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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2016-10-26, Page 9Monkey fills in for Seaforth local fighting cancer Shaun Gregory Postmedia Network During the evolution of the human species some six to eight million years ago, many scientists have deemed that we evolved from the monkey, thus giv- ing mankind an everlasting connection to these particu- lar mammals. At Seaforth Public School the monkey has a rather similar liaison. In Tammy Regeir's Grade 4 classroom on a shelf in the corner that all the students pass by each day sits a stuffed teddy bear -like mon- key. This does not signify the early years of mortal ances- try. Instead this represents a young girl that goes by the name of Rebecca Kipfer-Pryce. Since last June, she's been battling cancer in the phase known as Stage 4 neuroblas- toma. This refers to children whose symptoms have spread to distant lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Regeir said the monkey was donated by the Chil- dren's Hospital in London Ont. It came with a backpack and a book to read to the class. "Despite the fact that she is sick, she is still part of the classroom and it tells a little about the sickness and what some kids go through," explained Kathy Rivett about the informational booklet that came with the monkey. Rivett was Kipfer-Pryce's teacher for both grades 2 and 3; she has since passed down the stuffed animal to keep the ritual going. Last year when the Kipfer- Pryce family initially found Wednesday, October 26, 2016 • News Record 9 Contributed photo Rebecca Kipfer-Pryce has been fighting cancer for more than a year now. In her Grade 4 classroom at Seaforth Public School, a stuffed monkey is placed in the corner to represent her when she is not in attendance. out the heartbreaking news, it was likely that she would be attending very few classes. Until the time came where she did feel up to par and was able to make an appearance, Rivett placed the monkey in an empty desk. It was as if she was there, she said. The monkey dressed in a pink hooded sweater, simply because it was Kipfer-Pryce's favourite colour, is placed slouched upright like it was a student. If and when the time came where she was able to join her fellow class- mates, a spot will be available. "The desk would be there and she would have a place to go to, it wasn't like oh she's sick let's push every- thing aside," stated Rivett in her classroom at Seaforth Public School September 28. "We would bring the mon- key on field trips, so she could be part of everything" Unfortunately due to all the constant visits to the hospital and rounds of chemotherapy, Kipfer- Pryce only saw the class- room two hours last year. Rivett said a teacher that had actually substituted at Seaforth Public was home schooling her. At that time, Rivett would exchange homework with the teacher so Kipfer-Pryce was able to focus on the same tasks as her pupils. As it currently stands, Riv- ett said she has not attended school this year, however she did reveal that Kipfer-Pryce is in her final stages of treat- ment. If all goes as planned, it should be finished in the next couple weeks To David Corrie for graduating from the University of Western Ontario with a degree in Business Management and Organizational Strategies. Dave plans to attend the Ivey School of Business in a 2 year program to obtain his Masters in Business, Management and Organizational Strategies. Mom, Dad, Cassie and Lauren are very proud of your accomplishments. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Love your Family. The Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre's annual gala is one of their major fundraisers. This year it was held in August at Libro Hall in Clinton. Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre appeals to County Council for $60,000 Demand for local food banks much higher in 2016 than 2015 towards purchasing food, delivering food, etc. "It was very well received," said Zielman. "It will be referred to budget, so we won't know [if we will Justine Alkema receive the funding] until Clinton News Record spring." Zielman said they are able The Huron County Food to do a lot with the $60,000 Bank Distribution Centre is from council. an important resource for She said the need for food the food banks in Huron banks has been quite a bit County, and it operates com- pletely on funds from donors and from the county. They have received $60,000 from the county in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016, and at Wednesday's County Council meeting, Executive Director Mary Ellen Zielman requested the same amount again for 2017. They ask for $60,000 each year because that is approxi- mately $1 for every person in the county. That money goes OU NTR M:6 CRAFT SHOW G.D.C.I. 260 South St., Goderich Sat., Nov.5 9am-4pm Admission $3.00 Over 90 vendors! Cafe available. For more info contact Brenda 519-524-7353 ext. 2227 higher this year than last year. At this point, they have used 26,000 more pounds of food than at the end of the year in 2015. "It's harder and harder for families with two work- ing parents to make ends meet. Costs go up and wages aren't, especially with part time jobs; it's hard to get to the end of the month." p(747N it— �.a Invitation to all Clinton and Area Residents to attend the Remembrance Service October 30, 2016 11:15 am St.Paul's Anglican church 49 Ontario St. Clinton ss� 2016 Christmas Show Lucan Community Memorial Centre 263 Main St. Lucan, ON WO Friday November 4, 4pm-Spm ▪ Saturday November 5, 10am-4pm • Sunday November 6, llam-4pm Admission- Adults $2.00 Children 12 & under FREE Over 70 Vendors * Unique Items * Door Prizes Refreshments & Lunch Available For more information call 519-227-4442