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FIRE ENGULFS 20 ACRES OF FARM LAND OUTSIDE PARIS. Page 16 NEED SOME INSPIRATION FOR LOCAL DAY TRIPS? Pages 20-21

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The Paris Independent Saturday, July 23, 2022

THIS WEEK In SPORTS

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Page 10 In Community

ART CLASSES ‘UNDER THE OAK TREE’ Pages 14-15

In Health

LIFE’S A BALANCING ACT! Pages 18-19

Camp Phoenix introduced local girls ages 14-17 to an immersive firefighting experience July 13-17. The County of Brant Fire Department hosted the inaugural camp which aimed to inspire more women to enter the industry. Pictured above, in no particular order, are Sadie Oliver, Evelynn Hodge, Cara Carver and Kyra Ulmand as they practiced hose advances during a demonstration at last Sunday’s wrap-up event at the Cainsville Fire Station. See the full story and more pictures on pages 4-6. Photo by Casandra Turnbull

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

County Offices Closed

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

COMMUNITY CALENDAR CRAFT GALS & FRIENDS VENDOR SHOW TODAY – July 23 at BenMar Family Fun centre, 440 Paris Road. 10 am – 3 pm. FEATURE FRIDAYS- Visit the Dog-Eared Café downtown Paris for special themed Fridays! Poetry Night on the first Friday of the month, Parisite Night (a way for new residents to meet each other) on the second Friday, Trivia Night the third Friday and Games Night the last Friday of the month. Learn more https://www.facebook.com/dogearedcafe

5K FOAM FEST!- Paris Fairgrounds, Saturday, August 6th. Over 22 obstacles including the world's largest inflatable waterslide, mud pits and 2.5 MILLION cubic feet of FOAM! enjoy a FREE kids zone for kids 6 and under, taste delicious food, shop from local vendors and celebrate your success in our well-stocked beer garden. Walk it, run it, charge it, fun it; this course should be enjoyed at your own pace and all obstacles are optional! Tickets available on Eventbrite.

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RCMP MUSICAL RIDE - The Burford Agricultural Society is excited to welcome the RCMP Musical Ride to the Burford Fairgrounds. The RCMP Musical Ride consists of 32 riders and their horses. Their performance consists of intricate figures and drills choreographed to music. These movements demand the utmost control, timing and coordination. Rain or shine, Sunday August 28th at 1 pm. Tickets available at www.ticketscene.ca/events/40959 FOOD TRUCK NIGHTS- At Sojourn Church (112 Scott Avenue) from 4:45 pm to 7:30 pm on July 19th and August 16th.

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

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The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

COMMUNITY CALENDAR TD . SUMMER READING CLUB- Kick off is Thursday June 30th, hosted by County of Brant Library. Head to your local library branch to register (or register online at brantlibrary.ca/beanstack), check out brand new summer books, and put your name into a draw to win fun prizes! The TD Summer Reading Club is Canada's biggest summer reading program for kids, tweens, and teens! For everything you need to know, including registration information, visit us at brantlibrary.ca/tdsrc PORT HOPE AT THE ARLINGTON HOTEL – August 4th at 7 pm, Ryan Cook will be live at the Arlington Hotel. Mark your calendars! POP UP SUMMER SHOP – Paris Fairgrounds, 139 Silver St, Saturday, August 20th from 10 am to 4 pm. With over 100 vendors & artisans,

food trucks, swag bags for the first 25 people, a grand prize basket, shopping spree and more you don’t want to miss out on this event! Admission $3 (under 12 free).

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

Camp Phoenix empowers and inspires teens to join the industry

Camp Phoenix participants get final instructions ahead of the fitness challenge. Platoons performed in front of family and friends during the open house held July 17 at the Cainsville Fire Station. Photos by Casandra Turnbull

By Casandra Turnbull It was a week of empowerment and inspiration for twenty area teenagers who participated in the inaugural Camp Phoenix at the Cainsville Fire Station July 13 17. The young women, who demonstrated a keen interest in firefighting, received a first-hand look at the ins and outs of the industry through an immersive camp that tested their physical and mental strength by way of practical activities designed to stimulate real-life scenarios. Just like recruits in training, the

girls had the chance to experience all areas of fire prevention and suppression, search and rescue, auto extrication, basic first aid skills and they were introduced to a variety of first responder roles from police offiers to paramedics and dispatch communications. “It exceeded everything we set out to do and accomplished everything we wanted to do,” said Wade Cummerson, District Chief at Station 4, and a Fire Services Training Officer. He helped to successfully run Camp Molly in Oakville for four years and is the brains behind Camp Phoenix. He took the bare bones structure of

Camp Molly and condensed it into a smaller program suitable for the County of Brant and its volunteerbased department. Assisting Cummerson was about ten other volunteer firefighters, including lead organizers/instructors Lisa Herbert and Breanna Mezza. Cummerson said the eagerness and never-give-up attitudes of the campers continued to surprise him all week long and he was equally proud of how well the instructors took the reigns and ran with it. Continued on page 5

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS “Lisa and Breanna did an excellent job. I was just the go between management and them. I wanted the women to run the camp and show these girls that women can do this job,” he added. Camp Phoenix was created to encourage more females to join what was once considered a maledominated industry. The camp aimed to empower the girls through experience and confidence-boosting exercises. And to Cummerson’s surprise, did the girls not only show their mental strength, soaking up each lesson with determination and tenacity, but they also exhibited physical strength beyond his expectations. During Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) training, Platoon Charlie successfully executed a deployment rescue by pulling Cummerson out of a stimulated emergency. Cummerson was buried beneath furniture, inside a training tower on the grounds of the Cainsville Station. The platoon maneuvered through a low visibility scenario, donning full gear, to find and rescue a fellow firefighter. “That platoon came in – in search mode – and crawled through the tower to find me. They communicated and worked together better than some fulltime firefighters,” he said. The Platoon then pulled him out of the building to ‘safety.’ It was through experiences like this that campers, ages 14 to 18, got a real taste for adrenaline. Reegan Charlton, an 18-year-old from Onondaga, said she was fortunate enough to grow up in this environment but was curious to

