The Paris Independent News for Saturday November 13th, 2021

SHOP LOCAL, SUPPORT LOCAL See story on Page 8

PARIS PAST EXAMINES THE HISTORY OF THE WALKER PRESS BUILDING Pages 16-18

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The Paris Independent Saturday, November 13, 2021

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

KIWANIS DONATES TO LOCAL SCHOOL Pages 9

In Sports

JUNIOR PANTHERS BIG GAME! In Theatre

DON’T TALK TO THE ACTORS Page 14 - 15

Left to right, Jackie Timpener, Meghan Edgar, Johan Edgar and Deanna Stevens at last night's inaugural Grand River Short Film Festival held at the Dominion Telegraph Centre. The evening of entertainment featured live performances and short films from around the world. Photo by Michelle Malvaso Full story on pages 4-6

GOT YARD WASTE?

County Offices Closed November 22-26

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November 13, 2021

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

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November 13, 2021

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COMING EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2021 NOVEMBER 2021 Trivia Night! Thursday November 18th from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Test your knowledge.

Sign up at https://brantlibrary.evanced.info/signup

Jingle Bell Market Thurs., Fri., Sat., November 18th to 20th Downtown Paris Time Thurs./Fri., 10AM to 9PM and Saturday 10AM to 4PM

Paris Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Friday November 19th at 7:00PM Downtown Cobblestone Commons – Donations appreciated Music Festival at the Paris Legion Nov. 20th, 2021. Hosted by Jim Young. 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM www.parislegion29.ca Kiwanis Breakfast With Santa th November 27 at St. James Parish Hall

DECEMBER 2021 Drive Thru Christmas Displays at the Paris Fairgrounds December 4th

http://www.parisfairgrounds.com/ Open House Bottoms Up Clothing Boutique December 3rd 4:00-8:00 & December 4th 10:00-5:00

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November 13, 2021

ARTS & CU LTU RE GLITZ & GLAM OVERLOOKING THE GRAND Event organizer Chris Szarka (blue jacket) alongside Alex Jack. Szarka and his partner Michelle Holden planned the inaugural event in Paris last night.

Photos by Michelle Malvaso

By Casandra Turnbull It was an inspiring night filled with short films that focussed on diverse perspectives, cultures and highlighted yet again Brant County’s rich artistic roots.

Festival goers gathered at the Dominion Telegraph Centre overlooking the picturesque Grand River in downtown Paris on Friday, November 12th for the inaugural Grand River International Short Film Festival. Tickets for the event sold out within 12 hours, which was an encouraging sign for organizers who hope to make this an annual festival in town.

“We decided to test the waters this first year to see if there was an interest in cinema and short film and we were blown away by the response,” said Michelle Nolden, Artistic Director of the event. She’s also an accomplished actress with roles in Saving Hope, Nikita and Republic of Doyle. Nolden co-ordinated the successful evening alongside her spouse, Chris Szarka, a film and television producer with over 30 industry nominations. Some of his credits include Rent-a-Goalie and The Rawside of….

The two co-founded the Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary in Toronto. Nolden and Szarka moved to Paris three years ago to be closer to family members and fell in love with the community. “We feel so grateful to be a part of the Paris community. We’ve met so many wonderful people and there is such a great vibe here,” she said.

Naturally, Nolden and Szarka decided to bring their passion for the arts to their community, who Nolden said seems to be a perfect fit for the burgeoning film and tv opportunities in this area.

Szarka worked his magic in bringing sponsors on board and businesses were very receptive to the idea, said Nolden. Sponsorship funds covered the costs associated with launching a new event. If the event continues, and begins to turn a profit, Nolden said money will be allocated to local youth arts programming.

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November 13, 2021

TORONTO FESTIVAL FINDS ROOTS IN PARIS Local sponsors included The Paris Brewing Co, Willson Productions, That Dam Restaurant Group, Ayr Farmers Mutual, Foodland Burford, The County of Brant, Century 21 and The Arlington Hotel. “We have everyone from local grassroots companies to title sponsors like Scotiabank and Cinespace.”

Attendees were surprised with a captivating opening performance by World Champion Hoop Dancer Ascension (Aton:wa) Harjo. He was crowned World Champion in 2018 in Phoenix Arizona. Harjo is a 19-year-old Mohawk, Kickapoo, Seminole from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.

County of Brant Mayor David Bailey then addressed guests before the official screenings began. “Film has become a powerful vehicle for culture, education, leisure, and propaganda.

I think film allows us to momentarily escape ourselves and experience emotions and situations through another lens,” he said. “The past 20 months have been challenging for everyone and we are thrilled the organizers chose the Dominion Telegraph Centre for this inaugural event.”

Mayor Bailey added events like this one are supported within the County of Brant’s Filming and Digital Media Strategy. The strategy aims to draw visitors from the film industry to Brant County, exposing them to both the abundant landscape and architectural locations available for filming and the amazing network of production support businesses that are readily available here, he explained.

