Town mascot as good as new

The Jasper the Bear statue has been restored to its normal self thanks to the help of a concerned Jasperite.

The town mascot, stationed on Patricia Street, was vandalized two weeks ago with a permanent marker, leaving it with a moustache and the word Killroy scrawled across its chest.

After reading about the act of mischief in the Jan. 26 issue of the Fitzhugh, Sebastien Pelletier approached the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce with a possible solution: graffiti remover.

With a little bit of scrubbing, Pelletier’s solution left Jasper looking as good as new.

Pattie Pavlov, general manager of the chamber, said she was astounded by the number of emails and phone calls she received from the public expressing concern for Jasper’s town mascot.

“I’m so thrilled to see that kind of an outpouring of support for Jasper,” she said. “It restores my faith.”

Free avalanche workshop Feb. 8

Parks Canada and the Canadian Avalanche Centre are hosting a free avalanche safety workshop for the public on Feb. 8.

The “Advanced Avalanche Safety” evening will take place in the basement of the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives and, as the name suggests, it’s aimed at people who have some avalanche knowledge already.

“It’s geared towards more of an intermediate to advanced understanding,” said Garth Lemke, a public safety specialist with Jasper National Park.

“That being said, a person with a beginner-level understanding would certainly walk away with a lot of knowledge.”

Two guest speakers are set to give presentations during the evening, beginning at 7 p.m.

Grant Statham, an avalanche risk specialist for Parks Canada, will talk about Parks’ new AvalX online information system.

Scott Thumlert of the University of Calgary’s Applied Snow and Avalanche Research Department will then speak about some of the latest avalanche forecasting techniques.

The presentations will conclude with a question and answer period but Lemke said there will be the opportunity to pose queries during the talks, too.

“Anyone can ask questions at any time,” he said.

Pride Weekend fast approaching

The third annual Jasper Pride Weekend takes place Feb. 10-12 and organizers have a full slate of activities planned.

On Friday, Feb. 10, a “Mix and Mingle” event is set for the Skyline Lounge at Lobstick Lodge with free appetizers and a silent auction.

On Saturday, Feb. 11, organizers plan to host a barbecue lunch at Marmot Basin’s Eagle Chalet. An “Après Ski Event” is to follow at the Whistlers Inn from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Then that evening the “Mardi Gras Party” will take place at the Jasper Activity Centre. Billed as “an evening of elegance” that is both “bold and colourful,” this event has been well attended in years past, drawing about 200 guests in 2011.

Pride Weekend is hosted by OUT Jasper, a non-profit group which supports the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community.