No need to move community board

My letter today is regarding the community board that was recently chopped down from out front of Super A and moved to the backside of a sign across from the parking lot. I think that removing such a central part of the community was foolish to say the least. Although it’s not the only place people post their information, it was however the most used and most viewed.

For newcomers to this beautiful town it was a way of finding a home, a mode of transportation and even furniture at the right price. The best part was that for someone unfamiliar with Jasper and unfamiliar with the location of some of the other boards, it was right out in front of the first place everyone goes when moving to a new town: the grocery store.

For those of us who have been here for a while it was a way to know what was happening in our community at a glance (as well as possibly finding an item or two we needed). Concerts, plays, fundraising events, job opportunities, memorials and even a lost pet or two found their way onto that board.

Now you might be asking yourself “What’s the big deal with moving it? It’s still around, isn’t it?” Yes, it’s still around, however its new location couldn’t be less practical. First of all, it’s facing away from the street and is no longer immediately visible to the public (unless you happen to park right beside it). Which brings me to my next point. You have to stand in or cross the parking lot to look at it as opposed to standing on the sidewalk. It’s also now exposed to the elements, creating runny, crinkled messy looking posters that people think have been up since the dawn of time.

When I asked why it was moved, the answer I received was that it was ‘an eyesore.’ Well I can tell you it wasn’t an eyesore when I needed a place to live, or when I was looking for a new bike, couch and dining room table. And it wasn’t an eyesore for Parks Canada when they posted their job fair dates. Or for the bands passing through town playing a show on Saturday night. It sure isn’t an eyesore fore the people who lost their beloved family pet. I think Super A needs to recognize what they have removed from this community and see that on persons’ eyesore was a vital information hub for newcomers and locals alike.

Sam Salisbury,
Jasper, AB

Praising the kindness of Jasperites

My faith in humanity has been restored this week, especially the humanity of Jasper. I had the misfortune to break a bone in my foot while away in Mexico at the beginning of May. Initially I thought it was just a sprain, but after being examined by a local doctor I was told it was indeed broken and would most likely need surgery in Edmonton. I have been hobbling around on crutches which is a first for me and have found that everything from going to the bathroom to performing duties at work has been a challenge. Also, my boyfriend and I both are financially strapped upon just returning from our first vacation away together and have been charging our credit cards to the point of a debt that would take at least a year to recover from. 

Nonetheless, I had an appointment in Edmonton with a specialist this past Friday. The specialist told me to wait around in the city for surgery and they would get me in when they could. Upon not receiving a phone call from the hospital in over 24 hours to update me on progress, I returned to the hospital only to find that my name had NOT been put on the surgery list and that I should have been told to return home since surgery of this type usually takes three to four days of waiting. The specialist didn’t have the heart to tell me to go home. Thus after talking with more doctors and nurses they told us to wait until morning, paying for yet another meal, more gas and another night’s accommodation hoping to get into surgery on Sunday morning if there was space. 

Luckily because I arrived at the hospital extra early on Sunday they were able to get me in for surgery. After this weekend ordeal, we finally made it home on Sunday night at 10 p.m. after spending a lot of money and losing several days of work between my boyfriend and I. Neither of us could afford to do so, but did not have much of a choice. 

I called to make a follow-up appointment for this or next week and the only day they had available was Thursday, my birthday. So, I had to spend eight hours on the road traveling to Edmonton and back for what I’m sure will be a ten minute appointment and have to take yet another day off from work. 

However, after talking to some amazing community members and posting a plea on Facebook for a ride to Edmonton I am overwhelmed by the phenomenal response. I have always known that Jasper is a special place, but the people are what makes it special. I have had countless offers from half a dozen people who would take me to Edmonton for no other reason than to help me out. Several very special people have given me money out of their own pocket for food and gas. Others have dropped off meals to my apartment.  I feel like Jasper has just given me the biggest hug. I have been brought to tears by this generosity and I don’t know how I’ll ever thank all of you. I know that this would never happen in a city and I am so grateful to these people (you know who you are) for their hugs, their kindness and their strength.  I don’t know what I would do without these angels, so thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you for your tremendous kindness and strength of spirit. You can guarantee I will pay it forward. 

I’m so grateful to live here. I love Jasper. 

Erin Pettipas,
Jasper, AB