A new grant from Wheatland County aims to bolster the recreational life of its residents. Applications are being encouraged for the new Community Enhancement Grant.
    Development of the grant began last year.
    “It started in the 2011 budget. Council allocated part of our mill levy towards recreation,” said Wheatland County CAO, Jennifer Deak. “We recognized our residents utilize many recreational facilities and we wanted to help.”
    The grant aims to provide financial support for venues and activities and “is intended to enhance promote and support creative groups and organizations that bring a broad range of enjoyment, benefit, and participation to the residents of the County.”
    The grant is limited to non-profit organizations, but many projects could receive funding under the grant, according to Deak.
    “It’s new water for them [the Community Enhancement Grant Board] and it’s the first time around. It’ll evolve with time,” said Deak. “They’re leaving it as broad as possible to encourage as many projects as possible. They’re not just limiting it to recreation. They don’t want to set limitations.”
    The board was formed after Wheatland Council consulted ratepayers to determine how the mill levy should be dispersed. The 14 member board represents the divisions within Wheatland County, with two members from each division.
    Applications are due September 30 and will be reviewed by the board and recipients announced later in the fall. The intention is to have multiple recipients of the grant.
    Some of the $393,000 for the grant has already been allotted this year. The Servern Dam Park had some renovations done during the summer, with the grant providing some of the funds.
    Anyone wishing to apply can find applications at the Wheatland County office or online at www.wheatlandcounty.ca. Applications are due by September 30.
    “We encourage residents to go on our website and fill out an application,” said Deak.

Work to improve the Severn Dam Park was recently completed, thanks in part to funds received from the Community Enhancement Grant. The grant is a new initiative by Wheatland County to improve the recreational and cultural offerings of the area. Applications are being accepted until September 30. The application form can be found at the Wheatland County office or at www.wheatlandcounty.ca.

    One of the most heart warming Christmas traditions in Drumheller began this week in zeal, it is time to make a wish come true.
    The Morgan Jayne Project is ramping up its Christmas Miracle campaign. The Christmas wish list from Familias Saludables in Roatan is out and already Fred Makowecki said the first wish has been granted.
    Every year the clinic sends out a wish list for families that would never normally receive anything for Christmas. These are families in one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, whose lives have been affected by AIDS. The list is long and the need is great. There are about 60 families on the list and each has their own tale.
    A description of one family reads, “This very resilient mom is raising her daughter as well as two grandchildren. Ashanti is 12 and still very much a little girl. She would like a snow cone maker (she saw one on TV) or something to make necklaces and crafts. She is a size 12. James is two now and likes big cars and trucks. He is a rough, tough little guy so please buy him something strong. He is a size 3. Evolit is a little princess; her grandma is helping raise her after her father was killed by Columbians. She is a size three and loves clothes, purses, and would like a princess blanket or suitcase.”
    Makowecki said the list maybe longer because of some donors in the United States, facing their own economic crisis, are not able to support the project as much. He adds that for every family on the list there are many more who could use the help.
    “We have asked for that list, but what people don’t realize there are lots of kids not on the list that we have to address. These are kids who are physically or sexually abused or come in after the list is done,” said Makowecki.
    He says for example if you look at the list and want to buy a gift for a young girl, he says don’t be discouraged if there is not one available in the letter.
    “We know that everything that comes to us will end up in a kid’s hand,” said Makowecki.
    They are hoping to have the packages wrapped and shipped by the end of October to arrive in time for Christmas.
    On top of the regular list there are other items that the clinic could aways use, including the Morgan Jayne projects bread and butter, infant formula. Cash is always needed, for the Christmas party and also for logistics. Makowecki asks those who donate to bear in mind that it literally costs thousands of dollars to ship the packages overseas.
    The list is available by going to www.themorganjayneproject.com or by checking out the Morgan Jayne Project’s Facebook page. Items can be dropped at Image Crafters in Drumheller.

The annual Morgan Jayne Project Christmas Wish list is being circulated. Organizers hope to have the gifts packed and ready to ship by the end of October.