After five years, BAC 2 BAC continues to be a way to improve the community, all by simply recycling your bottles and cans.

BAC 2 BAC was born as a way to make recycling more convenient and to also give back to the community.

Flash forward five years and the program continues to benefit the community in a number of ways. At that time, there was no beverage container-recycling program.  

The founders were able to raise funds and secure grants to install the familiar blue boxes throughout town.

The convenience of having recycling boxes situated throughout town helps to keep the streets and park areas for the community litter free and promotes recycling. 

DARTS in Drumheller also benefits through its work program. Its clients do some of the labour for the program

“It keeps our employment contracts going, keeping people employed and benefits charity,” Karyn Trory, senior manger of finance at DARTS.

At the outset of the program, it identified that the revenue generated from the deposits on the returned bottles would support local charities. Since its inception, it has donated funds to The Salvation Army, the Morgan Jayne Project, the Drumheller and District Humane Society and DARTS.

Drumheller’s very own rock star is using this summer to  prepare for her year. 

In 2014, Abby Fooks won the annual Drumheller’s Got Talent competition. Her first place winnings included $2,000 in recording studio time. 

Her life suddenly turned into a whirlwind of excitement when the public started to discover her music. 

In the past two years, Fooks has gained a great amount of music experience. 

“Being in the music industry has been really eye opening. I know it is really hard to get into and I feel so lucky to have accomplished what I have,” said Fooks.  

 Abby Fooks released her first full length album titled “My Kind of Fun” on Friday, November 20, 2015. 

The album features seven songs, three of which she had written on her own.  

“The title “My Kind of Fun” symbolizes what I really enjoy doing. I love writing and making music. It is what I find fun as opposed to what other kids my age find fun,” said Fooks.  “I was quite nervous when the album first released. I was nervous of people’s opinions. So far, the response has been great.”

Her first single, “Breakaway” was also featured on the reality television show Vanderpump Rules, on Monday, November  9, 2015

The show follows the life of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Lisa Vanderpump as she juggles running a business with her family life.

“Hearing my song on the show was so surreal. I could not believe that so many people were hearing it! My Shazam account boosted right after the show aired.”

Since then she has been charming radio listeners all over Alberta with visits to local radio stations to promote her music. 

Her tour stops included 104.9 Virgin Radio and Fresh 92.5 of Edmonton, 98.5 Virgin Radio and 90.3 Amp Radio of  Calgary and 101.1 The One of Brooks.

Fooks also made a stop at Drumheller’s own, 99.5 Drum FM. 

The singer is looking forward to summer and the opportunities  that she will be able to take once school is over.      

“What I really want to be doing more of right now is shows. I love performing. I won’t pass up any chance I get.”

She is excited about a couple of upcoming events in the works.

One to talk about is her own music video. The details are not to be released as it is still a work in progress. 

Fooks has also recently entered the Calgary Stampede Talent Search and is waiting to hear back. The Calgary Stampede Talent Search entries compete for over $10,000 in cash and scholarships and also perform during The Calgary Stampede.

“Right now, I have been busy with school,” says the Grade 11 student of DVSS, “I also have been writing quite a bit. I am looking forward to what the future brings.” 

Fooks hopes to pursue a career in music, but also is thinking about teaching as a back up. 

The moment where Fooks was surprised the most in her music promotion was when she was being interviewed by Virgin Radio. “They knew so much about me and my music, I couldn’t believe that they had heard of me. I also found out that my song was played in Montreal. That was amazing to know people so far away had  heard of my music.”