The Paris Independent for Saturday May 28th, 2022

COMMUNITY GARDEN SEASON BEGINS. Pages 14-16 SAFE FAMILIES OPENS LOCAL CHAPTER. Story on page 20-21

Your Community Newspaper

The Paris Independent Saturday, May 28, 2022

THIS WEEK In Community

Proudly Serving Paris & Area

PDF Emailed $3.99/month

TRAIL OF DESTRUCTION

BREAKFAST FROM THE FARM! Pages 6-7

In Politics

Photo credits: Left, Steve Howes; bottom left, Drew Skuce; and bottom, County of Brant

MAYOR SEEKS RE-ELECTION Page 12-13 In Community

ENCHANTING DREAMS! Pages 17-19

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

Last Saturday’s storm left behind a trail of destruction. Local hydro crews, first responders and municipality staff worked together to clean up following the storm that blew in and out within 10 minutes. See story on pages 4&5.

County Offices Closed

The Paris Independent

2

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY CALENDAR REC EXPO TODAY– Hosted by The County of Brant on Saturday, May 28 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Burford Community Centre. The FREE event is your one-stop-shop for information on sports and recreation groups, organizations and clubs in the County of Brant and neighbouring municipalities.

For more information visit brant.ca/RecExpo PARIS COMMUNITY SAFETY GROUP BIKE RODEO - Formally known as the Paris Community Policing Committee, will be holding their annual Bike Rodeo on Saturday June 11, 2022 10 am.- 12 pm. At the Brant Sports Complex Upper parking lot. Free event, prizes available.

Ages 4-13 HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEETINGJune 1st 7:30 pm at the Paris Fairgrounds. Guest speaker is Rosemarie Szalichon on the topic of Garden Composting. Everyone welcome; masks optional.

IN PERSON KNITTERS GROUP- Paris Library Branch on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm or ScotlandOakland Branch on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. *Participants must wear masks while attending inperson programs. Knitting Clubs are free drop-in clubs; registration is not required to attend; participants must bring their own supplies.

The Paris Independent

3

May 28,2022

COMMUNITY CALENDAR YARD SALE, BAKE TABLE & BOOKS .

-Saturday, June 4, 2022 at St. Paul’s United Church, 48 Broadway St. W., Paris from 8:00 a.m. – Noon. Coffee & Muffins available.

Donations accepted call 519-442-4223 DON’T BE SCAMMED, PROTECT YOURSELF! The Paris Community Safety Group is hosting a guest speaker from RBC on June 13th, 7 pm at the Brant OPP detachment community room. Discussions held around protecting your personal banking from being compromised (such as identity theft, senior’s scams, etc).

PARIS CRAFT CRAWL- Saturday, June 25&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.

PARIS SENIORS CLUB–St. James Anglican Church - OPEN ALL YEAREuchre and tile rummy start at 1:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Bridge club starts at 1 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays. General admission is $1.00 and includes light refreshments. Everyone aged 55 and older welcome. For information contact Brenda 519442-2032.

4

The Paris Independent

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Destructive storm rips apart infrastructure and claims lives

By Casandra Turnbull A severe storm swept through Ontario and Quebec last weekend, leaving devastation in its wake. Ten people lost their lives and hydro crews were still working throughout the week to clear debris and restore power to customers across both provinces.

Saturday’s derecho squall line storm was one of the most destructive in Ontario’s modern history. In Brant County, the OPP reported that one person died and two were injured when a tree fell on a trailer at Pinehurst Provincial Park just outside of Paris. All three people were taken to hospital where 27-year-old Shelby Humble-Neale, of Brantford, succumbed to her injuries. The storm blew in just after 12 pm on Saturday of the May long weekend. Wind gusts exceeded 130 kilometres per hour at times,

This was a familiar sight – trees down on roads and properties across Brant County following last Saturday’s storm.

Photo by Michelle Malvaso

toppling trees, bending hydro poles and sending debris into the air all within a matter of minutes. GrandBridge Energy deployed hydro crews across its service territory in Cambridge, North Dumfries, Brant County and Brantford, to restore power and remove trees from

Publisher Managing Editor Advertising Sales Photographer News Reporter Columnist News Reporter

powerlines. “In addition to downed powerlines and trees on branches, the wind caused broken wood poles and damaged other GrandBridge Energy equipment,” said Sheri Ojero, Manager of Corporate Communications.

Continued on page 5

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:

Published Weekly on Saturday

PO BOX 99900 LA 012 395 STN MAIN PARIS, ON, CANADA N3L 0C3 Email: theparisindependent@gmail.com

The Paris Independent

5

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS High winds left approximately 40,000 residents without power with a brunt of the damage hitting Galt and the North Dumfries areas where 36,5000 people were affected.

Line crews, system operators and customer service staff were working steadily throughout the weekend and by Tuesday morning, all but 40 customers were restored. An updated from the utility Thursday afternoon advised all customers were connected to the grid.

