The Paris Independent for Saturday June 25th, 2022

EDITORIAL: Paris Fairgrounds is private property. Page 13-14 Take a Yoga Pause – Page 16-17. HOROSCOPES - Pages 26-27

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The Paris Independent Saturday, June 25, 2022

THIS WEEK In Community

Proudly Serving Paris & Area

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100 YEARS OF THE WILLETT

THE RIVER TWICE

Pages 7-12 In Sports

SKATERS PASS THE TEST! Page 18

In Community

YARN BOMBING BELL HOMESTEAD!

Seven-year-old Olivia Grupstra has her teddy bear examined by one of the Willett’s Registered Practical Nurses, Theresa Dickinson and BGH Cardiac Technician Julie Gurney. Residents had the chance to walk down memory lane as they viewed a historic pictorial timeline of the Willet’s 100 years of history in the community, while others played games, participated in activities and even enjoyed some snacks provided by the Paris Lion’s Club. See more on pages 4-6.

Page 20

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

Photo by Casandra Turnbull

County Offices Closed

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR PARIS CRAFT CRAWL- Saturday, June 25th & 26th at the Paris Fairgrounds, rain or shine.

Get ready to explore the absolute best creatives, the talented handmade and incredible solo musicians. Come for the amazing shopping, stay for the food, and cheer on our talented musicians. Tickets are $10 and are only sold at the gate.

MEMORY LANE MARKET– Saturday and Sunday, June 25th & 26th downtown Paris! Grand River St N between William and Mechanic Street will be closed to traffic for the vintagestyle market featuring local businesses and over 40 vendors from Ontario and Quebec. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/32515641645 5431/327136446257428/ GAMES IN THE PARK Sunday, June 26th, 2-4 pm (Kingsward Park), light refreshments provided. Hosted by St. Paul’s United Church.

FOOD TRUCK NIGHTS- At Sojourn Church (112 Scott Avenue) from 4:45 pm to 7:30 pm on July 19th and August 16th.

MONSTER TRUCKS IN PARIS – July 9th and 10th at the Paris Fairgrounds. Tickets on sale now – buy your tickets now and save $5. Available online at www.ticketscene.ca/events/39965

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT – JOHN BEMROSE - Join us . the #ParisBranch on Sunday, June 26th at 1:30 PM and at hear from acclaimed author, John Bemrose!

John will talk with us about his new book - The River Twice - and his research process. Register today at ow.ly/x1mj50JzooB. This is a free in person event; registration is required to save your spot. This author talk is created in partnership by the County of Brant Public Library and Green Heron Books. See story pages 7-12!

COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP Sunday, June 26 at 10 am at Greenlane Sports Complex, hosted by the new Rotary Club of Paris. Everyone is invited to help out.

SENSORY STORYTIME - This program is designed for children who are on the autism spectrum or who have multisensory needs. Sensory Storytime runs every Saturday from June 25th to July 30th. There are two different locations & times for this program - when registering, choose which location and time is best for you: • St. George Branch - 10:30 AM • Burford Branch - 1:00 PM • Register at brantlibrary.ca/calendar. Parents/caregivers also participate in the program and are invited to enjoy this special time with their child. Sensory Storytime is presented in partnership with our friends at Kids Can Fly Canada! This program is generously funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

JUNE PARKS & REC MONTH - Have you entered the June is Recreation & Parks Month Photo Contest yet? Share with us how you and your family are celebrating Recreation & Parks month by tagging us on social media @BrantCommunity or email photos to community@brant.ca for your chance to win a prize! *Contest closes June 30, 2022

COMMUNITY DINNER- Thursday, June 30, at Paris Presbyterian Church from 5:30 pm to 7 pm. Join us for our community dinner. Eat some wonderful food and connect with some new people.

Email office@parispresb.ca or call 519442-2842 and let us know you are coming.

Bring some friends.

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H E A LT H C A R E N E W S ‘If there’s a Willett there’s a way!’

Left to Right, Paul Emerson, BCHS Board of Directors Chair, Helen Miller, Six Nations of the Grand River Council, David McNeill, BCHS President & CEO, Will Bouma, Brant MPP, David Bailey, Mayor of the County of Brant, Heather Wilson, BCHS Foundation Board Chair and Kevin Davis, Brantford Mayor, were all present at Wednesday’s open house to celebrate the Willett’s 100th anniversary in the community.

Photo by Casandra Turnbull

By Casandra Turnbull When the community banded together to build the Willett in 1922 little did anyone know it would serve as the cornerstone of healthcare in Paris for 100 years and counting. The same heart and desire that brought the Willett to fruition carried on for decades throughout numerous failed attempts by various governments to close the facility.

Townsfolk rallied, created a unified voice, and stopped every closure.

Thankfully their efforts were not in vain because the Willett is alive, well and thriving today.

Residents, dignitaries and

healthcare providers gathered on Wednesday to celebrate 100 years of the Willett.

“This hospital has grown with the community and we are not done growing. We are excited for the future,” said Brant County Healthcare System President and CEO David McNeill. “The community has transformed so much since 1922 but its (Willett) position in the community has not,” he said, adding “Paris is growing but at its core it’s a small-town protective of its heritage.” So, McNeill dedicated the last 100 years and the next 100 years to those who were committed to

protecting the Willett.

