Hailing from Galt, Ontario, Heather Pattengale is thrilled to be appearing in the role of Millicent Milroy in Rosebud Theatre’s Queen Milli of Galt by Gary Kirkham, a “royally” funny romance.
     When the handsome, young Prince Edward visits Galt, Ontario in the autumn of 1919 everyone wants to see him, everyone that is except Millicent Milroy. The feisty Milli would rather work in her garden than join the throngs hoping to catch even a glimpse of the king-to-be. An escape from his relentless schedule leads Edward down Milli’s garden path. When the two meet what begins as mutual disdain for each other, gradually evolves into an extraordinary romance that leads to the crowning of Queen Milli of Galt. 
    Pattengale, who was born in Galt, before it was renamed Cambridge, is familiar with Queen Milli’s story and has visited the tombstone that Milli erected following the death of the Prince of Wales.
     “I first heard about Milli’s story when I worked for the Cambridge Historical Society. It’s a Cambridge urban myth. No one knows all the facts about her life, but I think the way the play frames her story is beautiful, and funny. In fact, I laughed out loud when I read the script for the first time. I love Milli. She’s feisty and won’t take any guff from anyone. She’s a real human being, who gives the prince a run for his money, which I think is great.”
     Executive Director Morris Ertman comments, “This is one of the best plays I’ve worked on in a long time. It comes off the page like an entertainment rocket and then grabs your heart and never lets go. It’s Rosebud Theatre’s must-see play of the season for those who want to leave the theatre feeling like every part of their entertainment hunger has been satisfied. I love this play, and I think audiences will too!”
     Queen Milli of Galt is a “royally” funny romance that will capture your heart and spur you to create your own destiny. Queen Milli of Galt by Gary Kirkham runs at Rosebud Theatre from September 9, through October 22, 2011. For tickets and show times call 1-800-267-7553 or visit www.rosebudtheatre.com

    A Drumheller woman has been recognized for her service to the aboriginal community.
    Donna Leeking received the Dorothy Daniels Justice Award, and was presented at the Esquao Awards in Edmonton earlier this year. These are awards put on by the Institute of the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (IAAW).
    She is grateful for her chance to excel.
    “That hand was extended to me, and I am all about paying it forward. I am a real self help person, I love to see people take a look at their lives and deal with their problems in a good way,” she said.
    Leeking, a proud Métis, was born and raised in Drumheller. She left for a few years and began working in social services. She returned home and started her career at the Drumheller Institution. Leeking has been working at the Drumheller Institution for more than 30 years. She is the Aboriginal Corrections Program Officer, and facilitates a violence program for aboriginals.
    “Corrections Canada has been very good to me, they allowed me to promote myself,” she said. “What they did for me, I do it for them… they even helped me to be proud of being native, which I wasn’t.”
    This is not her first award. She has received two medals for her exemplary service, as well as the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. She attributes some of her success to having strong role models.
    “I believe that because I was raised by my Kokum (grandmother), taught strong values,” she said. “My uncle Wilf Cunningham mentored me. He worked in corrections as an aboriginal liaison. These were two really strong people in my life who taught me well.”
    Elder Elsie Winnipeg nominated her, and Debbie Anderson, Manager of Assessment and Interventions at the Drumheller Institution, and Marilyn Kenny regional vice chair of the Parole Board of Canada, Prairie Region, supported her nomination.
    Unbeknownst to Leeking, her image is being used in a television campaign for the IAAW. She learned she was on TV from some of the people she works with.
    “One of the inmates said, ‘You’re a movie star now,’ ” she said. “Then I got a couple calls from people in the community who saw me on TV.”
    According to its website, the IAAW promotes the self-determination of aboriginal women who contribute to the well being of their communities, promotes personal growth of the recipients, and gives  encouragement for those in the audience. Leeking was awarded at the 16th annual Esquao Awards.