Camp Phoenix instructors prepare to demonstrate the final fitness challenge during Sunday’s open house to celebrate the end of the weeklong immersive camp. Pictured left to right are left to right is: Adam Steenburg, Breanna Mezza, Jessica Paczkowski, Mark DeWachter, Lisa Herbert

Payton Element, 15 and Hailey Teichmann, 14, participated in the camp that ran from July 13-17. They are pictured at the auto extrication demonstration.

learn more from a first-hand point of view. Both her father and grandfather are volunteer firefighters (Station 6 Onondaga). As a young girl, she recalls hearing her father’s pager go off as he responded to fire calls. “I wanted to understand what it is all about and become a thirdgeneration firefighter, and maybe, the first female at the Onondaga Station.” Continued on page 6

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS She plans to take a year off school to travel to Europe before returning to pursue a four-year degree in Agriculture Business at the University of Saskatchewan. Once that is under her belt, she is determined to return to the area and wear that bunker gear like generations before her. When asked what was the best part of her week, Charlton responded, “I appreciated the safe space to learn. The instructors made you really comfortable being uncomfortable,” she said, referring to the challenges the campers overcame, even during the most rigorous activities. The week was a learning curve for the instructors as well, said Instructor Herbert. She appreciated the learning experience just as much as the campers. She watched them flourish from shy and nervous at the start of the week to confident and outspoken by the end of the week.

“They encouraged each other, pushed through barriers and blew personal goals out of the water,” said Herbert. “I hope they take away more self-confidence and less self-doubt. Camp Phoenix was one big hype week and what we saw ignite in these girls won’t fade anytime soon, I’m sure of it. Fan to the flame girls – keep the momentum moving.” Herbert also hopes this past week taught them to pursue their dreams and not to let any barriers hold them back. Herbert joined the County of Brant Fire Department three years ago at the age of 35, after years of selfdoubt and intimidation in a maledominated environment. Camps like Camp Phoenix are breaking the mould every day and encouraging more women to emerge in the industry. And the tide is changing. Organizers were blown away when 53 applicants applied for Camp Phoenix. There were only

20 positions available, so they had to make some tough decisions, said Herbert. “We look for a cross selection of ages and then we looked at what they put into their application. The more detail, the better,” she explained. Potential candidates were interviewed and the final selection announced in June. The County of Brant Fire Department hopes to expand next year’s camp and hopefully offer additional spaces. As donations continue to come in from fundraisers held for this year’s camp, Herbert says there’s already upfront operating costs covered for next year. “Camp Phoenix was fully funded through the generous support of our community. Through fundraising efforts, at last check we were at $8,500,” confirmed Herbert, which surpasses the $5,000 fundraising target.

Platoon Alpha was first up during the fitness challenge event. They demonstrated how to unroll and properly use the hoses. Camp Phoenix introduced girls 14-18 to the industry with the hopes of attracting more women to the job.

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

LOCAL HISTORY

Paris Past By Chris Whelan THE DEVELOPMENT OF FIRE FIGHTING IN SMALL ONTARIO TOWNS Early 1800’s – For smaller towns that were just emerging in Ontario, the ability to protect property from fire damage and destruction was only just beginning. The town of York, (now Toronto) created a bucket regulation stating that homeowners must have 2 two- ^ 19th Century Paris Fire Brigade, circa 18[??], D.A. Smith Photograph Collection, 2009.0062.01, Page 7, Photo 2, Paris gallon buckets made of canvas, leather or Museum and Historical Society wood, painted with the owner’s name, as well as two ladders. One ladder went to the eaves of the building and the other up the roof to the chimney. By this time Montreal led the way in sophistication and size of municipal fire protection organizations, having five fire engines. 1824 – Following the fire which destroyed the Parliament Buildings, the Upper Canada Gazette was critical of the lack of organized firefighting. Two years later an act was put into place to form a volunteer fire company. The incentive came as an exemption to serve on juries, join the militia or perform other parish duties. Mid 1800’s – Volunteer fire companies continued to grow throughout this period. They became politically influential and there were many rivalries. They lost some influence with the arrival of steam fire engines and hydrant water systems, which required fewer men to work at the fire scene. At this time, volunteer fire fighters had to provide their own leather helmets and jackets for protection from falling debris. To gain more control, large municipalities began phasing out volunteer positions in favour of paid positions. Machinery, horses and equipment required constant maintenance which was best performed by full-time staff. Smaller communities like Paris who could not afford paid professionals continued to rely on volunteers. < Paris Fire Brigade Steamer, 1878. This was the first mechanical waterpumping engine used in Paris and was the subject of some great interest when it was first purchased in 1877. D.A. Smith Photograph Collection, 2009.0062.01, Page 72B, Photo 2, Paris Museum and Historical Society

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

LOCAL HISTORY Great Fire of 1900 wipes out downtown core Late 1800’s – Canadian cities were growing larger with fairly sophisticated fire protection, such as steam fire engines, horse-drawn apparatus, hydrant systems and professional fire departments. Building codes were adopted to subdivide large store houses with fire walls, create fire resistance between floors and provide minimum space between structures.

