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Season’s Greetings<br />
Despite comments posted in our last <strong>newsletter</strong>,<br />
we’ve decided to publish at least one more edition of<br />
Pan<strong>the</strong>r Tracks Retraced to update you on news<br />
related to PDHS Reunion 2010 and inform you of<br />
some outstanding issues from our September 17 th ,<br />
18 th 19 th weekend get-toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
First off, let me say a BIG THANK YOU to all who<br />
sent <strong>the</strong>ir kind remarks to <strong>the</strong> committee as a whole<br />
for our efforts in organizing PDHS Reunion 2010.<br />
We are truly grateful for <strong>the</strong> positive feedback.<br />
Speaking on behalf of our committee members, I’m<br />
sure <strong>the</strong>y all agree it was truly our pleasure to put<br />
<strong>the</strong> event toge<strong>the</strong>r. But it was really you -<strong>the</strong> former<br />
students and staff of <strong>the</strong> school- who made <strong>the</strong><br />
reunion so successful <strong>by</strong> supporting our efforts<br />
through your attendance and/or messages of<br />
support even from a few who weren’t able to attend.<br />
Hopefully, <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> time this <strong>newsletter</strong> reaches you,<br />
you will have already received <strong>the</strong> CD that we<br />
promised would be in your hands before <strong>the</strong> end of<br />
November. That date has been delayed due to a move<br />
in business locations <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> company assigned <strong>the</strong> task<br />
of producing <strong>the</strong>m. We hope to have <strong>the</strong> CDs produced<br />
and delivered to you shortly.<br />
The CD is filled with all <strong>the</strong> photos that appear on<br />
<strong>the</strong> website and many, many more. It will definitely<br />
be a keepsake in years to come thanks to <strong>the</strong><br />
tremendous efforts of Dave DeBruine who spend<br />
innumerable hours digitally enhancing some of <strong>the</strong><br />
images and <strong>the</strong>n burning <strong>the</strong>m into <strong>the</strong> master disc.<br />
We again thank Bob Howes, Michael Southam,<br />
Michelle (Apps) Baddoo and Dave DeBruine for<br />
capturing so many beautiful moments through <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
combined photographic talents.<br />
In this edition we’ve also posted several additional<br />
photos taken during <strong>the</strong> reunion weekend. These<br />
were supplied <strong>by</strong> Molly (Foulds) Cherry from her<br />
personal collection. And unlike <strong>the</strong> first multi-page<br />
<strong>newsletter</strong> produced after <strong>the</strong> reunion, we’ve tried to<br />
identify <strong>the</strong> people captured in <strong>the</strong>se <strong>can</strong>did<br />
moments to remember.<br />
On page 2, you will find Dave “Woody” Scott’s latest<br />
comments and some preliminary information<br />
regarding a proposed Booster Club for PDHS…a<br />
worthwhile project that may be of interest to many of<br />
our readers. Fur<strong>the</strong>r details will follow.<br />
Ken Spencer<br />
Shall we do it again?<br />
As we casually glanced upon <strong>the</strong> masses of people attending <strong>the</strong> Meet<br />
and Greet opening to <strong>the</strong> reunion weekend; <strong>the</strong> crowds that ga<strong>the</strong>red<br />
for School Daze in <strong>the</strong> hallowed halls and <strong>the</strong>n onto <strong>the</strong> field of PDHS<br />
on Saturday; <strong>the</strong>n re-ga<strong>the</strong>red for <strong>the</strong> Dinner and Dance at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Paris</strong><br />
Fairgrounds, <strong>the</strong>re is no doubt ano<strong>the</strong>r reunion is certainly desirable.<br />
But how far down <strong>the</strong> road?<br />
That’s up to you to decide, but let’s hope it doesn’t take ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
nineteen years to plan. The smiles, <strong>the</strong> hugs and yes even <strong>the</strong> tears of<br />
joy on so many faces that were evident at this year’s reunion certainly<br />
said “Let’s do it again”.<br />
IT’S HARD TO FORGET OUR YOUTHFUL DAYS AT SCHOOL<br />
It has been a few months since we ga<strong>the</strong>red to celebrate PDHS<br />
Reunion 2010, but for many of us, those precious moments of returning<br />
to <strong>the</strong> school and meeting up with old friends and classmates will<br />
remain in our memory bank for a long time to come.<br />
T<strong>here</strong> is little doubt <strong>the</strong> Town of <strong>Paris</strong>, as well as <strong>the</strong> school, is deeply<br />
woven into people who have long since left <strong>the</strong> area to pursue <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
careers or to establish new roots. This is evident from <strong>the</strong> numerous<br />
comments many have expressed in recalling <strong>the</strong>ir past as <strong>Paris</strong> and<br />
area youngsters and former students of PHS and PDHS.<br />
It is almost impossible to record <strong>the</strong> success of all former <strong>Paris</strong> and<br />
area students who attended PHS and PDHS during <strong>the</strong> period covered<br />
<strong>by</strong> our reunion. The numbers will astound you.<br />
In this edition of Pan<strong>the</strong>r Tracks Retraced we’ve highlighted three<br />
among those who attended <strong>the</strong> school reunion whose successes after<br />
leaving PDHS continue to provide thousands of us with enjoyable<br />
hours of entertainment though <strong>the</strong>ir special talents in <strong>the</strong> arts.<br />
Hopefully, we will be able to feature more articles on past graduates<br />
and former <strong>Paris</strong> <strong>District</strong> <strong>High</strong> School students in subsequent editions.
