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Coalition strengthens early childhood education

    Parents in the community will soon be able to get connected to what’s going on for their tiny tykes thanks to the efforts of the Drumheller and Area Early Childhood Development (DECD) Coalition.
     The  recently formed DECD Coalition and has received a grant from Alberta Education to promote education for kids in kindergarten and younger.
    The DECD Coalition is in the process of assessing the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of children from birth to five years old through a survey. Greentree and St. Anthony’s Schools both participated.
    Michelle Hiscox, Early Childhood Development Coordinator, explained that while the results of the survey are still a month from being complete, the DECD Coalition has already begun work on the next step to identify the services available in Drumheller, Delia, and Carbon.
    “The goal is to find what we have and don’t have, and then build on what we don’t. I’ll be going around the community to the different service providers and find out what’s available, from counselling to physical activity,” said Hiscox.
    The DECD Board and volunteers will then be presented with the information and will determine ways to address the identified needs.
    “Some areas we could look at are counselling and social development. I think there’s always room to increase access. That’s one of the things we’d like to do, is build on that and possibly do some fundraising to address the areas where we find need,” said Hiscox.
    To get the information out to parents the plan is to create a resource book.
    “One of the things that’s missing, that the project will do, is give parents a resource base. We’ll be putting together a book on what’s available, who does it, and how to contact them so parents have an easy access,” said Hiscox.
    Another initiative will be creating a children’s fair to showcase the services that are available for parents in the area.
    “What we want to do is showcase service providers in Drumheller who can assist kids with development. We’ll have it open and accessible during hours when parents are available,” said Hiscox.
    The DECD Coalition believes that early childhood development sets the course for a child’s future and determines how well children will do in school, their physical and mental heath, behaviour, relationships, and well-being.
    Members of the community, from service providers, parents, educators, and businesses, are a part of the DECD Coalition.
    “With everybody working in a partnership, with the community to support it, I think that’s how it’ll be successful,” said Hiscox. “I think it’s really important, because as a parent I wasn’t completely aware of all we have in Drumheller. I am aware of a few gaps in services, but if the community comes together it’s going to be a huge benefit for all the kids in our community.”
    The next meeting of the DECD Coalition is today at 2:00 p.m. in the Civic Centre Audio Visual Room, but Hiscox welcomes inquiries from service providers or parents anytime.
    “Parents are a big part of the equation,” said Hiscox. “We need their support and input to find out what needs to be done.”


Relay for Life looking for volunteers

    After hosting five successful Relay for Life events in the valley, the committee that organizes the event is looking for some fresh blood to bolster the event.
     Relay for Life began with a bang, and at its inception, was one of the best performing events in the province. By its fourth year it hit the million-dollar mark. Last year the event topped $40,000 with just seven teams.
    This year’s event is slated for June 8 at the Drumheller Stampede and Ag Society. Last year’s organizer Shari Christensen says the committee is hoping for some new members to carry on the tradition.
    “The former committee is burnt out. We need an influx of new volunteers, that is for sure,” said Christensen.
    Christensen says that everyone has been touched by cancer and for her, working on Relay was a great way to pay tribute. “It is great fun, and I loved it. There is a lot of cancer in my family, so for me it was a great way to try and do my part,” said Christensen.
    If you are interested in
volunteering to help put
on this year’s Relay for Life, contact Christensen at 403-823-6739.

Travel Alberta and Big Valley Jamboree contest offers musical prize for rural communities

    What’s the easiest way to attract a big name country star to the valley? Make a short video and enter the Small Town Saturday Night contest.
    Travel Alberta has partnered with Big Valley Jamboree to celebrate its 20th anniversary and to support Alberta’s rural communities by offering them a chance to win a day-long country music celebration on April 28, 2012 in their hometown through a contest called “Small Town Saturday Night”.
    The grand prize includes a concert headlined by Canadian country music artist Dean Brody and a songwriters circle hosted by Alberta’s own Aaron Lines. Big Valley’s Master of Ceremonies Danny Hooper will emcee for the Small Town Saturday Night event. In addition to the excitement of hosting this once-in-a-lifetime concert experience, the winning community can use the event as a fundraiser to support a local charity or municipal initiative.
    “Alberta’s vibrant rural communities are filled with authentic experiences that travellers are looking for,” said Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation Minister Jack Hayden. “We want to shine a spotlight on our small towns and give them an opportunity to showcase what makes them unique.”
     Entering is simple:
•    Choose a place to host the event  (local bar, community hall)
•    Connect with a group of passionate local champions
•    Create a two-minute video showcasing what makes your community a great place to visit
•    Upload your video to YouTube and submit your official entry form
•    Invite your friends, neighbours and entire community to vote for your video online
    Deadline for entries is March 2, 2012. A panel of experts will narrow down the eligible entries, choosing the top five submissions based on their depiction of community spirit and involvement, passion for local tourism attractions and events and creativity. The top five will be announced on March 6, 2012 and this will be followed by a public vote for the grand-prize winner, ending on March 20.
     The winning community will be announced on April 2, 2012 and the grand prize concert will take place on April 28, 2012.
    For complete rules and regulations and to download the official information package and entry form please visit www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/STSN.


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