GrandBridge Energy would like to remind homeowners that the local distribution company maintains the equipment up to the point of demarcation, which is where the electrical wires attach to the house. When storms of this magnitude hit, it’s important to know your responsibilities as a homeowner. More information is available at: https://www.energyplus.ca/en/safety/customer-

owned-equipment.aspx GrandBridge also thanked local fire and police services as well as the municipalities who worked in cooperation to safely respond to reports of downed powerlines and other damage caused by the high winds.

“GrandBridge Energy also thanks our customers for their patience while we safely restored power.

We appreciate customers sharing information on areas where there were downed powerlines and branches on lines,” said Ojero Saturday’s severe weather also resulted in the closure of Grand River Conservation Authority trails and natural areas due to tree damage, affecting the Cambridge-Brantford Rail Trail, SC Johnson Trail (Paris to Brantford), BrantfordHamilton Rail Trail and Elora-Cataract Trailway.

The Paris Independent

6

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

From the farm to your table How does it happen?

Erica Sayles will represent Bridon Farms at the ‘Breakfast from the Farm’ event taking place in Paris next weekend. Learn how your food lends up on your plate! Tickets are available now. Photo provided by Erica Sayles

By Casandra Turnbull Educating consumers on where their food comes from is nothing new for 25-year-old Erica Sayles.

She grew up on a farm and fell in love with the lifestyle at an early age. Naturally, she wanted to share that wisdom and bring awareness to the agri-food industry in Brant County. So, at the height of the pandemic, she

turned to virtual platforms to share her message. She started a TikTok account called @JerseyWow and has amassed close to 60,000 followers. The purpose was simple - educate consumers about where their food comes from and encourage people to support local farmers.

“With a bit of humour and some information coming right from the source, engaging people has

been a great journey, leading to many meaningful conversations and questions,” said Sayles. She is part of a family operated dairy farm, Bridon Farms Inc, located just outside of Paris. They are a two-time recipient of the Jersey Master Breeder award and have also been honoured with the Holstein Master Breeder award.

Continued on page 7

The Paris Independent

7

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Bridon Farms is one of many agricultural experts who will be at next weekend’s Breakfast from the Farm event taking place at the Paris Fairgrounds on June 4th. The event is hosted by Farm & Food Care Ontario whose mandate is to build public trust in food and farming in Ontario and across Canada.

“I hope people can learn something about food production at this event but more importantly that they see farmers as people who also want to provide high quality and safe products to their own families,” said Sayles. She is eager to represent Bridon Farms at the walk-thru style event. Sayles graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science Majoring in Animal Sciences. She sat on the Paris Agricultural Society board from 2016 to 2021 and is a past Paris Fair Ambassador (2016). She went on to be the CNE Ambassador of Fairs and had the opportunity to visit fairs across the province and often brought her experiences back to this community. She works in the agricultural industry today and still lends a hand on the family farm.

There’s no better way to find out how your food is prepared than to ask the people who fill your plate each day. This event will

provide that unique opportunity for farmers and non-farmers to have a conversation about food and farming, said Lauren Miller, Junior Director on the Paris Agricultural Society (PAS) Board of Directors and a cochair for the Agricultural Awareness Committee. She also happens to be the Farm & Food Care Ontario’s (FFCO) new Communications Co-ordinator.

“Volunteers on site will help visitors experience a guided tour of livestock and farm equipment with opportunities to have their questions answered by local farmers,” said Miller. “Visitors will leave with a grocery bag packed with delicious Ontario breakfast ingredients valued at $50+.”

Admission into the event is $20/car. Guests will park and then walk through the event, which was originally scheduled as a drive-thru but recently changed when restrictions loosened. There will be no onsite sales and people are encouraged to pre-register to ensure they don’t miss out.

Between the PAS, Brant County Federation of Agriculture and FFCO, there will be 80+ volunteers distributing knowledge and locally grown products.

FFCO has partnered with communities to bring this event

province-wide since its inception in 2012. Event locations are selected by an application process, said Miller.

“The Paris Agricultural Society’s interest in hosting, along with their proximity to our urban and suburban target audience and a passionate team of volunteers, made the Paris Fairgrounds a great fit.”

If you’d like to register for this event, visit https://www.farmfoodcareon.org /breakfast-on-the-farm-pastevents/breakfast-from-the-farm2/

Erica Sayles has amassed close to 60,000 followers on TikTok through her account @JerseyWow, which educates viewers on the local farming industry. She is also a past Paris Fair Ambassador, pictured above.

May 28, 2022

8

The Paris Independent

SOME OF THE PROMINENT FARMS IN PARIS OVER 100 YEARS AGO Photos Courtesy: The Paris Museum & Historical Society

Paris Past By Chris Whelan Hamilton Place Stable This photo on the right is Circa 1895 – and is of the stable at 165 Grand River Street North Paris. Shown here is the family of Paul Wickson who was a wellknown Canadian artist. Wickson spent much his early years in England learning the arts. He met his future wife, Elizabeth Hamilton or Lizzie as she was better known, of Paris, Ontario in 1884 while she was visiting England with her stepmother. Wickson was invited to accompany the two women back to Canada and he and Lizzie were married shortly thereafter. Wickson and Lizzie returned to England, but Wickson had fallen in love with Hamilton Place and Paris and they returned there to raise their family and allow Paul to paint in the belvedere above the home. Wickson died in 1922 while sitting in his garden at the age of 62. The home has changed little since the time of Wickson but the stable and greenhouse seen here in the photo have long been torn down.