Award winning actor and playwright Rick Roberts hosted live entertainment before and after the screening. A post-screening after party took place at EDIT restaurant in the Arlington Hotel.

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Pictured above is World Champion Hoop Dancer Ascension Harjo from Six Nations.

To the left is Paris Councillor Steve Howes Photos by Michelle Malvaso

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Continued from Page 5 The thought-provoking short films covered a variety of topics to appeal to everyone’s varying interests, said Nolden. The films were selected by a diverse jury of 8-10 people. “We accepted films from around the world,” she explained.

Each jury member narrowed their list down to their top five favourite films. From there, the jury engaged in a discussion and final debate.

“Ultimately, we have a blast curating a program that is varied, complex and a mix of genre and style. It is one of my favourite parts of the festival,” added Nolden.

Friday night’s programming included the following short films: Extra Innings, by John Gray, USA; La Marie Mathilde, by Simon McNabb, Canada; Detours, by Christopher Yates, Belgium; Cleaning House, by Shauhaub Roudhari, USA; Short Calf Muscle, by Victoria Warmerdam, Netherlands; The Cut, by Chloe Cinq Mars, Canada; Milk, by Winnifred Jong, Canada; Ironrite, by Clayton Combe, USA; and The Letting Go, by Nick Kewin, Canada.

To the left: Host Rick Roberts keeps everyone on their feet – except himself! Above is Russell Press, Director of Economic Development County of Brant; To the right is Mayor David Bailey and his partner Jim Triemstra

November 13, 2021 Nick Kewin, who was raised in nearby Brantford, Ontario was presented with the Brant County Simply Grand Regional Award of Excellence in Cinema.

“Whenever I am recognized in any way for film work, I am deeply honoured, especially from a great festival like Lakeshorts,” Kewin commented. While he no longer lives in Brantford, his hometown did play a role in his short film, which features one actor with no dialogue. “I had a location – my grandma’s house in Brantford, and I wrote the piece to suit it.”

Kewin said it was a backwards approach to creating the film, but his constrained budget was actually very effective in bringing the film to reality. “It was a fun experiment seeing how much we could do with very little. Classic Indie filmmaking,” he mused.

Check out the sizzle reel from last night’s event: LAKESHORTS 2021 | Grand River International Short FIlm Festival - Sizzle - YouTube

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November 13, 2021

CORE STUDIO ADJUSTS TO COVID CHALLENGES

By Carolina Saenz

Equally passionate about dance and the Paris community, CORE Dance Project Owner and Director Nicole MacAvelia continues to offer a safe and fun space for dancers of all ages.

From being completely shutdown due to Covid to reopening under strict parameters, the CORE studio has transformed and found a silver lining.

The studio operates seven-daysa-week and offers a variety of classes including jazz, ballet, hip hop, musical theatre, tap, Acro, and lyrical. CORE was shut down in March 2020. At the time, the studio transitioned to Zoom, and Instagram live to offer some classes. Over the summer, a wider range of online classes was offered and eventually they were able to open their doors again.

A cart-full of cleaning supplies is used-up daily. Rigorous regulations followed, always wearing masks, avoiding body contact, limiting class sizes, and sanitizing galore. What now seems like a straight-up procedure that staff, parents, and dancers follow with ease, is the result of a series of adaptations.

Having four different studios meant having to adapt the entrance and exit of each individual studio to avoid large groups of people. This has now evolved into a seamless

process where parents drop-off their kids right at their designated door, where they are received by their teacher.

Parents are no longer allowed to access the studio, but they can watch their kids dance through Zoom live.

“Luckily our staff has been amazing", continues MacAvelia.

With a faculty of 13 teachers as well as administration staff, everyone at CORE has had to adapt. Sanitizing all touched surfaces between each class means some staff’s duties have become just that. By the time a space such as the main lobby is ready and sanitized, a class ends, and the sanitizing process must start all over again.

Studios are sanitized thoroughly between each class, too. But teachers have been happy to adapt, fuelled by their passion for dance, they are happy to be at the studio and working after a laid-off period between March and August 2020.

However, shifting to an online classroom has not been an easy task. From adding TVs to all classrooms, to finding the best option for internet, it has been a team effort. “That was a lot for the teachers to learn too, to adapt a whole classroom plan to having kids with limited room at home”, explains MacAvelia.

Normally operating with about 500 dancers a year, CORE’s numbers dropped to around 300 in 2020 and are slowly

increasing back up again this year. But MacAvelia expects it to be a slow process, as the studio works to get back to where they were.

“The government grants were fantastic and the wage subsidies too. It was a lot of support from the government for small businesses. But it is tricky, we are still not where we were”, she says. “We were very fortunate to still be open because there’s a lot that didn’t make it”, says MacAvelia.

