The Jasper Local December 1, 2015

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thejasperlocal.com

tuesday, december 1, 2015 // issue 62

Car thief charged with assaulting an officer Gardiner said. “In this case he had a thick jacket.”

Once again the suspect fled; once again he was caught by the officer. Another struggle ensued. Finally, thanks to the help of a bystander and a Jasper bylaw officer, the suspect was arrested.

Codie Patrick Frakes, 27, During the morning of of Port Alberni, B.C., was November 23, Jasper police subsequently charged with responded to a stolen vehicle numerous criminal charges complaint on Patricia Street. including theft of a motor The vehicle, a 2005 Pontiac vehicle, resisting arrest, Pursuit, was recovered, but the assaulting a police officer, responding officer would soon possession of a weapon for be in a pursuit of a different a purpose dangerous to the kind. public peace, carrying a Thanks to tips from the concealed weapon and failure public, the suspect was to comply with the conditions located walking on the corner of a recognizance. of Patricia Street and Hazel Frakes is believed to Avenue. However, when the have come to Jasper via officer confronted him, the Greyhound. He was carrying suspect fled. a knife.

“The officer gave chase…

The arresting officer was the chase resulted in a injured in the incident; significant struggle,” Cpl. Gardiner said his constable Ryan Gardiner said. will be off for at least four After attempting to subdue weeks with a broken hand. the suspect, the officer “We’re thankful for the deployed his taser. However, calls and assistance from the weapon did not have the the public,” Gardiner said. intended effect.

“Anytime someone picks “Often the tasers can be up the phone and provides ineffective when someone’s information is great.” wearing a lot of clothing,” bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

Jasper RCMP are thanking the public for their assistance with the arrest of a suspect carrying a concealed weapon.

YOUR GLIDE GUIDE// MARMOT MEADOWS HAS BEEN THE HOT SPOT FOR COOL CROSS COUNTRY SKIERS LIKE NATHALIE JULIEN. // B COVEY

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editorial //

page A2 // the jasper local // issue 62 // tuesday, december 1, 2015

Local Vocal If there’s one way for municipal staff to endear themselves to residents, it’s through the quick, efficient removal of snow from our streets.

On the flip side, I can’t think of many things which stoke the winter ire more than leaving townsfolk with a moat of white stuff to navigate when they leave their driveways.

The snow event of November 15 had both spectrums: those who live in the 600 block of Bonhomme were toot-tooting their praises to grader drivers, while only a few hundred metres away, in Bonhomme’s 1000 block, curses were being spit with every spin of the tires.

Most Jasperites recognize there is a priority-based system in place when it comes to snow removal— emergency routes get first the plow, then the commercial district, then “major” traffic routes, then the rest. But what residents might not realize is that when storms extend over the course of several days, or enough snow falls before the whole town is cleared, staff have a mandate to reset the operation. Municipal policy states that once 10cm of snow accumulates on those priority streets, the plows abandon whatever else they’re doing and go back to square one. Moreover, the service standards state that staff have up to 21 days to remove snow from the lowest priority areas. Sorry, Maligne Avenue residents, but this is one time when it’s better to live on Connaught Drive.

Even with a procedure in place, however, snow removal is as much of an art as it is a science.

Director of municipal operations Bruce Thompson, who learned a thing or two about the trade while he was the public works manager in St. Albert, said knowing when to scrape the ice down to the pavement rather than leaving a skiff of snow is something that comes with experience. Snow gives traction, icy pavement does not; the cost of clearing the road completely is significant; and Mother Nature can always wreak havoc with the best-laid plowing plans. Once you start to comprehend the logistics, you quickly realize that operations staff have to have one eye on the roadways, another on the weather forecast and a third, all-seeing eye, on the budget.

All of this is to say it’s worth it to know how snow removal is carried out (yes, they plow on weekends) before going off on a tangent when your Honda Civic can’t get out of Swift Crescent.

It’s winter. You live in Canada. Go build a snowman. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

Hockey talk

Hey bud!

Just read your editorial (November 15) and well, it just didn’t sit quite right.

You may be correct, the “legions” of fans out at our 9:45 p.m. games may well capture us acting like losers and making ridiculous chirps to one another; your reminder might save our reputation (note: HEAVY SARCASM).

But hey, what else are we supposed to do for fun?

In my mind, it’s a blast for 44 mins, and the third beer tastes the same no matter what happens out there.

