The Paris Independent for Saturday February 4th, 2023

Some of the earliest games of curling took place outdoors on ponds dating as far back as the 16th century. Fast forward a few hundred years and people are still grabbing the old brooms and bundling up to play the classic game, as it originated, before more modern curling took over in the 1800s. Last weekend members of the Paris Curling Club travelled to Orangeville for a ‘Pondspiel.’ See details on page 20.

Photo credit: Paris Curling Club

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SENIORS’ DROP IN PROGRAM – Every Wednesday, ongoing, from 11am to 3pm at the Syl Apps Community Centre, upstairs hall. The County of Brant is excited to partner with the Brantford Seniors’ Resource Centre to offer a weekly seniors’ drop-in program! Participants can look forward to coffee/snacks, games, creative projects, a place to visit & much more! This is a free event.

HAGGIS FEST 2023 – Saturday, February 11, 7pm to 11pm at the Memorial Hall in St. George (34 Main St) Event hosted by the Paris Port Dover Pipe Band, tickets are $30 each. Includes Scottish music, haggis dinner, cash bar and entertainment. Find out more online

VALENTINE’S DAY SPEAKER - Tuesday, February 14 at 6:30pm at the Paris Legion Branch 29, Canadian singer-songwriter and musical theatre actress Dana Jean Phoenix will perform and speak Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of ParisBrant, this monthly meeting is an excellent way to find out about how Kiwanis helps our community. If you would like to attend, please write to Kiwanisparisbrant@gmail.com for more information.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

LIBRARY LIBATIONS – Thursday, February 9th at 7pm. Compete against other tables as Library staff lead you and friends through interactive games! Book a table, assemble your group, and get ready for fun at the Paris Beer Co (Wincey Mills, downtown Paris). Register online now or connect with your local library branch and sign up with staff. Space is limited; registration is required

PARIS OUTDOOR SKETCHERS 2023 OPEN

SAMPLE OUR PRODUCTS – Moore Farms, Sunday February 5 from 12 to 3 pm Come support local and see what’s offered at the farm at 497 Pinehurst Road.

SIZZLING STEAK COOKING CLASS- Hosted by the Culinary Academy, February 18th , this class will involve hands-on learning in the kitchen, followed by a sit down meal featuring 3 steaks prepared 3 different ways Please bring your own reusable containers and water bottle to help us reduce the use of single use plastics. Ticket prices/bookings available online.

HOUSE- Saturday, February 12 from 1 – 3:30 pm, hosted at The Crew / Real Estate, 70 Hartley Ave. Join Us for our group’s first Open House! This will be a show & tell event where we will all share tips and ideas, and have the opportunity to enjoy special presentations by Sandy Stevens and Christa Potter. We will also be brainstorming locations for our 2023 outdoor events (and of course, there will be an opportunity to sketch within this event!)

STATEMENT

See story in next week’s edition!

Publisher Managing Editor

Advertising Sales

Photographer

News Reporter

News Reporter

Chris Whelan

Casandra Turnbull

Chris Whelan

Michelle Malvaso

Carolina Saenz

Bailey Zimmer

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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:

There’s always something happening at the Library!

Check out these fun events happening in February

Green Screen & Virtual Reality – Drop-inWednesday, February 8 at 6pm, Burford Branch24 Park Avenue, Burford. Try virtual gaming with Meta Quest headsets and play video games with family and friends.

Virtual Reality for Older Adults

Wednesdays in February at 1 pm. Branch locations vary Need a ride? A free taxi service is available for County of Brant residents; inquire with staff when registering.

Library Libations- Thursday, February 9, 7 pm at Paris Beer Co. - Wincey Mills location. Book your table, assemble your group, and get ready for some fun!

Looking for something to do after school, or keep you busy on the weekend? Register or drop by the library for in-person and crafting fun

Take & Make @ Home - February's DIY kits include a no-sew heart pillow for tweens, 9+ and LED greeting cards LED for teens, 13+

The Many Faces of Link - A Dungeons & Dragons/Legend of Zelda adventure for tweens, 10+; Wednesdays at the St. George Branch at 3:30 PM; registration is required.

Who you gonna call? A Dungeons & Dragons drop-in adventure for teens, 13+; Fridays at the Paris Branch at 3:30 PM.

Teen Reviewers Program - Teens, 13+, who need volunteer hours are encouraged to become a Teen Reviewer at the Library!

TUESDAYS - Read! Sing! Play! (Paris Branch; February 7, 14, and 21; 10:30 -11:30 am)

WEDNESDAYS - After-School Drop-In(Scotland-Oakland Branch; February 1, 8, 15, and 22; 3-4 pm)

THURSDAYS - Read! Sing! Play! (Burford Branch; February 2, 9, 16, and 23; 10:30-11:30 am)

SATURDAYS - Make & Play- (Paris Branch; February 4 and 11; 10 – 11:30 am

SPECIAL - Family Fund Make & Play - (Paris Branch; Saturday, February 18; 10 am – noon.

Make it with Makey Makey!- Tuesday, February 7 at 6:30 PM Paris Branch - 12 William Street, Paris, Ontario. This program is for kids ages 8+. Register using the link above or connect with your local branch and sign up with staff.

Braided T-Shirt Placement- Wednesday, February 15 at 6:30 PM Burford Branch - 24 Park Avenue, Burford Cost $10/participant Develop the skills you need to create textile pieces, and go home with your own braided placemat. Register at your local library branch

Business owner gives PDHS students tools to succeed!

By Casandra Turnbull

A PDHS graduate decided the best way to support the future leaders of tomorrow is by giving them the tools they need to succeed with today.

