The Kneehill FCSS is getting ready to let residents know how they can get involved in their communities.
    Starting next week, Kneehill FCSS will be hosting several Discovery Nights.
    “We provide people an opportunity to learn about resources and organizations in their community,” said Shelly Jackson, with the Kneehill FCSS. “We always encourage groups by telling them it’s a chance to let people know about what they do and it’s a chance to let people know they can join. It’s a way to enhance the community.”
    The first meeting is scheduled for March 5 at the Carbon Community Hall, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The second will be in Linden on March 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The final Discovery Night will be in Acme on March 12 in the Acme Community Centre from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    At each session, residents can learn what volunteer opportunities are available (for example Fire Departments or Ag Societies), what services (such as Alberta Health Services, Addictions Counselling, and Parent Link)  are out there, and even register for sports teams.
    “It’s part of what FCSS wants to do. We want to make sure people have some awareness about what programs and services are out there, and how they can reach them,” said Jackson.
    The Discovery Nights started a few years ago. It was felt there was a need to showcase what was available for newcomers and long-time residents alike.
    “A lot of times people have said to us they don’t need to come, because it’s for newcomers. But, I think it’s just as important for anyone, because as we go through life we sometimes look for different opportunities. You might have kids and as they grow up, you might want to do something different or volunteer,” said Jackson. “One reason this is an annual event is if you don’t need a service at the time, it doesn’t necessarily stick in your brain. This way people are exposed to what’s out there regularly.”
     Attendance is free for the public and community groups can register their booth for free with the Kneehill FCSS at 403-443-3800.

    The true lifeblood of community is water and the Alberta government is hoping to have a conversation with residents about just that.
    In fact, the government has begun a series of public sessions that will take place in 20 communities across the province to explore residents’ feelings about water usage and conservation.
    The session in Drumheller is coming up on Tuesday, March 19.
    “Albertans are passionate about water issues, and they want to have a say in how we manage this resource into the future,” said Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Minister Diana McQueen. “During our recent consultations on the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan, water was the number one issue Albertans talked about. This conversation is an opportunity for Albertans to delve even deeper into this important topic. We will be clear however, that Alberta’s water is not for sale and will never be for sale to other jurisdictions.”
     Topics up for discussion could include everything from drinking water and wastewater to water used in resource extraction.
    These facilitated public sessions are scheduled for about three hours. Those unable to take part in person can go to www.waterconversation.alberta.ca to complete an online survey, which is available from February 11 to March 29.