One of those key individuals was former Paris Councillor Murray Powell who spearheaded many protests to stop the government from closing the facility. Powell passed away in 2018 at the age of 81. “Murray Powell fought for this hospital, and he is certainly here in spirit today,” said Brant County Mayor David Bailey, paying homage to the councillor who often ended council and committee meetings with one question, “but how will this affect the Willett?”

Continued on page 5

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H E A LT H C A R E N E W S BCHS Board of Directors Chair, Paul Emerson, seemingly answered that question with one catch phrase: ‘where there’s a Willett, there’s a away!’

Emerson said he is pleased to see the Willett as an integral part of the healthcare system moving forward and is thrilled to see more services and enhanced care coming back to the Paris facility.

Six Nations of the Grand River Councillor Helen Miller shared a few words as well. “I’m really glad Paris is keeping this hospital and that Six Nations people are able to access it,” she told the crowd.

“I’m not sure if you know but we had a hospital, The Lady Wellington, where I was born.

Unfortunately, the government shut it down – we didn’t have the people to fight to save it like the

Willett,” she shared.

Brant MPP Will Bouma presented certificates of achievement on behalf of the provincial and federal governments. Brant MP Larry Brock was in Ottawa this week.

BCHS Foundation Board Chair Heather Wilson spoke on behalf of the Foundation, noting that $2 million has been raised in the past 18 years supporting the Willett, specifically towards the Urgent Care renovation project, the new transition unit and vital patient equipment. She summed it up nicely with her final remarks: “We really look forward to reimagining the future of Healthcare in our community.”

Tina Forster (left) with her mom Sharon McCorkindale, checking out photos from the Willett’s first decade: 1920-1930. Tina was a candy striper at the Willett in the 1970s and Sharon worked in the Dietary Department from 1958-1964 and returned to the Willett around 2010 to volunteer in the Urgent Care centre for a few years.

Sharon’s mother-in-law, and Tina’s grandmother, Marjorie McCorkindale, was a RN at the Willett until she retired.

Mayor David Bailey with Jack, 8, Luci, 7 and Andy, 4. The siblings took their stuffed animal to a medical appointment hosted by BCHS healthcare providers. It was one of many activities, and games offered for guests who attended the outdoor celebration this week, which paid tribute to the Willett.

Photos by Casandra Turnbull

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H E A LT H C A R E N E W S BCHS Foundation representatives, left to right: Krista SteenburghDunsmore – Board Director; Wesley Mik – Board Director; Marilyn Sewell – Board Director; Heather Wilson – Chair, Board of Directors; Kari Wilson – Executive Director BCHS Foundation; Kero Moussa – Board Director Photo by Casandra Turnbull

Watch for our special Willett 100 Years feature publication July 9th! We’ll examine the past, present and future of the Willett.

Two Patient Family Advisory Council volunteers, Joy Casarin (left) and Gail Gloster, were happy to answer questions about PFAs who volunteer in various departments in the BCHS to offer insight and input to help hospitals improve care delivery. Paediatrician Dr. Jessica Dooley explained in a recent newsletter that “It’s easy, as healthcare providers that spend every day in the hospital environment, to lose sight of the perspectives of those who are experiencing it as a patient, family member or visitor. This (PFA) perspective allows our department to make changes to improve the patient experience, knowledge translation and quality metrics.”

For a full story on this integral volunteer-based council, see the Paris Independent’s Willett 100th Anniversary feature on July 9th.

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COMMUNITY NEWS Standing in The River Twice A sneak peak at John Bemrose’s newest novel ahead of tomorrow’s book launch in Paris

By Bailey Zimmer Step foot into the river twice at the Paris library as John Bemrose dives into the semifictional world of his new novel.

On Sunday, June 26, John Bemrose appears at the Paris Public Library at 12 William Street for a book launch and reading of his new novel, The River Twice.

Originally released on May 30, 2022, The River Twice is a tale which captures the trials and tribulations of the First World War in Canada.

Set in a small mill town in Southern Ontario, which local readers can recognize as Paris, Bemrose takes the readers on an adventure through lives filled with love, loss, drama and discovery.

The employees of the Paris library share their delight in Bemrose’s attendance.

“We’re definitely excited,” said Gary Jermy, Coordinator of Outreach and Community Impact for the Paris Public Library. “He’s a local author, he’s probably the biggest local author by name in Paris.”

The book launch will start at 1:30 p.m. in the library and will last approximately an hour and a half.

To start, Bemrose will talk about his inspiration for the novel, what makes the characters come alive and his creative process. Bemrose will share the plot of the book, followed by a question and answer segment which should last about 15-20 minutes at the end of the initial speaking period.

To conclude the event, Green Heron Books of Paris will be on site with copies of The River Twice to sell, which can then be signed by Bemrose himself as a

great keepsake for all attendees.

The novel follows the tale of Ted Whitfield, a professor turned soldier who returns from war and suffers with PTSD. Bemrose explores Ted’s journey as he adapts to a life he once knew, now seen through a different lens.

Miriam, Ted’s wife, also experiences the side effects of life after war as Ted begins to distance himself from her and instead, attaches himself to another.

Continued on page 8

John Bemrose with his father, Fred. “So many times, writing The River Twice, I had the thought, Dad would know about that,” said John of his late father, who was the founder of the Paris Historical Society.

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COMMUNITY NEWS While themes of loss, social status, empathy and religion are seen, the novel is relatable to many and is written through a human perspective.

As the son of Fred Bemrose, who was the historian and founder of the historical society for the town of Paris, John naturally took an interest in the history of the town from the time he was young, as he listened to the stories he was told.

