Drumheller Family Literacy is inviting residents to recognize family literacy in a new way this year.
    On Saturday, January 26, 2 p.m., at the Elim Pentacostal gymnasium, Drumheller Family Literacy has invited entertainer Mary Lambert to give an interactive concert designed for the entire family.
    “Mary engages and amazes kids of all ages with her colourful props, dances, and wonderful voice,” said Louise Henrickson, coordinator for Drumheller Family Literacy.
    The concert is meant to recognize Family Literacy Day, which has been held on January 27 for the last 15 years across Canada.
    The goal of the special day is to raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy related activities as a family.
    Drumheller Family Literacy was established locally in 2006 to assist families with the essential skills that are necessary for a successful start to formal education.
    “By using a team approach, parents get access to individual support. This support can become a vital asset, especially if you are unsure of the skills necessary to begin school.  Reading, writing, financial, digital literacy, oral communication, thinking and working with others are all essential skills Canadians require to live a fully engaged life.  All of these skills start at an early age in the home and we want you to celebrate your family’s success,” said Henrickson.
    Although literacy is taken for granted, there are some unsettling statistics. Fifteen per cent of adult Canadians have reading and writing skills too limited to deal with material encountered in everyday life.
    To take part in the concert, those interested are asked to register by calling 403-823-1660 by January 21.

    Downtown Rockyford has undergone some big changes over the past year and there are more in store.
    When the snow melts, the Village of Rockyford will be renovating some of the sidewalk on main street. The plan is to install an environmentally friendly rubber sidewalk.
    “We’re going to add some very nice curb appeal. It’s going to be an environmentally safe, rubberized product,” said Mayor Darcy Burke.
    The total cost of the project is estimated to be roughly $80,000. The Tire Recycling Management Agency has given grant funding, which will cover 25 to 35 per cent of the cost. Local businesses will also be involved in the project.
    “Late last year our administration got in  contact with businesses, because those businesses will have to close for a small period of time. They are supportive of the project and have agreed to provide some funds to help cover their own portion of the sidewalk that would go to their doors,” said Burke. “We’re really excited about it and through our budget deliberations, we’ll be taking a serious look at it.”
    The decision to install the rubberized sidewalk was made after considering other, more traditional, options to restore the decaying sidewalk were considered.
    “We have identified our sidewalks are in very poor shape. Council looked at different toppings. We first looked at tearing them out and replacing them, but given the vintage of some of the buildings on main street and them being right up to the sidewalk, removing the sidewalks can be a problem for the integrity of the buildings. We looked at various proposals, such as putting a rock product on top. Recently, we learned of a rubberized, pour and place product,” said Burke.
    The rubber sidewalk has advantages over other materials. Walking on it is more comfortable, water drains easily, and removing the sidewalk to do any work underneath it (such as repairing a broken water line) is easily done.
    It is hoped work on the sidewalk will commence after the budget has been finalized and in the spring of this year.