Between limiting class sizes to the cancellation of competitions, it has been a challenge to remain open. “So we normally cap our classes at 15, so that’s where some studios decided we’re just not going to open because if we can only have 8 kids in a class we can’t even cover the teacher’s wage”, explains MacAvelia.

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DANCE STUDIO INCORPORATES ZOOM INTO DAILY ROUTINE Continued from page 7 At CORE, each studio floor is carefully divided into taped boxes to assign individual areas for dancers. This means no body contact between dancers and a need for creative ways to adapt each class. While this is not the case for all dance studios, as some are dancing without masks and having body contact, MacAvelia is strict about regulations and is in close contact with the County of Brant to keep up with updates. “We’ve been by the book from the beginning”, she says. Even anticipating what is to come, CORE prefers to err on the side of safety. So, the studio is running under strict regulations and with an online

presence via Zoom. The silver lining to Zoom? Limiting the access to the studio to dancers only means they have more space. Because parents and relatives are solely viewing classes via Zoom, dancers have more room to rest, do homework and even eat their supper comfortably. And the studio has become a lot less overwhelming for little ones who no longer need to face loud crowds on their way to class. “That is the one positive that has come out of this”, continues MacAvelia. “As hard as that is for parents, on the flip side, when the kids have so much space, it really is about them. It is all about the kids”, she concludes. And having Zoom as an outlet has brought

many other positive things. It is now possible for authorized grandparents and relatives to share the joy of viewing their grandkids classes, while allowing parents to run other errands or tend to other kids and still be present online. And so, it seems Zoom is here to stay. Offering more than dance classes, CORE offers an outlet for dancers to be social, active, and creative. “Our moto is dedicated to building strong and healthy dancers in a positive and fun yet structured environment. But the biggest thing is sharing our passion for dance and giving kids something normal again and something physical and creative”, concludes MacAvelia.

SHOP LOCAL AT THE JINGLE BELL MARKET

By Casandra Turnbull Anyone still hesitating to tackle that Christmas list might find some extra incentive to get started with some tax-free shopping.

The Business Improvement Association (BIA) is hosting the 2021 Jingle Bell Market from November 18- 20th in downtown Paris. This year’s festive event looks different than past years, but then again everything we do now looks different than past years!

Previous Jingle Bell events were held over one jam-packed evening where residents could take advantage of tax-free shopping, sales, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer in the form of elves, music, and horse-drawn carriage rides. To tone-down the jam-packed aspect of the popular evening, organizers have spread the event out

over three days: Thursday (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.), Friday (10 a.m.- 9 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The goal is to reduce crowd sizes while still offering incentives for residents to shop local and support local.

Not all businesses will offer Tax-free shopping, but they will offer special promotions in the spirit of the event.

On Friday evening at 7 pm there will be a ceremonial tree lighting at the Cobblestone Common. The Paris Firefighters Association will be downtown to collect for its annual toy drive. Mike Yarek Dodge is partnering up and encouraging residents to fill a pick-up truck with non-perishable food donations. If you make it downtown, be sure to enter the draw to win a $500 shopping spree.

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November 13, 2021

COMMUNITY BOOSTS KIWANIS CLUB DONATES TO LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The Kiwanis Club of ParisBrant project leader Pat Doherty is pleased to report that $2,475 was raised by the Simcoe Staples store for the “Staples for Education in Partnership with Kiwanis“ program. The Simcoe store was the designated partner for the Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant. The funds were used to buy classroom supplies for five Special Education classes at Cobblestone Elementary school and the Waterford District High School. The Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant is very pleased to be part of this annual program.

Pictured is Pat Doherty and Club President Sheila Moore, with Cobblestone Elementary Principal Robert Macdonald and Vice Principal Adam Petersen.

For information on how you can participate in this and similar programs that benefit the youth in Paris and Brant County, simply write to

kiwanisparisbrant@gmail.co md

CLUB WELCOMES NEW MEMBER The Kiwanis Club of ParisBrant was very pleased to induct new member Judie Pezzetta at our November meeting. Welcome Judie!

The club is celebrating 20 years of service to our community this year and welcomes public minded citizens of all ages to become members.

To find out more, please visit our website www.parisbrantkiwa nis.org ; find us on Facebook @parisbrant.kiwanis or write to kiwanisparisbrant@gmail. com

Judie Pezzetta (L) is welcomed by Membership and Engagement chairperson Shelagh Finnigan.

Photo by Stan Hutchinson

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SPORTS JUNIOR PANTHERS FINISH 2nd IN BRANT COUNTY! CHAMPIONSHIP GAME HIGHLIGHTS

The Score at half time was Colts 20 Panthers 0 Determined not to be shutout Ty Parsons scored both Touch Downs on passes from QB Ryan Smith in the second half and the Panthers come up short 33-14 for the Colts. Ben Roung converted both scores. A valiant effort by our Paris Juniors a team that almost didn’t happen! The Panthers struggled in attracting players when school started.