I haven’t noticed an escalation in tempers so far this year. What I

did notice is that we lost several of our referees. As easy as it is for us to criticize, their job is to call penalties and keep it fair; they even try their best to stop us from hurting each other! If anything, we all need to show more restraint this year because the refs we have are new.

Because of that, the opportunity for games to get carried away is more prevalent than ever.

However, like I said, I haven’t witnessed it yet.

Don’t worry, we’ve got a lot of room left for playoffs…I’ll see you on the ice!

Your ol’ pal,

Brock McBain

The Jasper Local //

Jasper’s independent alternative newspaper 780.852.9474 • thejasperlocal.com • po box 2046, jasper ab, t0e 1e0

Published on the 1st and 15th of each month Editor / Publisher

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Local government//

tuesday, december 1, 2015 // issue 62 // the jasper local// page A3

SNOW REMOVAL IS AN EASIER TOPIC ON WHICH TO ENGAGE RESIDENTS THAN BUDGET DELIBERATIONS// B COVEY

More user-friendly budget info will test engagement process Administrators have proposed a 5.6 per cent tax hike to Jasper’s 2015 municipal budget, but when it comes to engaging the public on (arguably) the most important document that staff produces all year, expectations are, admittedly, low.

“Engagement is hard,” said Christine Nadon, communications manager for the municipality. “Unless it affects people directly, it’s hard to get people involved.”

In 2013, MOJ consulted residents to find out how they wanted to be engaged. While on first blush the number of people who filled out the survey sounds encouraging (127), the number of those who did so of their own volition (26, estimated) points to the general difficulty of getting residents involved in municipal matters.

“The three hot topics for public engagement are money, kids and pets,” Nadon laughed.

But even those issues turn people off if the details get too gritty, as public consultation periods for previous proposed budgets demonstrate. This year’s public consultation sessions took place after The Jasper Local’s deadline, but if years past are any indication, there will be the same three gentlemen out to scrutinize the numbers, but few others.

On the other hand, Nadon said, feedback is often most effectively garnered when residents have direct contact with municipal staff—the arena manager might hear about a leaky shower head, or the director of Community and Family Services will learn about childcare issues, for example. However, regarding the big decisions, such as whether a new operations manager should be hired so the town can better assess the lifespan of underground infrastructure, residents are typically hands-off, Nadon said.

“When it comes to big decisions, getting people involved is a real challenge.”

To make the idea of

engagement on this year’s proposed budget less intimidating, boring or confusing, Nadon and finance director Natasha Malenchak have created a two page document highlighting where the major increases and decreases are. The paper also projects financial impacts to homeowners based on a home’s assessed value and outlines proposed utility rate changes.

A detailed breakdown of the budget is also available.

That document introduces the factors which influenced the proposed tax increases— such as the maintenance of municipal infrastructure— and goes into expenditures by department, reviewing the previous year’s spending and anticipating the big ticket items for 2016.

It’s all part of the engagement process, Nadon said, a job that is never done.

“We’re trying to make the information more available and more manageable.”

Check out jasper-alberta.com for budget breakdowns.

bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

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Local snowday //

page B1 // the jasper local // issue 62 // tuesday, december 1, 2015

Surf’s up! // Raiky garcia had her first powder day ever when the skies plopped 31 cms of snow on Marmot Basin. The stoke’s been high ever since the ski hill’s strong opening. // bob covey

Marmot starts strong A foot of fresh powder helped MArmot Basin’s first week of operations get off to a stellar start.

The snow gods were generous to those skiers and snowboarders praying for fresh tracks on a fresh 2015/16 season. While the lower mountain was skiable on opening day, November 13, fat flakes on November 15 and 16 helped get the upper mountain ready to shred ahead-of-schedule. The 31-cm storm was followed by a bluebird day­—just what the marketing team would have ordered so the bounty could be photographed. “It could not have come at a better time,” said Rob Ellen, Marmot’s mountain manager. “We got walloped.”

Look who’s back// Karen Byers (left) was welcomed home by friends as she shoveled snow at the Jasper Yellowhead Museum November 15. after a year of living in Kimberly, Byers, the museum’s former manager, will be working at her beloved museum in a new role. // b covey

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Local health//

tuesday, december 1, 2015 // issue 62 //the jasper local// page B2

Jasperites not bristling at health issues Flavour savers, lip doilies, cookie dusters and crumb catchers were on display all month in Jasper in a collective (and creepy) effort to raise awareness for men’s health.