Hamilton Place is a three-storey cobblestone building that was designed by Andrew J. Minney in the early 1840s. The house was first inhabited by Norman Hamilton, He made his fortune in gypsum mining and distilling liquor, with an additional hog farm on the side. It is said that he fed his hogs with leftover grain from the distillation process and that Keg Lane is named after Hamilton’s whiskey barrel operation. After Norman’s death, the house would later be inhabited by his daughter, Elizabeth Hamilton, and her husband Paul Giovanni Wickson, an artist renowned for his paintings of animals and rural scenes.

LEFT: Hamilton Place was built in the Greek Revival style that flourished along the eastern and southern portions of North America. The house was the only house in Paris to be designed by a bona fide architect, an American by the name of Andrew J. Minny. Built at the height of the Greek revival style, it incorporates all the features that had been perfected on the eastern seaboard of the United States, through less ostentatious than the norm there.

The Paris Independent

May 28, 2022

9

THESE WELL-KNOWN AREAS OF PARIS WERE ONCE FARMS Photos Courtesy: The Paris Museum & Historical Society Left: This photograph depicts William Granville Curtis Farm 1803-1843.

Curtis purchase 500 acres of land and built Broomhill, which would have existed at 96 Curtis Ave South today. By the time of his death, he had 1300 acres and owned a third interest in the gypsum mines

Right: This photograph depicts Horace Capron's farmhouse in Paris, Ontario, as it was during the 19th century. Today it is the site of the Telfer Place retirement home. This photograph was scanned from an album once owned by Mary Capron Mapes, a relative of Horace's through his son Charles Bruce Capron. It was donated by Pat Reece thanks to her mother, Margaret Capron Jones, who has researched her family's history in Paris. The house still stands as part of Telfer Place.

Left: In 1911, just a few years prior to the outbreak of World War I, Edward Rubidge Crombie settled on Gilston Farm at the bottom of Mile Hill in the south end of Paris.

Once a war time onion farm, it is now known as Fould’s survey. One of the streets in the survey is named Gilston Parkway in honour of the farm that once occupied the entire survey. The large farmhouse was moved and renovated and still sits along the banks of the Grand.

The Paris Independent

10

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Chamber resumes networking events with Inaugural Mayor’s Luncheon

By Casandra Turnbull If the last two years has taught us anything, it’s how to communicate and network, virtually. It was trying at times, but it did become highly effective. While the virtual method opens new ‘windows’, there’s a lot to be said about good old fashioned, in-person networking. It’s a tried-and-true method of bringing a community together, building strength in numbers and creating new pathways for thriving neighborhoods.

The Paris & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to return to in-person networking events, the very foundation of its business model to connect members and build relationships.

One way to make a presence in the community is to host the inaugural Mayor’s Luncheon on Monday, June 6th. The idea was discussed between Chamber Board Members and County of Brant Mayor David Bailey before the pandemic hit.

“The pandemic delayed the launch as we really wanted this to be an in-person event,” said Susan Morton, President of the

Paris & District Chamber of Telegraph Centre, doors open at Commerce.

11:30 am and the luncheon begins at noon. Tickets are $40 “We wanted to highlight the (plus tax) per seat for current partnership between the Paris PDCC members, $50 (plus tax) and District Chamber of for non members and $300 (plus Commerce and the County of tax) for a table of 8. Once Brant and how that relationship expenses to host the event are supports and strengthens local covered, the remaining proceeds businesses to ensure our will go to support Jason’s communities remain vibrant,” Wheelhouse, a non-profit she said, adding that Mayor organization designed to be an Bailey has been very responsive inclusive and barrier-free to the Chamber’s work, so it was environment for people with a win-win opportunity to honour higher needs of any age. his accomplishments and dedication.

Sponsored by Enbridge Gas, the event will Continued on page 11 take place at the Dominion

Mayor David Bailey at the 2021 Paris & District Chamber of Commerce AGM. Photo credit: Jason Freeze/BScene

The Paris Independent

11

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Mayor Luncheon speakers include Mayor Bailey, Murray Costello, Director of Southeast Region Operations for Enbridge Gas and Susan Morton. Attendees will be given the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers.

Some topics up for discussion will include supports provided to local businesses, updates on growth projections and infrastructure and the outlook for the County of Brant, said Mayor Bailey. Guests will be provided with an agenda prior to the luncheon.

“We’re much stronger when we bring our collective ideas together. Collaboration and partnerships have been key to the success of business during the pandemic and will continue to be so,” said Bailey.