Board recognizes <strong>Paris</strong> <strong>High</strong> as first<br />
Eco-certified school<br />
By Casandra Bellefeuille – <strong>Paris</strong> Star<br />
December 2, 2010<br />
Representatives from <strong>the</strong> Grand Erie <strong>District</strong> School Board<br />
were at PDHS on Friday to present <strong>the</strong> high school with a<br />
special plaque for obtaining certification as an Eco-School, <strong>the</strong><br />
first accomplishment of its kind within <strong>the</strong> school board.<br />
Pictured from left to right are Mike Tancredi, manager of facility<br />
services for GEDSB; Matt Miller, a PDHS graduate and an<br />
originating member of <strong>the</strong> school s Eco-Club; Melissa<br />
Snodgrass, a Grade 10 student and Eco-Club member; Tara<br />
Topping, Eco-Club teacher advisor; John Forbeck, Director of<br />
Education for <strong>the</strong> GEDSB; Katie Hasimoto, environmental<br />
coordinator for <strong>the</strong> GEDSB; and Shayne Mann, PDHS principal.<br />
Photo <strong>by</strong> Casandra Bellefeuille<br />
Representatives of <strong>the</strong> Grand Erie <strong>District</strong> School Board were<br />
in <strong>Paris</strong> last week to applaud <strong>the</strong> eco-friendly efforts of <strong>the</strong><br />
students at PDHS.<br />
<strong>Paris</strong> high was presented with a congratulatory plaque for<br />
successfully completing <strong>the</strong> mandatory requirements of <strong>the</strong><br />
Ontario EcoSchools education program. <strong>Paris</strong> is <strong>the</strong> first<br />
school in <strong>the</strong> school board to become certified under <strong>the</strong><br />
environmental education program. As a result of <strong>the</strong>ir efforts,<br />
four o<strong>the</strong>r Grand Erie schools are currently working towards<br />
an EcoSchools status, said John Forbeck, director of<br />
education for <strong>the</strong> school board.<br />
Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental education program<br />
for Grades 1-12 that helps students to develop ecological<br />
literacy while engaged in practices to become<br />
environmentally responsible citizens. Throughout <strong>the</strong><br />
certification process, <strong>Paris</strong> implemented a 100% recycling<br />
policy, which helped reduce <strong>the</strong>ir amount of garbage <strong>by</strong> 40%.<br />
The school revamped its courtyard to include more<br />
indigenous plants, while computer and appliance usage was<br />
cut drastically. The school also held an electronic waste event<br />
to recycle used electronics. The school's Eco Club spent an<br />
afternoon last spring <strong>can</strong>oeing down <strong>the</strong> Grand River and<br />
picking up discarded garbage.<br />
<strong>Paris</strong> is now recognized as a 'bronze certified' school, but<br />
Eco-Club Teacher/Advisor Tara Topping hopes <strong>the</strong> students<br />
will take <strong>the</strong> necessary steps to improve <strong>the</strong>ir certification to<br />
silver in <strong>the</strong> years to come. The school's next focus is on<br />
energy conservation and water consumption.<br />
Members of <strong>the</strong> board's facility services and environmental<br />
team were on hand last Friday to present <strong>the</strong> entire student<br />
body with <strong>the</strong> special award, accepted <strong>by</strong> Grade 10 student<br />
(and Eco Club member) Melissa Snodgrass<br />
Booster Club Meeting News<br />
Hi everyone, it's only been a couple of months since we last got<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r and still <strong>the</strong> interest, comments<br />
and memories continue. I will be sending<br />
out <strong>the</strong> CD'S very soon (<strong>the</strong>y are being<br />
burned as I write)<br />
AND I'd like for you to read <strong>the</strong> following<br />
email I have received from Shayne Mann<br />
regarding a booster club that sounds really<br />
interesting.<br />
Hope you are all well and enjoying<br />
yourselves,<br />
Dave (Woody) Scott<br />
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -<br />
A great deal of excitement and energy was in <strong>the</strong> air in September<br />
when hundreds of PDHS alumni came back to <strong>the</strong> school and to<br />
<strong>Paris</strong> to reconnect with <strong>the</strong>ir former classmates. Many of <strong>the</strong>se<br />
alumni expressed a desire to continue to contribute to <strong>the</strong> vitality<br />
of PDHS. To tap into this Pan<strong>the</strong>r pride we are gauging interest in<br />
starting up a Booster Club in support of PDHS. The club is open<br />