The culmination of the caterpillars came on November 21 when the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre hosted the second annual Movember Gala.

Along with raising nearly $20,000 for Movember Canada, the Northern Alberta Urology Foundation and the Jasper Cancer Action and Support Group, the evening put the spotlight on testicular and prostate cancer as Dr. Michael Chetner, a urological surgeon from Edmonton, spoke to the challenges and successes of his medical field.

“We have seen patients delay coming in for treatment until their tumour has grown to the size of a grapefruit,” he said. “Testicular cancer has a 99 per cent cure rate. It’s curable, it’s just a matter of detection.”

Prostate cancer is more complicated, Chetner said. The leading cancer among males is less easy to detect, making regular check-ups all the more important.

“If it goes undetected it isn’t easily treated,” he added.

Jasperite Travis Moorehouse continued the sobering line of talk. As an emergency services worker and a volunteer firefighter, he has seen the effects that poor mental health can take on people.

He said men in particular are reluctant to ask for help when they need it.

“Poor mental health can lead to poor physical health. The key is prevention. Ask for help. Talk to someone, whether it’s your family, friends or your doctor,” he urged.

Pierre Frigon could relate. Three years ago, during a routine check up, his doctor noted the levels of his prostate-specific antigens (PSAs), a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland, were elevated. Frigon was eventually referred to Dr. Chetner, whose expertise helped him beat prostate cancer. Frigon, who was the leading organizing force behind the gala, emphasized the message that we all need to work to change the face of men’s health.

“The more we talk about men’s health in the open the more we can start to address it,” he said.

A dozen or so moustache-sporting men (and a couple women, sans soup strainers) in Jasper signed onto the Movember Canada fundraising campaign. At last tally, fire chief Greg Van Tighem was leading the charge with $552 raised.

Bob Covey //bob@thejasperlocal.com

Thirty one days Joe urie wants this to be a December to remember.

The 49-year-old marathon runner, tour guide and father of three is encouraging his fellow Jasperites to get out and get active.

The December Project encourages participants to perform some sort of activity, every day, for the entire month of December. It doesn’t have to be a marathon, or an epic ice climb. It just has to be a challenge to you. See the Facebook page for details.

Besides the physical commitment, Urie is also asking participants to pledge a financial one. Putting $10 on the line will give people more of an incentive to follow through, he hopes.

Jasper’s Joe Urie wants you for this year’s December project// Bob Covey

Money raised will go towards a local initiative to bring a Syrian refugee family to Jasper and to the Jasper Community Caring Fund. Pledges can be made at the Other Paw Bakery.

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page b3+B4 // the jasper local // issue 62 // tuesday, december 1, 2015

LOCAL FEATURE // SCROUNGING UP SKI OPPORTUNITIES//BY BOB CO

SK Fin fro 7

boundary glacier // Dustin Leclerc

It’s December. Mother Nature has dropped her snowy Icefields Area bounty on Jasper National Park and for many of us, A lot of the touring spots near the C in Banff, but on a powde this time of year is when we tune up the backcountry technically closer? The Parkers/Hilda Ridge are blades and get out into the hills. stopovers on ski tourers’ powder hig Alpine ski tourers in Jasper National Park face a new reality in 2015, however; to help protect threatened mountain caribou populations, many popular backcountry ski areas have been designated as no-go nodes. The largest hole in Jasper skiers’ collective hearts in undoubtedly the one left by the loss of the the Maligne Range, long ago picked

by Jasper’s powder pioneers as the most snow-laden, accessible and beautiful place to skin up a slope. Of course tours around Whistlers’ and Portal Creeks will be yearned for until the ropes lift mid-February, but it’s the Maligne Range’s elevation, abundance of class one terrain and magic mix of traverses and turns that Jasper winter users will miss most.

“The whole Maligne Valley is an incredible mix of terrain, travel and turns,” said Loni Klettl, resident trail expert and passionate skier. “It is the most precious, most unique Jasper ski experience we have.”

