Hopewell teachers get OBE awards
Four Hopewell public school teachers have won awards for their contributions to the arts in the Ottawa Board of Education school system.
Marcelle Belanger, Marilyn Carter, Diane Croteau and Allison Woyiwada were chosen by the board’s advisory committee on the arts for “exemplary service to students under extremely difficult conditions,” said Hopewell principal Marg Dempster.
Some Hopewell classes had to be relocated to the Bronson Centre on Bronson Avenue in 1996-97 while the school was undergoing major renovations.
“Although this move caused tremendous upheaval, these teachers still maintained school arts programs, decorated the school, and organized many concerts,” Dempsey said.
She added that the hospitality of the Centretown community greatly facilitated the relocation, especially the nearby Boys and Girls Club.
The awards were presented at a recent meeting of the OBE trustees.
— John Leefe
New bus transfer system approved
OC Transpo has been given the go-ahead to buy and install on-board transfer-issuing machines. The 90-minute passes, which are expected to be installed early next year, will allow unlimited rides in any direction before they expire. OC Transpo received confirmation last week that the Province of Ontario will cover half of the $2.3 million cost of the system.
—Spencer Ferron-Tripp
AIDS Walk helps local programs
The Seventh Annual AIDS Walk raised awareness and over $108,000 towards preventative measures against the epidemic. More than 3,000 people participated in the five-kilometre walk that attracted politicians, local businesses, youth groups and persons living with HIV. Money raised from the walk will go towards prevention/education programs and local AIDS support services.
—Spencer Ferron-Tripp