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MS Society names new walk coordinator

    The momentum is starting to build for the 2013 MS Walk after the designation of a new walk coordinator.
   The Drumheller MS Society recently named Shauna Brown as the new MS Walk coordinator. She replaces Dianne Snyder who held the position since November 2011.
   Brown is already thinking big for the upcoming walk, which is being held on May 5 this year.
   “My focus this year is getting as many teams involved as we can. It’s more fun to walk with a team, and it gives businesses and organizations a way to expose themselves. We’ve also added a fun run aspect to it as well. Those who are fit enough can go out and run the route as well,” said Brown.
   Another change for the walk this year will be its new location. Previously the walk had been held at the Drumheller Memorial Arena. Now, it will take place at the Badlands Community Facility.
   “I think it’ll give us a really nice area to work with and give the outlying people a chance to see what the facility offers,” said Brown.
   Like many involved in the MS Society, Brown has a personal connection with multiple sclerosis.
   “I like this type of work and last year I lost a friend from school to MS. There’s also a couple of other girls from my tiny home town that suffer from it too. When you have a town of 500 and two have MS, it impacts every one,” said Brown. “A lot of the money that goes into research comes from the MS Walks.”
   With the appointment of Brown, it is hoped the walk will grow.
   “She’s a really enthusiastic woman and will do great,” said Holly Guterson, secretary/treasurer of the Drumheller MS Society. “The walk has held its own each year, but as the population is aging, we need to get young people involved.”
   The money raised by the MS Walk helps fund research to combat the disease and support those afflicted with MS in Drumheller in the form of support groups and financial assistance.
   “Half of money raised in Drumheller, after expenses, goes to research and the other half stays in Drumheller,” said Guterson. “They’ve made huge strides in MS research over the past 20 years. It’s amazing what they can do for some and what they know about the disease.”
   Anyone who is interested in participating is encouraged to register early. To register, click here.

Stampede and Ag Society soldiers on

    While they have been through a difficult season, the Drumheller Stampede and Ag Society is continuing to thrive and appear to be getting stronger.
   The Ag Society has been in a state of flux over the past couple seasons, with changes to the executive and the loss of the WPCA. Mike Hansen, president of the Drumheller and District Ag Society, said it has been a lot of work to have the community take a second look and build trust.
   “I think we have made good progress,” said Hansen.
   While it appeared to be a blow to lose the chucks, they have soldiered on.
   “The chuckwagons were here for eleven years, which is really good for a lot of things. Often, events have a lifespan of about six years,” said Hansen.
   While it wasn’t WPCA, the Ag Society brought in the Alberta Pony Chuckwagon Association and had a successful show. Hansen said they are already in the planning stages for next year’s show. He says the entertainment value of the Pony Chuckwagon and Chariots is better with more close exciting finishes.
   “The guys want to come back, they really enjoyed it,” said Hansen.
   He said they are aiming for a four-day show on the August Long Weekend, and they are looking at more than 50 wagons coming for the event. A tarp auction allowing locals to get in on the action to support drivers is slated for March 16.
   While the Ag Society is excited about bringing the pony chucks, they are certainly not a one trick pony.
   The Society is continuing to work with the IMCA to bring car racing to the track. Other racing outfits are also interested in coming to Drumheller.
   Last year they were able to get the Drumheller Demolition Derby off the ground, although it was not the success they hoped it would be. They are already looking at how to rebuild the famous Drumheller event.
   Other regular Drumheller events continue on, including the Christmas Bazaar, which enjoyed its third year. “It will definitely carry on,” said Hansen.
   To build support for their events, they have begun themed dinner events on a regular basis. On February 9, they brought the Chevelles to the Stampede barn for a concert to help raise funds for their events.
   There are all kinds of opportunities for those interested to get involved with the Drumheller and District Ag Society. For more information, call 403-823-9339.

Cenovus partners with Drumheller Family Literacy

    Cenovus Energy is helping residents of Drumheller get started on the right literary foot. On Saturday, January 26, the energy company donated $45,000 over three years to Drumheller Family Literacy.
   The money will be used to support programs to increase literacy for both children and adults in Drumheller.
   “Cenovus is pleased to support Drumheller Family Literacy,” said Leanne Courchesne, Cenovus group lead, community investment. “The project offers tremendous learning support to many youth and families and we’re excited to be a part of that. We strive to be a good neighbour and support the communities where we live and work.”
   The goal of Drumheller Family Literacy is to increase literacy and educational supports for families and children and help raise high school completion rates from 72 per cent. Drumheller Family Literacy also assists adults, roughly 38 per cent of which struggle daily with low literacy levels.

Cenovus donated $45,000 over three years to Drumheller Family Literacy on Saturday, January 26. Present for the donation were Laurie Armstrong (left), Mayor Terry Yemen, Cenovus group lead Leanne Courchesne, Drumheller Family Literacy Coordinator Louise Henrickson, and Shelly Frisky.

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