But even though Klettl could wax lyrical about the creeks, peaks and treats that the Maligne Valley holds, the reality is that those vistas are off limits until March, when JNP officials have determined that the firmed-up snowpack will facilitate predator movement, whether or not it gets help from ski tracks pointing to caribou country. In the meantime, skiers have to get creative. By consulting a variety of users, and by cross referencing their experiences with the expertise of JNP public safety specialists, The Jasper Local is hoping to open some minds to skiing outside the closures. Here are some options to keep you exploring.

Maligne Area Alpine areas west of Maligne Lake Road are in caribou habitat, but to the east options still exist. Often it’s steep, tough terrain, but for the hardy adventurers and those who are nimble on their feet, there are turns to be had.

1

Opal Hills

While not yet a proven alpine touring destination, Opal Hills should at least be on the list of possibilities. There’s a few things working against it, mostly that, depending on snow, the descent from the lookout can be pretty terrifying. Skiers will have to take this aggressive descent seriously, but as the only option above tree line in the Maligne Valley area, the views alone should make the hairy pitch worth the effort.

2

Surprise Valley// Fossil Falls

This has been a hot spot for dedicated locals for a few years. It’s on the east side of the Maligne Lake Road; skiers park near the old rafting pull out (that steep driveway that goes down to the river). There is a yellow diamond to help you get started up and over a massive boulder field. The trail follows old horse trails; when you get high enough you’ll see the real surprise: goat habitat and ski turns are not harmonious. Aggressive terrain and descents that’ll curl your toes make this a tour not for the faint of heart. Klettl considers this tour “somewhat of a desperate, nowhere-else-to-go kind of place.”

Which is exactly why it’s on this list.

places are perennially overlooked.

3

Hilda Creek

means added onus on groups to ma have the skills and knowledge to ass and make safe decisions.

4

Parker Ridge

Parker Ridge is where many Avalan head to now that the Bald Hills are n son option. The gentle, treed terrain make for lots of learning opportunit lulled into complacency at Parker R terrain to keep you on your toes. Mo helping the upper reaches regularly

5

Nigel Basin and Sugar S

A big avalanche on the southwest as reminded JNP officials that the slee your homework and keep your head cially since you’ll probably be explo the basin just northeast of the Hilda so because the yo-yo turns you get d Public safety technician Deryl Kelly snow—if it’s been blasted bare up hi you find looking down low.

6

Hidden Valley

Located near the toilet bowl, Hidden drainage of Mt. Saskatchewan (rathe Saskatchewan Glacier). This is a rela has a hunch a new ski destination m terrain,” he says. “You can bump int you’ve got this huge, wide open sno earning your turns. “It’s the usual tre

7

Boundary Lake// Glacie

Right on the border of Banff and Jas secrets in either park. A quick ski in orama of options: yo-yo tree skiing t the moraine or a host of ski mounta a more serious skill set. A full suite suite of hazards. Proceed with cautio

Sunwapta Area

8

Churc

The Winston Churchill Range is loc wapta Falls; after noticing the two m of a great tree triangle, park on the r

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feature //

OVEY

OU

E D TSI

KIING THE BOX: nding tours and turns away om critical caribou habitat

Columbia Icefields are er day, guess who’s eas have long been ghway, but a few

Hilda has it all: tree skiing, alpine turns, huge views and opportunities to venture beyond into ski mountaineering terrain.

Easy access ake sure members sess avalanche terrain

Jasper NAtional Park doesn’t offer the same ski opportunities that it did before protective measures for caribou populations were enacted, but a little creativity will go a long way in getting some turns outside of the winter closures// N.Gaboury

nche Skills classes no longer an early sean and ample snowpack ties. But don’t get Ridge; there is plenty of avalanche oreover, the winds get honking, y turn into slab-city.

Shots

spect of Nigel Basin last year eping beast can be woken, so do d up if you venture up there, espeoring by yourself. Sugar Shots is a Parking lot, presumably named down the 170m pitch are so sweet. y says the draw here is the sheltered igh, you might be surprised at what

n Valley is located up the south er than the west, which leads to the atively unexplored area, but Kelly may be in the making. “It’s gorgeous to the Saskatchewan slide paths or ow belt.” A long day tour, you’ll be ee bash to get in,” he says.

The north chute is the more aggressive of the two, both paths, however, are prone to top to bottom avalanches every year. Skiers can decide how much exposure they are comfortable with by navigating through the trees. While this terrain should be given the highest respect, when conditions are right and it maintains its structure, this is one of the longest ski runs you can find in the park.

jasper west

9

Red Pass// Moose Lake Chutes (B.C.)

