On October 24 the Drumheller Rotary Club counted pennies they collected for the Pennies for Polio Campaign, a Rotary Club International effort to stamp out polio for good.
    Polio is an infectious viral disease that could result in muscle weakness or paralysis should it enter the central nervous system.
    The disease has been present through much of human history, but it wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that the number of cases of polio dramatically increased to epidemic proportions.
    Efforts by the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and Rotary International have nearly eradicated the disease. The number of cases in 2001 was 483, compared to roughly 350,000 in 1988.
    Despite being close to defeated, polio has experienced a resurgence in developing countries. The virus remains epidemic in India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria.
    Rotary International hopes to raise over $200 million dollars by June 30, 2012. The money will be used to provide vaccinations against polio.
    Residents of the Valley chipped in by donating pennies at the Drumheller Health Centre, Scotiabank, and the Rotary Radio Auction at Greentree Mall.
    Everyone who donated at the DHC were able to enter  an draw to win a “End Polio Now” t-shirt. The winner of the draw was Garrison Krabsen.
    The number of pennies collected added up to $375.11, which will be enough to immunize 625 children against the polio virus.

    The Drumheller Boston Pizza is cooking up an extra large batch of pasta for the upcoming spaghetti eating contest to be held on Wednesday, November 9.
    The contest is broken down into four categories: 12 and under, 13 to 17, 18 and over women, and 18 and over men.
    Contestants are judged on who can eat the provided portion the fastest, with prizes for the winners. There will also be a reward for the participant who raises the most money.
    To gain entry to the contest, participants will be collecting pledges until November 9. All money raised will go to the Salvation Army.
    Last year the contest was able to raise $5486.87 for the Salvation Army. Dylan Jensen collected the most money of any participant, raising $1514.56.
    If interested in donating prizes, or any questions, contact Stacey Stewart, General Manager of the Drumheller Boston Pizza, at 403-823-9700.