The Paris & District Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in 1998. It currently has 130 members and is actively recruiting new members. They’re also reaching out to past members whose memberships lapsed during the pandemic to continue to strengthen their membership base.

In addition to this event, the Chamber is hosting a Meet and Greet with MP Larry Brock on June 28 at the Paris Beer Co. at Wincey Mills. Then they will swing their focus to the municipal elections, with plans to host candidates’ forums on September 28th (councillors) and October 6 (mayoral). A chamber social event is also scheduled for September 29th at Tim Hortons Onondaga Farms. All this in conjunction with their regular Business After 5 events and regular member update meetings.

If you’d like to learn more about the Chamber, the Mayor’s Luncheon, or any of their planned events for 2022, visit https://www.pariscoc.ca/

There’s still time to catch the Ace! It’s hiding and the grand prize is up for grabs Winning has never been easier!

Purchase a ticket, pick an envelope you believe holds the Ace of Spades, see if you’ve won and claim your prize! There is a weekly bonus prize available if you hold the winning raffle number.

You automatically win 20% of that week’s sales!

If you were lucky enough to have chosen the envelope with the Ace of Spades, you also win the Progressive Jackpot!

Half of the proceeds will go directly to charities in this community, supported by The Lions Club of Paris. Deadline to order tickets is Tuesday at 7 pm.

For more information visit https://parislionscatchtheace.ca/

The Paris Independent

12

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Mayor seeking second term Manage development and repair Indigenous relationships are key issues in Mayor Bailey’s re-election bid

By Casandra Turnbull

believes is a testament to the collaborative work they’ve When nominations and achieved in the last four years. registrations opened May 2 for the upcoming municipal “All councillors running again election, Mayor David Bailey means there is trust and that we wasted no time throwing his hat work very well together. We into the ring for another term. don’t fight, we argue points, but He was the first member of we never ever get disrespectful. council to seek re-election.

The status quo seems to be working,” he said.

“I’ve enjoyed making One of the biggest hurdles this connections. The temperature of term was working in unity to the County has changed. handle the influx in There’s lots of diversity now,” development – growth that was said Bailey during a phone all pre-approved 10, even 20, interview with The Paris years ago under the direction of Independent. previous councils.

Despite Creating that change in obstacles and misconstrued temperature, shifting old school information, Bailey said council thought patterns and developing was still able to work together an all-inclusive atmosphere was for a brighter tomorrow. the foundation of his work “We must manage the during his inaugural term. With development. Many people the foundation laid, Bailey don’t understand that we didn’t hopes to hold his position for make these decisions. We are another four years to build on mandated by the province to that success – something he’s double (population) by 2031. confident he can achieve.

We have enough growth (in the He's not the only council pipelines) to meet that quota,” member running again. Almost he stated, adding we can’t resist all County of Brant councillors what’s already approved but we have announced plans to can control how it’s rolled out. campaign, which Bailey

Mayor David Bailey is seeking reelection this fall.

Rather than reject the growth, something that will happen whether we like it or not, Bailey believes we should embrace it and manage it in a sensible fashion.

To help accommodate that growth, the next council will oversee the rollout of infrastructure upgrades.

Zeroing in specifically on Paris, Bailey revealed one major infrastructure project on the horizon will be the replacement of watermains and sewer lines running underneath Grand River Street North.

Continued on page 13

The Paris Independent

13

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS “We need to put to bed the problems of the past. It’s time to get close to the reserve and hold hands with Chief Hill.”

Bailey acknowledged it will be a terrible inconvenience for residents, diverting traffic from the busiest street in town and dealing with the noise and construction pollution during what will be a ‘lengthy process,’ but it’s necessary to support the growth.

While there will be a confirmed roundabout going in at Grand River St N and Trillium Way, Bailey was quick to shut down the concept of a roundabout at Grand River and Silver Street.

“I’ve campaigned against a roundabout near the high school.

There’s too much happening with high school students, the church and a busy hardware store. The logistics of it are mind boggling,” he said.

While traffic concerns remain a big priority for constituents, Bailey said there are plans in the works to address those concerns.

“We met with Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney last month to discuss an exchange at Highway 403 and Bishopsgate Road to take the pressure off Rest Acres Road and the vehicles that pass through downtown Paris,” he shared. As well as plans to install another roundabout at Puttown Road.

When asked about examining the possibility of another high-level bridge over the Grand River from

Paris Links Road to Easter River Road/Green Lane, the Mayor explained why the idea is good in theory but would be difficult to execute.

“The pitch of the river is not good for a bridge and it would cost hundreds of millions of dollars, which we don’t have,” said Bailey, adding the most important factor is that we need to build a better relationship with Indigenous people before we can even consider a project of that magnitude – one that would require their approval and support.

“We need to put to bed the problems of the past. It’s time to get close to the reserve and hold hands with Chief Hill,” said Bailey. In fact, building that relationship with our Indigenous neighbours is a cornerstone of his re-election campaign. He hopes the newly elected council can form a Tri-Council between the County, City of Brantford and Six Nations Reserve.

