Seven staff at Jasper National Park received Parks Canada’s highest award—just in time for Christmas!
The CEO Awards of Excellence recognize team members and partners who have demonstrated a high level of excellence or achieved outstanding results.
The Jasper recipients are (L to R): Jean-François Bisaillon, Caroline Roy, Melanie Hindle, Clayton Syfchuck, Marc Lavigne, Dave Smith, and Erin Shepard (seated).
Jean-François Bisaillon was nominated for his previous work at Ivvavik National Park bringing solar-powered potable water and grey water treatment systems to that park. Caroline Roy was honoured for her social media work for Parks Canada’s Franklin expedition.
The other recipients were recognized for their work on the 2014 Fire Incident Management Team.
Christmas Eve in Jasper
On the night before Christmas, a full moon fills the sky,
Light dances off snowflakes and shines in your eye,
Winter in Jasper, there’s no better time of the year,
To venture beyond finding fun and good cheer.
If hanging with friends and family’s your thing,
Sheltered from the snow and cold winter may bring,
Perhaps you take after the little brown bat,
Snuggled together in caves, how would you like that?
Or maybe through winter, you just like to sleep,
Under a pile of blankets, buried real deep,
Just like a grizzly or a black bear, you stay,
Hunkered down in your den till a warmer spring day.
Do you cross country ski when the weather is nice?
Run through the woods or skate on the ice?
Like a squirrel that is busy on sunny days,
You like to keep moving while good weather stays.
When you’re outside, are you drawn to a crowd?
In the thick of the action, both crazy and loud?
Like the elk who prefer to stay close to town,
There’s safety in numbers and fun to be found.
If family adventure is what you do seek,
To satisfy all from the bold to the meek,
Like a wolf pack you find roads well-travelled before,
Discover new skills, learn what trails to explore.
Or maybe you’re looking for deep snow out there,
Well away from the pack, in the fresh mountain air,
Where only the rugged and hardy do go,
Regardless of cold and what strong winds may blow.
Wearing snowshoes or skis that will keep you afloat,
And warm layers of clothing from boots to down coat,
A seasonal picture for this time of year,
Geared up like a caribou, our mountain reindeer.
Jasper in winter, there’s so much to do,
You’re sure to find something for the wild side of you.
Tonight, like an owl, bask in the moonlight,
As the mountains aglow are a beautiful sight.
It’s more than just wildlife, the mountains and snow,
That make Jasper both home and a great place to go.
We all play a part whether a big one or small,
For another great year, we say thanks to you all.
Our best wishes go out to those near and those far,
Peace and joy to everyone wherever you are.
Parks Canada
Special to the Fitzhugh