to anyone interested in supporting PDHS - alumni, current<br />
students’ parents, community members and any o<strong>the</strong>r interested<br />
people. If you are interested in attending an initial meeting to start<br />
up a Booster Club come out to PDHS; Tuesday, November 23rd<br />
7 p.m. in <strong>the</strong> school library<br />
At <strong>the</strong> meeting we will be discussing how such a club <strong>can</strong> support<br />
PDHS, and what activities <strong>the</strong> club might be involved in. If <strong>the</strong>re<br />
is interest expressed that evening, we will be striking a steering<br />
committee to get <strong>the</strong> ball rolling.<br />
Many thanks,<br />
Shayne Mann<br />
Principal, <strong>Paris</strong> <strong>District</strong> <strong>High</strong> School<br />
231 Grand River St. N<br />
<strong>Paris</strong>, ON N3L 2N6<br />
519-442-4477 x 275001 Fax 519-442-1997<br />
shayne.mann@granderie.ca<br />
Some brief comments from <strong>the</strong> Booster Club Meeting:<br />
Despite a small turnout to <strong>the</strong> initial meeting on November<br />
23 rd , <strong>the</strong>re was sufficient interest expressed <strong>by</strong> those in<br />
attendance to carry <strong>the</strong> project forward.<br />
T<strong>here</strong> was also positive feedback from alumni, current<br />
students, parents and private citizens who were unable to<br />
attend <strong>the</strong> initial meeting that lead to Principal Mann drafting<br />
three documents for re<strong>view</strong> <strong>by</strong> those in attendance and those<br />
who have contacted him through emails or personal phone calls.<br />
Those documents- A Booster club constitution; a Membership<br />
form; and a Wish list submission template - will be discussed<br />
along with o<strong>the</strong>r business at <strong>the</strong> next meeting scheduled for<br />
January 11 th .<br />
Those interested in <strong>the</strong> PDHS Booster Club should contact<br />
Shayne Mann at <strong>the</strong> school or through his email as noted<br />
above.<br />
Here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy<br />
New Year
October 24, 2010<br />
Hi Dave:<br />
I just wanted to thank you and your crew for <strong>the</strong> excellent job<br />
you did for putting toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> PDHS 2010 Reunion...I so<br />
enjoyed being <strong>the</strong>re and meeting up with so many friends<br />
and classmates. It was like turning back <strong>the</strong> clock to have<br />
<strong>the</strong> opportunity to 'meet and greet' those people I haven't<br />
seen for so many years...It gave me a memory I will never<br />
forget...Thank you, thank you so very much. Sorry it has<br />
taken me so long to send you this message..........<br />
Barb (Moore) Silverthorne<br />
=============================================<br />
October 22, 2010<br />
Dave: Thanks for this (<strong>newsletter</strong>). I thoroughly enjoyed<br />
trying to recognize former students that I had <strong>the</strong> pleasure to<br />
teach or who were on <strong>the</strong> basketball teams that I fondly<br />
remember.<br />
How <strong>the</strong> years have changed those teenagers I met on a<br />
daily basis. TEMPUS FUGIT!!!!<br />
Though I was unable to attend, allow me to add my<br />
congratulations to you & <strong>the</strong> committee for an obviously well<br />
attended & happy reunion. The smiles & laughter visible on<br />
<strong>the</strong> faces of those pictured shows that your efforts were<br />
much appreciated.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Jerome Godin (P.D.H.S. teacher 1955-1963)<br />
==============================================<br />
November 10, 2010<br />
HI Dave,<br />
How nice to return from a brief holiday and find yet ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>newsletter</strong> full of pictures of our wonderful reunion! The<br />
weekend was a terrific success and Pete and I wish to thank<br />
you, Ken and Dave Kipp for putting it toge<strong>the</strong>r. Best wishes,<br />
Dallis and Peter Smith<br />
============================================<br />
October 27, 2010<br />
Ken,<br />
I am so pleased to now have a full set of <strong>the</strong> beautiful<br />
‘Pan<strong>the</strong>r Tracks Retraced’ <strong>newsletter</strong>s! <strong>You</strong>r countless<br />
hours of work rekindled <strong>the</strong> passion in all of us fortunate<br />
enough to have ties to high school days in <strong>Paris</strong> – well done!<br />
We are enjoying all of <strong>the</strong> photos on <strong>the</strong> web and <strong>can</strong><br />
