Residents and stakeholders in seniors care packed one of the meeting rooms at the Badlands Community Facility to have their opinions be heard on Tuesday evening.
    Wildrose Seniors Critic Kerry Towle, as part of an Albeta-wide tour, stopped in Drumheller to learn what issues Albertans feel are the highest priorities in seniors care.
    The intention is to take the feedback back to government and push for change.
    “After the two week tour, my team and I will put together a report to make sure caucus is aware of what we have learned,” said Towle. “Then, we’re going to address, or attempt to address, this issue with Minister (Fred) Horne and the Associate Minister of Seniors. I’m not terribly optimistic about that process, but I still think it has to be done. From there, we will take a look what policy the Wildrose  can build for seniors they can trust as we go forward.”
    At the meeting, Towle related her own experiences, which included a brother diagnosed and placed in long-term care with Huntingon’s Disease in 2008 and a father who was hospitalized following a stroke.
    She also spent 10 years working for David Thompson Health Region.
    Residents brought up many issues; low staffing, meals, placement for continuing care, wait times for placement, and the bureaucracy.
    “We’re facing a tough budget... the easiest groups to cut are health care and seniors. I’m worried cuts to seniors will impact negatively on health,” said Towle.
    She had some advice for Albertans wanting change.
    “You have to write letters to your MLA, whoever that is. You have to explain to your children what long-term care is going to look like for you,” said Towle. “More importantly, get loud. Write letters to the editor. If you have the opportunity, go to Edmonton. You have an MLA who will put you on the legislature steps, we’ll have a rally, and I’ll be there.”
    Towle also took the opportunity to talk about her private members bill, Bill 208, to create an independent Seniors Advocate for Alberta.

    Love Rosebud? Want to visit more often? In celebration of Rosebud Theatre’s 30th anniversary, Rosebud Centre of the Arts has announced an eclectic and dynamic new entertainment series to complement of their 2013 season.
    The Rosebud Presents series will feature music concerts, one-man shows, children’s programming and more.
     “For thirty years, people have been coming from all over the province to be swept up in the experience of Rosebud,” says Morris Ertman, Artistic Director of Rosebud Theatre. “Our shows have become a part of people’s pilgrimages into rural Alberta. So, in our 30th anniversary year, we’re adding a series of events that welcomes new artists to Rosebud and expands our programming. If you haven’t been out to Rosebud lately–or ever–we invite you to discover the magic of the valley, the hospitality of the people, and the sheer love of sharing music and story with our beloved patrons.”
     The current line-up for Rosebud Presents includes Brian Doerksen in Concert, comedy improv with Panic Squad, and the classic Canadian play Letter from Wingfield Farm.
     The series kicked off Thursday, February 28 with Sandbox Theatre’s fun and educational production of The Amazing Adventure of Clara and Jacques. It tells the tale of two children who band together in search of a home, and traverse the vast lands of a country that would become Canada; along the way encountering a fur trader, braving the rapids in a canoe, and riding horseback with the North West Mounted Police.
    Next up are Canadian music icons Valdy and Gary Fjellgaard who will launch their latest tour with a special performance in Rosebud on April 9. They will be joined by roots duo The Great Plains (formerly Saskia & Darrel) and will provide an evening of folk and country music to entertain and delight.
     “We’ll have even more concerts, shows and forums to announce over the next few months,” adds Executive Director Adam Furfaro. “We hope to surprise our patrons with new and exciting opportunities to be entertained and engaged.”  Furfaro notes that 2013 Season Subscribers will be acknowledged for their loyalty with significant savings on their Rosebud Presents ticket purchases. “It’s not too late to become a subscriber. Give us a call and check out the savings. It’s really quite remarkable.”