Phillip William James recently donated a $500 Canadian Tire gift card to Paris High School’s Construction and Custom Woodworking class, enabling teacher Peter Gumulak to purchase a DeWalt cordless edge trimmer, a DeWalt cordless palm sander and a few 8” F clamps.

The generous donation is helping students broaden their skillset and gain more confidence around power tools.

“Students feel more comfortable using some smaller hand driven tools, rather than the larger stationary tools,” explained Gumulak who taught the class from 2012 to 2014 and ever since his return to PDHS in 2017. “The students have been loving the new tools, I think I need to invest in more cordless, portable tools

as the students will wait for one of the new tools to be available before getting out extension cords and plugging in tools!”

The donation was a no-brainer for Phil James, who owns Papa’s Auto Spa in Burford. He decided to invest in the students because the school holds many fond memories from his high school years. He graduated from PDHS in 2014. As a Paris Panther, he not only holds the title as the first student to field a touchdown in over 50 years when football returned in 2009, but James also took a couple shop classes under the guidance of Gumulak.

“He was my teacher for two years. As I was raised by a single mom, shop class was really my only chance to get hands-on with tools and projects. My favourite tool to use and spend time on was always the sander. I would spend hours sanding to get stuff perfect,” shared James

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Pictured are the tools purchased with Phillip James’ donation. PDHS students use these tools in the Construction and Woodworking Class in a variety of projects, including charcuterie boards pictured underneath the tools.

He added that he loved creating cutting boards, custom canoe paddles and refinish old furniture. The skillset he picked up in Gumulak’s class came in handy at his first job after finishing high school.

“I was able to use the skills I learned in a real-life situation. My key role in that job was sanding the main wood beams near the front entrance (of a new restaurant) - skills Mr. G taught me and showed me how to perfect.”

Gumulak remembers James as a student who always exhibited a positive attitude and was easy to build a rapport with so it’s understandable that two have kept in touch over the years. “From myself and the PDHS construction students, a heartfelt thank-you very much for your very generous donation,”

Gumulak said. “It will help the students to achieve their full potential in the woodworking class.”

James credits his mother for raising him to recognize that it’s important to give back.

“I’m not rich by any means but this small gift was mostly to show people that no matter if you’re well off or not, giving back a small amount can help many people,” said James He also hopes more people will follow in his footsteps and donate if they can because today’s students are the future leaders and the more hands-on learning they can take in, the more productive members of society they will become.

“We need more trades people, and this is where it starts,” James said. If you’re not able to donate, James wants to remind people to simply smile more often because the world needs more positivity.

Get to know members of Brant County Council

The County of Brant has published an online directory of who’s who on Brant County Council. You can follow this link to learn more about the elected Councillors and Mayor. Click on the “Meet” box below each member’s profile picture and it will lead you to a short introductory video.

Be a Lion in Paris! Lions Club open house this month

Submitted by Lion Diane McHutchion

Your Paris Lions Club held its first meeting close to 100 years ago on March 16, 1931. The Club's first major project was the creation of Lions Park. This Park is the most visible and constantly updated project in our community with the most recent major refurbishment being the Pete Lavoie Ball Diamonds.

Throughout all the decades since the 1930s, your Paris Lions Club has volunteered tirelessly to improve our community through local projects, while donating funds to a variety of causes such as Diabetes Research, Guide Dog Training, and Research Vision Training, to improve the health and well-being of our local citizens. Our motto "We Serve" guides us in all we do. We invite you to be a member of the Paris Lions Club to experience in person what our motto means You will meet Lions who are both community-minded and dedicated citizens of our great town

We look forward to meeting you at our Open House on Tuesday, February 28 at the Paris Fairgrounds at 7 pm.

Do you know a senior that could use a little cheering up?

Local organization is preparing Compassion Care Packages for senior citizens feeling isolated – you can nominate someone now

By Casandra Turnbull

A program aimed to help the most vulnerable citizens in our community is gearing up to deliver some hope and love this Valentine’s Day. Delivered by Move with Compassion, an organization that helps senior citizens who don’t have a lot of family or support in the area, move and get set up in their new surroundings, launched an additional program/service during the pandemic called Compassion Care. It’s purpose is to let seniors know they are not alone. Several times a year, generally around the holidays, Compassion Care volunteers collect and donate care packages to seniors, filled with practical household items and delivered to their doors with a smile.

“The idea came about during Covid when our company, Move with Compassion, was called many times to fill in the gap of families who were not allowed to visit their loved ones, let alone assist them with moves,” explained founder Rola Berger. “We saw how lonely and broken some seniors were, many were craving a note, an interaction or assurance that they were still heard and cared for.”

Rola operates Move with Compassion alongside her husband David and a team of dedicated workers The Berger family moved five times in the last 8 years so they know how tiring it can be and the toll it takes on any person, especially seniors. The Move with Compassion team has over 20 years in pastoral care and 10 years as Move Manager Specialists which equips them with both the knowledge and experience to

Berger with a local resident after she received a Compassion Care Package. To the left, examples of items in the care packages

complete every move professionally and compassionately.

As Christmas approached during the first year of the pandemic, Rola and David started brainstorming ways to reach out to seniors in isolation.

“David and I started thinking of ways or putting simple care packages together to be delivered personally to seniors with a note to encourage them We put the idea out on Facebook and had 30 individuals reach out to nominate a senior and a handful of others who wanted to donate,” recalls Rola

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Rola

The success of the program led to an expansion in 2021 when Move with Compassion partnered with Kars Natural Kreation and they were able to raise donations to create 50 care packages. Now, volunteers are actively working to collect donations and create Valentine’s Day care packages that will be delivered February 12 & 13. They are looking for a variety of items from playing cards and magnifying glasses to instant oatmeal, coffee, granola bars and even household items like dish soap, toiletries, crafts and even chocolate to satisfy the sweet tooth!

