feel a great connection with a possible soulmate coming into your life You are ready to love and be loved

Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – You will be wanting some peace and quiet this week Unfortunately you know this is not an option until you solve some serious issues that have arisen Take a deep breath and find a way to power through Take moments to hide away with your loved one and have some serious snuggle time.

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – Your love life is romantic and feels real You want to keep showing how much you love this person. Your career will pull you away with issues that need your attention. Do not ignore these tiny problems or these will turn into big problems

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 (Air) – Drop your grumpiness at the beginning of this week If you carry this moodiness into this week it will have a negative affect on your love, career and health. You are tired and you need to find a way to let your hair down and blow off some steam

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – You will be daydreaming a lot this week. You feel distracted by thoughts of what you want and need in your life You have been planning a trip in your head for a while, you should try harder to make this trip a reality It is much needed and deserved

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 /?ref=page_internal

Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford

For Saturday, February 18, 2023