“My interest in Paris’ past was first stimulated by the stories my parents and grandparents told me, and later, when I was nine, by the publication of Don Smith’s excellent local history At the Forks of the Grand. That book was a real revelation to me, granting me a kind of ‘double vision’ as I walked and rode my bike through the streets of Paris— the present became a kind of transparency laid over the past Smith describes,” said Bemrose in an email.

To explore the river with Ted and discover the semi-fictional world Bemrose has created, participants can register to attend the event on the library’s website at brantlibrary.ca/bemrose About 30 people have preregistered so far and spots are filling up quick.

The book launch is free admission, meaning everyone has an equal opportunity for this experience and can celebrate new literature.

Paris locals and people from out of town are very excited to see the author speak about his newest novel.

“He does know a lot of people in the area and I know he has a lot of friends who are registered to come to the event and see him,” said Jermy.

A thrill of excitement around the book comes from the fact that it is based in Paris, a place Bemrose himself and many others grew up in.

“Whenever there’s a local tie-in in the book, people love to hear that,” said Jermy.

The excitement doesn’t just stop at a local author representing his hometown in a novel. The Paris library is excited to expand their programming and invite more authors in for similar events.

These events will encourage the indulgence of literature in the community and build excitement around reading.

“We’re definitely looking forward to it. Now that we can have in person programs, we’re looking forward for more opportunities to bring authors in.”

Bemrose also has another novel, The Island Walkers, set in the same small mill town recognizable to Parisians. Lisa Wood, who is attending the book launch, is excited for the event as it is tied to Paris. She especially loves how his images of Paris create a beautiful world and make the town more exciting.

“Bemrose created such a vivid and deeply-felt sense of this place and this community that I couldn't wait to do the Bemrose tour of Paris,” said Wood.

“The trick that The Island Walkers pulls off is to tell a story that could happen anywhere - it represents the human experience - but it roots go deep into the Nith. I'm excited to be going to a live book launch - events like these remind us that we are a community.”

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COMMUNITY NEWS INSIDE The River Twice: Q&A with author about how society was structured and run. Ted’s postwar meeting with Scott dramatizes this.

As for Miriam, she holds to her Christian faith. Yet she is conscious that her faith is personal and idiosyncratic, and lies outside the formal tenets Presbyterianism. She worries about this but persists in her own understanding of Christianity as a religion of love and gratitude. I think this helps her weather the serious marital and family troubles that come her way. I find her a very John Bemrose (JB) In our very secular times, it’s sympathetic character who grows in strength and hard to imagine how important religion was to compassion as the story progresses. many people in the early twentieth century. During the Great War especially, the churches were full. BZ This novel seems to be a series of wars and People were living in a state of anxiety and eager battles reflected both internally and externally to find answers. Strong ministers, like John Scott through each character, especially seen through in my novel, offered consolation and reassurance. Ted, his emotions and spells of PTSD and a new Of course, like many ministers at that time, he also love interest, as well as Miriam fighting for her preached holy war against the ‘barbarous Hun’. marriage, and Will fighting his bullies. How do Faced with the actual reality of the trenches, Ted these internal battles compare to, contrast and loses what little faith he had—and yes, this is part reflect the external battle of the First World War as of his growth into a greater honesty about the represented in this text, and how do they compare nature of life. Such a loss of faith plagued many to each other? veterans of that war, leaving them with a cynicism Continued on page 10 Bailey Zimmer (BZ) This book seems to have a heavy theme of Christianity. Many of the characters appear to struggle with Christianity and their relationship with God. Is there a meaning for this, and why is this important within the novel? With characters such as Ted and Miriam, do their struggling relationships with God reflect their personal growth and life perspective differently?

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COMMUNITY NEWS JB One of my aims in the novel was to explore different kinds of conflict. And so ‘war’ exists not only on the battlefields of France and Belgium, but, as you suggest, in the struggle of Will with his bullies and in the Whitfield’s embattled marriage. As for the connection between the two types of struggle—emotional struggle and the actual war—they are entwined of course in the novel and reflect each other both metaphorically and literally. Ted has to bear a great deal in protecting the boy soldier, taking care of his men and dealing with the immorality of the actual destruction of the war. It’s little wonder the stress ravages him.

Miriam’s struggles too are enmeshed with the realities of the war on the home front, as she attempts to resuscitate her marriage with a broken man. War saturates everything in the story, even for those who come nowhere near the actual fighting. This illustrates, I hope, just how poisonous a force it is.

One thing the people of that time had going for them, is that their world was much slower than ours.

We see this in the conversations that carry Ted, Miriam and Grace through their difficulties. We see it in the hours it takes Ted to tell his war stories. Yes, there is struggle for all these characters.