imagine <strong>the</strong> fun of reminiscing with old friends from near and<br />
far with a glass in hand.<br />
I hope that you have scheduled some R&R time to shift<br />
gears after 12 months of intense dedication working towards<br />
<strong>the</strong> Reunion.<br />
Kindest regards,<br />
Laura Ritchie<br />
Hi Dave –<br />
I have been remiss in not thanking you for <strong>the</strong> awesome<br />
reunion - and all your hard work to make it happen. I will<br />
try to get to <strong>the</strong> Booster meeting - it sounds like a good<br />
idea - but my granddaughter is having surgery that day<br />
so don't know if I will be able to make it. Please keep me<br />
posted<br />
Annette (Gillies) MacLeod<br />
=========================================<br />
November 9, 2010<br />
Hi Woody!<br />
I have been so negligent in writing to you to thank you for<br />
all of <strong>the</strong> hundreds, no, probably thousands of hours, you<br />
put into organizing such a successful weekend! It was<br />
such fun and so wonderful to reconnect with so many old<br />
faces (pardon <strong>the</strong> expression!!). And it was a great<br />
occasion for we three Hamilton-Wright siblings to have<br />
our own little reunion and toast to our dearly departed<br />
parents at <strong>the</strong> bench dedicated to <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> little<br />
downtown plaza overlooking <strong>the</strong> river!!<br />
I hope that you are now enjoying a return to a sane life<br />
but with fond memories of a great time and <strong>the</strong><br />
satisfaction of knowing how many reconnections you<br />
have played a part in!!<br />
Thanks so much again<br />
Cheers<br />
Hea<strong>the</strong>r Hamilton-Wright<br />
==================================<br />
October 22, 2010<br />
Dear Dave:<br />
It has been a busy time for me since <strong>the</strong> reunion,<br />
however I wanted to make sure I extended my thanks to<br />
you for organizing that fabulous weekend. I wish I had<br />
been able to attend more of it. Diane (Cruickshank) Marr,<br />
Jennifer (Roberts) Ma<strong>the</strong>son and myself had not been<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r as a group for over 35 years. Last week<br />
Jennifer and I went up to New Hamburg and spent <strong>the</strong><br />
day with Diane.<br />
It was almost as if we had never been apart.<br />
We have made plans for regular follow-ups!! So thank<br />
you for enabling us to re-connect.<br />
The whole committee deserves thanks for having<br />
everything well planned and organized.<br />
Take care and thank you again,<br />
Dorothy (Keter) McComb<br />
==========================================<br />
October 28, 2010<br />
Dave<br />
Thank you to all on <strong>the</strong> committee. I am glad I came.<br />
Shirley Godfrey
Zann Charlton, Molly (Foulds) Cherry and Mildred Barrie<br />
(Miss McMillan)<br />
Stan Overbaugh, Judy (Locke) Overbaugh and Dave Scott<br />
Nick Bib<strong>by</strong>, Frank Weaver, Gerald Harmer, Phil Harmer<br />
and Malcolm Byard<br />
Elaine (Abbott) Homich and Muriel (Guthrie)<br />
Ireland<br />
Diane (Peterson) Sibbick, Molly (Foulds)<br />
Cherry and Gord Griffith<br />
Bob Fuller and Gerry Barnhill<br />
L to R Ann (Mogan) Vasilask, Mike Hogan,<br />
Kay (Mogan) Keenan<br />
Back Row- Marie (McHutcheon) Williamson,<br />
Dorothy (Stenson) Guest, Molly (Foulds) Cherry,<br />
Jackie (Moriarity) Prideaux, Norma (Moore)<br />
Lockey -Front row- JoAnn (Bradbury) Wilkin, Ev<br />
(Croome) Harold. Bev (Johnson) McComb<br />
Robin Creeden, Molly (Foulds) Cherry with Bob<br />
and Francis Lainson<br />
Paul Marr, Diane (Cruickshank) Marr, Molly (Foulds) Cherry and Dave Kipp
Schuyler presented with Academy Achievement Award<br />
Local News<br />
By SYLVIE BERRY, QMI AGENCY<br />
PARIS -A local celebrity and familiar face was honoured with a special award recognizing her<br />
exceptional and ongoing contributions within <strong>the</strong> Canadian television industry.<br />
Co-creator and executive producer of <strong>the</strong> award-winning Degrassi franchise, Linda Schuyler of<br />
<strong>Paris</strong>, was <strong>the</strong> recipient of this year's Academy Achievement Award at <strong>the</strong> 25th Annual Gemini<br />
Awards Industry Gala. She was one of five people from Canadian Television presented with a<br />
Gemini Award on Saturday, Nov. 13. The Academy Achievement Award is presented to an<br />
individual for an exceptional, outstanding, or ongoing contribution or service to <strong>the</strong> Canadian<br />
television industry.<br />