^ This photograph shows the destroyed buildings left in the wake of the Paris Great Fire of September 12, 1900. The fire began at the Roller Mills and ultimately spread across a good portion of the town, causing a large amount of damage and destroying many buildings. The loss was estimated at $250,000. D.A. Smith Photograph Collection, 2009.0062.01, Page 14, Photo 2, Paris Museum and Historical Society

1930s > Paris Bosworth & Church Fire Truck. ^ The New Fire Hall at 66 Grand River St. N. < This photograph shows the 1908 Paris Fire Brigade, which had won first place in that year's fire fighters' competition. In the foreground is Robert "Bobby" West in one of his many eccentric costumes. 1908 Paris Championship Fire Brigade, with Robert West, 1908, D.A. Smith Photograph Collection, 2009.0062.01, Page 7, Photo 1, Paris Museum and Historical Society

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Free helmet giveaway July 31 at Forest Park! By Casandra Turnbull If you’re in the market for a new bike helmet for your child this summer, take note of a free giveaway taking place on July 31st at Forest Drive Park from 1 pm to 4 pm. An anonymous donor reached out to a local mom, who administrates the Paris, Ontario Momma’s Group on social media, to donate 100 brand new, in-package bicycle helmets ranging in size for children 8 years and older, including adult sized helmets. Stock is getting low on the smaller sizes, as a few residents have already reached out to Kim Newell, organizer of the Bicycle Helmet Palooza, to arrange a pick-up since they are unavailable on July 31. So be sure to get there early to ensure you get a helmet! “I was trying to think of the fastest way to get massive amounts of helmets out in the County of Brant so everyone can enjoy a safe and active summer,” said Newell. She sent a big-thank-you to that anonymous person for the gracious donation, which will definitely go to good use in the coming months. “I’ve already had a few people who cannot make the event pop over to my home to grab a helmet and everyone is very grateful,” added Newell, who is no stranger to acts of kindness. As administrator of the local Facebook group, Newell sees the generosity daily from area moms looking to support one another, donate to worthy causes and help each other out financially and emotionally when the need arises. “I receive so much kind feedback about how the group is unlike any other groups and how it is filled with such kind people who all play nice and are respectful of one another,” Newell shared.

Pick up a free helmet at Forest Park July 31st at 1pm – while supplies last!

“Motherhood is amazing, and motherhood is very challenging. We need to lean on each other, learn from each other and just be there for each other. I am so proud of the group.” Newell started the group in 2013 when she moved to Paris with her husband Dustin. They have two daughters, Olivia and Audrey. Newell’s idea for the group stemmed from another moms’ support group she was part of in her previous community. She suffered from Post Partum Anxiety after the birth of her first daughter, and being new to town, the idea to create a new support system was a nobrainer. The group started small, around 30 members, but word spread quickly and it has since grown to over 2,000 members. The Helmet Palooza starts at 1 pm on July 31. Get there early to ensure you receive a helmet. One helmet per child, per family to ensure the good fortunate is spread to everyone in need. The helmets have been sealed in boxes in indoor storage for years, but due to the degrading of plastic, they do expire in about a year. There is no cost for the helmet but any donations will go into the Paris Mommas bank account, where funds are used to assist families in need.

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

L E A R N A N E W S P O RT Try your hand at ringette! The Paris Ringette Association is hosting a free ‘Come Try Ringette’ event on Saturday, August 13th at their home ice pad, the Brant Sports Complex. The free day at the rink will introduce newcomers to the game of ringette, with the hopes of showing people how fun this fast-paced sport can be. It’s open to everyone under the age of 19 and starts at 1 pm. Participants will get the chance to play games and try drills that are suitable for all skill levels. Beginner skaters are welcome and encouraged to attend – it’s never too young to learn how to play. Make sure you bring your warm clothes, gloves, jacket, skates and a helmet! Organizers are asking people to arrive 15-20 minutes before the ice time, so participants have time to put on skates and grab a stick. Registration is encouraged but not required. To pre-register visit the club’s website at: https://www.cometryringette.ca/event /come-try-ringette-7/ If your child enjoys the game and wants to learn more, registration is now open for the 2022-2023 season. You can find out more about this on their webpage at www.parisringette.com or feel free to contact the registrar at registrar@parisringette.com

Ringette can be a real blast. Don’t believe us? Visit the Brant Sports Complex on August 13th to try it yourself! Photo by Michelle Malvaso

Looking for a new summer sport? Look no further than Lawn Bowling! The Paris Lawn Bowling club is hosting a learn to bowl event and BBQ on Tuesday, July 26 from 7 – 9 pm. “Due to an overwhelming increase in inquires this season from our amazing community, we decided to open our doors and invite everyone who wants to give the game a try an opportunity, in a supportive and fun environment,” according to a club representative. There will be designated lanes for those who want to learn the basics, in addition to designated lanes for those who feel like testing their skills –join a game with club members. The event is for those 12 years or older, however, there will be some activities set up to keep any youngsters entertained while mom & dad try to have a fun night out and try something new! All equipment provided, just make sure you ware wearing flat footwear. RSVP is encouraged to help plan for the BBQ.

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

S P O RT S U11 team fights hard at Gates Metros Cup

The Paris FC U11 Girls had a great weekend at the Gates Metros Cup, despite some difficulty finding the back of the net. The girls held their own against tough components. They lost a 2-1 decision to Gates United FC in game one but bounced back to pick up a 2-1 win over Lakefront SC. The last two games were 4-1 and 4-0 losses to Grimby Griffins White and Whitby FC. Photos by Melissa Ostrowercha

U9 at Tiamo Festival

Paris FC U9 girls take a team photo after competing at the Tiamo Festival last weekend. Also representing Paris were the U12 girls’ and U10 boys’ teams (not pictured). Paris FC photo

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

S P O RT S Paris Soccer Club teams squeeze in games ahead of storm Paris Soccer Club held regular season games Wednesday at Mary Maxim with some teams squeezing in games before the storm, while others were cut short. Pictured below are players from the U10 game, Silver Blue vs Purple

Pictured above, left and below are players from the U14 game, Green vs Purple. All photos by Michelle Malvaso