But their struggle becomes the basis for a more appreciative

understanding between them, and The process of change in a the slower pace of life helps them fictional character is a somewhat in this. mysterious one, even for the writer. You cannot plan the change BZ As the novel progresses, it ahead of time, but only discover it seems to be a coming of age tale by trial and error. For me, a novel for many characters as they that involves no change in a discover who they are after big character would not be worth changes in their lives. How do you writing. Or reading. We are all on think this rediscovery and a journey, changing as we go, and development of one’s self the novel should reflect this. strengthens the character’s BZ Many novels hold hidden personal story within the tale, and morals within the text to display a what is this significance of this lesson or a value to be learned, aspect within the novel? often something which should be JB I believe the core of reality is incorporated into the reader’s life constant change. You and I are to enhance their perspective. What changing as we speak. Even the moral, if any, would you say “The Twice” teaches or mountains are changing, though River much more slowly than us! People emphasizes that can relate to the who resist this reality, or try to world outside of fiction, and how hide from it, do not fare well. Ted may this moral alter the readers and Miriam are doing their best to perspective? ride the waves of change. But it is JB I did not set out to illustrate or a painful business. At first, they implant a moral when I wrote The struggle to return to their old, River Twice. But if people find a prewar life of newlywed bliss. But moral in it, I won’t quarrel with they cannot turn back the clock them. And I have no idea how and so for a time are confused and their discovery might alter their adrift. Eventually, we see them perspective. My business was to emerging from this confusion but explore certain themes, without by different paths. They are knowing where I would end up. changing.

However, having ended up where The novel’s title reflects this I have, and regarding the novel as theme, of course, with its quote objectively as I can, I would hope from the ancient Greek that if it teaches anything, it is the philosopher, Heraclitus: No one appalling and wasteful nature of can step into the same river twice. war.

Why? Because from moment to Continued on page 11 moment the river is changing—it is not the same river.

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COMMUNITY NEWS This is reflected in the novel’s dedication to my grandsons: May their generation see an end to the folly of war.

Homer’s Illiad is the greatest work of literature about war we have. To me, it is an anti-war poem. But past generations have taken it as celebration of the glories of war—of the courage, skill and audacity that make a great warrior. War, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, it seems. Some lucky soldiers who had a so-called “good war” in WWII recall the experience as the high point of their lives, though one wonders what their attitude is hiding. And there are those who seem to be natural soldiers, called to fight. Though for many of these, their love of war does not survive the realty.

Times change, and our view of war is, hopefully, changing too.

BZ Classism and high society run deep within this text. The value of money is reflected in the abundance or lack of each character has, which then equates to the social status of the characters. This can be seen through donations to widowed women in the war, pensions, through Will stealing money for Stink and his gang to gain social privilege and “safety”, to Ada not allowing Will to see Beggar due to his social status, and

again when Miriam is seen as too privileged to work and should not associate with the working crowd, as they are not her “kind”, due to the way she was raised. How does the economic standing and grouping of characters affect their roles within the society of their town, and how does social status affect interactions between people of different economic backgrounds?

JB Yes, the question of class and money is very important in the novel. It was important to me to make Miriam’s family of origin, the McCraes, modestly well-off and not rich as they were in an earlier generation. Their slight, genteel shabbiness is an embarrassment to Miriam’s mother, Ada, but not to Miriam herself, as her wants are few. I think this makes her more sympathetic, yet nevertheless, as the member of a prominent family, she is still vulnerable to the resentments of those below her on the social scale. Her painful discovery of this fundamental injustice—after all, she was simply born into a more privileged position, while others were born poor-- is part of her moral education in the novel, though she does not really advance beyond the classstructured charity that is part of the existing social scheme. She has a good heart, but a good

heart by itself does not repair social injustice.

It was also important to me to include all classes in my story. I was conscious of class differences from my early years at Paris Central School, when kids of all classes mixed in the playground and classrooms. At a certain point, I realized that my paternal grandparents were working class, while my maternal grandparents were middle class. With time I saw these realities playing out in my own family, in the differences between my mother and father, and, in truth, to the existence of both their realities in myself.

This realization helped me to minimize a certain snobbishness in myself.

No one in the novel is immune to the realities of class and the way they can give rise to resentment and ignorance, but also to extraordinary bridgings of class differences, such as occur between Will and Beggar. There is also poverty in the novel, as exemplified in Stink’s appearance. Yet, despite his behaviour, I hope he is presented sympathetically. None of us are born bullies.

Continued on page 12

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COMMUNITY NEWS BZ Love and loss are seen repeatedly throughout this novel, through Beggar, Stink, Ted, Grace and Miriam.

What is the significance behind these earthly experiences in this text, and how do they affect the overall message and plot of the novel? Do these experiences make or break each character? Do they seem to strengthen or weaken each character and their perspective on humanity to create more empathy?

JB I would say that to love is to lose. But not to love is worse, because in that case, we lose life. As for whether love and loss make or break characters, sometimes we have to break in order to heal in a new form. I think this is Miriam’s story, as well as Beggar Creeden’s, and others’.

big hats. People walked to their work. They spent much more time out of doors. They haunted the trails and woods on the edge of town. They swam in the rivers in summer and skated on them in the winter. Life was harsher then. But I believe there was more merriment.

There were no screens to embalm people in solitude.

I think class differences are less obvious now, though they still exist. More people have more stuff. The rank poverty that existed in the old days has mostly disappeared. The town is expanding. In 1914 the population was only about 4,000. It is now several times that. Many travel to jobs in distant cities. Some find the focus of their lives there. One thing that persists is the geography. The hills and the rivers still cup the centre of town, inspiring thoughts that the place is somehow special.

BZ Your novel takes place in old Paris, Ontario. If at all, do you think the town this story was set in has greatly changed physically, socially and economically *Book reviewed by Bailey Zimmer. John graciously since the time period your novel is set in? How or how answered her questions and addressed her not? observations. If you want to learn more about this book, catch John tomorrow at the Paris Library!

JB The town has changed much since those early days.

