Ian Bell Concert coming to Paris Pages

By Carolina Saenz

If you’re into Canadian traditional folk music, you can’t miss the upcoming 'Ian Bell, Live in Concert' event. Organized by the Women Inspiring Women - Women’s Institute (WIW) Paris branch, this fundraiser will benefit the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation. Enjoy this wonderful performance on Friday, November 18th at 7:30 pm at the Paris Presbyterian Church, also known as the #ForParisCentre. One of the WIW event organizers, Jenny Clarke, explains how this event came about and why it is important for our community. “The event is the idea of the Women Inspiring Women Women’s Institute Branch President, Elaine Tully. The vibrant, diverse branch already supports local initiatives and charities as well as education through modest bursaries, however, this is the first major concert fundraiser event undertaken by the branch and Elaine’s suggestion has been enthusiastically embraced by members as taking the branch’s efforts to support local initiatives to the next level,” Clarke shares. The Women Inspiring Women WI was founded in 2015 and has an active membership of all ages. The branch meets once a month at the Paris Fairgrounds and provides a great opportunity to meet others in the community. Anyone is welcome to join, and visitors can attend two meetings free before deciding whether or not to join. “With a varied program each month we promote building community, empowering women and supporting families. And, of course, having fun while doing good!” explains Clarke. “The social support among members is a strong base upon which to build educational opportunities and skill development, as well as supporting local charities,” she adds. In addition to regular monthly meetings, special interest groups such as crafting, dining, and a book club are also available. For more information on the branch contact the Membership Coordinator through the branch website

www.womeninspiringwomenwi.com. For their first concert fundraiser, the choice to benefit the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation came easy. Clarke explains that when deciding who this first fundraiser should benefit, it was impossible to ignore the invaluable role healthcare workers play in our everyday lives. And with the healthcare system feeling the strain of the pandemic, the money raised will be used where the foundation feels it is most needed, for new equipment and for enhancing patient care. “The Foundation is committed to raising critical funds to support the top priority needs for our local hospitals, The Brantford General Hospital and The Willett hospital, to support the purchase of medical equipment that is not paid for by the Ministry of Health, to provide essential resources to maintain exceptional patient care and to invest in new and innovative technology,” said Clarke. Continued page 5

It goes without mention that this event itself would not be possible without the involvement of Ian Bell. A well-known local musician, composer, singersongwriter, he didn’t hesitate to perform in support of the foundation. “What makes his involvement so special is that he is a Paris resident who is known by some of the WIW WI members and who have already seen his successful and popular concerts and know that his ability to entertain through both song and storytelling will provide an unforgettable evening of fundraising. This event will be a powerful example of the community coming together to support our local healthcare needs,” assures Clarke. Bell’s repertoire is large and includes both Canadian traditional music and his own songs, and instrumental compositions. He has performed across Canada and the USA since the late 1970s both in a number of ensembles and solo. Bell has worked on many occasions with Stuart McLean on CBC Radio’s Vinyl Café and contributed to numerous film scores, performed period music, and appeared in the TV series “The Road to Avonlea”. As such an accomplished musician and as a proud Parisian, Bell is excited to play at home. “Well, for one thing - it's just down the street! Since the pandemic has started to loosen its grip, I've played all over the rest of Southern Ontario, but not right here. So it's great to have a chance to play for the hometown crowd in Paris. The local Women's Institute has always shown an interest in innovative projects, and this seemed like a good one to be a part of,” shares Bell. And to be able to contribute to such an important cause through his music, is a valuable opportunity.

“From time to time we all rely on the services of community healthcare providers - whether we want to or not! This was a perfect opportunity to help to give a little something back to the people who work so hard to make our lives better every day,” Bell writes. The show promises to be truly entertaining and unique. To be held at the Paris Presbyterian Church, Bell is excited not only for the wonderful acoustics the church offers but also because he hasn’t performed there in a long time. “I'll have my guitar, concertina, and maybe a banjo on hand. Folks can expect my usual blend of Canadian traditional folk music and original songs and stories. Given the venue, I plan to be brushing off a few of my Paristhemed songs to give the show a real local flavour,” Bell adds. In addition to songs and storytelling, guests can enjoy local beer, wine, and cider at the cash bar. A Silent Auction featuring pottery, a signed print, jewellery, wooden bowls, gift certificates to local services and restaurants, small appliances, home décor, and more will also be held with winners announced at the end of the evening. The event starts at 7:30 pm with doors opening at 6:45 pm. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ianbell-live-in-concerttickets-426733650837

C O U N T Y N E W S

Take Our Kids to Work Day!

The County of Brant took part in Take Our Kids to Work Day!

TakeOurKidstoWorkDaylaunched in1994byTheLearningPartnership and is the most recognized career explorationeventinCanada.Grade 9 students across the country join theirparents,friendsorrelatives at worktogetafirsthandlookatwhat a workday looks like in the workplace and what skills are important when pursuing various careers.

Grand Erie Aspire Job Fair Coming to Paris

Job seekers are invited to come out to the region's largest job fair taking place over three days in three locations, with Paris being one of them. On November 17th at the Paris Fairgrounds from 4 pm to 8 pm, people can check out a multisector and skilled trades event that offers an opportunity for job seekers to apply for careers and meet with prospective employers. Organized Aspire, First Work's career exploration initiative connecting young people facing barriers to employment with careers and industries, is the first initiative developed by youth, for youth. First Work is a provincially led membership organization, bringing together providers of youth programming and employment services, business leadership, academia, and government to develop and advance solutions for youth employment. "The Grand Erie Aspire Job Fair is a great opportunity for anyone looking for work inside and outside skilled trades to connect with many employers who are eager to hire," explains Akosua Alagaratnam, Executive Director of First Work. If you can't make the November 17th job fair in Paris, it's also being offered on November 15th from 2pm to 6 pm at the Best Western on Holiday Drive and again on November 16th from 2 pm to 6 pm at the Delhi German Home on James Street. The event is sponsored by Paris & District Chamber of Commerce, Fanshawe College Community Career & Employment Services, The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, Specialist High Skills Major, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and St. Leonard's Community Services of Brant, Brantford and Haldimand. To learn more about this event visit www.workforceplanningbo ard.org/granderiejobfair