Words can have a profound effect. They can take someone from the depths of despair to the heights of happiness. However, in an age when communication is instantaneous, some feel that power is being lost.
    Ashley Green, a native of Drumheller and daughter of Clint and Lynn Hemming, is hoping to change that.
    Green has started a unique project to bring back the power of words with Love Letters to Strangers. When out and about, Green will hand strangers, for example a cashier, a small note filled with kind, affirming messages.
    “Love letters are something I’ve loved throughout my whole life. I was introduced to them through my family, so I was inspired by them to tell people what I think of them and to inspire them. It also brings back the power of words,” said Green. “Showing kindness to people and making their day better was the extra cherry on top.”
    Green has also started holding workshops encouraging others to start making letters of their own. She comes to Drumheller on February 28 at the Grace Lutheran Church and then will present to the DVSS Friends of Rachel Club.
    There will also be a public workshop later this year on November 28.
    “Everyone in the community is welcome to attend. It’s about spreading anonymous love. The idea isn’t to give them to friends and family, but to random people,” said Hemming.
    In Edmonton, the letters have been well-received.
    “Most of the responses are very positive. Some people, I think, don’t know how to react. I’ve had people run up to me and tell me their life story, give me a hug, or send me an e-mail saying how much it meant to them. It has definitely been an inspiration to keep this project moving forward and growing,” said Green.
    However, there has been some indifference and even outright negative responses.
    “I think it’s not common for people to encounter like this, so there are people who aren’t fazed by this. There are a couple cynical people who didn’t react well, but I hope over time they will look at the letter and have a different reaction,” said Green.
    Green and participants in her program are making a huge push in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day to spread the love with a massive campaign.
    Green, who was born and raised here, moved out of Drumheller in 2006 to pursue a BA in English and history at the University of Alberta. Now 24, she is currently working as a freelance photographer in addition to making the Love Letters.
    To learn more about Love Letters to Strangers, click here.

    The Carbon Public Library is practically a brand new building after recently receiving a much needed face-lift.
    For three weeks between November and December last year, the library closed its doors and began extensive renovations intended to breathe new life between the stacks of books.
    “It (the renovation) was crazy. We allotted one week, but it ended up taking three,” said Jay-Lynn Boutin, manager of the Carbon Public Library.
    The work, in a sterling example of small-town camaraderie, was carried out by volunteers.
    “All the work was done by volunteers from the Library Board and their spouses. It wouldn’t have happened without them,” said Boutin.
    The renovations have transformed the library. The floors have been replaced, new lights installed, a new paint job, and new shelving acquired from the Drumheller Public Library after they moved.
    Prior to the renovations, the building had much of its original features.
    “The building is old and everything was done in the late 70’s and early 80’s. We had the original flooring. We wanted to bring back the community. Now, people are poking their heads in all the time,” said Boutin. “She’s beautiful now and a joy to work in.”
    A grand reopening for the Carbon Public Library is being planned for the spring.
    “We have such an awesome Library Board, who put in many volunteer hours to make our library the wonderful place it is,” said Mayor Valorie Reed. “It's such a great board. They decide they want to do something, figure out how to do it and then get it done."