Twin Rivers Soccer league U14 boys Paris (sponsor- Canadian Tire Jumpstart) played Paris (sponsor - Brant Apparel) Jumpstart won 4-2 after lightning ended game after 1 hr. Jumpstart got their first win of the year in our first playoff game. Goal scorers. Landon Graziano - 1 Jake Hall - 3

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

S P O RT S Last call for hockey registration before fees increase By Casandra Turnbull If you haven’t registered your children for minor hockey yet, take heed that as of August 1st fees will increase by $200 per player. The Paris Minor Hockey registration opened in the spring. Executive members are working behind the scenes now to prepare for the upcoming season. In past years, early bird pricing was offered during in the first month of registration and then the fees jumped by $100. This year, the executive took a different approach with the hopes that a majority of registrants would be encouraged to register in

advance to avoid additional fees. “We need registrations in as early as possible for a few reasons,” explained PMHA President Mike Sinclair. “We need to order approximately 400 jerseys and receive them in time for the start of the season. There are extra costs to having these produced on late registrations.” He added that advance registration enables the organization to better plan on how to form teams and allocate ice times. Also new this year will be the roll out of the redesigned PMHA logo. It started to appear on merchandise late last season but players and spectators will

notice it on all aspects of merchandise, equipment bags and warm up suits. Finally, executive members are finalizing rep coaches for the year and have just wrapped up the formal interview process. They are still looking for house league coaches in the following divisions: U9, U11, U13 and U15. If you’re interested in coaching, or to register for the upcoming season, visit https://parisminorhockey.com/Ar ticles/6342/Registration_Fees_In crease_August_1/

Don’t miss out on your shot to register for hockey before fees increase by $200 on August 1st! Archive photo by Michelle Malvaso

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Unleash your creativity Under the Oak Tree Local business owner & artist offering Art Club for adults and kids By Casandra Turnbull

and play. You can really find peace through art and that is what A local business owner and artist I’m hoping my students will find is introducing new classes that as well,” said Laurin. will pique the interest of all the creative souls in Paris, from Children and adults can sign up children to adults alike. now to join an Art Journaling Rachelle Laurin is the owner of Club, which will meet weekly at Under the Oak Tree located her downtown business. The kids downtown in the Gem. She’s club started this week and will both an entrepreneur and an artist run every Wednesday from 6-8 who hopes to share her love of p.m. The adult club starts August art with Paris residents. 2nd and will meet every Tuesday “It’s a safe place to experiment from 2-4 p.m.

Rachelle Laurin, above, at her studio/business ‘Under the Oak Tree’ located in downtown Paris in the Gem. She’s offering Art Journaling Clubs for adults and kids

No experience is required as Laurin will guide participants through different techniques and plans to dabble with various art forms from collages to mixed media, sketching and acrylic painting. Each week will feature a different concept and the idea is to fill your journal with your very own works of art that are a visual exhibit of your thoughts and feelings. Laurin said she feels art journaling will start to trend in favour of the classic ‘paint night parties’ where you learn to paint on canvas. “I think this will really take off because this way you only have a book to store your paintings rather than an awkward canvas that you don’t know what to do with. And with a journal, you can feel free to experiment and try new things.” This week a few kids attended Laurin’s first kids club class inspired by Jacqui Fehl, a mixed media artist from the US. Laurin said she’s excited at the prospect of filling the children’s journals with a variety of artwork. Kids Club is open to children over the age of 10, however, younger kids can join if they are astute to art. Laurin especially enjoys Continued on page 15

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS mentoring young children, who Her primary focus is on her she said are easy to introduce to photography, followed closely the arts. by her enthusiasm for anything art related. It wasn’t long before “It’s in their nature to play and she was brainstorming ways to basically that is what art is – share her zest for the arts. playing and having fun. I always offer positive encouragement Art Journaling Classes are $40 and I’m pretty good at bringing for the first visit, then $30 every out their natural talent,” she visit thereafter. If you bring a shared. She pays careful friend, you get $5 off your next attention to each child’s unique class. Participants are abilities and helps them develop encouraged to pre-register and naturally. She was a junior kindergarten teaching assistant at a French immersion school for years prior to her most recent career endeavour, so teaching and mentoring are two things that come naturally to her.

only need to bring a watercolour journal that is no smaller than 7x10. The rest of the supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own along as well. If the classes fill quickly, Laurin will consider hosting more weekly sessions. “Creating art should be known as a life skill. It helps you cope with the things that are going on in your life and your mind.”

“When a child shows good talent and a love for it, it doesn’t take much to encourage them. With an art journal, I will encourage them to practice at home as well.” Laurin’s very own passion for art developed at an early age. She recalls gravitating to crayons and paper as a child and that tendency carried on throughout high school. She’s mostly self taught, with the help of Youtube as a guide, but you couldn’t tell based on the exquisite pieces of art on display at Under the Oak Tree. She opened the business about two years ago with a partner but now operates it solo.

A young artist works on a portrait during an art class held at Under the Oak Tree on July 13th. Photo credit Rachelle Laurin

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Field fire engulfs 20 acres on Dumfries Rd By Casandra Turnbull

hydrants. A tanker shuttle was used to deliver water to the scene,” said Fire Prevention Firefighters had their hands full last Saturday Officer Doug Kellam. when they were called to a fire in a farmer’s field on Dumfries Road late in the afternoon. No injuries were reported and while the fire About 30 firefighters from the Paris and St. did reach onto a neighbouring field, the George Stations responded to the emergency extension was minor and was contained call, and it took around 30 minutes to control quickly to prevent crop damage to the second the fire and another few hours to fully field. extinguish the 20-acre burn before firefighters Kellam confirmed the fire started as the could return to the station. farmer baled the straw. The baler caught fire, “It was a large field fire, on a hot Saturday igniting the wheat field, which was afternoon. The firefighters worked extremely completely combined before the fire started. hard in an area that was not service with fire

