A tradition has returned to Drumheller as students at DVSS prepare to host the area’s seniors to an afternoon gala of dining and entertainment.
    The annual Seniors Dinner is set for this Thursday at DVSS. This is a tradition that stretches back 18 years. While it took a hiatus for a couple years, when there was a concern with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and when the school was in the process of moving from Central School, it is back. Principal Curtis LaPierre says the whole school plays a part in staging the event.
    “It’s the entire school, you’ll see volunteers all the way from junior high to senior high,” said LaPierre.
    The day features a meal prepared by students. The arts programs will take part in decorating the school for the event, and the fine arts programs will be showcasing their talents.
    “We’ll have the choir and the band entertaining and some skits from the drama department,” said LaPierre.
    He said the event helps bridge the gap between seniors and youth.
    “It makes seniors more comfortable with youth and interacting in a very positive way,” said LaPierre, “and it goes both ways.”
    The Alberta Teachers Association as well as the Alberta Ministry of Seniors has recognized the dinner.
    The door to the event opens at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, with entertainment at noon, followed by lunch.

    In the spirit of Christmas, country music performer Gordon Bamford will be performing at Hussar School.
 The Juno nominated country singer has headed out on his Country Christmas Tour and is taking his show to 12 rural Alberta schools. The final show of the series is at Hussar School on December 16.
    “Last year was the first time we played our Christmas concert tour at select schools in rural Alberta. It was very well received and based on that experience, we wanted to expand the tour and make it bigger and better. We believe in the arts and in supporting music programs in rural schools across Alberta,” says Bamford.
    Linda Moczulski, Grade 5/6 teacher at Hussar School was made aware of the shows through a general fax, and saw it as an exciting opportunity.
    “We are always looking for Christmas concert ideas so I thought wouldn’t it be great to do something a little different? She said. “How many kids can say that Gord Bamford sang at their Christmas concert?”
    The students and attendees will not only get to hear Bamford perform, but they will be on stage as well. The students will open for Bamford with traditional Christmas carols.
 Before each concert, the school’s musical group will have a chance to meet the 2010 Canadian Country Music Male Artist of The Year. The participating children will receive free admission for taking part in the concert.
    The concert will also help support the school. Along the way Bamford has been making donations to the schools he performs in. The school is also doing a 50/50 draw during the event. Moczulski says Bamford has also been supportive to the students by allowing the school to sell his Christmas CD, and donating $5 from the sale of each unit to Hussar School. They have raised about $900 through this endeavour.
    “It’s a chance to showcase our kids, have a big-name concert close to home, and most importantly, have our community get together for a Christmas celebration,” said Moczulski.
    ATB is helping support the tour. Tickets are available at Hussar School, call 403-787-3781.