During the Great War its streets were filled with many horses and a few cars. Women wore long dresses and

Horticultural members clean up adopted road On June 18th, 10 members of the Paris Horticultural Society met at the fairgrounds, donning their safety vests and gloves as they picked up garbage along Keg Lane over to Trussler Road. PHS members do this pick up twice every summer to help keep our town clean. Pictured are Pat Moore, Patti Gladding, Sarah Jean Green, Nancy Burkholder and Edith Stone.

Absent from the photo are Bob Hasler, Pat Hasler-Watts, Marie & Ron Richardson.

Photo by Nancy Chipman

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EDITORIAL Keep in mind – the Fairgrounds are privately owned and operated The judging trailer used at various PAS events (to the left) was so badly damaged it had to be discarded.

Trespassers had broken into it, thrown garbage outside and were using it as a party place. Below, ruts left behind from joy riders. Anyone who’s parked at the fairgrounds knows how disruptive this can be when you’re trying to get from the parking lot to an event.

Editorial: Casandra Turnbull The Paris Agricultural Society is closing in on 100 years of service in this community.

They promote and conserve agriculture throughout the County of Brant and surrounding areas through its annual fair and provide facilities to enrich the health and education of the community.

This vibrant facility is used year-round for numerous trade shows, weddings, celebrations and community fundraisers and meetings. The gates are always opened and the public is always welcome – but that might soon change.

Vandals and trespassers have left a trail of destruction and utter disrespect behind and it’s beginning to take a tole on the two full time and one part time staff who operate the facility.

While the odd trespasser and piece of garbage or reports of damage have occurred in the past, it seems the last two years have really brought on a slew of problems for the privately owned facility. And the key words are: privately owned.

If you’re going to walk your dog around the Continued on page 14

Publisher Managing Editor Advertising Sales Photographer News Reporter Columnist News Reporter

Chris Whelan Casandra Turnbull Chris Whelan Michelle Malvaso Carolina Saenz Karon Sinning Bailey Zimmer

STATEMENT We are a non profit organization made up of like minded volunteers from our community with the main purpose of providing our community of Paris and area with a trustworthy and reliable source of community news. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of everything we publish, we regret any errors that may occur. We limit our liability to that of printing a retraction upon notification of such errors in the next available publication. Our mail and Email addresses are listed below:

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EDITORIAL track, rather than utilize the public dog park on Green Lane, have a little respect and scoop the poop. If you’re on the grounds for any reason, pick up your litter – this is just common sense. If you’re asked to leave because you’re trespassing, don’t swear and demean the staff who are just doing their job. And in case you are confused, the dump is a few roads over on Railway Street, so use it to bring your unwanted trash because the minimal staff and volunteers at the society really don’t want to pick up your garbage.

Two weeks ago, the electronic recycle bin was removed from the property because people couldn’t follow simple rules: drop off electronics only, leave things in the bin and don’t break the lock to steal contents. Unfortunately, a few self-centred, ignorant individuals ruined a good, environmentally friendly initiative for the community.

These are just a few ongoing issues the agricultural society reported to the Paris Independent recently.

They’re also dealing with more serious concerns, burnt property, buildings and temporary huts broken into, locks and fences cut and damage to the parking lot from ruts left behind after joy riders come through.

Let’s remember that the staff and volunteers who clean up these disturbances, are taking time away from running the facility, which is operating at full capacity now.

They must ensure the safety of grounds for each and every event that takes place and with restrictions lifted, events are happening on a regular basis now. It will also come at a cost for the non-profit organization, and that cost will come out of the $100,000 of in-kind rental reductions the organization offers to community events, fundraisers, and service clubs each year. It will come at a cost to residents when rental fees are increased or when events are cancelled because the damage is too great. It will come at a cost of the public who will no longer enjoy the beauty of the grounds because the gate will be locked at all times.

Paris Agricultural Society Manager Cheryl Muir stated, “The bad has been outnumbering the good lately and we may be forced to start locking our gates and ask the police to lay charges. We certainly don’t want to resort

to that. We are here for the community but at the same time, we must ensure that we provide a safe, attractive area to those who pay money to rent the grounds. Nor do we want to be held legally liable for the poor decisions made by others.”

So, let’s move forward with respect and kindness. Next time someone asks you to leave a privately owned facility, don’t look them in the eye and spew a bunch of verbal diarrhea. Talk to your teenagers and remind them that trespassing or doing doughnuts in the parking lot might land them in the back of a police cruiser. Remember the next time you drop some litter or leave some poop behind that it might be a 16-year-old volunteer or summer student cleaning up after your mess.

Let’s just exercise some common sense and keep it classy Paris. This is private property, treat it as such.

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H E A LT H Y L I F E S T Y L E

Five tips to staying on track this summer Just for the Health of It! with Coach Shell

1) Workout Routine: Keep up your workout routine. This is super important. Just going out for a jog or hiking with your kids is great, but not enough to continue with your fitness goals. If you were in a good workout routine in the spring it is super important that you keep it up over the summer. If you don't like working out indoors take it outside with weights & a set of stairs. You need to do strength training at least 2x a week for best results.

2) Hydrate: It is super important to hydrate, especially in the summer when you are sweating more in the heat. Aim for at least 3L of water daily.

3) Keep It Simple: Eat the same one or two breakfasts and snacks daily and just switch up your lunch and dinner.

Take some time this summer to focus on your goals and stay on track.