If you saw smoke in the skies to the north of Paris last weekend, it was due to this fire pictured above on a farmer’s field on Dumfries Road. No one was injured. Photo credit Drew Skuce

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Hydro company issues warning of scam calls MEDIA RELEASE–

the suspicious numbers.

individual,

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phone

GrandBridge Energy is warning its customers to beware and exercise caution if they receive • Do not let strangers in your home who claim to suspicious phone calls, emails or knocks at the need to inspect equipment or assess energy/water door from individuals posing as utility employees efficiency rebates. or sales associates. • If you feel threatened in any way, contact your Customers are asked to report any suspicious local police. activity to GrandBridge Energy’s Customer As part of its regular business procedure as Service team by calling the utility directly during regulated by the Ontario Energy Board, regular business hours at 519-751-3522 GrandBridge Energy provides a friendly reminder (Brantford) or 519-621-3530, 1-877-871-2215 call, as well as multiple notices, prior to service (Cambridge, North Dumfries, Brant County). being disconnected. The utility always hand Reminders and Safety Tips to Avoid Scams delivers a Final Notice to the service address, prior to any disconnection occurring. The Ontario If you receive a suspicious solicitation by Energy Board has more TIPS on how to avoid telephone, email or in-person please be aware of scams. the following: To learn more about GrandBridge Energy • GrandBridge Energy does not contact customers visit grandbridgeenergy.com. after regular business hours or on the weekend regarding the status of an account. • GrandBridge Energy will never threaten immediate disconnection for non-payment or direct customers to make payments at local convenience stores or use gift cards. • GrandBridge Energy will not ask you for your credit card number. • The utility does not offer services or rebates at the customer’s door. • Do not provide callers or people who come to your door with any personal information, a copy of your GrandBridge Energy bill or details about your account. • Collect as much information as possible about

Utilities will not ask for payment through a gift card, e-transfer or bitcoin. The OEB is not affiliated with any private energy services companies. They do not deliver heating and cooling or any other home energy services.

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

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

YOGA for better balance! Yoga Moment with Heidi Pfleger

Balance. It’s an interesting concept and something that many of us find virtually impossible to achieve. With so much busy-ness in our daily lives, finding balance seems to be a challenge and the ability to focus or find a sense of ease and comfort has become somewhat elusive. Even standing on one foot becomes a balancing challenge.

I recently read a report that linked the inability to stand on one leg to a greater risk of falls and cognitive decline. The study involved 1,702 people between the ages of 51 and 75 who were asked to balance unsupported on one leg. Around 1 in 5 failed to balance on one leg for 10 seconds at the initial checkup.

Researchers monitored the participants for a period of seven years and discovered that, for those unable to complete the balance test, there was an 84% higher risk of death from any cause, and this link remained even when other factors -including age, sex, BMI, and pre-existing conditions or health risks such as coronary artery Here’s where 30% of you will disease, hypertension, obesity, stop reading and see if you can high cholesterol and diabetes balance for 10 seconds. If you were taken into account. can or if you can’t good for you Continued on page 19 for trying this right now!

Here’s where Yoga comes in. Yoga is all about creating balance in body, mind and spirit. In addition to creating physical strength and stability, yoga balance poses promote mental and emotional steadiness. Remaining steady and focused in a balance pose will improve your ability to focus, concentrate and stay in the moment which helps to improves your memory. It also helps to reduce stress as the deep inner focus required for balance poses helps to bring your mind into a more tranquil state.

Warning, you probably won’t lift your leg over your head and balance on the first try like demonstrated above. But with practice and time, it will become easier and studies show that the ability to balance can have long term health benefits

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

H E A LT H Y L I F E S T Y L E Apparently, it’s quite important ground. It might be an inch off to be able to stand on one leg for the ground or more. How high more than 10 seconds! you raise your foot really doesn’t Here’s why: Standing on one leg matter at the early stages. The requires good balance and the longer you hold a pose, the more ability to do so is linked to brain benefit you will glean so a more function, good muscle strength basic pose held longer will and good blood flow, all of always be better than an which typically start to decline advanced one that is held for a few seconds. after the age of 50. Studies have shown that challenging to your coordination, agility and balance helps to rewire your brain in a way that is very different from aerobic or strength training, making a simple balance pose not only beneficial but also easy enough to do at home. Here’s how: 1. Stand in bare feet (sorry, no shoes for this!) and find a point to focus on that is about 6 to 8 feet (or 2 metres) away from you. In Yoga we refer to this focal point as your Dristhi and it should be just below eye level so that you have a downward gaze.

2. Stay focused on our Drishti and breathe. This is KEY! If you can do this you are more than halfway there! Notice if your face, jaw, neck, shoulders or arms are tense. If so, relax!

4. Check in with yourself as you do the balance pose. Is your breath steady? Are you focussing? What’s happening in your mind?

days arise, all I need to do is look back at the last 24 hours since doing my last balance pose to see what I may have done, eaten or experienced that put me off balance. There are many yoga poses that help promote balance in body, mind and spirit. These include standing, seated and lying down poses, all of which range in degree of skill and ability. While my style of teaching is more focussed on alignment and precision, I do think there is a great deal to be gained from doing a simple balance pose of standing on one foot without the emphasis on form. If anything, it’s a good start to exploring what’s happening in your body, mind and spirit and to help bring a little more balance into your life.

