Foster families make up an important part of communities, and this week they are being recognized nationally and locally.
    At Monday night’s Drumheller Town Council Meeting, Deputy Mayor Tom Zariski made the declaration that Drumheller recognize Foster Family Week. He again made the declaration Tuesday evening with foster families in the area as well as professionals in the Central Alberta Child and Family Services Authority. 
    “Whereas healthy families which are supported by responsible and caring communities, Foster Families are the safe and healthy family alternative for children in need; and Whereas the hands of society support the child - foster parents are an illustration of these hands; and Whereas The Town of Drumheller and surrounding area recognizes that it is because of Foster Families that children in need can remain in their own communities alongside their previously established supports in their family, school, church, friends and neighbors; therefore I do hereby proclaim The week of October 21 to 27, 2012 as Foster Family Week,” reads the declaration.
    A press release from Alberta Minister of Human Services David Hancock describes foster families as unsung heroes.
    “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our foster families for your vital role in improving the lives of children and youth,” said Hancock. “We know the care and supports provided throughout a child’s life are extremely important. The dedication, compassion and generosity of Alberta foster parents are greatly appreciated and truly worthy of recognition.”
    In Alberta, foster parents are caring for about 4,600 youngsters. In the Drumheller area, there are about 13 families. On Tuesday evening they held an appreciation night for the families in the area as well as those agencies that work with them.
    There is always a need for more foster families. Information can be found at www.child.alberta.ca or by calling 403-823-1767.

    The Village of Delia welcomed its newest member to the Village Council. Dennis Thordarson was elected councillor in a recent by-election on Friday, October 19.
    Thordarson ran against Irene Arnold. Thordarson picked up the majority of the votes with 61 votes, to Arnold’s 38.
    “I’m really looking forward to it. There’s a lot we can do here,” said Thordarson.
    Thordarson’s term lasts until the municipal elections in the fall of 2013. He has some ideas for what he wants to accomplish while on the Village Council for the coming year.
    “I’d like to see if we can do a big campaign to do something about increasing our population. We’ve got one section of our sewer to finish and that’s got to be a project for next year,” said Thordarson.
    Thordarson moved to Delia four years ago. In that short time, he joined the Elks, the committee for the expansion of the campground, Communities in Bloom, became president of the Cenotaph Rejuvenation Committee, and the director of the Delia Historical Society.
    “We moved here four years ago and I found it to be one of the nicest places I have ever lived and I really enjoy the people. I thought if we wanted to stay, we had to become a part of what was going on,” said Thordarson.
    The by-election was called in August when former councillor Gord Isaac stepped down from his position due to poor health and a desire to concentrate on his recovery. Nominations were collected on September 21.
    Since Isaac stepped down, Mayor John Rogers and Councillor Jeff Collins have been alone on council. The new council with Thordarson met for the first time on Tuesday evening for their annual organizational meeting.