The Degrassi Series, which has touched <strong>the</strong> lives of many teen <strong>view</strong>ers, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.<br />
"I think this one [award] was particularly special. To now be able to take this pause and sit back and look at what I've been<br />
able to accomplish over <strong>the</strong> 30 years, along with such a team of great people, it was really wonderful," says Schuyler.<br />
Schuyler recalls that 30 years ago she debated <strong>the</strong> idea of quitting her <strong>the</strong>n full-time job as a teacher. She had dreams of<br />
pursuing <strong>the</strong> life of an independent producer and starting a show that would focus on issues geared to teenagers. It<br />
seems her gamble paid off in spades.<br />
It has won 20 Gemini Awards, two International Emmys, two Prix Jeunesses, two Teen Choice Awards, <strong>the</strong> Critics' Choice<br />
Award and countless o<strong>the</strong>r international honours.<br />
Growing up in <strong>Paris</strong> and<br />
having attended PDHS, she<br />
remembers having <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunity to enjoy many<br />
different disciplines at her<br />
school such as playing on <strong>the</strong><br />
athletic teams, participating in<br />
drama and debate clubs and<br />
being an active member on<br />
school parliament<br />
Degrassi targets teenagers and young adults in a high school setting, based and<br />
filmed in Toronto. The show does not shy away from touching on controversial<br />
topics like abortion, drug use, and even death.<br />
A t this year's Geminis, Schuyler was grateful, as at any o<strong>the</strong>r award ceremony, for<br />
<strong>the</strong> presence of her Degrassi team that accompanied her. In this year's program, a<br />
double page spread full of nearly 2,000 names were listed and paid tribute for <strong>the</strong><br />
work <strong>the</strong>y had committed to Degrassi over <strong>the</strong> 30 years.<br />
"It was really quite lovely when you look and see how many people have been<br />
involved in <strong>the</strong> show and how many people in <strong>the</strong> industry now who at one point in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir lives have worked on Degrassi," says Schuyler.<br />
Growing up in <strong>Paris</strong> and having attended PDHS, she remembers having <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunity to enjoy many different disciplines at her school such as playing on <strong>the</strong><br />
athletic teams, participating in drama and debate clubs and being an active member on school parliament. Thanks to<br />
those opportunities, Schuyler said she believes <strong>the</strong>y helped with her career as a producer.<br />
"In my job, I find I'm not expert in any one area but I know about all <strong>the</strong> areas of television production and my job is to<br />
encourage people to do <strong>the</strong>ir best work. So I think <strong>the</strong> fact that I could dabble in so many different things was really<br />
producer- in-training stuff," Schuyler commented.<br />
Working on a high school show, Schuyler has built <strong>the</strong> episodes from bits and pieces of her<br />
own experiences and those from <strong>the</strong> team of people surrounding her. But one specific element<br />
from <strong>the</strong> show ties back to her native <strong>Paris</strong> roots: <strong>the</strong> pan<strong>the</strong>r mascot. In Degrassi: The Next<br />
Generation, <strong>the</strong> school mascot is a pan<strong>the</strong>r as it was at PDHS when Schuyler was a student.<br />
"When I needed a mascot in Degrassi, I made sure we had <strong>the</strong> pan<strong>the</strong>r," laughs Schuyler.<br />
Today, she revisits <strong>Paris</strong> as often as possible to visit family and <strong>the</strong> growing community she<br />
once grew up in.<br />
"It's such a beautiful town. I love coming home."<br />
Schuyler and her team are in <strong>the</strong> process of wrapping up season 10 of Degrassi: The Next<br />
Generation and are starting to write <strong>the</strong> script for season 11.<br />
Schuyler also keeps busy with o<strong>the</strong>r projects, such as her support for <strong>the</strong> children's advocacy organization called 'Free<br />
The Children,' and <strong>the</strong>ir worldwide initiatives. In 2008, she joined <strong>the</strong> cast and travelled to Kenya to participate in a schoolbuilding<br />
project.<br />
Schuyler is co-founder of Epitome Pictures, which also produced Instant Star and <strong>the</strong> primetime soap Riverdale. She is a<br />
member of <strong>the</strong> Order of Canada.