If you find yourself having difficulty keeping your foot off the ground for more than a few seconds, don’t be discouraged. Most of us lose our balance when we hold our breath and/or lose our focus. Many of us have ‘off’ balance days for a variety of reasons that range from lack of sleep, stress and too much caffeine to being affected by On a different subject, moon and menstrual cycles. thank-you to all who are Every body is different and balancing their busy lives while doing a daily balance pose, joining my Yoga in the Park ideally at the same time of day, sessions. We have raised $170 is a great way to check in with for our Little Free Pantry in yourself to find out what affects the first 3 weeks and we still your balance. have another 3 classes to go! Please join me in this There are days when I do a fundraiser on Mondays at balance pose and feel like I could stay there for an hour. Kingsward Park in Paris from There are other days when it’s all 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Cost is $10 or pay what you can. I can do to balance with both

3. Continue to stay focused on your Dristhi and breathe and very slowly raise one foot off the feet on the ground! When those

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Plenty of local activities to explore this summer By Carolina Saenz It feels like summer just begun but indeed we are halfway through. While summer months seem to go by quickly, some days go by slowly allowing boredom and routine to seep in. To avoid a summer rut, local moms share their favourite activities and ideas to keep the whole family entertained throughout this season. Outdoor activities top the list as favourites for kids of all ages to enjoy. Visiting splash pads, outdoor pools, and enjoying a beach day at Pinehurst (Port Dover or Grand Bend too if you don’t mind some travelling) are wonderful options to enjoy and beat the heat. For those looking to stay active, picket ball, soccer, and baseball come highly recommended with a variety of options offered locally. Local trails and parks have so much to offer for explorers of all ages. Relax and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature or bring the whole family tubing down the Grand or Nith River- a classic activity for Parisians, both old and new. Camping in a tent or trailer promises infinite memories for the whole family, turning regular weekends into full-blown adventures. Pro-tip? Make sure

to plan your meals in advance and don’t forget the marshmallows! If wanting to tap into your creative side, Under the Oak Tree has you covered. Located downtown right in the Gem, art classes are offered on Tuesdays for adults, and Wednesdays for children ages 10+. Get inspired and learn from a talented artist right in town. For more information and to sign up, check out www.undertheoaktree.ca. There’s also a Life Drawing class at Dog-Eared Care taking placing on July 31st from 7 pm to 9 pm. Everyone is invited to attend this costumed life drawing class with a rockstar theme. No experience necessary but this event is adults only, just in case you’re looking for that night away from the kids. Part of the Brant Historical Society, the Margaret Chandler House will be offering crafts and activities for kids every Saturday. If interested in history, consider getting a Brant Museum Passport to gain access to all ten local museums

until Labour Day. Participate in Walking Tours at the Myrtleville House Museum on July 29th and The Black Heritage Walk on August 1st, by registering at 519-752-2483. Ever heard of geocaching? A modern form of treasure hunting, seekers follow clues to find “caches” or hidden stashes of objects. Available worldwide, rumour has it that Brant County has amazing caches to offer. Visit www.geocaching.com to learn more and get started. Last but definitely not least, ice cream. With a variety of local shops available, cool down and enjoy an evening walk around town. After all, this is the season to indulge! A special thanks to the Paris Mommas Group for sharing these ideas with us. Enjoy the rest of summer and everything beautiful Paris has to offer.

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS

BCHS issues tips to stay safe this summer Brantford, ON – The summer months often mean increased Emergency Department visits for children and adults alike. Many safety hazards in the summer are avoidable with the appropriate safety precaution. While enjoying the heat, please remain vigilant and follow these summer safety tips: Sun Safety

Drowning is the second most common cause of death for children under 5 in Canada. A child can drown in as little as 1 inch of water. Practice extra caution near all bodies of water including pools, lakes, streams, fountains, and hot tubs. -Babies who cannot sit without support and are too young for a lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD) should be held by an adult at all times.

Overexposure to the sun can lead to painful burns -All children should be supervised by an adult who and an increased risk of skin cancer. Even a cloudy can swim when they are in or around water. day can lead to sunburn and heat illness. Protect Toddlers should be within arm’s reach. your skin and your child’s with the following tips: -Swimming pools should be fenced on four sides. -Try to stay in the shade or indoors during the Your house does not count as a “side.” Any gate to hottest time of the day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the pool area should be self-closing and selflatching. -Limit sun exposure, make sure children are wearing loose clothing and a hat with a wide brim, Safety on the Move and broad-spectrum sunglasses. Whether you are riding a bike, enjoying an ATV, or -Properly apply a small amount of sunscreen with on a road trip, we encourage everyone to make SPF 30 on exposed areas (Please note that sure they are using the proper equipment sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 appropriately. months old. Sunscreen should be applied to the -Always wear a properly-fitting helmet when whole body, even under clothing, if the clothing is riding a bike, skateboard, rollerblading, or an ATV. not UV-rated) Do not use a second-hand helmet unless you know -Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours, and after the history. Tips for fitting a helmet. swimming and vigorous play. -Children under 18 years of age should not be Prevent heat illness or dehydration operating ATVs or dirt bikes. -Drink plenty of fluids, especially water -Be alert for symptoms of heat illness, including thirst, fatigue, leg or stomach cramps, and cool, moist skin. If these symptoms are experienced: Go indoors or in a cool, shady area, have small frequent sips of water, remove extra clothing and fan the body to cool it down slowly. Water Safety

-Most ATVs are supposed to be operated by a single rider. Do not carry passengers. -Make sure children are in properly-fitting car seats, rear-facing until at least two years of age. -Never leave you child in a car unattended – even if it’s only for a moment. Use memory aids, such as placing your phone or bag in the backseat to avoid a memory lapse.