Tri-council meetings will enable everyone to discuss issues that matter and to work together for resolutions that are respected and supported by all territories.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do. Just before the pandemic Ava Hill (predecessor of Mark Hill) Mayor Davis and myself already had discussions

on how to make this work. We’ve met for lunch with the MP and MPPs to talk about what needs to be done to make things right. I want to be in place when this happens,” said Bailey. Ignoring the strained relationship with Six Nations prevents all communities from moving forward. In fact, during this week’s County of Brant council meeting, council unanimously agreed on a motion, moved by Councillor Steve Howes and seconded by Marc Laferriere, that supports the City of Brantford’s recent motion to move the province and the federal government to release all documents pertaining to the former Mohawk Institute Residential School.

Bailey called it an easy vote to support and stressed that we need to show solidarity and support to our Indigenous friends and neighbours and that all levels of government need to be transparent if we want reconciliation to be achieved.

If you’d like to learn more about Mayor Bailey and his initiatives as he campaigns, visit https://www.facebook.com/bailey .forbrant.3 or get your tickets for the Chamber Luncheon while they are still available. As of right now, Bailey is the only candidate in the mayoral race.

The Paris Independent

14

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY IN BLOOM

Optimistic approach to spring!

Optimist Club members were out last weekend cleaning up the area around their Elm Street building and preparing their community garden for another season of produce. For the second year in a row, the Optimist Club takes care of the garden, and all produce grown is donated to the Little Free Pantry, located right beside the Optimist building. The Paris Horticultural Society donated the soil and Andy Marshall donated the seeds, while Optimist members volunteered their time to tidy up and plant the seeds. Did you know that the Optimist Club also has a free library if you’re looking for a good book to read this summer? If you have books laying around feel free to bring in a book to pass along!

Pictured from left to right are Andy Marshall, Marilyn McCulloch, Cheryl Lambert and Bob Nelson. You can support the Optimist Club by donating your empty liquor/beer bottles and cans at the club today for drop off. All proceeds raised go directly towards youth-based programs and projects in the community. Bottle drives like this one (and there is a drop off bin on site so you can leave your empties any day of the week) has helped the club financially throughout Covid, say Optimist members.

Photo by Carolina Saenz

Equal Ground Community gardeners eager to plant!

On Saturday May 21st, the Equal Ground Community Garden (EGCG) hosted this year’s Plant Pick-Up Day. Members picked up seeds and seedlings, as well as some native plants to get host and community gardens started for the 2022 season. And in celebration of being able to gather and mingle, the day included a BBQ feast, crafts for kids, and even a raffle for a composter, a rain barrel, and a gardening book. From left to right are Meaghan Oosterhoff, Caitlin Schneider, and Natalie Opper Anyone interested in getting involved with the EGCG initiative is encouraged to reach out at equalgroundcommunitygardens@gmail.com Photo by Carolina Saenz

The Paris Independent

15

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY IN BLOOM Horticultural enthusiasts mark your calendar, annual tour one week away!

By Casandra Turnbull There’s a lot of extra hands working behind the scenes to host the Annual Garden Tour, presented by the Paris Horticultural Society.

The preparation for the event takes an entire year. Gardens are selected, photos are taken, maps are made up, brochures are printed and right about now, organizers are in the final stages of planning with their fingers crossed, hoping the weather co-operates.

“It’s a group effort and everyone pitches in,” said Anne Vernon, Chair of the Garden Tour Committee. This year’s event takes place rain or shine on June 4 & June 5th. It’s the 20th anniversary of the first tour and organizers are excited to present six featured gardens that will tease your desire to build that backyard oasis and enhance your very own garden.

“People love the variety of gardens, from small urban gardens to large country properties. There are always special plants, combinations and ideas that they can see and apply to their own gardens,” said Vernon. She joined the Paris Horticultural Society (PHS) in 2016. She was new to town and it was a way for both her and her husband Rick to meet like-minded individuals. Two years after joining, their garden was featured in the 2018 tour. “It can be a bit intimidating at first (having your garden on display), but it is a great way to get your garden into shape for the season,” she shared. “It is always great sharing garden stories, successes and information with other people who visit.”

She added that there’s no better way to improve your wellbeing than to get your hands in the soil, explore nature and lose yourself in your garden while watching something grow from seed!

Anne and Rick co-chaired the event for two years before Anne took over the duties full time. She provided a behind the scenes view of how the events unfold.

“Our committee is busy searching for potential gardens (to feature) immediately after the tour happens as this is one of the toughest parts,” she shared. Once the gardens are selected, two committee members visit the gardens to create a write up for the following year’s brochures and tickets. A map linking all the stops is created and then tickets, posters and postcards are printed.

Publicity for the event generally starts as the ground thaws and winter gives way to spring. This is usually the time when the featured gardeners eagerly wait for the snow to lift so they can begin prepping their yards and brining their display to life.

Continued on page 16

The Paris Independent

16

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY IN BLOOM In 2019, the Garden Tour took on a new dynamic when local artists and musicians were invited to participate at the Garden Tour destinations.