So much so that the Junior season was nearly cancelled. The players who came out were dedicated and determined to become successful and to do Paris proud.

The team finished the season in second place and beat the third placed team to qualify for the final.

“The coaches are satisfied that our Panthers gave everything they had in pursuit of the championship,” stated coach Steve Fergus in a brief interview after the game. “Season 2022 can't start soon enough. The Panthers, Juniors and Seniors, will be back,” he added!

We can’t wait for another exciting season of Paris Panthers Football, can you? #GoPanthers!

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November 13, 2021

U11 REP TEAM POSTS 1-2 RECORD AT LOCAL TOURNAMENT

The 2021/2022 Pelton Transport U11 Rep Wolfpack is made up of a group of fun loving, smart, athletic, teachable kids with a desire to learn. The score sheet may not always show it, but they are becoming a solid disciplined good hockey team, said Coach Chris Szarka.

“When they play the disciplined game, they are capable of they have demonstrated they can play with anyone.”

The team recently took part in the Rob Johnston Memorial tournament held on home ice. In game 1 the Wolfpack were victorious 5-2 against the Newcastle Stars. Nine Wolfpack players made the score sheet: Liam DeVries (1G,2A), Xavier Cormier (1G,2A), Jared Rossi (1G,1A), Spencer Pizzey(1G), Noah Belanger (1G), Sean Baxter (1A), James Baxter (1A), Paige Morton (1A), Michael Szarka (1A).

The coach credited Liam Devries as hardest worker of the game for his incredible puck hunger.

During game two, the Wolfpack played the Kawartha Coyotes and showed an excellent effort but could not put a puck in their net.

Paris Goalie Ryker Sandy played an amazing

game despite the 3-0 loss. Two of their opponent’s goals were scored off Wolfpack deflections.

Szarka credited Jakobe Barrett as the hardest working player in this game for his relentless backchecking.

In game three, Paris faced off against the undefeated Aylmer Flames. The Pack won the first period 1-0 and were ahead until halfway through the second period – BUT …victim to bad bounces again, the team fell behind and could not get back suffering a 3-1 loss. Ayr went on to play in the championship game.

The score sheet for this game included Jakobe Barrett (1G), Jax Ferguson (1A), Luke Cochrane (1A).

Hardest worker of the game award was Ryker Sandy for some amazing saves.

In regular season play this week, Paris beat the Cayuga Stars (a top seated team) 8-4.

Hardest worker of the game award went to Xavier Cormier for his forechecking, backchecking and battling from the correct side of the puck.

Submission by Coach Chris Skarka

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U13 REPS PLAY HARD AT LOCAL TOURNAMENT Although it was not the outcome they were looking for, the Paris Rep U13's had a great showing on the weekend in their hometown tournament going 0-2-1.

The team started the tournament playing Shallow Lake on Friday.

The boys looked a little nervous and ended up on the wrong end of a 2-0 hockey game.

The next game would be a different contest all together with Paris coming up against a strong team from South Kent. Paris carried the play and held the lead for most of the game, but a couple late tallies by South Kent had things end in a 3-3 tie. The first goal of the game came by “Joe Too Tall S” who fired a cannon slap shot from the point. Paris took a 2-1 lead in the second period when playmaker tough guy “Cam Stewdog S” made an amazing pass to the slot to “Andrew Fireball G” who blasted a slap shot top cheese! Paris’ final goal of the contest came in the third period when “Jameson the Eagle A” flew down the wing, drove to the net, and slammed in a rebound.

The third game in the round robin would have Paris matched up against the Lucan Irish.

The team came out strong taking a 2-0 lead early in the game, only to see the Irish fight back to end the game in a 2-2 tie. The defense tandem of “Evan Captain Crunch G” and “Griff the Killer N” were strong to keep this game at a tie.

Left to right are Left to Right Griffin, Camden, Joe, Noah, Evan, Tallen, Jared and Tyler

Up front the wingers “Eric Water Bug B” and “Jared Buffalo Fan B” were buzzing all over the plays like bees.

After all was said and done, Paris would cross over and play the top seed from the other division in the quarterfinals where they were squeezed out by a strong Cumberland team.

The score was 0-0 for 22 minutes when Cumberland scored. They sealed their win with an empty net goal for a final score of 2-0.

The effort from the Paris boys was one for the ages, I tell ya folks. They were flying! They were hitting! They were shooting! Fans left the game thinking they had just watched a professional hockey game.

“Tallen the Dangler P” was excellent up front and filling in on the back end, while “Camden Can't Stop Me Now

C” was steady eddy on defense.