If you do not have the financial means to donate, Rola said you can still get involved by making Valentine’s Day cards or offering to help donate packages to seniors

“While life has returned to some normal for many of us, many seniors are still feeling the weight of Covid. They are scared to leave their home, they are not sure how the world looks outside, they have been isolated

from the families so long that some have lost that touch forever. These compassion packages have been a ray of hope in many people’s lives ” The response from seniors has been emotional and overwhelming at the same times. During many deliveries, Rola shares a cry with seniors who are grateful for the support and acknowledgement.

“The answer at the door is always ‘I think you are looking for someone else.’ Knowing that someone is still thinking of them and knowing that many people took part of the care package brings tears and laughter at the same time.”

If you’re looking to contribute to the Compassion Care Packages you can reach Rola at 519-900-2262 or by email to info@movewithcompassion.com. They are currently accepting nominations for seniors who could use a little bit of cheering up this season. You can learn more about Move with Compassion online at https://www.movewithcompassion.com/

Ramping up awareness after $530 million lost to ‘Emergency Grandparent Scams’

OPP PRESS RELEASE (OTTAWA, ON)

- The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are launching a fraud prevention campaign, February 6 to 10, 2023, to raise awareness about the significant increase in emergencygrandparent scams targeting Canadian seniors

In 2022, the CAFC received fraud reports totalling a staggering $530 million in victim losses. This was nearly a 40 per cent increase from the 2021 unprecedented $380 million in losses Fraudsters target anyone and everyone, particularly the vulnerable and seniors. In 2022, more than $9.2 million was reported lost to emergency scams, according to the CAFC. This was a drastic increase from $2 4 million in 2021

Emergency scams, including variations called "grandparent scams", use urgency and the manipulation of emotions to extort money from victims. In these scams, fraudsters cold call seniors, on landline phones, claiming to be a grandchild, family member, law enforcement officer or lawyer calling on behalf of their loved one. They'll say that the person's loved one was involved in an emergency situation, such as a collision, charged by law enforcement, legal peril, being sick or injured, etc. They demand the senior provide payment immediately for supposed bail, legal fees, fines or other amounts "owed" to stop the

family member from going to jail or to get them released from custody. This is a scam.

The fraudsters isolate the victims by informing them that there is a courtimposed gag order, and they're forbidden from discussing the matter. The victims are directed to attend their financial institution to withdraw the requested amount in cash The fraudsters will then send someone to pick it up from the victim's home or have the victim send the money via courier services. There have also been reports of victims paying with cryptocurrency

"Fraudsters can be very convincing, whether using advanced techniques with new technology or going back to basics with just a script and a phone. While law enforcement and partners continue to work together to investigate and stop these criminals, we ask for the public's help in connecting with the seniors in their lives, warning them about these scams and encouraging them to report any incidents. This one conversation could be life changing," said Chris Lynam, Director General, Canadian AntiFraud Centre and National Cybercrime Coordination Centre "Fraudsters prey on our emotions and our caring nature By falsely claiming to be a loved one in trouble, scammers exploit our fears and defraud our seniors out of thousands of dollars everyday across this province I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to educate themselves and the

seniors in their family about grandparent scams. The best protection against this type of fraud is awareness and education," said Dominic Chong, Detective Superintendent, Director of Financial Crime Services, Anti-Rackets Branch & Serious Fraud Office, Ontario Provincial Police It is estimated that only 5-10 per cent of victims report scams and fraud to the CAFC or law enforcement.

TAKE ACTION!

*Join the RCMP, CAFC and OPP in raising awareness from February 6-10, 2023 The partners will be posting social media tips, bulletins, and various other resources

*On February 7, 2023 at 1:00pm EST the OPP and CAFC will be hosting a live chat to discuss emergencygrandparent scams alongside an attempted victim who will share their experience. You can view this live chat on the OPP's Twitter and Facebook.

*If you fall victim to a fraud or know someone who has, contact your local police service to report the crime and also report it to the CAFC at 1-888495-8501 or online on the Fraud Reporting System (FRS), even if a financial loss did not occur

*If you know a senior or have an elderly family member, please reach out to them and have a conversation on what to do if they get a phone call like this and consider coming up with a code word

Hope for Healthcare Campaign exceeds goal, raises over $325,000

PRESS RELEASE - Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) Foundation is thrilled to announce that the Hope for Healthcare holiday campaign has surpassed its goal and raised over $325,000 for the local healthcare system. Kari Wilson, Executive Director of the BCHS Foundation says “we are incredibly appreciative of our donors and for donations of all denominations that help us continue to invest together to re-imagine health care in our community. We are exceptionally grateful to all our supporters; it is our donors that make such a difference to our health care system ” The funds raised as part of the Hope for Healthcare campaign will support the $8 million Emergency Department (ED) redevelopment project at the BCHS, which includes the purchase of an integrated central monitoring system with 22 individual patient monitors and essential medical equipment for the Willett, Paris

“We are thrilled with the campaign’s success thanks to the generosity of our community, including our matching Hope for Healthcare donor Massilly North America who contributed an incredible $100,000”,says Wilson.

The Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) is this region’s provider for Emergency Services.

The Emergency Department (ED) at the Brant Community Healthcare System frequently operates well above its functional capacity, currently treating over 58,000 patients annually.

Redevelopment of the ED will cost more than $25 million and the BCHS Foundation must pay 10% of the construction costs, in addition to all the medical equipment, furnishings and items that are not covered or cost shared by the Ministry of Health.

