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

    This will be the last year for residents for Carbon to enjoy the skating rink that has been used by the community for decades.
    However, plans are in the works to build a new and improved rink at the same location by next winter.
    The Carbon Recreation Society has joined with the Village of Carbon and Ag Society to create a new multi-use building that would include the outdoor swimming pool, curling rink, and skating rink.
    It was decided to use the opportunity to build a brand new skating rink.
    “We’re going to rotate the skating rink 90 degrees and we’re working with the Ag Society to make a multi-use facility,” said Michael Still, a member of the Carbon Recreation Society. “We’re going to move our existing skate shack or add a new one so it’ll be a multi-use building. It could be our skating shack or work as a field house for soccer.
    To build the new rink, the recreation society received funding from Kneehill County, the Carbon Lions Club, and Ag Society. It is estimated the cost for the rink alone will be roughly $60,000 and could be over $100,000 with a new skate shack,
    “It’s a pretty big project. It’s going to be completely torn down. An upgraded system is going in. The system we have now is all wood. The new one will be made of newer materials, meet current safety codes, and have a longer life. It’s not going to be something that needs constant repairs and maintenance. The company we’re purchasing it from says it lasting 50 years is not uncommon,” said Still.
    Residents will still be able to use the rink for the rest of the winter, but once the weather warms up, work will begin to tear it down and build a new one. The new rink will be up in time for next winter.
    “It’s going to be as is this year, but next year it’s going to be a completely new facility,” said Still.