Drumheller was in the spotlight recently on CBC’s The Ron James Show.
    Last summer the iconic Canadian comic was through the valley to film a segment for his show called “Ode to the Road.”
    James told The Mail he owes his career to the road. While he has a successful television show that is now in its fourth season, he still puts on a travelling show.
    “It took me a long time to get busy at this gig. Once I did and got some wind in my sails, I embraced it,” said James. “That is the load stone. I have a major cross Canada tour planned for this fall coming up… from B.C. to Newfoundland.”
    “This is how I built my brand, one town at a time touring this country. I built a great appreciation for people and places and that is what we are trying to do with these little “road odes,” is to tip my hat to these places that I have put my bags down in.”
    James was busy when he was in Drumheller in July. He visited the Royal Tyrrell Museum, the hoodoos and the little church to name a few.
    “What I admired was that brilliant museum you have, that is where the majority of my material is,” he said. “They took us behind the doors where they keep everything, it was incredible, a 12-year-old’s dream.”
    He adds that he enjoyed the Homestead Museum during his visit.
    “It’s the kind of museum that represents the personality of the people,” he said.
    One museum he tried to visit but was unsuccessful was the Big Valley Creation Science Museum. He said the operators of the museum went online to learn more about Ron James and saw a clip of one of his routines where he poked fun at Sara Palin.
    “I think I said her womb was as fertile as the green valley of Canaan,” he laughs.
    Suffice to say his invitation was declined.
    This was James’ first time in Drumheller and said he enjoyed the landscape and was all set to trek through Horse Thief Canyon when the weather turned cold. He envisions enjoying cycling through the valley.
    “I would like to bike through there to tell you the truth, because when you come over that rise  and you see the river below you, it’s gorgeous I love that little ferry (Bleriot) too. I would definitely come back.”

    St. Anthony’s School in Drumheller will see new leadership before the Easter break.
    Christ the Redeemer School Division has hired a new principal for the school to start this month. JoAnne Akerboom will be replacing Tim Gregorash, who announced in late 2012 he would be retiring after a 30-year career.
    “I had the opportunity to see the brand new building and meet some of the staff. I am looking forward to joining and being a part of this vibrant community and forming a connection with the students and the great team. The support and welcoming reception has been amazing,” said Akerboom.
    Her career began in the elementary classroom in Ladysmith B.C. and continued to the higher grades after moving east to Nova Scotia. She was part of developing provincial curriculum for entrepreneurship and developed a Career and Life Management course. Before accepting the principalship, she was Director of Executive Education, Executive Director of External Affairs and Director of Management Career Services for Dalhousie University.
    According to a release, Akerboom’s strong belief in experiential learning will be an asset in developing stronger links between academic and practical applications to ensure students achieve their potential.
    “My whole career has been focused on education and helping people to achieve their potential,” she said, adding the entrepreneurial spirit of Alberta is something she enjoys.
    “Every time I have visited Alberta I have had interesting experiences with dynamic people.”
    Making the move easier is that Akerboom has family already in the province. In fact, her daughter teaches at St. Anthony’s.
    Superintendent Michael O‘Brien is excited to have Akerboom come to Drumheller and said she brings great experience and credentials.