The Willett, Paris marked its 100th anniversary this past July. A cornerstone of the community, it has provided vital medical services to the residents of Paris, Brant County and surrounding area since 1922. The BCHS Foundation, through the generosity of donors, recently invested $350,000 in support of an essential radiology upgrade and the

Directors, Garnet Lasby, President, Massilly North America and Kari Wilson, Executive Director of the BCHS Foundation.

purchase of new diagnostic equipment

The Willett Urgent Care Centre provides rapid and expert care for non-emergent conditions and sees approximately 20,000 patients each year.

If you are interested in learning more about the BCHS Foundation and the current fundraising priorities, please visit www.bchsysfoundation.org.

ABOT MASSILLY NORTH AMERICA

Massilly North America is a global manufacturer of metal twist-off closures for food jars servicing the food packaging industry They are the Canadian subsidiary of the Massilly Group which was founded in 1911 in France The Massilly Group is a family-owned company that has grown to become a leading supplier of metal packaging, including food cans, closures, decorative tins, and aerosol cans with 20 subsidiaries located worldwide. Massilly North America was established in 1996, in Mississauga, and in 2012 moved to Brantford to support its growing operations

Pictured left to right Dee Perera, Vice President and CFO, Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS), Heather Wilson, Chair, Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation, Peter Quinlan, Chair, BCHS Board of

From California to Brant - the coolest machine on ice was once made in Paris, Ontario

Frank J. Zamboni Jr. didn’t set out to be a machine builder. He was a ninthgrade dropout but a born engineer. He and his brother Lawrence first opened an electric service shop in Paramount, California, in 1922. Soon after, they saw the need in those prerefrigeration days for blocks of ice for the local dairies and for rail shipping of the area’s produce, so they built an ice plant and made 300pound ice blocks. The arrival of refrigeration in the 1930s slowly eroded that business In 1940 the brothers saw a popular new trend in post war recreation had become ice skating and they decided to use their skills and chilling systems as the basis for an ice rink. (Paramount Iceland is still in operation today, just down the road from the main Zamboni manufacturing plant.)

It was a hit, but the downtime caused by the need to manually resurface the ice sheet was a problem. Frank felt there had to be a better way to resurface the ice that didn’t require 5 men up to 90 minutes of manual labour After many attempts, he was finally able to create a machine operated by one person that replaced the old process and took about 15 minutes. That machine was the Model A ice resurfacer, built from surplus WWII vehicle parts in 1949 Its basic operations have remained unchanged for over 70 years. Aside from refinements, there are three primary functions that have stayed constant There’s the blade, which shaves off a thin layer of ice. Then there’s the

system that moves the shaved ice to a storage tank, And finally, there’s a system to lay down fresh hot water, which freezes and creates a better layer of ice. Frank’s invention replaced the manual labor of several workers and a variety of other lesssuccessful contraptions, saving both time and money. The story could have ended here, but Frank wasn’t satisfied. His two-wheel-drive prototype didn’t have the traction he wanted So, he built a second machine, which was really a Jeep with all the ice resurfacer parts added, the Model B. He sold it to the Pasadena Winter Garden in 1950, and along the way established a new company

Continued on page 13

Brant resident Frank Zamboni poses with the Model A, created by his grandfather in 1949. Frank is vice president of the Brantford company.

Then Sonja Henie showed up. Henie was a Norwegian Olympian figure skater who’d gone on to star in her own travelling ice show. She made a stop at Paramount Iceland to practice, saw the Model A, and immediately wanted an ice resurfacer to take with her on the road Frank delivered literally After he built the resurfacer, he placed all the machine parts in a trailer and proceeded to drive the Jeep pulling the trailer to Chicago. In fact, he’d gone to Chicago by way of St Louis, where Henie had been scheduled to perform but where her show had been cancelled. Frank’s dogged pursuit of the show became a catalyst for his success, though, because Henie’s subsequent travel with her own Model B became a free national marketing campaign for Zamboni and eventually an international campaign when the show bought a second machine for its overseas performances Soon the rival Ice Capades show became a customer as well, and business really took off.

With Zamboni having picked up the official endorsement of the National Hockey League and having had a presence at most Winter Olympic Games since 1960. Eventually demand for the machines outside America led Zamboni to establish an international presence A friend had introduced Frank to Paris, Ontario which was well known for its manufacturing labour and Zamboni set-up its second ever factory on Scott Ave in 1969 in the former Paris Sash and Aluminum Door factory. Paris would continue to manufacture Zamboni machines for 10 years but managing the factory from California proved difficult for the company’s new president, the founder’s son, Richard Zamboni

decided to contract the manufacturing out and SMI Industries of Montreal became licensed to make the Canadian Zambonis. When SMI dissolved Zamboni found itself without a 2nd factory to serve its largest market In 1983 Richard’s 27-year-old son also named Frank, decided he would move to Brantford and run the factory himself. Today, he is the executive vice president of Zamboni Company Ltd , which operates a 48,000 square foot factory at 38 Morton Ave East in Brantford, Ontario. The two factories combined deliver about 200 Zambonis per year worldwide and have made in excess of 10,000 Zambonis for ice rinks all over the world.

Through the 1950s, Frank continued to refine his designs The 1956 Model F was the first built on a stripped Jeep frame, took on the basic appearance that most people think of today when they think of the brand. That was the company’s 37th machine, since ice rinks around the U S had been buying them steadily. That trend would only accelerate in subsequent decades.

County to host Small Urban Municipalities Conference –economic impact expected to exceed $150,000

PRESS RELEASE- The County of Brant is pleased to announce it will host the Ontario Small Urban Municipalities Conference (OSUM) from April 2628, 2023.