Number one ranked prospect “Ty Tremendous R” was flying high even though he'd blocked a blistering slap shop on the kneecap earlier in the tournament. Rookie sensation “Dawson Awesome A” would play his best game of the season during this match. Paris was without all-star center “Rowan Maddog M” with an upper body injury. They all gave it 110%!

While interviewing the coach after the game , he had a tear of joy in his eye for the work ethic the players put in.

The team is off to Brighton this weekend for a second tournament. Go Wolfpack!

Written by ‘Dickie Dunn’

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November 13, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS Health Hub receives another $10,000 boost

COUNTY OF BRANT NEWS: Huge thank you to Dr. Tyler Fletcher and Cobblestone Medicine & Rehab Centre for their $10, 000 contribution to the Cowan Community Health Hub. Donations like those of Cobblestone have helped make the Health Hub a reality. Check out the latest Meet the Donor's video to learn more. For more information on the Cowan Community Health Hub visit: https://www.brant.ca/healthhub

FIVE OAKS RECEIVES $148,00 TRILLIUM GRANT

On Wednesday November 3rd, board members, staff, and local officials gathered at Five Oaks to celebrate the upgrades to the dining Room and kitchen of the 65-year-old building. The much-needed renovation was possible thanks to a $148,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. MP Larry Brock and Mayor David Bailey were in attendance to mark this accomplishment, and MPP Will Bouma sent a virtual message for the group.

Five Oaks members and supporters were also able to join in via a livestream from Zoom. To learn more about the services offered at Five Oaks please visit https://fiveoaks.on.ca Photo courtesy Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre Photo from Five Oaks Centre

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November 13, 2021

E N T E R TAI N M E N T

Dan Anderson, Connor McGrath, Alex Felsky and Heather Ashby rehearse for the upcoming production Don’t Talk to the Actors debuting in Paris on November 19th.

Photo Courtesy of Dean Ellis

UPCOMING SHOW WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD

By Casandra Turnbull A local theatre group is back in Paris with live performance at the Fairgrounds starting next week. Organizers are thrilled to present their debut 2021-2022 show that is sure to keep the audience in stitches.

The Paris Performers Theatre tested the waters with a sold-out night of one-act plays in Brantford last month. It was a one-off fundraiser outside the theatrical group’s normal season.

Next week’s performance, ‘Don’t Talk to the Actors,’ involves a cast of six actors and actresses working with Director Nikole Beda, Assistant Director Duncan Graham and Producer Roy Skuce.

Written by Tom Dudzick, the play focuses on young playwright Jerry Przpezniak who arrives in New York City, from Buffalo, with his fiancée Arlene. He’s full of hope and optimist but he’s soon swept up in the manipulation and diva-like behaviour of the cast. The theatre greenhorn

meets with director Mike, who offers him just one piece of advice: Don’t Talk to the Actors.

What could this mean? What could possibly go wrong by talking to the actors?

“There’s really only one way to find out and that’s by coming to see the show,” said Beda.

This is her second stage show as director. Her debut came right before the pandemic with the show ‘Reefer Madness.’ It was during that performance that Beda said she was bitten by the directing bug. “So, to have no opportunities to direct for the last two years has been painful, to say the least,” she admitted. Reading the script for the first time and watching it come to life felt great, she added. The rest of the cast and crew were just as eager to get back on stage after such a long break.

So why did the board decide to present this particular play? Simply because there are so many laugh-out-loud moments, it was an obvious choice, said Beda.

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TICKETS ON SALE FOR ‘DON’T TALK TO THE ACTORS’ Continued from Page 14 “With things opening, and people are finally able to get out and enjoy live theatre again, we felt everyone needed to have a good laugh. So, we decided that our first live show coming back (home) had to be a comedy.”

Beda’s favourite aspect of this show is the characters. “They’re so well written and all have funny moments. It also helps that we have an amazing cast to bring these characters to life,” she said.

And how does she hope the play will resonate with the audience? “Some might find it relatable; others might gain an insight to what the rehearsal process can be like.” At the end of the night, she believes everyone will walk away

with a smile – and perhaps a sore gut from laughing so hard. Is there a better way to spend an evening?

Don’t Talk to the Actors is being presented at its home stage at the Paris Agricultural Society at 139 Silver St. Cast and crew members worked long and hard to build the stage for the production. The group is in its final hours of rehearsal with the show opening on November 19 at 8 p.m. More evening performances follow on November 20th, 26th and 27th. Afternoon matinees take place at 2 p.m. on November 21st and 28th. Tickets are available at Green Heron Book Store downtown Paris, by phone at 519302-0169 or by email at parisperformerstheatre@gmail.com