‘<strong>Paris</strong> has been <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>rload of my<br />
creative life’<br />
Canadian author and playwright Jim Nichol returned to his<br />
hometown for book reading this October<br />
By Casandra Bellefeuille – <strong>Paris</strong> Star<br />
Jim Nichol's hometown of <strong>Paris</strong>, Ontario has had a profound impact on<br />
his writing. Even though <strong>the</strong> award-winning author has lived outside of<br />
<strong>Paris</strong> for quite some time now, he admits he's never really left <strong>the</strong> town<br />
that he grew up in.<br />
"<strong>Paris</strong> has been <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>rload of my creative life. This town is also<br />
important to my sense of self, not just my writing," said Nichol who is<br />
promoting his third novel, Death Spiral, which was released in 2009.<br />
So, when <strong>the</strong> County of Brant Library approached Nichol to perform a<br />
book reading at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Paris</strong> branch in October, he was more than willing<br />
to jump at <strong>the</strong> opportunity.<br />
Nichol will appear at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Paris</strong> library branch on October 17 at 1:30 p.m.<br />
to read from his latest hit-selling novel, Death Spiral. The multi-layered thriller opens with a hero's welcome for a<br />
celebrated Canadian Spitfire fighter pilot during WWII, who miraculously survived terrible injuries in <strong>the</strong> war only to<br />
encounter more violence in his hometown. And you guessed it; <strong>the</strong> setting for this novel takes place in none o<strong>the</strong>r than<br />
<strong>Paris</strong>. Nichol references specific areas and landmarks in town without actually mentioning names, he pre<strong>view</strong>ed.<br />
"I talk about an old linen store downtown and going across <strong>the</strong> bridge to <strong>the</strong> flats. I do mention <strong>the</strong> Arlington Hotel," said<br />
Nichol in an inter<strong>view</strong> with The <strong>Paris</strong> Star.<br />
"<strong>Paris</strong> has been <strong>the</strong><br />
mo<strong>the</strong>rload of my<br />
creative life. This<br />
town is also<br />
important to my<br />
sense of self, not<br />
just my writing,"<br />
"I used images of <strong>Paris</strong> popping into my head as I remember <strong>the</strong>m as a boy," added Nichols.<br />
Growing up in <strong>Paris</strong>, Nichol's grandfa<strong>the</strong>r was a blacksmith at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Paris</strong> Junction and his fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
was <strong>the</strong> art director at Walker Press. Nichol attended PDHS and fondly remembers when a<br />
majority of <strong>the</strong> student body rode <strong>the</strong>ir bicycles to school. Nichol married fellow PDHS<br />
classmate Judy Sibbick and after moving to Toronto for a few years, <strong>the</strong> two returned to <strong>Paris</strong><br />
to raise <strong>the</strong>ir three sons. They left town again as <strong>the</strong>ir eldest boy began high school.<br />
Nichol was one of over 500 alumni that returned for a high school reunion this past month.<br />
"While I was at <strong>the</strong> PDHS reunion it occurred to me that everybody has at least one version of<br />
<strong>Paris</strong> in <strong>the</strong>ir minds. This town is very influential in everyone's lives."<br />
Death Spiral was a finalist for <strong>the</strong> 2010 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel. He was awarded <strong>the</strong> Arthur Ellis Award<br />
for Best Novel in 2002 following <strong>the</strong> release of his first novel, Midnight Cab. It was also short-listed for <strong>the</strong> CWA Gold<br />
Dagger.<br />
Midnight Cab was based on his popular CBC radio drama that aired for three seasons. The mystery show followed <strong>the</strong> life<br />
of 19-year-old Toronto cab driver Walker Devereaux.<br />
Nichol is also <strong>the</strong> author of Transgression.<br />
Nichol will have autographed books for sale at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Paris</strong> library branch on October 17. In addition to a short reading, he<br />
said he plans to have a little trivia fun with <strong>the</strong> audience.<br />
"During my talk I am going to read a bit<br />
from my first and second novels (also<br />
set in and around <strong>Paris</strong>) to see if<br />
anyone knows what part of <strong>Paris</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
passage refers to," said Nichol.<br />
He also plans to take some time to tour<br />
his hometown, and who knows, maybe<br />
<strong>Paris</strong> as it stands today might be <strong>the</strong><br />
backdrop of future novels. Although<br />
Nichol did admit he has no immediate<br />
plans to write ano<strong>the</strong>r novel anytime<br />
soon.<br />
NOTE: Excerpts in this article from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Paris</strong> Star have been altered to reflect <strong>the</strong><br />
timing of Mr. Nichol’s return visit to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Paris</strong> Library this past October
The Landscape of Childhood<br />
By John Bemrose<br />
John Bemrose is a Canadian arts journalist, novelist, poet and playwright. His arts re<strong>view</strong>s have<br />
appeared in Maclean's, <strong>the</strong> Globe and Mail, <strong>the</strong> National Post and on CBC Radio.<br />
John was born and raised in <strong>Paris</strong>, Ontario w<strong>here</strong> his fa<strong>the</strong>r, Fred Bemrose, a 2009 recipient of <strong>the</strong><br />
Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement, recently retired as <strong>the</strong> town historian. He<br />
graduated from <strong>the</strong> Victoria University in <strong>the</strong> University of Toronto in 1970. His debut novel, The<br />
Island Walkers, was published in 2003. It was a nominee for<br />
More than anything I’ve<br />
written, I think, The Island<br />
Walkers was inspired <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
place w<strong>here</strong> I grew up during<br />
<strong>the</strong> fifties and sixties. This<br />
was <strong>Paris</strong>, in Southwestern<br />
Ontario, my family’s home for<br />
almost a hundred years now.<br />
that year's Giller Prize. He has also published a play, Mo<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Moon, and two volumes of poetry. His second novel, "The<br />
