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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014
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Martin van den Hemel photo Mike Alexantonakis enjoys his backyard bounty in Steveston. His grape crop was particularly abundant this year, given the summer’s substantial sunshine. Story, Page 3.
Impact of Terry Fox ‘amazing’ Turnout drops, but 500 participants still raise $16,000 by Don Fennell Sports Editor
Teachers to vote Thursday on deal Meetings in Richmond ended Tuesday with tentative deal that could re-open schools Monday by Martin van den Hemel Staff Reporter Teachers picketing outside Walter Lee Elementary School were hopeful and cautiously optimistic after hearing a tentative deal had been struck between the province and the B.C. Teachers’ Federation early Tuesday morning. “We’re thrilled,” said Walter Lee elementary school teacher Monica Zack. “I think (teachers’ federation president Jim) Iker’s done an amazing job with his leadership.” Fellow teacher Sarah Hudson, who described herself as “cautiously optimistic” at the development, added: “We want to be back.”
Teachers have been told that they’ll be voting on the deal on Thursday. While there’s been a media blackout since marathon talks—aided by mediator Vince Ready—began last Friday between the B.C. Teachers’ Federation and the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association at the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond, one teacher noted that teachers too have been kept in the dark. Richmond Board of Education chair Donna Sargent said she learned early Tuesday morning via e-mail about the deal. “It’s very exciting news. It’s been a very difficult time for everyone involved, especially our kids. If we have long term stability now, nothing’s better. It’s so good. I’m just so happy.”
Asked about how quickly Richmond’s schools can be prepared for an opening to the 2014/15 school year, Sargent said they’re ready and waiting to go. “Our schools are all ready. They’ve been ready for a while.” Monica Pamer, superintendent of schools for the Richmond School District, said schools are clean and administrators have been working with some students—who were unable to take summer school courses—in order to adjust their timetables. She said if the school week resumes next week, it could be like any other start to the school year, with the first day being organizational, and then ramping up to normal days thereafter. See Page 3
Terry Fox was a young man who dared to make a difference. And though cancer forced the 22-year-old to abandon his improbable Marathon of Hope run Sept. 1, 1980 near Thunder Bay, Ont., and ultimately took his life just a month shy of his 23rd birthday in 1981, his goals of raising awareness of cancer and raising money to fight the disease live on. One of the Terry Fox Foundation’s biggest fundraisers is the annual Terry Fox Run, held around the globe each September. By May 2014 more than $650 million had been raised to support cancer research in his name. Last weekend, some 500 individuals—young and old— gathered at Garry Point Park to participate in the annual Terry Fox Run in Richmond. Their efforts helped to generate nearly $16,000 for the foundation. While the numbers were down from a year ago, when 800 participants raised $24,000, first-year co-ordinator Howard Jampolski was pleased with the turnout and support and is determined to grow the event. See Page 3
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