Photo submitted by Coach Shell

4) Calories IN: If you are hot and not hungry grab something that is easy to eat like a shake or salad and load up the calories easily. You want to ensure you are eating enough!

5) Lunch & Supper: Ensure you are having high protein meals with a little carb & a little fat at each meal and then load your plate with veg. This will ensure optimum health.

Coach Shell is the proud owner of Gaudet Fitness Solutions (aka GFS). She runs classes in person and online, offers video recordings of classes daily, and has coached hundreds of women to better health and wellness with her B-Lean Nutrition program. She also runs 3-4 large weight loss challenges each year that women in Paris and surrounding areas love to join.

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H E A LT H Y L I F E S T Y L E

Finding flexibility – on and off the matt Yoga Moment with Heidi Pfleger

Most people are drawn to yoga for physical reasons. Some people come to yoga because they have lower back issues. Others are noticing a decline in flexibility.

Some are finding it difficult to breathe deeply. Yoga can certainly help with these concerns but there is much more in the offering, both on and off the mat.

Improved Body Awareness

appreciation for your body as it is. In other words, how your A Harvard study found that body feels becomes far more people who practiced yoga are important than how your body typically more aware of their looks. Amen. bodies and also less critical of their bodies. This comes as no Greater Sense of Calm and surprise as yoga develops an Ease inner awareness that goes There’s a lot that goes on when beyond physical appearance. we do a pose on the mat, The practice of yoga focuses especially for the first time. your attention on what your There’s fear of not being able to body is able to do in the do it. There’s frustration in moment. It helps develop a having to hold the pose longer strength of mind, body and than you want to. There’s inner breath that goes beyond talk (often not good) about physical appearance and, yourself and, yes, your teacher.

Continued on page 17 ultimately, cultivates an

Here are just a few of the benefits one can expect from a regular yoga practice.

Greater Focus and Ability to Concentrate Balance poses practiced in yoga actually require more focus than strength and that can be challenging. With so much sensory stimulation around us it is difficult to focus and concentrate. The more you practice balance poses, the greater your ability to focus and concentrate which can be brought into other areas of your life.

The obvious benefits of yoga are improved flexibility and concentration, but did you know you can harness these skills in other areas of your life, off the yoga matt?

Photo submitted by Heidi Pfleger

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H E A LT H Y L I F E S T Y L E I’ll be the first to admit I have cursed many of my teachers while holding a pose. In the end, I managed to get through the fear, frustration and resentment I had (toward myself for not being able to do the pose and toward my teacher for having me do it).

Getting through it all made me realize that I can get through anything and that there’s really no need to get worked up about anything. And so, I developed a sense of calm and ease that I carry throughout my daily life. You can have that experience too!

Mindful Eating and Weight Loss People who start to do yoga soon realize that scarfing down two Big Macs shortly after in the drive-thru really isn’t good for them. And, while they once had a campaign that claimed their Egg McMuffin was “the Hot Yoga of Breakfasts” (I’m sure I still have that full page magazine ad somewhere), there’s really nothing yogaesque about Egg McMuffins.

A Harvard study discovered that people who practiced yoga were more mindful eaters.

This means that, not only were their food choices better, their manner in eating was far better. Mindful eaters tend to chew their food more thoroughly. They also take time to sit down and enjoy their meal. As a result, less food was required to satiate them which led to weight loss. There probably were some participants who still ate the occasional Egg McMuffin, and that’s okay.

Enhanced Fitness and Cardiovascular Benefits Studies have found that a regular practice of yoga results in greater muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and cardio-respiratory

fitness. More specifically, a regular practice in yoga can help to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels in people with non-insulin dependent diabetes, reducing their need for medications. As a result, yoga is often included in many cardiac rehabilitation programs due to its cardiovascular and stress-relieving benefits off the mat.

If you are interested in finding out more about yoga and its benefits on and off that mat and/or if you want to help our local food bank, come join me Monday evenings at Kingsward Park. Outdoor classes are being held from July 4 to August 8th and classes run from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Bring your own mat. Proceeds are going to Our Little Free Pantry, a local food bank that is located outside the Paris Optimist Club building at 2 Elm Street in Paris and is accessible to all.

Recommended $10 or pay what you can.

Visit www.yogawithheidi.ca for more information or call 519 755 1447.

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S P O RT S Skaters pass the test!

The Paris Figure Skating Club held its Spring Skating Test Day last week. The following skaters achieved accomplishments: Trillium Gazdewich, Star 8 Skill & Starlight Waltz; Edie Cowan, Star 7 Artistic & European Waltz; Abbey Dubecki, Ten-Fox; Julia Wills, Tango & Rocker Foxtrot; Megan Wilson, Kilian; Lauren Tiller, Rhumba.

Pictured left are Megan and Camryn Wilson.

Photo by Jenn Wilson Pictured below is Julia Wills performing her Tango dance routine before the judges.

Photo by Tracie Witteveen-Wills

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S P O RT S Paris teams travel to Kingston This super cool bunch (left) is Paris FC U9 girls in Kingston at the First Capital Festival last weekend. They had a great day full of action, which included four 25-minute games, in order to allow everyone from far away to play each other. This was their first travel festival experience!

Paris FC photo

Also pictured are Paris FC U18 girls representing at the Kingston First Capital tournament last weekend.

Way to go girls!

Pairs FC photo

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COMMUNITY NEWS Yarn Bombing forged by an everlasting friendship MEDIA RELEASE- On June 17th, we had the pleasure of yarn bombing the fence lining the property of the Bell Homestead Historic Site, home of the former father of the telephone Alexander Graham Bell in Brantford.