Last Woman," was published Sept. 29, 2009 <strong>by</strong> McClelland & Stewart, a Random House<br />
affiliate in Canada. It is set in Ontario's cottage country and is being touted <strong>by</strong> its<br />
publisher as a vehicle for <strong>the</strong> vivid characterizations for which he's become known.<br />
More than anything I’ve written, I think, The Island Walkers was inspired <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
place w<strong>here</strong> I grew up during <strong>the</strong> fifties and sixties. This was <strong>Paris</strong>, in<br />
Southwestern Ontario, my family’s home for almost a hundred years now. <strong>Paris</strong><br />
was — and is — an exceptionally pretty town, with its two forking rivers, its steep<br />
hills, its bridges and fine old houses, but for me it has always meant something<br />
more. It’s a place saturated with narrative. And this came about because of <strong>the</strong><br />
many stories my parents and grandparents told me I couldn’t look at a street and see only a street: It was also <strong>the</strong> spot<br />
w<strong>here</strong> my twelve-year-old fa<strong>the</strong>r had chased a herd of escaped cows. And over <strong>the</strong>re was w<strong>here</strong> my grandfa<strong>the</strong>r had<br />
fought and defeated <strong>the</strong> Indian who had spit in his toolbox. These events were so real to me, that I lived in a kind of<br />
mythic landscape, and consequently was held <strong>by</strong> a sense of belonging — sometimes comforting, at o<strong>the</strong>rs suffocating —<br />
that I haven’t found anyw<strong>here</strong> since.<br />
The beauty of <strong>Paris</strong> was part of this. The light striking under bridges, even <strong>the</strong> strangely haunting cry of <strong>the</strong> steam whistle<br />
calling <strong>the</strong> workers to Penman’s knitting mills — <strong>the</strong>se things marked me, and in some way, oppressed me, because as I<br />
grew older I began to feel that it was incumbent on me to do something with it all. I had to let people know. In some very<br />
real way, <strong>the</strong> town made me a writer. I was in my early twenties when I started trying to put <strong>Paris</strong> into a novel — but those<br />
early attempts were failures. I just hadn’t lived or written enough. In any case, I went on with o<strong>the</strong>r things. When I<br />
graduated from university in 1970, I went to work as a sales rep for New Press, an upstart publishing company in Toronto.<br />
I was <strong>the</strong> company’s only salesman, and my territory — which I covered in a green Volkswagen “bug” — was <strong>the</strong> entire<br />
country of Canada. Later I went to England, wrote a novel, which I wisely decided not to publish, and met <strong>the</strong> lovely<br />
woman from West Virginia whom I would marry. Back in Toronto, I became a fa<strong>the</strong>r, published a couple of books of<br />
poems, staged a play, and earned my living as a freelance arts journalist, mostly doing re<strong>view</strong>s and profiles for Maclean’s<br />
magazine, w<strong>here</strong> I’m still a contributing editor.<br />
I was also filling drawers with half-finished novels, increasingly aware that I hadn’t accomplished <strong>the</strong> central task of my<br />
writing life. I hadn’t written <strong>the</strong> “<strong>Paris</strong>” novel and with age fifty looming I knew I had to start soon or miss my chance. So in<br />
<strong>the</strong> winter of 1996 — spurred on <strong>by</strong> jealousy of a friend who’d won a big literary prize — I began The Island Walkers.<br />
I figured <strong>the</strong> project would take two or three years. It took six, as <strong>the</strong> story expanded to accommodate <strong>the</strong> tidal wave of<br />
ideas and feelings that had built up over <strong>the</strong> decades. And <strong>the</strong> curious thing was this: each time I sat down to write about<br />
<strong>the</strong> fictional town of Attawan — about Alf Walker’s hard choices and his son Joe’s first love — I seemed to re-enter <strong>the</strong><br />
vivid atmosp<strong>here</strong> of <strong>Paris</strong> as I had known it. Most of <strong>the</strong> stories in <strong>the</strong> novel are invented, as are all of its characters. But<br />
Attawan is <strong>Paris</strong> clear through, and if <strong>the</strong>re is any poetry in <strong>the</strong> novel, any joy in <strong>the</strong> telling, this has flowed, I think, from<br />
some never-broken connection with my childhood. Even while writing <strong>the</strong> novel’s darkest scenes, I felt myself in some<br />
queer way to be eight years old again, trailing happily over <strong>the</strong> Lions Park footbridge, stopping to look up <strong>the</strong> river w<strong>here</strong> it<br />
gleamed in its distant reaches like <strong>the</strong> future I was sure held something marvellous.<br />
I’ve told <strong>the</strong> story from several points of <strong>view</strong>, using <strong>the</strong> Walker family as a microcosm for <strong>the</strong> stresses and conflicts of<br />
society — for <strong>the</strong> fullness of society in all its variety of age, class, sex, and experience. But just as any family is a mystery<br />
to <strong>the</strong> society around it, so <strong>the</strong> members of <strong>the</strong> Walker family are mysterious to one ano<strong>the</strong>r: each locked in a solitude that<br />
envisions <strong>the</strong> world in what I hope are unique and surprising ways. And yet<br />
everyone in <strong>the</strong> book is also bound to everyone else <strong>by</strong> a matrix of humanity and<br />
place <strong>the</strong>y are often unaware of. We belong to each o<strong>the</strong>r, I think, and to a common<br />
fate, even in <strong>the</strong> hell and solace of our aloneness.<br />
I think that literature, if it’s to have any value at all, must have <strong>the</strong> courage for<br />
unhappiness. I’ve tried to be honest in following <strong>the</strong> Walkers to <strong>the</strong> bottom of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
night. But at <strong>the</strong> same time, every good story dances its way through <strong>the</strong> shades,<br />
with all <strong>the</strong> sprightliness, poetry, and music it <strong>can</strong> muster. The real hope is <strong>the</strong>re, in<br />
<strong>the</strong> flame we make as we go out. I believe The Island Walkers is a happy book.