LIONS CLUB DONATES TO COMMUNITY HEALTH HUB

The Lions Club of Paris has pledged $50,000 towards the Cowan Community Health Hub. Last month they presented the first cheque of that pledge for $15,000. Pictured left to right is Lorne Reid, Lions Club secretary; David Bailey, County of Brant mayor; and Ken Lennington, Lions Club president. The Lions Club of Paris has served this community for 90 years. To learn more about this service club visit http://parislions.ca/. To learn more about the Health Hub or to donate, please visit www.brant.ca/HealthHub. Photo courtesy of Paris Lions Club

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Paris Past By Chris Whelan Our story begins along Willow Street where shops are being powered by the newly created damn and race way. The Paris Foundry and Agricultural Works of Mr. David Maxwell were established in 1859. The foundry reports a large business in Farming Implements and Machinery. Mr. Maxwell is the inventor of a patent change stop and an inversible feed thereon for straw cutters. From 30 to 40 hands are employed and a new building is erected. The business moved to St. Marys Ontario in 1888 Initially, farm equipment was the main focus, but eventually it produced plows, harrows, scufflers, binders, hay mowers, tedders, sulky rakes, hay loaders, root cutters, corn shellers, ringer washing machines, lawn mowers, food grinders and churns. During World War II, production was devoted to the manufacture of hand grenades. Following the war, it was unable to compete and ceased operation in 1964.

The factory was demolished in 1987.

Meanwhile The Knitting Mills of Mr. John Penman were established in 1867, and are

This photograph depicts a set of Willow Street shops and factories c. 1880-90. This section of the street is near the Willow Street raceway which provided these buildings with water-power. The long building at the left is the main shop of the Maxwell Agricultural Works.

devoted to knitting shirts and drawers, all kinds of ladies' and gent's hose, ladies' and children's mitts, gaiters and all kinds of stocking yarns. A building was erected by Penman’s beside the Maxwell building as it was directly across from Penman’s Number 2 Mill and once Maxwell’s moved to St. Mary’s the building became the Maxwell Wing of Penman’s.

The Walker Press was started in 1909 and by 1915 it had moved into the Penman’s building on Yeo Street and eventually took over the Maxwell wing in 1920. As this thriving printing plant

continued to grow and expand so did the building. It would be 60 years before another business would take over this space and many residents of Paris today still have vivid memories of the days spent living and working in and around the once famous Walker Press.

We asked the many people who were there at the time or had friends or relatives that worked at the Walker Press to share their stories with us. The following are some of the more notable submissions that we received.

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November 13, 2021

THE WALKER PRESS Past, Present & Future over the next few weeks The Paris Independent will explore the amazing history of 3 Yeo Street along with what may become of this historic building!

Submitted by Gord Labron As a child I grew up on Walnut Lane directly behind the Walker Press. In my early days there was a parking lot at the south end of the Walker Press before they put an addition on. We used to ride our tricycles there. When the addition was put on the building came right up tight to Walnut Lane. This wall made a great backstop for a lacrosse ball either using a lacrosse stick or just throwing the rubber ball against the building and catching it on the rebound with a baseball glove. The wall also worked well as a backstop for pucks as I practiced being a goalie and my brother would shoot pucks at me. If we tried this during the week some guy would come out the side door and make us stop.

Guess we made too much noise.

Weekends we were free and clear. There was only one window facing Walnut Lane and it hinged out. As kids we would go there and stick our heads in and usually Mr. Creedon I believe his name was, would be working near it and he would give us all some transfers that we took home and our mothers would iron them on our tee shirts. We hardly ever missed

Located on 3 Yeo street, with the oldest portion of the structure – the Maxwell wing – built in 1872, The Walker Press (est.

1910) moved into the Penman Wing in 1915. Expanding into the Maxwell wing in 1920, connecting the two buildings in the process, they operated for over 60 years, printing everything from gift coupons to royal portraits. getting them from him. Mr. Martin had a red setter dog I believe it was and he would let it out of his office onto the roof. The dog would run over to the edge where it could hear us playing and bark at us.

There was a low spot on the roof maybe six feet high and we would try and get the dog to jump down. Clearly the dog was smarter than us because it never did. This low section was a spot we were able to get on the roof when needed to get balls we lost up there. This had to be done on weekends

so we would not get caught.

The only downside of the expanded Walker Press was that when the addition was put on the staff parking lot was gone. The town I assumed then dug into the hill behind our home to make parking for the staff. We used to be able to toboggan down the hill right up to the fence in our backyard fence. With the hill being dug out there was now and still is a big drop off if you slid down the hill. Too high to slide over and get hurt.

G. Labron

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November 13, 2021

Paris Residents Share Their Memories of the Walker Press Submitted by: Dan Balkwill My Dad Joe Balkwill worked there as a pressman for ever .My Mom was a receptionist Brenda Balkwill for many years also.