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

COMMUNITY NEWS Ontario Trillium Funding will help improve public health measures at local community centres MEDIA RELEASE The County of Brant has received a $136,300 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Community Building Fund capital stream to improve public health measures at the five community centres. “Community Centres play a vital role in our communities and this investment will help keep them safe for all who enjoy them”, said Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma. “On behalf of Council and the County, I would like to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous grant,” said Mayor David Bailey. “With this grant, we are able to purchase and install hands-free paper towel dispensing units, hands-free sink faucets and new UV air purifying units for the HVAC systems in all five Community Centres.” Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the County of Brant worked diligently to keep cases low and remains committed to protecting the health of citizens and visitors. Public health improvements such as hands-free washing/drying features and UV air purifying units play an important role in the overall health of the community as facilities welcome back a large number of users. “On average, the five community centres have over 650,000 total visits by users and spectators,” said Bailey. “It’s important to do what we can to keep people active, healthy, engaged in their community and prevent transmission of communicable viruses and diseases.” The five community centres receiving the improvements include: • Brant Sports Complex • Burford Community Centre • Scotland Community Centre • South Dumfries Community Centre and • Syl Apps Community Centre.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, the Ontario Trillium Foundation invested nearly $209 million dollars into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Since 2020, the Ontario Trillium Foundation has supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping nonprofit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

Laurel Street will be closed this Tuesday Are you planning on visiting Lions Park in Paris (including the Paris Community Pool & Splash Pad) on Tuesday, July 26? Please be advised that Laurel Street will be closed to traffic due to road paving. To visit the park there are two options available, park in downtown Paris and walk over via the Mechanic Street Bridge or park at the Penman’s Pass parking lot and access the park via the Penman’s Pass bridge and trail. Please see map below for parking locations. The county thanks you for your patience and understanding as they complete the Laurel Street reconstruction project.

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

T R AV E L Overcrowded Rome still a marvelous sight to see We arrived in Rome on Saturday and were treated to an on-time, luggage made it, nodrama flight from Malta. It is possible to do this right! Well done Air Malta! Rome was a few degrees cooler than Malta, but still warm and sunny. We had booked an Airbnb in Trastevere, a location touted as the “heart of Rome” in the ad. This is a very old neighborhood in Rome, streets are paved in cobblestones, very narrow and noisy. Cafes abound on both sides of every street. Streets veer off at odd angles. More than once it looked like the taxis considered the use of their horn to activate a ”shield”, repelling all oncoming obstacles including pedestrians. Best just to look out the side window and marvel at the scenery! Saturday afternoon was for wandering around and getting a few essentials. Transportation and getting around was definitely different from Malta, no Ecabs here! But there were taxi stands not too far from us. Also different from Malta, English was not widely spoken. It was easier to take the 10-15 minute walk to the closest taxi stand, than to try to explain where we were. Notable is the graffiti everywhere. This is most prevalent in the Trastevere area. I’d even seen a sweeper truck go by that had graffiti on the windshield. This area contrasted sharply with the pristine places in Malta. In our travels, I had heard the area of

One of the street sweepers cleaning the garbage Sunday morning. Street side cafés abounded and filled both sides of the street in this area Photos by Karon Sinning

Trastevere described as “bohemian”, and while it definitely had its own atmosphere, I would describe it at best as eclectic, at worst…filthy. My first walk out on Sunday morning searching for coffee, I waded through overturned trash bins, actual piles of garbage covering the streets. Continued on page 24

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

T R AV E L I know this was “the morning after the night Many engineering students still come to the before”, but it looked like there had been a riot. Colosseum to study how this building was engineered. It had elevators from the tunnels Following directions from a helpful young lady at below to bring animals and people directly onto the gelato stand across from our apartment, I the arena floor through trap doors. Considering the found a cafe on the square and enjoyed my age of this structure, it does seem a marvel! morning coffee. I watched as an army of workers cleaned up the mess. Mobile street sweeper trucks The building ceased to be used for entertainment scooped the trash and washed the cobblestones in the early medieval era. It was later reused for doing their best to erase the Saturday night disaster such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for of garbage. While subsequent mornings weren’t a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a as bad, they were still not good. All I could think Christian shrine. Churches including the Vatican, was, “they must have the best fed pigeons in the used much of the stone from the Colosseum in world” here. their construction. Having stayed in a different part of Rome with Sarah, I knew this was not a standard for the city but it did explain a comment from an American couple at the Hypogeum in Malta. They said they had never stayed in a dirtier country! I can only imagine they stayed in Trastevere.

Continued on page 25

Sunday, we had a guided tour of the Colosseum. We headed to the taxi stand and the driver wrote down the name of the stand we were to return to for us. While I had done a walk-through tour of the Colosseum with Sarah, getting some background was also very enjoyable. When completed, the Colosseum could hold an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators, having an average audience of some 65,000. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles including animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Roman mythology, and briefly mock sea battles. The sea battles were a new point for me; the floor was literally flooded and huge ships re-enacted these battles. The Romans were great at many things but moving vast amounts of water far surpassed most of them! The re-enactments were stopped once they became too costly.

When completed the Colosseum could hold an estimated 50,00 to 80,000 spectators. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

T R AV E L After the tour, we were ready for lunch. We picked a nice looking spot across from the Colosseum and I enjoyed a delicious pasta dish. For dessert I ordered a lemon sorbet. I was expecting a small dish of something like ice cream but got a small glass of what looked like a white milkshake. Oh my goodness, this was the most scrumptious frozen, lemon treat I’d ever had! After lunch we chose the Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour. I really do find this a great way of seeing a lot of area in a given amount of time; if you stayed on the bus, it was an hour and 40 minutes from start to end. We chose to hop off for a trip to the Trevi Fountain. The walk there took us past beautiful Roman structures. Everywhere you walk in Rome seems to feature something from the ancient Romans incorporated into the modern landscape. The fountain is also a stunning piece of Roman sculpture. During the evening, the fountain is drained and the money collected goes to charity.

People are travelling and it was evident with crowds at every tourist attraction in Rome.