AH, THE GOLDEN YEARS!<br />
Special Poem For Older Folks<br />
A row of bottles on my shelf<br />
Caused me to analyze myself.<br />
One yellow pill I have to pop<br />
Goes to my heart so it won't stop.<br />
A little white one that I take<br />
Goes to my hands so <strong>the</strong>y won't shake.<br />
The blue ones that I use a lot<br />
Tell me I'm happy when I'm not.<br />
The purple pill goes to my brain<br />
And tells me that I have no pain.<br />
The capsules tell me not to wheeze<br />
Or cough or choke or even sneeze.<br />
The red ones, smallest of <strong>the</strong>m all<br />
Go to my blood so I won't fall.<br />
The orange ones, very big and bright<br />
Prevent my leg cramps in <strong>the</strong> night.<br />
Such an array of brilliant pills<br />
Helping to cure all kinds of ills.<br />
But what I'd really like to know............<br />
Is what tells each one w<strong>here</strong> to go!<br />
FOR ALL YOU GOLFERS OUT THERE<br />
10 best Caddy Replies:<br />
# 10 -- Golfer: "Think I'm going to drown myself in <strong>the</strong> lake."<br />
Caddy: "Think you <strong>can</strong> keep your head down that long?"<br />
# 9 -- Golfer: "I'd move heaven and earth to break 100 on this course."<br />
Caddy: "Try heaven, you've already moved most of <strong>the</strong> earth."<br />
# 8 -- Golfer: "Do you think my game is improving?"<br />
Caddy: "Yes sir, you miss <strong>the</strong> ball much closer now."<br />
# 7 -- Golfer: "Do you think I <strong>can</strong> get <strong>the</strong>re with a 5 iron?"<br />
Caddy: "Eventually."<br />
# 6 -- Golfer: "<strong>You</strong>'ve got to be <strong>the</strong> worst caddy in <strong>the</strong> world."<br />
Caddy: "I don't think so sir. That would be too much of a coincidence."<br />
# 5 -- Golfer: "Please stop checking your watch all <strong>the</strong> time. It's too much<br />
of a distraction."<br />
Caddy: "It's not a watch - it's a compass."<br />
# 4 -- Golfer: "How do you like my game?"<br />
Caddy: "Very good sir, but personally, I prefer golf."<br />
# 3 -- Golfer: "Do you think it's a sin to play on Sunday?"<br />
Caddy: "The way you play, sir, it's a sin on any day."<br />
# 2 -- Golfer: "This is <strong>the</strong> worst course I've ever played on."<br />
Caddy: "This isn't <strong>the</strong> golf course. We left that an hour ago."<br />
# 1 – AND Best Caddy Comment ...Golfer: "That <strong>can</strong>'t be my ball, it's too old."<br />
Caddy: "It's been a long time since we teed off, sir."<br />
PDHS REUNION 2010 CONTACTS<br />
Dave “Woody” Scott<br />
30 Burton Road<br />
Guelph, ON N1H 8A8<br />
Res. (519) 265-5589 dwscott1315@yahoo.com<br />
Dave Kipp<br />
3 Ronald Street<br />
Brantford. ON<br />
Res. (519) 759-6079<br />
dave.kipp@yahoo.com<br />
Ken Spencer<br />
1151 Ballantry Road<br />
Oakville, ON L6H 5N1<br />
Res. (905) 844-7902 Cel. (905) 301-5289<br />
kenneth.spencer@sympatico.ca