“The OSUM Conference will welcome close to 250 municipal leaders from across Ontario to examine and address today’s important issues facing small urban municipalities,” said Mayor David Bailey. “Hosting the event, here in Brant, is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the County, network with other small urban municipalities and learn from each other.”

OSUM represents the official voice on small urban issues for the Province of Ontario and is an integral part of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), with a number of OSUM members serving on the AMO Board of Directors Advocacy, policy and research matters are undertaken by OSUM through AMO staff ensuring alignment and influence on matters that mean the most to small communities and their residents.

“Following the cancellation of the 2020 OSUM

Conference due to Covid-19, the County of Brant requested to host the 2023 conference,” said Russell Press, Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “Staff put forward an initial bid to host the conference in the County of Brant that will include a tradeshow, a day of golf, plenary sessions and receptions. Planning is now underway.”

Hosting the OSUM Conference in the County of Brant provides the opportunity to foster ties with municipalities from across Ontario. It is expected that the economic impact from this event will exceed $150,000. This figure does not include spending such as shopping, gas, and dining outside of the conference and attractions the attendees may visit.

“Staff appreciate the opportunity to work with OSUM and AMO to host a successful conference while showcasing the County of Brant to delegates from across Ontario,” said Press.

To register for the conference, visit www.osum.ca/ontario-small-urban-annualconference-back-2023.

The County of Brant is excited to host The Ontario Small Urban Municipalities Conference (OSUM) from April 26 - 28, 2023. It’s expected to boost the local economy by more than $150,000

Community Safety & Crime Prevention Walk

Check out their next meeting on February 15, 7 p.m. at the Gaukel Memorial Community Centre (St. George) where they will have a guest speaker discussing how to safeguard your home.

County of Brant OPP uniform and Auxiliary officers met up with Brant North Community Safety Group Chairperson Kim for the second Community Safety and Crime Prevention walk in St. George on January 29th. The weather was not quite as nice as the first walk, but everyone persevered! Community members were invited to learn how to prevent opportunities for crime, change the way you see and walk through your neighbourhood and learn personal property safety tips. Participants had the opportunity to join in the discussion and ask questions to OPP officials along the way Brant North Community Safety Group plans to hold similar walks over the next few months, visit www.brantnorthcsg.com for details!

Photo credit: OPP West Region

Embrace winter with these local outdoor activities

The Grand River Conservation Authority offers an array of outdoor activities for the winter enthusiasts. So grab the family, detach from those devices and try something new this winter!

Winter programming is subject to change, based on weather conditions. Also, conservation areas and/or trails may close from time to time during the operating season, sometimes without notice for capacity reasons, safety reasons following a storm, or due to a special event. Check our Conservation Area Status page to learn if an area is open or closed.

Services at some conservation areas during the winter months are limited, and may include a parking lot, garbage containers and information signs

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

* Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are offered at Laurel Creek, Pinehurst Lake, and Shade's Mills when trail conditions are suitable

*Learn more about cross-country skiing and snowshoeing including fees, rentals and how to access information about what trails are open and current conditions.

Ice fishing

* An ice fishing program is offered at Shade's Mills, Pinehurst Lake and Belwood Lake, when conditions are suitable. Conditions are monitored to

ensure the ice thickness meets safety requirements. When the ice is unsafe, the program is suspended until it is safe to resume.

* Learn more about ice fishing including fees, hours and how to access information about current conditions.

Hiking and walking

* The following conservation areas are open during the winter months, even when ski trail and ice fishing conditions aren't suitable for formal winter programs: Shade's Mills, Pinehurst Lake, Laurel Creek, Belwood Lake, Guelph Lake and Rockwood. For your safety, please heed any trail condition postings.

* All other Grand River Conservation Areas remain closed for the winter season, and are generally open from May 1 to October 15

Where to check the current status of winter activities

Is ice fishing open? How about cross-country ski trails? The status of these activities, and more, can be found on our Conservation Area and Activities Status page. Information is updated in real time as conditions change. To avoid disappointment, check the current status before arriving.

*Information derived from the GRCA website. With spring around the corner, time is running out on your chance to enjoy some local winter active sports in Brant County! The GRCA has a wide range of activities available.

School board to adjust Paris boundaries to accommodate increasing enrollment and growth

By Casandra Turnbull

The Grand Erie District School Board (GEDSB) is reviewing its school boundaries in the wake of major population growth in this region

In June 2022, the school board approved a boundary review for Paris, also known as Brant North. This typically happens when a new school opens, grades or programs change or if there are too few or too many students in a school. With recent growth in Paris over the last five years, many of Paris’ schools are nearing, if not exceeding, capacity

This review affects all the public schools in Paris – Cobblestone Elementary, North Ward, Paris Central and Paris District High School, as well as Glen Morris Central Public School. In a recent announcement from the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB), boundary review talks will commence this fall for both of Paris’ Catholic schoolsHoly Family School and Sacred Heart School as well as Blessed Sacrament School in Burford.

The public school system review called for feedback from parents and caregivers, so a public meeting

took place on January 18th to discuss proposed changes. A final meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee took place January 25th to review the public’s feedback, three previous committee meetings had taken place last fall.

The Paris Boundary Review Special Ad Hoc Committee is preparing a report that will be presented to the GEDSB’s Finance Committee on February 13th , says Dave Smouter, Manager of Communications and Community Relations for the GEDSB. “This report will reflect public input, population projections, capacity constraints and transportation issues, and the recommendations of the committee based on these factors.

A final decision is expected at the Regular Board Meeting on February 27, at which point we will know what kinds of boundary or other changes may impact Paris schools encompassed by the review, and the timing of those changes,” he said in an email to The Paris Independent

Right now, Cobblestone Elementary is operating at 121% capacity; Paris Central is at 91% capacity, North Ward 83% and Paris High School at 95%. With Burford, Glen Morris and St.