Monday saw us heading to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. The crowds in Rome during the summer are epic! But throw in post-pandemic and it seemed everyone wanted to get out and finally enjoy themselves. Taking a taxi to Vatican City and locating the “bottom of the stairs” where we were to meet was only possible for us thanks to a driver knowing where that was. Touring the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel provided a glimpse into many forms of art I’d only ever seen pictures of. Stunning sculptures, tapestries, Continued on page 26

The art in the Vatican Museums is priceless

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

T R AV E L paintings, pottery and even chariots were another hour. displayed over multiple museum rooms. The only Customs was probably the quickest part of the drawback was the amount of people wanting to whole journey! That took no more than 15 share the experience. minutes to get through. Getting our luggage If our guide hadn’t been carrying a pink flag on a however was another hour plus adventure. But….it pole, high above the crowd, we would have been did eventually arrive! lost in half a heartbeat. Based on the volume of Now I am home! Immersing myself in Maltese people, it was not possible to spend any significant culture and history was a true joy. The history in time looking at these magnificent works of England is a personal favourite and I can never see art. The crowd was literally funneled along by too many castles! Seeing the sites in Rome and security, always kept moving. If we stopped, our wrapping my mind around how truly ancient that guide was reprimanded and told to keep moving. culture was and how advanced, was amazing. It At one point, as we were about to enter a room the was a fabulous adventure and a true learning guards roped it off, and we were forced off to experience. another area. Thank-you to Paris resident Karon Sinning for The same was unfortunately true for the Sistine taking readers on a journey with her as she Chapel. Once we entered, we were herded around travelled across Europe. Welcome home! the outside of the room amid a vast crowd. There were so many people in the center that you couldn’t even glimpse the main floor! There were loud announcements advising people to not speak and maintain quiet, ironic as that seemed. I did manage to snap one picture of the chapel ceiling, before I remembered the no photo rule, and it is beautiful. The flight home was nowhere near as pleasant as the flight from Malta. Scheduled to leave Rome at 11:35 am, it started with notifications of one hour delays: 12:35, 1:35, 2:35 finally boarding at 3:55 pm, taking an hour to load us all and leaving at about 5 pm Rome time. One good thing I can say about Air Canada was the food service was probably the best I’d ever had flying. On arriving in Toronto, we were warned that due to volume in the customs area, they would only be allowing 50 people off the plane at a time, starting with the 100+ people who were trying to make a connecting flight. Getting off took about

The Trevi Fountain is drained nightly and money is collected and donated to charity.

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

ASTROLOGY Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire)- Be true to you. Especially in love. Think hard about what makes you unique? What gifts do you have? Really think about this, then devise a plan to show the world what your made of.

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth)- Do not let jealousy get the best of you. This could be in love or work. You are amazing! Surround yourself with people that complement you to build your confidence back up. Do not stress, this will pass quickly.

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth)- Temper, temper. You are easily triggered this week. The wrong thing said by a loved one can set you off. Be aware that you’re emotionally sensitive. Do not over react and start giving ultimatums. Especially at work.

Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air)- You may have a serious imbalance. Especially in your love life. The roles are not defined and you are left feeling lonely. You have to face this or you will begin to feel resentful. This emotion will start to effect your career to.

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air)- You have luck this week. You will be loving and romantic. Blessings in love. If you’re single there will be a lot of interest in you. Use your luck to make some needed changes in your life. Cancer: June 21 - July 22 (Water)- Avoid negativity at all cost. In people, in work and in self. It is ok to stick up for yourself and say no. Even at work. This week you will want to preserve your mental health. Do something fun on the weekend. Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire)Day dreaming about love. Wanting romance and a true connection. This makes you flirty. Work is frustrating you, you need step back. Take some time this week and do stuff that brings you pure joy.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water)- You are feeling pride. Proud of your partner or loved ones. Proud of your work accomplishments. You will want to tell everyone. Good thing your communication skills are strong this week. Sagittarius: November 22 December 21 (Fire)- Love is on its way. If you have a partner the chemistry heats up. Looking for that spark everywhere. Great conversation and connection are made this week for you. Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth)- Are you being stubborn? You feel a wanting for something more. Your quiet brooding energy makes you intimidating to others. Communicate your wants and needs to clear the air early, so you can enjoy your weekend.

Aquarius: January 20 February18 (Air)- Fun is on your mind. You want to relax and express yourself. You want to be in social gatherings and do group projects at work. You do feel blessed and happy throughout the weekend. Pisces: February 19 March 20 (Water)- You may feel personally attacked. Did you rub someone the wrong way? Just avoid those who seem to want to throw you off your game. You have to focus so you can tie up loose and enjoy your weekend.

Horoscopes Tina Graziano Energy Reader

with

Tina was born and raised in Paris. She was gifted with the ability to read energy and started to readings at the age of 18. If you would like to learn more about Tina and her unique gifts, from Full Readings – Tarot – Energy – Medium to Animal Readings and Cleansing of Homes, visit her online at https://www.facebook.com/Tina .Graziano.Energy.Reader/?ref=p age_internal

The Paris Independent

July 23, 2022

Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford For Saturday July 23, 2022 Thor: Love and Thunder Standard 12:30p.m. 1:20p.m. 3:30p.m. 4:15p.m. 7:10p.m. 10:00p.m. 3D 6:30p.m. 9:30p.m. Minions: The Rise of Gru Standard 12:00p.m. 2:30p.m. 5:00p.m. 7:25p.m. 9:40p.m. Nope Standard 12:05p.m. 3:20p.m. 6:40p.m. 9:50p.m. Top Gun: Maverick Standard 11:30a.m. 3:40p.m. 6:00p.m. 10:00p.m. Where the Crawdads Sing Standard 11:50a.m. 2:50p.m. 7:00p.m. 9:55p.m. Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank Standard 1:00p.m. 4:25p.m.6:50p.m. Elvis Standard 2:40p.m. 6:20p.m. 9:20p.m. Jurassic World Dominion Standard 9:25p.m. Kung Fu Panda 2 Standard 11:00a.m. https://www.theoxforddrivein.com