(l-r)Sister May Leo, Sister Robert Ann, Sister Mary Hubert and Reverend Mother Mary Regina  are busy this week belting out tunes on Kaleidoscope Theatre’s Stage in Nunsensations! The Nunsense Vegas Review. Tickets are available by calling 403-823-7529.

No one is ever too old, too young or too serious to enjoy a little Nunsense.
    Kaleidoscope Theatre is revisiting the five zany Little Sisters of Hoboken, this time in Sin City in Nunsensations! The Nunsense Vegas Review.
    Drumheller theater goers are well acquainted with Reverend Mother Mary Regina, Sister Mary Hubert, Sister Robert Anne, Sister Mary Leo and Sister Mary Amnesia. Nunsensations! is the fifth installment of the zany series and it puts the sisters on stage in Las Vegas.
    Offered a $10,000 donation by a parishioner to perform at the Pump Room at the Mystique Motor Lodge, Mother Superior is hesitant at first, but soon they all head on to the stage with the mantra ‘What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas” as a justification.
     The audience gets glimpses into the lives of the five nuns we already know and love, but more importantly, we get a whole lot of singing and hijinks.
    Becky Neuman, Angela Keibel and Ashley Turner all have the habit of performing on Kaleidoscope’s stage. They are joined by newcomers Sara Zubiak and Rhian Russell who bring great musical talent and timing to the show.
    Rounding out the cast is Sister Marie Annette, although she does go missing for a spell, and showgirl Megan McLaughlin who helps keep the show rolling along.
    Kaleidoscope Theatre as a collective, has a unique talent of flushing out talent in the area and giving them a chance to shine on stage. Nunsensations! is no exception and along the way provides a fun night of entertainment that leaves you smiling.
    Nunsensations! The Nunsense Vegas Review continues this week, with performances from November 25-29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 403-823-PLAY (7529).

The Provincial and Federal government have announced a $160 million program over four years dedicated to rural senior housing in Alberta. Tom Zariski of the Drumheller and District Seniors Foundation says the funding is welcomed.

    The provincial and federal governments have stepped up its commitment to Senior housing in rural Alberta and have pledged $160 million over the next four years.
    Premier Jim Prentice made the announcement at the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMD&C) conference in Edmonton last week. The money is to fund major renovations for the replacement of Senior lodges outside of Alberta urban centres.
    “One of our most pressing priorities is to ensure seniors have the opportunity to age with dignity in the communities they helped build, surrounded by friends and family. Increasing the number and quality of the spaces available in rural communities will help keep seniors in their hometowns where they feel connected and secure,” said Jim Prentice, Premier of Alberta.  
    This is an addition to an announcement earlier this year from the Canada-Alberta Investment in Affordable Housing targeting seniors, low income Albertans and families. Overall, this program is committing $202 Million.
    Drumheller Town Councillor Tom Zariski sits on the Drumheller and District Seniors Foundation (DDSF) and says this support is welcomed by the foundation.
    “It looks like a step in the right direction,” said Zariski. “Municipalities have been trying to cope with the increasing numbers of seniors in need of affordable, supported housing. Drumheller is a prime example of a community where the seniors housing needs far surpass the ability of the Drumheller and District Seniors Foundation to provide. DDSF looks forward to more information about this program and the possibility of partnering with the provincial and federal governments”.
    Federal Minister of State for social development says the investment will help support seniors in their own communities.
    “Our investment in Affordable Housing allows flexibility so that provinces can direct our substantial federal investments towards their local priorities. We’re pleased to partner with Alberta on this important initiative so that seniors living in rural communities have access to quality, affordable housing, close to their families, neighbours and the services they need,” said the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).
    Alberta Minister of Seniors echoes this commitment.
    “Nearly 70 per cent of all seniors lodge units are in communities outside of Alberta’s major centres. Multi-year investments like this are critical to ensuring aging properties are appropriately maintained or replaced,” said Jeff Johnson, Alberta Minister of Seniors.
    The Alberta government plans to work with housing management bodies to complete an evaluation of senior’s lodges to determine needs.