George-German School all operating within 80%-85% capacity, there is little room to move students away from Paris schools.

To help increase capacity, Smouter said there is a probability that additional portables will be placed at Cobblestone Elementary and North Ward Schools. Paris Central cannot accommodate portables due to its small size.

There is a lot of push back from parents, caregivers and community members to build a new school in Paris to accommodate all the growth, which is only predicted to increase with the recent passing of Bill 23: More Homes Built Faster Act.

Smouter explained that Grand Erie requires a Ministry approved business case for a new school before the board can begin to look for land to purchase and build on. At this time, the Ministry has not opened the window to accept business cases

Overall, there is anticipated to be a student capacity shortfall in the town of Paris of 570 pupil places by 2031-32. Any boundary review changes that are approved will take place at the start of the new school year in September.

Time to Play Ball in Paris

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

PRESS RELEASE - (Paris, Ont.) –

Paris Youth Softball Association (PYSA) is gearing up for another full season of youth softball Online registration is now open through the association’s website and will remain open until March 10, 2023. The divisions include t-ball and house league, which are co-ed, as well as girls and boys travel teams in each age division starting at U9. Indoor training will also be offered to players looking to get a jump on their skills ahead of the season Indoor training sessions will take place in March

“Our goal is to field teams suited to different age groups and skill levels,” says PYSAPresident, Nathan Smith.

“We are hoping to have a robust t-ball and house league program again this year, and we would really love to see more players come out to play on our travel teams as well.”

House league is the more recreational level and those teams are co-ed and play locally, with some of the older age divisions also playing some games in Ayr. The travel teams have both girls’ and boys’ divisions and offer a higher level of competition It

is important to note, however, that while these teams do travel to different centres to play, the furthest park is no more than 35 minutes from Paris. All divisions will have end-ofthe-year tournaments, and travel teams may play in additional tournaments depending on the interest and availability of players and their families.

“The backbone of PYSAis, of course, the coaches, volunteers, sponsors and umpiring crew who make the season and games happen for the players,” says 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

“We are excited to have the players, new and returning, back out on the diamonds,” says Smith. “We are looking forward to another great season of softball here in Paris ”

For more information on age divisions, fees and to register players for the season, please visit: www.parisyouthsoftball.com.

For details on indoor training sessions, please stay tuned to the website and the PYSA social media channels: @parisyouthsoftballassociation on Instagram and www.facebook.com/parisyouthsoftball

For those interested in umpiring, please contact Umpire Convenor, Nathan Smith at nathan1.smith80@gmail.com.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact parisyouthsoftballassociation@gmail com

Victory at All Ontario Farmers Bonspiel!

Paris curlers represented the club well at the All Ontario Farmers Bonspiel in Wallaceburg last month, returning home as the 3rd Event Champions. This bonspiel is a long-standing tradition, bringing farming and community together. Local members enjoy this bonspiel and this year was no different. Representing the Paris Curling Club was club president Craig McComb, Harry Emmott, Jeff Crowley and Peggy Young. A total of 112 curlers participated representing clubs from Windsor to Alexandria (near Montreal).

Throwback Curling: old-style outdoor bonspiel on the pond!

Last weekend The Paris Curling Club sent a pair of teams up to compete in The Orangeville Curling Club’s annual "Great Canadian PondSpiel". This is a bit of a special bonspiel where not all games are played in the traditional style. It follows the 'pointspiel' system, where each team plays three games and accumulates points to determine a winner; however it also channels the origins of curling, as each team gets to play two of those games out on the frozen Orangeville Reservoir "pond"! Teams from Paris have been attending this event for a number of years now, and have come away with a couple victories in the past. The winning streak is alive and well as a special congratulations goes out to the team of Jeff, Linda, Liz, and Bruce for winning all three of their games, and their draw!

Photo courtesy of Paris Curling Club

Ev Perley Memorial Bonspiel winners crowned

They are Winners of the Paris Curling Club Senior Mixed Ev Perley Memorial Bonspiel held on Saturday, January 28th , sponsored by Sound Choice Hearing and David Simmons (IPC Securities), pictured left to right are Bob Perley (Presenter); Tim Berkeley (Skip); Ron Leduc (Vice); Angela Stewart (Lead); Faye Murray (Second).

Paris Curling Club Photo

Figure skaters test out their skills

The Paris Figure Skating Club held its January test day recently, awarding skaters for their hard work and accomplishments over the last couple of months The following skaters passed their dance routines and artistic programs:

Dances- Camryn Wilson – Kilian; Sara Coulter – Rocker; Hope Reynolds – Rocker; Erin Plaquet – Quickstep; Edie Cowan - Foxtrot; Abby Dubecki – Foxtrot; Samantha Hutchinson – Argentine

Artistic Program- Camryn Wilson - Star 7

Pictured left is Clara Sangster; Bottom left (from left to right), Addison Spencer, Camryn Wilson, Hope Reynolds; Bottom middle, Sara Coulter, Samantha Hutchinson, Erin Plaquet; Bottom right, Edie Cowan, Abbey Dubecki, Erica Lewis, Ella Knill

U7 team ready for the big show!

The Paris Wolfpack U7 team was ready to rumble before their intermission showcase at last Saturday’s Paris Mounties game at the Brant Sports Complex.

