The spookiest time of the year is here. Today, kids will be out and about trick-or-treating. and downtown Drumheller is once again welcoming families to come for some spooktacular fun.
    From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., many downtown businesses are open to give out Halloween candy to scary little ghosts and ghouls.
    “It’s something the business community puts on for the children,” said Connie Tremblay, an agent with Re/Max Drumheller and organizer of the downtown Halloween events. “Some of the businesses will decorate their buildings. It makes it a lot more festive.”
    There is more than just the candy downtown. D.A.R.T.S., which is on 1st Street East and 3rd Avenue, will once again be transformed into a terrifying Haunted House open to all.
    There will also be some good old fashioned pumpkin carving at the Re/Max office on Centre Street.
    Businesses will carry signs on their windows indicating they are participating.
    Everyone is welcome to come out.
    “All the kids can come dressed up, walk around downtown, collect candy, pop over to the haunted house, and carve a pumpkin. It’s safe and still light outside, which makes it nice. Parents don’t have as far to travel and they can finish all their trick-or-treating by supper,” said Tremblay.
     

Susan Kolenz (left) and Amy Barnes, of Centre Street Insurance, and Connie Tremblay, with ReMax in Drumheller, dig in to some Halloween candy. The Re/Max office will host pumpkin carving, D.A.R.T.S. will be a haunted house open to all, and businesses will hand out candy from 4 to 6 p.m.

    Foster families make up an important part of communities, and this week they are being recognized nationally and locally.
    At Monday night’s Drumheller Town Council Meeting, Deputy Mayor Tom Zariski made the declaration that Drumheller recognize Foster Family Week. He again made the declaration Tuesday evening with foster families in the area as well as professionals in the Central Alberta Child and Family Services Authority. 
    “Whereas healthy families which are supported by responsible and caring communities, Foster Families are the safe and healthy family alternative for children in need; and Whereas the hands of society support the child - foster parents are an illustration of these hands; and Whereas The Town of Drumheller and surrounding area recognizes that it is because of Foster Families that children in need can remain in their own communities alongside their previously established supports in their family, school, church, friends and neighbors; therefore I do hereby proclaim The week of October 21 to 27, 2012 as Foster Family Week,” reads the declaration.
    A press release from Alberta Minister of Human Services David Hancock describes foster families as unsung heroes.
    “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our foster families for your vital role in improving the lives of children and youth,” said Hancock. “We know the care and supports provided throughout a child’s life are extremely important. The dedication, compassion and generosity of Alberta foster parents are greatly appreciated and truly worthy of recognition.”
    In Alberta, foster parents are caring for about 4,600 youngsters. In the Drumheller area, there are about 13 families. On Tuesday evening they held an appreciation night for the families in the area as well as those agencies that work with them.
    There is always a need for more foster families. Information can be found at www.child.alberta.ca or by calling 403-823-1767.