“We reached out to the Sensity community and the community at large asking people to put their knitting and crocheting skills to work to support us. I’m overwhelmed by the response,” said Samantha Gaspar, Communications and Events Coordinator at Sensity.

Activity Coordinator, Brittany Vautour put together a yarn bombing resource that invited participants to try different styles that didn’t involve

Individual who is deafblind, Connie and intervenor Kelly, staple squares onto fence.

Photo credit: Sensity Deafblind & Sensory Network

knitting. Pom poms, tassels and perfectly. We were so happy to yarn wrapping – to name a few. partner with Brantford Parks & Recreation Department to bring People who are deafblind and this all together,” said Gaspar. their intervenors, who are the specially trained support The installations feature QR workers who help them with codes that visitors can scan with communicating and navigating their smart phone to learn more the world, participated in an about deafblindness, Sensity and installation day last Friday, and its programs including a second installation will be Intervenor Services, and taking place June 24 inside the Deafblind International, which Sensory garden. spearheaded the global yarn bombing initiative.

We invite the public to stop by to have a look at the colourful, As Keller wrote in her first tactile street art and learn more autobiography, The Story of My about deafblindness.

Life, which she dedicated to Bell, writing, “To Alexander “The friendship between Helen Graham Bell, who has taught the Keller, the most famous person deaf to speak and enabled the who was deafblind, and listening ear to hear speech from Alexander Graham Bell, ties the the Atlantic to the Rockies.” celebrations for this month

Individual who is deafblind, Chey adding knitted squares onto fence

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COMMUNITY NEWS County has approved over 44 community improvement projects aimed to enhance downtown cores Did you know there is a Downtown Improvement Committee that oversees the beautification of all downtown cores in towns across Brant?

The Downtown Paris Community Improvement Plan was adopted by Council in 2016 and Community Improvement Plans for downtown Burford and St. George were adopted by council in 2019.

Economic Development staff currently manage and administer the Downtown Community Improvement Plans across the three communities and to date 44 Downtown Community Improvement Plan applications have been approved by council, 34 projects have been completed, six are underway and four applications have been withdrawn. Total construction value of the approved projects so far is $1,039,363 The ultimate purpose of the committee is to protect downtown cores from suburban retail growth, which has long been a concern in Paris – especially with all the commercial development off Rest Acres Road.

To assist with this upkeep and ensuring Paris’ core remains vibrant and healthy, there are several grants property owners can apply for, including: façade improvement grant, downtown housing improvement grant, property and private parking area improvement grant, planning and building application fee grant, and the adaptive commercial reuse grant.

To learn more about this plan, visit https://www.brant.ca/en/invest-inbrant/resources/CIP/Final-Paris-CIP-March2019.pdf

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COUNTY NEWS Community digest: Seen and heard around town this week…

NO WASHROOMS AT OPTIMIST PARK The County of Brant is not bringing in a portapotty to Optimist Park this year so it might be a good idea to use the facilities before you head out to play baseball or if you’re bringing the littles to the park this summer. The reason is because the park is only rented out once a week this summer for a Ladies 3-pitch league for two hours. There are no other rentals from other organizations there this summer. Revenue for grooming the field, lining and grass cutting is only about $767 for the season, reports Kathy Ballantyne, Parks & Recreation Manager. “The additional cost of a portable washroom would be approximately $100 a month, and there are not enough rentals at the location to justify the cost,” she explained.

SPEED HUMPBS ON BANFIELD Speed humps were installed on Banfield Street and will remain in place until November. The speed control measure was requested by an area resident through the Brant Safe Streets Program.

Residents in that neighbourhood received letters this past week advising the speed humps will be located between Alexander Ave and Warwick Street and between Alexander Ave and Jury Street.

Banfield Street will be the piolet project with more traffic calming measures planned for other areas of the county. If you have a traffic related concern, report it to the Brant Safe Streets Program.

WALNUT LANE Councillor Steve Howes recently announced that after a lot of conversations with residents from the Flats, Walnut Lane is finally on the radar for some

much-needed repairs. The lane, which runs parallel to Willow & Walnut Streets (behind the houses that are both streets), is in rough shape. County staff is working on a detailed survey to determine the details of the project, which will include resurfacing. Work is slated into the Capital plans over the next 2-3 years.

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COUNTY NEWS DOWNTOWN PARKING STRUCTURE

You might recall that there was a lot of hype preCovid about a multi-million-dollar parking structure planned for Paris downtown core – on Broadway St W where the former Cedar House Restaurant was located. The structure was an integral part of the Downtown Paris Master Plan but detailed designs for the project were delayed because of the pandemic, said Alison Newton, General Manager of Strategic Initiatives. The county hopes to open public consultation this fall, however, the fate of the project will lie in the hands of the new council elected in October.

Right now, the project is on hold pending the outcome of the election and because there was an additional parking lot added downtown last year after the old OPP station was demolished. The county is also monitoring how work from home arrangements have impacted the need for more parking. If you’d like to find out more about the Downtown Master Plan, subscribe to updates at https://www.brant.ca/en/countygovernment/master-plan-for-downtown-paris.aspx TOURISM COMMITTEE UPDATE During a June Tourism Advisory Committee meeting, Russell Press and Donna Clements, Tourism Coordinator, advised the County was funded approximately $111,000 from the federal and provincial government in the height of the pandemic. The funding was used towards a google map program, social media and digital assets, the Responsible Safe Visitation Program and various guides.