“We introduced live music and artists as a way to enrich the experience. Everyone loves the music and watching the artists work. It’s a great way to cross promote our local artisans and musicians,” said Vernon.

This year there will be 15 individuals participating, including local artists Jeanette Obbink, Jennifer Budd, Christa Potter, Janice Barber and Kris Baker. Susan Jones, Pam Watkins, Heather Davidson and Marg Hutchinson will display their rug hooking skills and finally, musical talents will be on full display by the Little String Orchestra, local harpist Diane Joyner, The Beachnuts Ukulele Group, local guitarists Meghan Edgar and Patrick LeBlanc and Katie’s Children’s Fiddle Group.

Don’t miss out on this year’s Tour. Tickets are available at any of the participating sites (see below ad), or in advance at Sobey’s Floral Department (Paris), Green Heron Books or Walter’s Greenhouse. The event runs both the Saturday and Sunday on the first weekend in June from 10 am to 4 pm.

Anne Vernon is Chair of the Garden Tour Committee. The annual tour takes place June 4 & 5th. Get your tickets now!

The Paris Independent

17

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS ENCHANTING EXPERIENCES Local company brings the magic of fairy tales to life

By Bailey Zimmer Dreams do come true, just ask The Glass Slipper Company.

Since Dec. 1. 2017, Alexandra Boyd has been running The Glass Slipper Company, a business that brings fairy tales to life.

Founded here in Paris, Boyd and her team are dedicated to creating an environment of magic and wonder for believers and dreamers. The Glass Slipper Company breathes life into classic fairy tales and creates lasting memories for all who are lucky to experience the magic.

“These children deserve the opportunity to feel that magic,” said Boyd.

Boyd has pulled her characters from folk and fairy tales, and they represent the classic characters people young and old will know, like the Mermaid Princess, Tower Princess and Sleeping Princess. These characters are beloved to many and Boyd’s excitement to bring them to life is unmatched.

The Glass Slipper Company operates out of Paris. Performers take pride in bringing fairy tale characters to life. Their favourite part of the job is watching a child’s face light up when they meet their hero.

Photos provided by Alexandra Boyd

Boyd is passionate about the human experience and creating as much happiness for others as possible. The joy she sees when children spot their favourite fairy tale character at an event is contagious.

“That first look is one of my favourite things … their eyes just light up, the way their jaw drops, they look like their eyes are going to fall out of their head, they’re so excited,” said Boyd. “Sometimes when the shock hasn’t settled in too much, they come barrelling at us with their arms wide open for that hug. That moment is so genuine that it is probably my favourite moment.”

When the pandemic hit, even though

in person interaction had come to a halt, Boyd did her best to keep magic alive virtually.

Every Friday evening throughout the beginning of the pandemic, Boyd would share a special treat to light up the dismal days. She dressed up as a fairy-tale character, in casual and comfortable bedtime princess attire, casted a livestream video on the social media site Facebook and read stories to children before bed. She would finish with singing lullabies and sweet goodnight wishes to all children who were watching.

Continued on page 18

The Paris Independent

18

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Boyd, along with her performers, enjoy creating memories that can last a lifetime. Currently on the roster, Boyd has 12 performers who are dedicated to creating the best moments between actors and the community.

Jennifer Howard, a performer for the company since 2019, also loves interacting with the children. She said she wants to emphasize the work and care that goes toward each performance.

“We are much more than princesses in pretty dresses. We put in a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure that people get the best quality performance and interactions they can,” said Howard.

Each performer will learn how to portray about three characters.

They not only need to look the part, but need to learn each character’s vocal tone, backstory, poses, speech patterns and mannerisms. Boyd and The Glass Slipper Company want the characters to be near perfect in representation of the classic, fan favourite characters.

“My favourite part about this job is getting to share in some special moments with children.

It can be just being with them on their birthday or listening to children tell me about their day,” said Howard. “While portraying a character, the children and I have a very special bond and its wonderful,” she added.

Boyd is hoping to attract more

young men as actors to play princes along with women of colour to accurately represent famous princesses. Boyd said for the last five years she has been asked about representation and diversity in her company, but she is waiting for the right actor to come along.

“I feel very strongly about representing those characters properly,” said Boyd. She wants certain characters, such as her New Orleans Princess, to be represented correctly so young girls see someone like themselves in real life, and feel closer to the magic.

Continued on page 19

Boyd has pulled her characters from folk and fairy tales, and they represent the classic characters people young and old will know, like the Mermaid Princess, Tower Princess and Sleeping Princess.

The Paris Independent

19

May 28, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS The Glass Slipper Company is gaining more attention from the community and the group is travelling further to perform.

With Paris Ontario as the centre hub for the location, The Glass Slipper Company is accessible for many surrounding towns and cities. They have participated in events for Paris’ Hike for Hospice, multiple fundraisers, and have performed at McMasters Children’s Hospital and Telfer Place. You’ll often seem their Characters at local events and might have noticed they helped light the Community Christmas tree downtown Paris last year.