When you’ve exhausted your options in JNP, it may be time to go west, young ski tourer. Similar to the icefields, the Jasper-west skiing isn’t technically in Jasper, but locals have been claiming Red Pass and Moose Lake as home turf for years. Accessing Moose Lake slide paths is a bit unusual as one has to shimmy over the CN right-of-way then cross the frozen lake. Obviously this is best done in the dead of winter when you know the ice is thick enough. The chutes themselves are steep and prone to slides so make sure the conditions are bomber before you make the trek. As for Red Pass, the access is from the spring water spout/ truckers’ pull out. Head straight up, basically. The terrain is steep, rocky and challenging but it’s pretty cool to be able to ski right to the car.

10

er

chill Slide Paths

cated just past the turnoff to Sunmassive slide paths on either side road near the end of the guardrail.

// Brett haug

sper lies one of the best ski touring nto Boundary Lake provides a panto the south, low-angle terrain on aineering adventures that require of options also comes with a full on.

Yellowhead // Miette Pass

The proponents of a new ski cabin in the Miette Pass/Continental Divide/Yellowhead area talk of a veritable ski mecca in the west portion of Jasper National Park. Their photos show grand vistas, fat pow and gorgeous peaks. The trouble may be with the access. It’s long and, until you gain elevation, sparse of snow, hence the cabin proposal.

Until that decision moves to JNP’s front burner, this will continue to be a place for die-hard powder hounds and strong, adventurous travellers.

Got a tent?

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page B5 // the jasper local //issue 62 // tuesday, december 1, 2015

Local hockey

More than just a game, hockey is a way of life (Miami), Chicago, St. Louis, Vancouver, Edmonton and Le Centre Bell.

“We’re a good match, even though I’m a Canucks fan,” he said.

Having grown up in Oliver, B.C., Jackson started playing hockey at age 10. He was officiating at age 12 and got into coaching not long after. These days, when he has time to help manage the Jasper Midget Bearcats, he’s encouraged to see the enthusiasm the young guys bring to the game.

“They’re so eager, they work hard,” he said. “It’s exciting to pass on whatever knowledge I can and see them grow.”

Between coaching, refereeing, playing with the JHL Royals and suiting up for noon hour, Jalopies and women’s hockey, until he got hurt, Jackson was on the ice up to

Reid Jackson is limping. The 31-year-old

is nursing a mangled knee, having hurt it while playing goal for the Hawks, a Jasper Hockey League team which struggled to put someone between the pipes earlier this season. Jackson, who came to town last winter to be with his now-fiancé, isn’t really a goalie, but he’s shown he’s willing to don whatever equipment is necessary to ensure a group of skaters has someone to fire pucks at.

In fact, in the 15 months or so since he came to Jasper, Jackson’s not only put on goalie pads for three different commercial teams, the Jalopies drop-in club and the women’s scrimmage ice time, but he’s worn a coaching badge for minor hockey, a co-organizer’s cap for Jasper’s newest hockey team, the Jasper Park Predators, and the black and white striped jersey of a referee (in October, he took over as chief official for the JHL). Reid is all hockey, all-the-time, and if he’s not at the rink, he’s either sharpening his skates, taping his stick or otherwise anticipating the next time he’ll be on or near the ice.

“I love the game and what the game does for me,” he said.

“It gives me freedom from every worry.”

Worries like, for example, a torn meniscus, which causes him to wince in pain with every step, but not so much that he’s willing to take a night out of his skates.

“Walking hurts, skating is good,” he shrugs. “I love hockey more than I care about the pain.”

Sure enough, five hours later, he’s jumping over the boards to face off against the JHL’s Bonestars.

Jackson has given a lot of himself to hockey, but hockey

Rink rat// Reid Jackson is at home on the ice// B Covey

has given much to Jackson, too. The rink has not only been a place to pick up a game, but new friendships and job prospects. Hockey buddies are forever, he says, and since he was 18 he hasn’t had to create a resume; wherever he’s lived, he’s found work through folks he’s met on the ice.

“Whenever I move to a new town hockey’s been the easiest access to work and friends,” he said.

Thankfully, his fiancé is a hockey fan, too. The two are slowly working their way towards her goal of watching the Montreal Canadiens play in all 30 NHL rinks across North America. So far they’ve checked off Tampa Bay, Florida

“What else is there other than hockey?” nine times a week. One has to wonder if all that time at the arena cuts into other responsibilities.

