There is a sense of sobriety that I write for this month’s paper. As summer is in full swing, our communities have celebrated many festivals and events, bringing our residents together. It’s with this in mind that I think of the small community of Jasper which has suffered such a devastating loss. All the special memories of the residents and visitors will be impacted forever.
The political finger pointing has already begun, and the experts are weighing in on how to prevent this calamity from striking other communities. The human story can get lost within the manipulation of political agenda.
I whole heartedly believe we need to take our learned knowledge of the past and make steps to prepare for the future. I also believe that complacency can be our destruction, especially when it comes to the planning of what could go wrong. The reality is, disaster will always be part of our life, to think that we can ultimately control the forces of the natural world is naïve.
There is a saying that we all have 20/20 vision when looking back. In the bewilderment of calamity, we as neighbours need to stand with one another, support and rebuild, rather than accuse of what could have been different, we learn and face the day ahead one step at a time; doing what we can with the day that’s been given to us.
On a practical note, the Rocky View County’s website has some helpful advice on emergency preparedness. It’s always good to review and have an emergency plan in place for your home.
www.rockyview.ca/emergency-preparedness#prepare-an-emergency
Lastly, we have the fall program guide for the Sheep River Library, as well as many excellent articles. Unfortunately, not all article submissions could be placed due to space restrictions. We’ve done our best to get in as much as we can.
From my family to yours,
Lowell Harder