Boyd operates a home-based office, but has another room full of wigs, makeup, accessories, shows costumes, party supplies and props. She calls it her “chaos zone”. She said keeping her company in her home keeps it closer to her heart.

The Glass slipper Company is her “passion project” and she said she is so proud of how far it has come. Boyd credits her performers who are fantastic and create happily ever after moments at every event.

“It means just as much to them as it does to the kids, because they are making that magic, they are part of that moment.”

The next performance the company will be hosting, called Tiny Tales: The Enchanted Rose, will be on May 29 at Whistling Gardens. The interactive performance featuring five characters is sold out. However, tickets are still available for Fairy Tales and Flowers on Sunday, July 10 at 1:30 p.m., at the Whistling Gardens. This event will include a story telling session as well as a visit from the Mermaid Princess, Desert Princess and the Midnight Princess, along with the opportunity for a meet and greet.

Tickets are being sold for $30.99 and under.

Businesses take advantage of Temporary Patio Allowance Program

BRANT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEDIA RELEASE: Camp 31 was one of the many businesses that took part in the County of Brant's Temporary Patio Allowance Program. The Temporary Patio Allowance Program offers eligible restaurants in the County of Brant with the opportunity to install temporary patios on public and private property during the warmer months. County staff spoke to one of the managers and asked about their experience. "The experience was great, everything worked well. It was great because we had all of that open space and it was very easy to do.”For more information about our support programs please visit brant.ca/invest

The Paris Independent

20

May 28, 2022

NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH Community volunteers lending a hand...

Building Safe Families in Brantford & Brant

By Carolina Saenz May is National Foster Care Month, and one way to recognize it is by looking at heroes within our community.

This past January, Safe Families opened its newest chapter in Brantford.

Community volunteers lend a hand in a variety of capacities, helping families seeking refuge or assistance.

Parents can voluntarily place their child(ren) with Safe Families and retain custody during the placement.

They can come from any background and be referred by a school, hospital, church, pregnancy centre, homeless

shelter, child welfare agency, or a family or friend. The goal is to provide family support and stabilization.

As a registered charity, Safe Families is a movement fuelled by compassion and faith. With more than 4,500 churches involved, host families practice biblical hospitality by becoming extended family for children in vulnerable situations.

Over 25,000 volunteers have made it possible for 35,000 ‘hostings’ to take place since 2003.

Christine Schmidt, Regional Director of Safe Families Brantford and Amy and Nathan Randall, both members of the Steering Committee which

started the Brantford chapter and now part of the Leadership Council, talked to The Paris Independent to share their experiences as hosts.

What makes Safe Families different than the Children’s Aid Society (CAS), is that it’s a completely voluntary program for both the hosts and the families in need. “Safe Families is voluntary so the parents do maintain full custody of their children, and it is their choice if they need hosting of their kids, and they can have their kids returned at any time,” explains Schmidt.

Continued on page 21

The Paris Independent

21

May 28, 2022

NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH Hosts not only provide a haven, but they also create relationships built on compassion and trust.

They become a wonderful support system for families facing tough situations such as illness, homelessness or major crisis. Building a connection through some of life’s most difficult moments often results in relationships that extend beyond the fostering period.

“One of the joys that we’ve had is building relationships not only with the children but also with the parents or caregivers and seeing those relationships grow. I am excited to see this continue. Finding relationships that are long-term is important,” Nathan says.

Having fostered for over five years both through CAS and more recently through Safe Families, Amy and Nathan are motivated by their passion to help children. “One of the hard things is the unknown. We don’t know how long the children are here for. Things are changing constantly and that is difficult,” says Amy. And for their own children, sharing their parents and being exposed to behaviours they are not used to can also be a challenge.

“For me one of the eye-opening things is that you grow up expecting certain behaviour and connecting that behaviour with what is normal.

And when you encounter someone who has a different normal, which produces a different kind of behaviour, it’s very difficult to wrap your head around that. And challenging for me is the idea that you want a complete stranger to be just like you, and that doesn’t go too well,” Nathan shares.

And while both Amy and Nathan experience the hardships of attachment to the kids, they are happy to see them reunited with their loved ones as keeping families together is the ultimate goal.

Safe Families aims to help those in need, regardless of any religious affiliations, and is often

receiving referrals from a variety of centres.

Everyone is encouraged to reach out if in need.

“This is a movement of compassion fuelled by relationships. We want to support people who are struggling, wrap around them with support from our faith-based community so that we can keep families together and children with their families,” says Schmidt.

There are currently 12 Safe Families chapters in Canada, with more being developed. The Brantford Chapter boasts twenty-two volunteers, and the numbers keep growing. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to reach out through their local church.

On June 11th at 5 p.m., the Living Waters Church in Brantford, through which the local Safe Families chapter was founded, will be hosting a celebration. Everyone is welcome to join, grab a bite, and learn about ways to serve the community.