Vern Martin was the owner, he had a horse in Queens plate called “Dance to Market” he let me ride him as a child on his farm in Paris. My parents always talked and still do about the hard work but great people and the feeling as at the end of the day they looked out for each other .I still remember the smell of the ink when I would visit. I remember it being sad when it closed my dad did not want to work else where but did. My aunt Arline Adam's also worked there she was a hard worker also. God bless a little man with a big heart Nipper, he did odd jobs around there he touched everyone's heart and babysat me often if mom had to work a little late or brought me a lunch when I forgot to make it . I am sure it was not perfect but I am sure there are few work places these days like it.

Submitted by: Amber Martin My mom, Isobel Gecas (nee Walkom) worked there in the office. I am pretty sure my sister still has the high chair my mom was given as a gift when she went on maternity leave when I was born (and is now using for her own grandchildren, talk about good Canadian made furniture).

Submitted by: Dodee Raycraft “I remember Mel Hadley using the linotype to make all the neighbour kids their names on a strip of metal. To read your name you would have to hold it up to a mirror.

Was fascinating watching my dad run the presses and watching the papers going through the presses . I still remember the paint fumes.

My dad got hurt and ended up in the hospital with sandbags on sides of his head to keep him from moving his head ,also had his eyes covered for days. Eye injuries were taken very seriously. In the end all ended well.”

Submitted by: Linda ML “It was my first job. $2.00 I believe 1972 we had piece of wood dowel and a skid of posters. We rolled them up and put them into a plastic

bag. Oh yeah, the posters were of the 1972 Canada Russia hockey series!!”

Submitted Spencer

by:

Dorothy

“I have a great story, In 1947 or 48 I was the calendar girl for Purina Chicken food. It was photographed by I believe I remember his name correctly. Mr. Brontmier, at the Walker Press. Our Grade six teacher and he taught us how to write beautiful penmanship, If I have the spelling incorrect please correct me.”

The Paris Independent

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November 13, 2021

D IAB E T E S AWAR E N E S S LIVING LIFE TO FULLEST WITH DIABETES BY MY SIDE Tiffany Martin Beer– Travel Blogger at The Travelling Pint

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and November 14th is World Diabetes Day which is also the birthday of Dr. Banting, who along with Best, discovered insulin in 1921. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease with no known cause or cure.

There is nothing that anyone can do to prevent it. The body attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas so you do not make your own insulin, which is needed to convert food into fuel for the body. We must get insulin via injections or an insulin pump.

My name is Tiffany, I live here in Paris, and I write a beer & travel blog. I am 42 years old, and I am a T1 diabetic and I’m here to share with you a little bit about my story and a few helpful tips I’ve learned along the way.

Diabetes management has come a LONG way since even I was first diagnosed in 1990. I do NOT remember the exact date I was diagnosed but I DO remember the day I switched to an Insulin Pump. April 2012. It has been life changing and has given me the quality of life I deserve.

You see as an only child I was raised to be independent and encouraged to adventure. I was involved in sports and had a passion to travel. I was a dreamer with plans to be a world traveller, business owner and live a long full life.

Diabetes was not part of the plan, it never is. But it weaselled its way in and with no way of shaking it - it suddenly become a part of my daily life plan for ever.

After being diagnosed I chose to NOT let this disease stop me in following my dreams and living as “normal” of a life as I could. It was time to live with it not for it.

I have since successfully lived and travelled around the world, started several businesses, entered races, and enjoyed cake - all with Diabetes at my side. I am now living in beautiful Paris, ON with my husband, dog and am the proud owner of The Travelling Pint.

Things have not always been easy and I have many days that I just don’t want to have this anymore but as I was reminded the other day, I have no choice. Diabetes isn’t going anywhere so I need to continue to move forward and live my best life before it’s gone, we are not promised tomorrow.

My most valuable tips I have learned in managing my diabetes are below. Everyone with Type 1 is different and a reminder, I am #NotADoctor I just have 31 years experience.

1- Exercise is life. I believe it has saved my life when I didn’t take as good care of myself. I am thankful to live in such an active town with a river to paddle, great trails to hike, bike and explore. Even a 30min

walk a day can improve your health vastly.

2- 15g of carbs, fast acting like juice or candy, is the magic number for safely elevating your low blood sugar which can be scary and dangerous and make you want to eat everything in sight. Start with 15g, wait 15min, then have more if needed.

3- Find support. This took me years as I was never one to open up about my diabetes or never had interest in diabetes camp etc. Support can be professional, friend or family, a club, or even just a good book that helps you relate and not feel alone.

Talk when needed and try a few things to discover what helps you the most.

4- As a beer blogger it has been important to have a healthy relationship with alcohol and through trial and error discover what delicious craft beers are easier on my diabetes. Nothing wrong with enjoying an occasional alcoholic drink, just be sure to choose wisely and learn what works for you.

5- The most important diabetes fact I will ever know is simple ANY BIT BETTER, IS STILL BETTER. Don’t be so hard on yourself and just be a little bit better each day.