“What else is there, other than hockey?” he asks, not really indicating if he’s joking or not.

As he limps over to the officials’ room to make sure his referees know their assignments, he considers what his life would be without the game.

“I’d be miserable,” he laughs. “I’d probably be successful, but I’d be miserable.”

Bob Covey //bob@thejasperlocal.com

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Local motion //

tuesday, december 1, 2015 // issue 62 // the jasper local// page B6

Abhorring, then accepting, then appreciating: An evolution of a CN spouse With Christmas just around the corner, for many of us it’s time to begin baking, decorating and planning our holiday festivities. Unless, that is, your other half works for the railroad.

Those of us who are spouses or partners to a CN employee (affectionately known as a CNer or a railroader) know better than to try to plan anything beyond 24 hours away. We also know better than to expect to have two good nights’ sleep between us. These are hard realities to face because I like to plan, and, as a health practitioner, I know how important sleep is.

Nine years ago I was sitting in a dressing room at the Jasper Arena when the topic of railroaders’ hectic, unpredictable schedules came up. I told one of my girlfriends at the time that she should smack me if I ever thought about dating a CNer. Not long after that, I met my husband-to-be. I guess my girlfriend wasn’t around at the time because eight and a half years later I know all too well the quirks of life as a CN spouse.

Like when it’s 3 a.m., the house is fast asleep and suddenly, the serenity is broken by the sound of a ringing cell phone. I feel my hubby roll over in bed and hear him murmur the word “accept,” taking his assignment for his next trip. Inevitably, 30 minutes later, just as sleep begins to return to me, he will rise to start his day. As I try to drift off, I can’t help but think of the weeks ahead. Even though I know better, I’m anxious about planning to attend functions.

Do we confirm with friends and hope that he will be around, or am I better off to just go with the flow and crash the function as the surprise guest who didn’t RSVP? Frequently my exhausted hubby rolls in from a 10 hour trip at 5:30 a.m. He’s beat and badly in need of sleep, but because the rest of the family will be rising soon, blissfully unaware

Service Directory

of his recent arrival home, his stint in dreamland will be short. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed after eight hours of being tucked in tight, our morning routine can’t help but disturb his recharging. Health care professionals recommend adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep, but on those busy mornings, my man is often running on about 18 per cent of that.

No one wants to walk the gauntlet where the weary-eyed beast lies, and because of his sleep deprivation, it’s hard to know how involved he will be able to be as the day unfolds.

Perhaps, however, it’s because of that uncertainty that I’ve learned to appreciate things that most other spouses might take for granted. On those days when I come home, fully expecting an empty house strewn with the remnants of two teenagers who clearly don’t pay the mortgage but somehow think they own the place, I am overjoyed to find that my hubby has arrived home early from his trip, cleaned the house, cooked dinner and somehow saved the kids from my impending wrath. They owe him big time. Also, while it’s true that CNers can be gone for extended periods, leaving their spouses and families to continue daily functioning without them, I look at this as time that I get to catch up on my life.

My perspective on other things has changed, too. In eight and a half years, I’ve developed an appreciation for those mornings when we go to sleep at night and wake up together—loving that he hasn’t disappeared into the abyss of CN land at some absurd hour of the night.

This is all stuff that most people wouldn’t think of as blessings, but I have learned that these moments are some of life’s simplest gifts.

Could I be a CNer myself? Not likely. Having

I hear the whistle blowin’// n.Gaboury

seen the lifestyle disruptions, sleep deprivation and planning challenges that CN employees face each and every day, I’m pretty sure I couldn’t hack it. But despite the havoc the job can wreak on our family’s schedule, neither would I go back to that day in the locker room and insist that my girlfriend smack me to smarten me up! Yes, there are ups and downs of life as a CN spouse, but I know that driving trains runs deep in my hubby’s blood and is an integral part of who he is: that man that I love. In that vein, I will soon start the baking, decorating and holiday planning. And when my hubby is home this holiday season, I will relish the time my family and I get to spend with him, no matter whose schedule it is on.

Lourdes Nunes is the owner of Summit Massage Therapy and Co-owner of The Jasper Fitness Network. She is proud to help Jasperites keep active, agile and feeling alive in the great outdoors.