As a registered charity, Safe Families accepts donations through their website. If donors wish to donate directly to the Brantford Chapter, they are able to select it or note it on their cheque. https://safefamiliescanada.com/donate/

The Paris Independent

22

May 28, 2022

T R AV E L Fitting into Malta- almost like a local!

Well this week has been much more…just living in Malta, than being a “tourist”.

I head to England in a few days and then some of my family will be returning to the apartment with me.

Very excited to have company here and share this wonderful island. But there were a few things I had to get: more pillows and cases, and a couple of small gifts to bring with me. Along with this, I had to do some moving of my things to the master bedroom and clearing out the cupboards for the guests.

the pillows from and a third one that didn’t offer on-line purchases. I had been to a clothing store, but hadn’t seen any household items there, so I decided that must be the one not offering on-line sales.

My trusted Journey Planner for the bus provided me with the stop for the store (29 minutes and 20 stops). Not knowing the names of the streets is also a problem, but Continued on page 23

Probably the biggest drawback here is not knowing where to get things.

There is absolutely no “Walmart” here. There is a Marks and Spencer, (M & S) but a much smaller one than I’ve encountered in England. But not to be thwarted, I checked out their on-line offerings and found exactly the pillows I wanted. And better still, free delivery over £25 (pillows were €27) and guaranteed 3-day delivery.

I ordered these a week before leaving and they arrived on day three.

However, I wasn’t happy with the pillow cases on-line and decided to try “in store” for them. There are three M & S stores listed here in Malta, one is food items only inside The Point Mall, the one I ordered

Breathtaking views, like this one taken along a Bay in Malta, are in abundance. Catch Karon’s column next week when she dissects her trip to England!

Photo by Karon Sinning

The Paris Independent

23

May 28, 2022

T R AV E L the JP tells you what stop to get on and off at…so what the heck, off I went. It was only the Number 16 bus, which I knew went to the mall. I would know roughly where I was headed. I made sure to check with the driver when I got on, that the bus went to the “Ferries 4” stop and took my seat.

The route was indeed the one to the mall and once we passed that stop, the very next one was Ferries 4. The clothing, Marks and Spencer was literally right across the road. Well if nothing else they could point me in the right direction. I went in there and asked where the store was that sold housewares and was told the 2nd floor! I’d been up there and never saw anything other than clothing. But up I go and sure enough, tucked over on one side behind the staircase, is what I’m looking for.

Pillowcases bought, I rewarded myself with a small, Snickers Gelato. YUM! The other item needed was a stand-up fan. So, I googled where to get them in Malta, found a site and ordered this (free delivery again) and it came the very next day! In a very small box…some assembly required.

I’ve made and attended nail

appointments, ordered groceries (and paid the £5 to have it carried up to the 4th floor—have I mentioned the elevator is broken), sorted out the bus and attended quite a few attractions and my cooking class. I’m beginning to feel quite at home!

And just when that happens…I’m off to England!

The flight from Malta to Gatwick is just over 2 hours long but a world away in terms of weather.

With all the pastel yellow brick, sunshine and warm (hot) temperatures, Malta is golden.

Right from getting out of the airport the glorious green of England swallows you up.

Similar to Malta, any roads off the main roads (M roads) are windy and walled in by green.

Green tunnels! They are lovely.

Also similar to Malta, the roads are often narrow and vehicles need to stop to let others pass.

Here though, it’s customary to wave at the driver who let you pass.

I met up with Roy, we rented a car and set off on the adventure of driving on the opposite side of the road. This wasn’t the first time we’d driven here, but it was still a bit disorienting at first. Our destination was Herne Bay, Kent and a cousin’s home. While we have some family business to attend to, we will also do a bit of the touristy things.

The first few days were very rainy, typical English weather.

But by Wednesday, the sun came out and we enjoyed a walk along the bay and delicious fish and chips for dinner. Always a favourite here in England.

Column written and submitted

by Karon Sinning as she travels across Europe! Do you have a question for Karon about her travels? Email theparisindependent.com for an answer!

The Paris Independent

24

May 28, 2022

Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford For Saturday May 28th, 2022 Top Gun: Maverick Standard 12:00p.m. 12:30p.m. 3:10p.m. 3:40p.m. 6:20p.m. 6:50p.m. 9:30p.m.

10:00p.m.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Standard 12:10p.m. 3:30p.m. 6:40p.m. 9:50p.m.

3D 11:40a.m. 2:50p.m. 6:10p.m. 9:20p.m.

Downton Abbey: A New Era Standard 12:50p.m. 4:00p.m. 6:30p.m. 9:40p.m.

The Bob's Burgers Movie Standard 1:40p.m.4:30p.m. 7:20p.m. 9:55p.m.

The Bad Guys Standard 1:00p.m. 3:50p.m.

3D 7:00p.m.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Standard 11:50a.m. 3:00p.m. 6:00p.m.

The Lost City Standard 9:10p.m.

Firestarter Standard 9:35p.m.

Despicable Me 2 Standard 11:00a.m.