Several marketing and promotion guides with partners were also completed, including Brant Farms for All that helps promote the agricultural sector. Kayla Cicman, Arts, Culture, and Heritage Officer, advised arts, culture and heritage projects

have resumed, including the Heritage Advisory Committee, standardization of procedures, and strategic planning for an official strategy has commenced. She also advised of The Heart of Brant project being a virtual space that aims to connect the Arts, Culture and Heritage Community which provides information and resources to the sector.

EXPECT DEALYS ON KING EDWARD STREET THIS SUMMER

Reconstruction is beginning on June 27 on King Edward Street between Misner Road and Bishopsgate Road (also Highway#2 from Puttown Road to Governors Road). Traffic will be reduced to one lane during working hours and open to two lanes overnight and on weekends. Work is expected to wrap up by September 30th.

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COUNTY NEWS Surprise reveal at the Cowan Community Health Hub Donor Appreciation event

CONTACT US

26 Park Avenue, P.O. Box 160, Burford, Ontario N0E 1A0 Brant County

Photo courtesy: The County of Brant

MEDIA RELEASE: On June 23, 2022, the County of Brant hosted a private event to mark the official ribbon cutting of the Cowan Community Health Hub and thank over 190 generous donors for their contributions.

“This campaign was incredibly successful because of the generosity of the community,” said Mayor David Bailey. “Because of the community, we now have a state-of-the-art health hub; improving access to health and social services for all residents.”

At the event, a surprise reveal delighted attendees.

Donor, Mr. Ron Underwood, made a substantial donation and arranged to surprise his wife by naming the Community Kitchen in her honour; the ‘Joan Underwood Community Kitchen’.

The Underwood Family moved to the County of Brant over 50 years ago. “For all of those years, Joan and I worked at the 100-year-old White Mop Wringer Company in Paris whose company name

was changed to Advantage Maintenance Products many years ago,” said Ron Underwood. “We also resided, as a family, for most of these years in Paris. When the construction of the Cowan Community Health Hub was announced, Joan, in particular, was adamant that our family business, Advantage Maintenance Products, and the family be a significant supporter of this new Health Hub. The offer by the Hub fundraising campaign to name the building’s kitchen facilities as the ‘Joan Underwood Community Kitchen’ was greatly appreciated.”

The fundraising goal was $2 million dollars and by the end of the campaign, over $2.4 million has been raised.

The Cowan Community Health Hub is located at 25 Curtis Ave. N., Paris, and is approximately 41,000 square feet. To view the list of health and social services, visit www.brant.ca/HealthHub.

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The History of The White Mop Wringer Company and Paris Photos and sources: Waterloo University, Advantage Maintenance Products website, Bio of Cassius White

Paris Past By

Chris Whelan Patented in 1891, Cassius White of Vermont invented the wooden mop wringer in a Canadian maple syrup bucket. The White Mop Wringer Company incorporated in 1901 and moved to NY, and was later sold to Lee Vedder who, in the early 1920s, travelled to Detroit on business. His route took him through Ontario where his favourite Today White Mop Canada is known as Advantage Maintenance Products overnight stop became the Arlington Hotel, in Paris. Vedder identified Canada as a market to expand into and decided to set up a branch plant for manufacturing and assembly in downtown Paris.

Employee & National Sales Manager, Ron Underwood purchased the Paris operation in 1991. Ron brought with him a thorough understanding of the Canadian market and the industry as a whole. Under Ron’s leadership, WMWC of Canada began transitioning from being a manufacturer to becoming a wholesale distributor for the Canadian market.

In spite of an economically challenging environment, the 1990s were a time of great opportunity for a driven entrepreneur. Benefitting from Ron’s vision of diversification and forethought to align the company with suppliers of innovative products, WMWC of Canada moved into its current 72,000 square foot head office and distribution center at 105 Scott Avenue in Paris in 1992. The company was renamed Advantage Maintenance Products in 1999 and ownership has passed to Ron's son, John. Another longtime Paris success story!

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ASTROLOGY

June 25, 2022

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June 25, 2022

ASTROLOGY

Did you enjoy these horoscopes? Would you like to learn more about Tina and the services she offers from Full Readings – Tarot – Energy – Medium to Animal Readings and Cleansing of Homes, visit her online at https://www.facebook.com/Tina.Graziano.Energy.Reader/?ref=page_internal

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Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford For Saturday June 25th, 2022 Lightyear Standard 12:40p.m. 1:30p.m. 3:30p.m. 4:20p.m. 7:00p.m. 9:50p.m.

3D 6:20p.m. 9:10p.m.

Jurassic World Dominion Standard 11:20a.m. 11:50a.m. 2:50p.m. 3:20p.m. 6:45p.m. 10:10p.m.

3D 6:15p.m. 9:40p.m.

Top Gun: Maverick Standard 12:30p.m. 3:40p.m. 6:50p.m. 10:15p.m.

Elvis Standard 11:30a.m. 3:00p.m. 6:30p.m. 10:00p.m.

The Black Phone Standard 11:30a.m. 2:10p.m. 4:50p.m. 7:30p.m.

10:05p.m.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Standard 11:40a.m. 2:50p.m. 6:10p.m. 9:30p.m.

Spirit Untamed Standard 11:00a.m.

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