On Saturday, January 14, the Drumheller Legion held its annual Veterans Dinner to honour those who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces. This year, a special guest paid his respects to the men and women of Drumheller.
    The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Colonel (retired) Donald S. Ethell, was invited to and attended the dinner.
    Upon arriving, Ethell and his wife, Linda, mingled with guests and spoke with the Afghanistan veterans who live in the area.
    “I think it’s great when towns like Drumheller recognize and honour their veterans. Not only the veterans, but the spouses and families. In this day and age when someone joins, it’s a family event. It’s important that you remember the family. It’s important that the community recognize the sacrifice service personnel make, and it’s appreciated by those who have served and their families,” said Ethell.
    The Sea Cadets who volunteered to serve dinner got a special treat. Ethell, one of the most highly decorated officers in the history of the Canadian Armed Forces, took the time to meet and chat with all of the cadets at the dinner.
    Ethell asked various questions, such as how long they’ve been with the cadets and whether they have been able to get out to sea.
    All of the cadets were excited and inspired after meeting Ethell.
    “They’re at the age when they need to be energized to join the army, sea, or air forces. A number of them had been out to HMCS Quadra, on the west coast, and completed training there. That’s good. They get familiar with things, motivation, and discipline. The key of course is the leaders. The Lieutenant here is doing a heck of a job as the commanding officer,” said Ethell. “This Legion is supporting the youth of Canada, that’s our future.”

    The Badlands Community Facility Library is $250,000 richer thanks to the massive generosity of Cenovus Energy Inc.
    The contribution will help support the Children’s Corner, the Youth Area, and the Community Programs Room that will promote learning partnerships with post-secondary institutions and local educational programs.
    “Cenovus is proud to support programs that help create a vibrant future for our communities,” said Grant Bergos, Cenovus operations superintendent, Drumheller.  “This is a great facility that will encourage life-long learning for residents of Drumheller and surrounding areas.”
    “This gift from Cenovus shows that we have a great facility and we are heading in the right direction for our community.  It is another step on our journey to offer a building that will be used by residents throughout the region every day of the year.  Thank you Cenovus for your support,” said Jeff Hall, co-chair of the Campaign Cabinet.
    The Community Facility is nearing completion and will be ready to  open in February. It will include the new home of the library, fitness facilities, and meeting rooms for various events, such as weddings. The new building will give residents facilities to enhance wellness, education, and strengthen the region overall.
    “Investments in our community like this ensure we have a sustainable community for the long term. Our residents will benefit from this facility for generations and it is companies like Cenovus that are ensuring we can make this project happen,” said Mayor Terry Yemen.
    “The fundraising campaign has received support from a number of organizations and individuals and I am so proud of the work of our small group of dedicated volunteers who have been working so hard,” added Hall. “The support of companies and individuals in this community is also critical, and our volunteers would be pleased to discuss support at any level”.
    Cenovus started in 2009 after separating from Encana Corporation to form two independent energy companies. Cenovus operates in the oil sands of northern Alberta and extracts natural gas throughout southern Alberta, including the Drumheller area, and Saskatchewan.
    Cenovus currently employs 42 Valley residents and has been active in the community, donating to other causes, such as the Hussar Ag Society, Drumheller Minor Hockey, the Duke of Edinburgh awards, and more.
    "We feel that it's important to be involved in the community, that's where we do our business," said Bergos. "It's a win-win when you're involved to that degree."
    The fundraising campaign cabinet will be providing more updates regarding fundraising for the Community Facility as opening day draws near.
    For more information on the campaign, residents are encouraged to contact Heather Little, campaign coordinator for the Town of Drumheller at 403-823-1333 or hlittle@dinosaurvalley.com.