SCOREBOARD JANUARY 27 – FEBRUARY 2

*U18 Team 2 sponsored by Hoogs Installation loses 4-3 to Simcoe Warriors (3)

*U18 Team 3 sponsored by Paris Legion Branch 29 wins 61 against the Delhi Rockets

*U18 Team 1 sponsored by Cobblestone Medicine ties 2-2 against the Port Dover Pirates

*U15 Team 2 sponsored by Burford Foodland ties 2-2 against Tillsonburg Tornadoes

*U9 Team 1 sponsored by Cobblestone Medicine loses 132 to Ingersoll Coyotes

*U9 MD sponsored by Desjardins loses 4-3 against Twin Centre Stars

*U13 Team 1 sponsored by Fifth Ground Entertainment wins 2-0 over Waterford Wildcats (1)

*U11 Team 1 sponsored by Brant Sports wins 9-3 over Delhi Rockets (2)

*U11 Rep sponsored by Pelton Rep wins 10-3 over New Hamburg Huskies

*U11 Team 2 sponsored by Nick’s No Frills wins 3-2 over Simcoe Warriors (2)

*U13 Team 1 sponsored by Arora Dental wins 8-1 over Ingersoll Express

*U13 Team 2 sponsored by Fifth Ground Entertainment loses 2-1 to Simcoe Warriors

*U15 Team 1 sponsored by Adkins Financial wins 6-1 over Port Dover Pirates

*U15 Team 1 sponsored by Burford Foodland loses 5-1 to Simcoe Warriors (2)

*U15 Team 3 sponsored by Canadian Tire Paris loses loses 65 to Simcoe Warriors

*U18 Team 2 sponsored by Hoogs Installations loses 4-2 to Simcoe Warriors

*U9 MD sponsored by Desjardins loses 6-2 to Burford Coyotes

*U18 team 2 sponsored by Hoogs Installation loses 4-2 to Waterford Wildcats

*U15 Team 1 sponsored by Adkins Financial ties 4-4 against Simcoe Warriors (2)

*U15 Team 3 sponsored by Paris Canadian Tire ties 3-3 against U15 Team 2 sponsored by Buford Foodland

*U18 Team 1 sponsored by Cobblestone Medicine loses 5-2 against the Simcoe Warriors

*U11 Rep sponsored by Pelton Transport wins 3-2 over the Tavistock Titans

Penalties beat the Mounties in three one-goal losses

Mounties Report With George Le Gresly

Last Friday the Mounties visited the Woodstock Navy Vets for a scheduled PJHL game. In the 6th minute of the first period, the Navy Vets took a 2-0 lead, followed by a Mountie goal by Grant Eastwood (assisted by Cole Main) at the 10 minute mark. The second period the Mounties out scored the Vets with goals by Wil Curren (Kaiden Gignac assisted) and an unassisted goal by Jacob Wilkinson resulting in a 3-3 tie The third period’s first goal was a Woodstock power play goal, followed by an unassisted goal by Paris’ Jacob Wilkinson. With 2 minutes left in regulation, Woodstock broke the tie to take a 5-4 win over the Mounties.

Saturday night the Mounties welcomed the Hespeler Shamrocks The first period, although scoreless, was filled with 6 power play opportunities for Hespeler. The second period ended with the Mounties trailing 2-1 with Josh Schell scoring and assisted by Aidan Switzer and Ryan O’Keefe. The Mounties trailed Hespeler until the halfway

Paris Mounties #29 Grant Eastwood scored the first goal in last Friday’s game against the Woodstock Navy Vets. Paris ended up losing 5-4 after Woodstock tied the game in the third period on a powerplay goal.

point when Tye Wetzel scored to tie up the game at two goals each and into overtime Unfortunately three minutes in, Hespeler received a power play opportunity and scored to win in overtime.

Monday night, the Woodstock Navy Vets came to the BSC to face the Mounties who were hoping to get a win on their home ice. Kaidan Gignac scored the only goal of the first period. The second period ended in a 2-2 tie, with Cole Main rushing to the net to deflect Bhrett Hibbert’s pass the Woodstock goalie. The third period featured a Woodstock goal to break the tie and win the game.

The Mounties are a better team compared to the beginning of the season, but if they continue to play a man short, by giving 24 power plays in 3 games to the opposition, they’ll never know how good they can be.

Next home game is tonight at 7:30 p.m. when the Wellesley Applejacks visit the Brant Sports Complex.

Photo taken by Michelle Malvaso during the January 21st game against the Tavistock Braves.

It’s time to retire, say owners

Reconnect with Nature at Five Oaks

Are you looking to reconnect with nature? You might want to check out these fun activities hosted by Five Oaks next month!

Natural wonders are all around us! Reconnect and breathe in the fresh air with gratitude. Deepen your relationships. Invite the wonder of nature into your everyday life. Your nature adventure awaits!

Come on a wander as the sun sets to learn about and call for owls. They may or may not respond but we'll have fun outdoors and keep a look out for other birds and forest critters. The route we'll travel is safe for beginners. There will be activities and games the young and young at heart all enjoy!

An iconic downtown business will be closing this spring.

The owners of Friendly United Discount in Paris will close its doors after 22 years of serving the community. Owners John & Susie made their retirement announcement this week on social media

“Starting February 1st , we will be selling the store inventory at 50% off (some exclusions apply) Please come and have a look and buy what you need,” they announced. Friendly United Discount, located beside the County of Brant office on Grand River Street North, has long been a popular variety store offering an array of convenience items, but also popular for its sale of plants and flowers John & Susie also revealed that once they are closed, a new flower shop will open in that location.

Stay tuned for more details and future updates!

For more information and to book your spot, please visit https://fiveoaks.venue360.me/public/events/homepage... (for families) and visit https://fiveoaks venue360 me/public/events/homepage (for adults).

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

FEB 14 Valentine’s Day with Jann Arden at The Sanderson Centre

Nearly sold out!

