Local MLA Nathan Cooper and MP Earl Dreeshen presented two local youth with congratulatory certificates for completing the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award in council chambers on Aug. 22.
Anthony Focker and Walker Simoneau were among a number of local youth who attended a ceremony in Calgary this year to meet Prince Edward upon completing the program.
"It was awesome for me, a once in-a-lifetime experience," Simoneau said about meeting the prince.
The two spoke briefly about how they obtained the award, which recognizes youth aged 14-24 who participate in community service, physical fitness and exploration.
Simoneau said he started with the award's bronze level and worked his way up to gold, attaining his pilot's licence along the way.
Focker said he was a direct entry into the gold level, calling it a great experience.
Both are members of the Olds Air Cadets.
Council proclaimed September as "Prostate Cancer Awareness Month."
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. One in eight will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. There were 24,000 new cases in Canada last year.
When detected early, the survival rate is over 90 per cent. Prostate Cancer Canada encourages men in their 40s to get a PSA test.
Council also proclaimed Oct. 16-22 as "National Teen Driver Safety Week (NTDSW)."
Parachute is a Canadian charity aimed at reducing preventable injuries, focusing on motor vehicle collisions, sports and recreation and seniors' falls. One of its goals is to achieve the lowest injury rate among nations that belong to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development – including Canada.
More than 35 municipalities from eight provinces supported the organization's NTDSW, hosting 524 community events. This is the fourth year of NTDSW.
Parachute states young people make up 12 per cent of licensed drivers but account for a fifth of road-related injuries and fatalities.
It says motor vehicle collisions result in more than 14,000 hospitalizations and 161,000 emergency room visits each year in Canada.