We may never be a perfect person, diabetic, parent, athlete, or friend but we can always be better! So, strive each day to be a little bit better than yesterday, I think this is great advice for everyone these days not just us Type 1’s. Be better and never take tasty chocolate for granted.

Watch for future The Travelling Pint Columns!

The Paris Independent

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November 13, 2021

T RAVE L C O LU M N THE PLACE OF THE OLD GOD DATES BACK 2,000 YEARS This week we were excited to take our tour to the Teuchitlan (TA O chit lan) Pyramids. I had taken this tour two years ago, this time it was a much smaller group (5) with our guide Rosie and driver Carlos. The trip to the pyramids takes about 1.5 2 hours but the ride was pleasant, and Rosie offered in site as to the surrounding areas. We passed through fields of sugar cane, Agave plants (Tequila), corn fields, as well as commercial areas and the sites of former “haciendas”.

applied, and occasionally there would be deadly results. Three headless skeletons were unearthed at one end of the large field, with the (boiled) heads recovered from the top of a small pyramid.

The players were considered the “lawyers” and would represent the complainants. And well…a court is a court (of law). Fascinating!

The weather continues to excel here and we have all commented on how perfect it was, 22-24 There is a modern and fascinating visitor center at C daytime and 9-14 C night time. No air the site, where we started with a short (English) conditioning required. video of the site. Inside, there are also informative displays with some of the original pottery that was The side streets here are all cobble-rock. Much unearthed. The civilization of this area dates back courser than our cobblestone. The construction 2000 years, and the name translates to “the place serves a purpose to slow down the runoff from the of the old God”, according to our guide. There are surrounding mountains during the rainy season three main circular, step pyramids on the site; the and they also provide much needed drainage. But largest of which is not excavated. The residents of they can be a hazard to walk on. Sidewalks are the area didn’t recognize the significance of the very narrow, if they exist, so sturdy footwear is a rocky hills and removed stone from this one to use must. in the construction of a road. This has destabilized Continued on Page 21 the structure and it will never be excavated now.

One of the most fascinating features for me was the “ball court”. At this site there are two, capital letter “I” shaped, ball courts. These were not just used for recreational purposes, but also to settle disputes. The ball was a heavy, smallish, solid rubber ball and you were only allowed to hit it with your hips, shoulders, or elbows. Skeletons found in the area often had evidence of broken hips.

The largest field here measures about 365 ft long but is much narrower, about 30-40 ft across.

“Games” were often played from sunrise to sunset. Points were given and penalties

Civilization at these Teuchitlan (TA O chit lan) Pyramids dates back 2,000 years.

The Paris Independent

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November 13, 2021

Boat trip across Lake Chapala ends at vineyard Continued from page 20 With the large number of US and Canadian residents here, not speaking Spanish has not been a problem. Restaurants have just about any kind of food you would like. What we did notice repeatedly, is that from the outside most look like nothing more that a hole in a wall. Once you cross the threshold, there is more often than not an exceptionally lovely establishment on the inside. This holds true as well for their shops.

They look a tad bit shady before entering, but once inside most are lovely, with very friendly people to serve you.

On the last full day of our group being together, we chose to do a wine tour. Offered by Get-A-Wey Tours, we all set out at 10 a.m. to cross Lake Chapala by boat. The boat held eight passengers and there were two boatloads of us crossing. The trip across took about an hour.

Landing at the vineyard we were greeted by Anna, who explained that this was a small “boutique” vineyard called La Estramancia.

With about 5,000 plants, they processed 5,000 bottles of wine a year. Anna was the daughter of the vineyard owner and explained that along with her husband, she had three brothers, 2 of which

lived and worked on the property.

We toured the vines and saw new “baby” grapes.

Most of the harvest is done in July and the grapes are sent off site to be processed and bottled. We were treated to four different wine tastings, along with a lovely charcuterie board of appetizers.

Both Anna’s mother and father joined us during our tasting. The view from their home across the lake was extraordinarily breathtaking. We arrived back in Ajijic about 1:30 p.m.

With the last afternoon to kill, we jumped in a taxi for a short tour of the Chapala Malecon (pier). This is about 12 km from Ajijic. On a Sunday afternoon it is a busy, happening place.

Everywhere there were families enjoying the weather and the street side entertainment.

Well, yesterday three of my group headed for home, so I now have a clearer understanding of what faces me for my return December 1. Stay tuned for that saga!

Photos & article submitted by local resident Karon Sinning, as she adventures through Mexico

Karon Sinning and Roy, pictured to the left on a boat tour across Lake Chapala. Above is another example of Mexico’s beautiful artistry – a sign entering a small village.

The Paris Independent

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November 13, 2021

PARIS REMEMBERS PUBLIC GATHERS AT IN PERSON REMEBRANCE SERVICE