JannArden is a multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actor and author.Arden has released 15 albums with 19 top ten singles. A Canadian original, captivating audiences with her heartfelt music, quick wit and boldly honest voice. February 14, 2023 at 8 pm she will be waiting for you here! Don't miss out and get your tickets at:

https://tickets.sandersoncentre.ca/TheatreMan.../1/online...

FEB 16 Shawnee Kish at the Telegraph

•Shawnee Kish is a Mohawk singer-songwriter from Canada. She is most noted as a JunoAward nominee for Contemporary IndigenousArtist of the Year at the JunoAwards of 2022, for her self-titled debut EP. Originally from Welland, Ontario, she began her career singing Shania Twain songs.Thursday, February 16, 2023 7:00 PM 11:00 PM

•Dominion Telegraph97 Grand River Street North Paris, ON, https://www.dtconcertseries.com/concerts/2023/shawnee-kish

FEB 17 – 19 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 8:00pm, doors are at 7:30. February 19th and 26th at 2:00pm, doors are at 1:30.

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’

HEALTH MATTERS

Information provided by Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada’s Heart Failure Report 2022: Falling Short – How Canada is Failing People with Heart Failure and How We Can Change That

Stroke in Canada is on the rise

Heart & Stroke funded research examines hospital and emergency department visits

MEDIA RELEASE - A new study funded by Heart & Stroke reveals that annual stroke occurrence rates in Canada have increased to 108,707 – or roughly one every five minutes. This highlights the need for strong stroke care, treatment and recovery systems across the country as well as better prevention.

The analysis, based on hospital administrative data, estimated the number of stroke events resulting in hospital or emergency/urgent care department presentation across Canada in 2017–2018.

“Our study has allowed us to paint the most comprehensive picture of stroke hospital and emergency room visits in Canada,” says Dr. Jessalyn Holodinsky a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Calgary and lead author on the study. “We looked at hospital data from every province and we also did modelling to confirm the numbers and account for areas where was data is missing ”

Age is a risk factor for stroke, and as a large proportion of the population ages the number of strokes has increased and will continue to increase Stroke can happen at any age and more younger people are also having strokes.

“This new data will help inform health systems planning,” says Dr. Michael Hill, Senior Medical Director, Cardiovascular and Stroke SCN at Alberta Health Services and senior author of the study. “As stroke events continue to increase,

emergency medical services and hospitals need to be ready to respond to ensure patients receive the right care in a timely way leading to the best outcomes.”

The acute stroke management module of the Heart & Stroke Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations (CSBPR), published today, contain important updates regarding stroke treatments, therapies and other aspects of care.

As more Canadians are surviving stroke the number of Canadians who are living with stroke has increased to 878,000. Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability; half of all people in Canada living with stroke need some help with daily activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, going to the washroom and getting around.

“Hospitals across the country provide excellent acute stroke care,” says Dr. Patrice Lindsay, Director, Health Systems, Heart & Stroke, and one of the authors of the study. “We need to improve access to rehabilitation and other services for people living with stroke and their caregivers, so they have the support they need for the best recovery possible And we need a greater focus on prevention”

Heart & Stroke works with partners across the country to accelerate stroke advancements by funding research, raising awareness, driving change throughout stroke systems of care across the country, and advocating for improvements to health policy.

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –This week starts with a whirlwind of emotion and builds from there You are ruled by your emotions so much that you are at risk to react in a dramatic manner You may even just abruptly just end a love relationship Remember to control your dramatic side and you will make it through unscathed.

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) –You enter this week feeling like you are healing from a trauma. It is up to you to choose whether you will be exhausted or energized from this surrounding energy. Your career could use a boost, so pick the latter If not, be exhausted with a loved one and a Netflix night

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) – You have been focused on your career a lot lately This week you can switch this to love and self If you choose love there is a sweetheart waiting for your time If you choose yourself, pick something that relaxes you completely. But since you are always split in two you could benefit by making the time to do both.

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) –You have put a lot of energy into spicing up your love life. Unfortunately it feels like it may have been all for nothing at this point You need to really start asking yourself the harder questions about what is missing? By mid week your focus switches back to your career This is just a distraction method

Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –

Try and keep the peace You feel unsettled, moody and a bit argumentative This has nothing to do with your career or relationship This is a you problem. Take responsibility for the changes you need to make internally, before you start blaming other people. This week is about personal growth

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – People will be coming to you for guidance. Even if you do not want to, you should make the time to help them out, this will bring some much needed lucky energy into your life Someone you love is feeling underappreciated

Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air)- Do not bring your emotional drama into any other areas of your life This is already definitely going to bleed into your love life this week Take a couple days to yourself and make a plan for your future that makes sense to you. This emotional turmoil will cause you stress in your career also.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – You have been done wrong lately, bringing huge trust issues. Do not take out your anger on the people who had nothing to do with betraying you, especially in your career Your career needs you to be focused and positive this week

Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – You are torn between spending romantic time with loved ones and being alone You could heal from this by doing one or both of these Work is busy and is taking a lot of your energy, but do not use this as an excuse to not make time for yourself and the people you love the most.

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – It is important that you ask all the right questions this week You spend this whole week gathering information so that you can make big choices in love and career next week. Make sure you double check all your findings before making any choices, especially in love

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 (Air) – Taking things to the next level or ending it all together. Make sure you do not make this week an all or nothing week. You may need to consult with someone that you respect to get clarity By the weekend you really need to plan some fun time

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – You are tired of being disappointed. So maybe spend this week and try not to surround yourself with people who make you feel this way Put more of this energy into your career and hide away from people that you do not fully trust

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 4, 2023

The Way of Water

in Boots: The Last Wish