JASPER NOTES: Hard work continuing on capital projects
Posted on January 27, 2022 by Maple CreekBy Donny White
Board chair, Jasper Cultural and Historical Centre
The Jasper Centre looks to 2022 with optimism on all fronts. The capital projects initiated last year will continue this spring with the final coating to the roof, the replacement of the front entrance and hopefully the rear, as well as the brick/mortar work to the front façade. For those who are unaware, the front façade work is simply the continuation of brick/mortar work that was begun several years ago with work on the middle and rear of the building. This left the areas in-between as well as the front.
Over the past five years, the northwest corner, as well as the four annexes and their roofs were dealt with as money was available. The Board felt it necessary to complete the front brick-work this spring in conjunction with the final coating of the roof to ensure the flashing is secure between the brickwork and flashing before applying the final coat to the roof. Josh Montgomery is carrying out all the work on the roof.
In respect to the brick work, we are fortunate to have a master stone-mason/brick-layer in our midst with Charlie Pirie, who has worked on numerous buildings around town and has lead the work on the Jasper Centre from the beginning. Although Charlie and his wife Susan’s home base is Balgonie, they have a home on Jasper Street where they base themselves when working in Maple Creek. Not only has Charlie provided invaluable information/guidance to the Jasper Centre over the past decade, they have donated both directly/indirectly to the Centre’s operations – they are not only a valuable asset to the Centre, but to our community. Without Charlie’s expertise/guidance, we can be assured the brick work is secure for many years to come – thanks Charlie!
On another note, work on the women’s gallery is progressing thanks to Henry Mulatz and his carpentry skills. Henry leaves the board this year but he assures us he will continue to provide his expertise with special projects as we move forward. Henry’s time on the board reflects that of other committed individuals, too many to mention, that have worked tirelessly to ensure the longevity of an Arts/Heritage Centre in our community for years to come.
Henry and former board member Tom Sandau did the placement of plywood on the walls in the galleries on the main level, as well as two of the upper level exhibit rooms. In addition these men redid the front/rear entrances and the northwest room on the main level.
The “piece de la resistance” was the completion of a unisex washroom on the main level. We tip our hats to Henry, Tom, as well as those who assisted in some way with elements of these projects, including Roy Erickson, Calvin Drever and Nancy Dobson with her handy paint brush!
Our Annual General Meeting is on Thursday, January 27 at 7:00p.m. – The meeting is open to the public but individuals attending must wear masks, show proof of vaccination and social distance. Only members are allowed to vote but must have their memberships prior to the meeting. The regular January meeting will follow with the election of officers and other pressing business.
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