Great progress is being made on the Standard Hall and they are aiming to be able to cut the ribbon early in the new year.
    The community has been working hard to make the hall a reality and broke ground in the summer.
    According to Ron Corbiell building project chair, the bulk of the exterior work on the hall is complete. Inside the insulation work in the ceiling and the walls are complete and the electrical is about 80 per cent.
    “By the end of December we're going to be pretty close,” said Corbiell. “By the time they do the finishing touches and painting, and the floor, we're probably looking at late January or February.”
    He said while they have had a few delays because of the weather they have made great progress and he is very happy with the contractor.
    The Hall Association sent a letter to supporters in late November updating their progress. The committee hoped to have 80 per cent of the funds in place before they commenced work, but it became apparent that access to funds would not be available unless construction had begun. They are waiting on a number of grants from the county as well as the provincial government. The Lions club has also been generous, and the group has a casino coming up. They are still looking at more fundraising.
    Last weekend the Standard Lions hosted their annual Dinner and Auction and are planning to dedicate all the funds raised to the hall.
    Brett Gates, a Standard Lion, said the evening grossed more than $97,000, and he expects they will clear about $88,000 to put towards the hall.  While it was not the best ever, it was better than last year’s event.
    Some of the top items included the traditional chrome shovel, which fetched $8,000 and was purchased by Getz and Associates of Strathmore. Tervita purchased center-ice logo rights for the Standard Arena for $3,000. The retail items alone fetched more than $40,000.
    The hall, when completed, will have a state of the art kitchen and banquet seating for about 350.

    Interact, a Rotary-driven youth club has been established in the valley and their first order of business is to support local families in need over the holiday season.
    The club, which has about 15 members, has started a drive for “Interact Christmas Baskets.” Through the Salvation Army, the baskets will be delivered locally to members of the Drumheller community who are less fortunate.
    Basic necessities such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc. would all be great items to put in the baskets. As well, luxuries such as a movie ticket or “Christmas gifts” would be a wonderful thing!
    Examples of a basket may include toothpaste, shampoo, body lotion, movie pass, CD, and socks, or another basket could have hairbrushes, razors, toothbrush, pajamas, DVD, and chocolate.
    The baskets are not specified to any age range or gender. They will be delivered to families designated by the Salvation Army. Therefore, any items or gifts will all be of use and will be greatly enjoyed and appreciated.
    On December 17th from 4-8 pm there will be a drop-off location for the baskets set up at the Co-op mall. It would be best if the baskets are not covered, and in that way, the Salvation Army will know what the baskets contain and decipher where they will best be suited to be delivered.
    As well, if this time does not work, the baskets may be dropped off anytime prior to December 17th at Drumheller Valley Secondary School.
    According to Madison Colberg, president of Interact, the club encourages youth to develop leadership skills and service qualities. It is open to students from ages 12-18, but so far the local membership is typically from grade 10 and 11.
    “It promotes youth and service in the town and helping our community,” said Madison Colberg. “We also do international projects, too.”
     For more information, contact Colberg at 403-820-0736 or email maddy177@hotmail.com